Tour Highlights
- Our Cairns based dive boat offers a unique, small group (max 12) liveaboard scuba dive experience on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
- We have permits to scuba dive 25 exclusive dive and snorkel sites over nine different coral reefs on the outer Great Barrier Reef off Cairns in Queensland Australia.
- Our liveaboard dive trips from Cairns are great for beginner and advanced divers, with one-on-one instruction, flexible schedules, longer dives and unlimited tank refills
Description & Tour Inclusions
Included In Price
- Small group sail experience only 12 guests maximum
- Dedicated crew of 3 for a boutique, personalised reef experience without the crowds.
- Sail the path less travelled to Cairns outer reefs on the beautiful Coral Sea Dreaming sail boat where you can watch the sun set over the Reef, sleep with the stars overhead and wake to a Coral Sea sunrise
- Unlimited snorkelling
- Freshly prepared meals, local fruit, cheese platter and snacks included. (special diets catered for with advance notice at no extra charge).
- A combination of shared and private cabins to suit couples, singles, or groups.
- Hot Shower, 2 toilets (shared).
- Fresh linen and towels.
- A/C and fans throughout the vessel
- All snorkelling equipment
- Complimentary welcome pack including toiletries and chocolate
- Bar facilities on board - Soft drinks and alcohol sold on-board (no BYO)
Cairns overnight diving and snorkelling on a yacht. Spend 2 days and one night exploring the outer Great Barrier Reef with only a total of 12 guests onboard this intimate dive trip from Cairns.
What to Expect
Set sail on a unique two-day overnight adventure on the Great Barrier Reef, starting from Cairns. Aboard the "Coral Sea Dreaming," a 15.85-meter steel sailing motor boat with a charming wooden interior, you’ll experience an intimate overnight diving and snorkelling tour. Designed for a small group, our tours ensure personalised attention and a cozy atmosphere for up to 12 guests.
Features and Highlights
Unique Vessel and Comfortable Accommodations:
- Spacious Yacht: The yacht boasts a variety of sleeping options from private cabins to shared bunk rooms, ensuring comfort throughout your journey.
- Classic Design: With its sturdy build and beautiful wooden interior, the yacht provides a stable and aesthetically pleasing environment for guests.
Exclusive Diving and Snorkelling Sites:
- Variety of Reefs: With access to 25 exclusive mooring sites across nine different reefs, each dive and snorkel session presents a unique exploration opportunity.
- Marine Biodiversity: Encounter an abundant array of marine life in vibrant coral settings, making each water session unforgettable.
Important note
- Diving is bookable & payable onboard only
-
Available for Purchase / Hire
- Scuba Diving bookable on board only
- Certified diving package: $350 includes, (4-5 day dives and a night dive)
- Intro-diving package: $80 includes 1 dive, additional dives can be added onboard
- ***Diving is bookable & payable onboard only, not included in the ticket price***
- ***Prices are subject to change without notice**
Personalised Itinerary:
- Flexible Schedule: Enjoy multiple diving and snorkelling opportunities each day, tailored to suit the experience levels and preferences of our guests.
- Engaging Activities: Participate in up to four certified day dives, one night dive (Only certified divers can participate in a night dive), or four introductory day dives. Continuous snorkelling is available except at night.
Culinary Delights Onboard:
- Fresh Meals Prepared Daily: Indulge in a variety of meals prepared onboard, from hearty lunches to delicious dinners, complemented by beautiful ocean views.
- Dietary Accommodations: We cater to most dietary needs with advance notice, ensuring all guests enjoy our culinary offerings.
Detailed Itinerary:
- Day One: Begin with morning tea at Cairns Marlin Marina, followed by a sail to the first snorkel and dive location. After lunch, explore a second reef site, and experience a magical night dive.
- Day Two: Start with an early morning dive, enjoy breakfast, and a final snorkel or dive session before returning to Cairns in the afternoon.
Reef Locations Visited
We have access to over 25 moorings on 9 different reef systems, including some of the most famous dive sites around Cairns: Three Sisters and The Whale on Milln, Little Tracey on Flynn, 5 Ways on Moore and Michaelmas Cay are just some of the many sites we visit with untouched coral gardens. See full details of the reefs and marine life you will encounter in the itnerary tab below.
Environmental Commitment:
Sustainable Practices: Our tour emphasises environmental responsibility, using wind power for sailing when possible and minimising our ecological footprint.?
Join us on the overnight diving and snorkelling tour from Cairns to enjoy a breathtaking journey to explore the undersea wonders of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. This intimate liveaboard diving and snorkelling tour experience combines adventure with relaxation, offering detailed insights into the marine ecosystem, expert guidance from our crew, and the tranquil beauty of life at sea.
Expert Answers to Common Questions
How are reef locations chosen on this overnight dive trip from Cairns?
- Reef locations are selected based on current weather and sea conditions rather than being fixed in advance. This approach allows the crew to travel to reef systems that offer calmer crossings and better underwater conditions at the time of departure, instead of committing to locations that may not be suitable on the day. We have certain reef permits that allow us to move to a different site based on the above conditions this gives our guests a wide variety of different coral and marine life experiences.
Will I know which reef we are visiting before booking?
- Specific reef names are not guaranteed prior to travel for each dive tour however we do have the reefs we are permitted to visited listed on the itinerary page and it details information about each dive site. This flexibility is intentional and is a key difference between overnight reef trips and standard day tours. It allows access to a wider range of reef systems and avoids compromising comfort or visibility due to unsuitable conditions.
Is this trip better for divers or snorkellers?
- This overnight experience is well suited to both snorkellers and divers. Many of the reef systems visited include shallow coral gardens and lagoons for snorkelling, alongside deeper walls and bommies for certified divers. Site selection allows different experience levels to be accommodated on the same trip.
Can beginners participate in diving on this tour?
- Yes. Introductory diving is offered at suitable locations with calm conditions and shallow depth profiles. These sites are chosen specifically to provide a controlled and comfortable environment for first-time divers.
How does visibility compare to day reef tours?
- Because this trip focuses on mid and outer reef systems, water clarity is often better than at reefs closer to the mainland. Visibility varies with seasons and conditions, but these locations are known for consistently clearer water, larger corals and brilliant marine life.
What marine life is typically seen?
- Guests commonly encounter a wide variety of reef fish, coral formations, turtles and reef sharks. Larger species may be seen passing through deeper water, while smaller marine life such as nudibranchs and reef invertebrates are often found around coral bommies and walls.
Are shark encounters common on this tour?
- Reef sharks are frequently seen on outer reef systems and are a normal part of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. Sightings depend on location and conditions, and behaviour is typically calm.
What makes an overnight reef trip different from a day trip?
- An overnight trip allows guests to spend more time at fewer reef locations, rather than travelling between multiple sites in one day and no crowds. This results in longer dive and snorkel sessions, access to the reef outside peak daytime hours, and the opportunity for night diving and early morning snorkelling.
Is this tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?
- While every effort is made to select calmer routes and reef systems, this tour does involve open-water travel and an overnight stay at sea. Travellers’ sensitive to motion should consider appropriate preparation and may wish to discuss suitability before booking.
How many guests are on board?
- Numbers are limited to maintain a small-group experience of only a maximum of 12 guests. Availability is restricted, particularly during peak travel periods, and bookings are often secured well in advance.
Is this the right tour if I want guaranteed reef sites?
- This tour is best suited to travellers who value flexibility, reef quality and time in the water over fixed itineraries. If guaranteed locations are a priority, a day reef tour with a set schedule may be a better option. This overnight reef trip provides you with the best option to see the real Great Barrier Reef day and night something we suggest all visitors to really experience what is so different about it to the rest of the worlds reefs.
You may wish to explore the opportunity to book this yacht for your very own private charter dive and snorkel tour.
View all Great Barrier Reef tours in Cairns and the Whitsundays.
Read The Tour Specialists Blog for all the things you need to know before you go
Itinerary
A 2 Day 1 Night Cairns Dive Tour Itinerary
Day One
- 7:45 - Board 'Coral Sea Dreaming' at Cairns Marlin Marina. Check-in, morning tea and safety and dive brief.
- 8:00 - The journey to the Great Barrier Reef starts
Travel time from Cairns to the Reef varies from 2.5 to 4 hours depending on the locations chosen for the voyage and wind. The sites will be chosen to suit the range of in-water experience of our passengers and their comfort.
- 11:00 - Arrival at the first site and first water session
Guests are given a reef brief at the arrival on each site identifying the features and key species to look out for. Our attentive staff will assist all guests into the water and back on deck upon return from their adventures.
There is a crew member stationed on watch at all times the guests are in the water with a safety tender deployed for immediate emergency assistance. For first-time snorkellers we have plenty of flotation aids.
- 13:00 - Lunch
Lunch varies, but there is usually a hearty selection of salads, cured meats and cheese, bread and spreads, all prepared freshly onboard. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know before the trip so we can accomodate to your needs.
- 14:00 - Second location
The boat moves to a second location for another dive and snorkelling.
- 15:00 - Free time
Enjoy another water session or relax in the sun. Snacks and fruit are served in between the activities.
- 18:00 - Sunset
With the sunset starts the night dive and is an absolute must do on the trip. Night time brings out a whole other world underwater from sharks and hunting red bass to sleeping turtles, dazzling luminescence and glowing corals under the UV torches.
- 20:00 - Dinner
Unwind after the night dive and enjoy a freshly cooked dinner. Take in the untainted, mesmerising view of the galaxy and its countless stars - a real privilege to see.
Like lunch, dinner varies but you can expect a meal like meatballs with mashed potatoes, thai green curry, gnocchi with chicken in mushroom sauce, indian curry or chilli beans.
Day Two
- 6:00 - Wake up on the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns.
Awake to the dawn and watch the sun rise over the Coral Sea.
- 6:30 - Breakfast
Breakfast is served. Choose from a variety of toasts and spreads, yogurts and cereals.
- 7:00 - Morning dive
Jump in the water for a morning dive or snorkel to see the magical shards of light through the water. See the change of shift between the night and day inhabitants of the reef.
- 9:30 - Second dive
For divers, now is the time for the last dive, at the final location for the trip. The rest of the time is unstructured. You can enjoy some more snorkeling or just laze on the deck soaking up the morning sun.
- 11:00 - Lunch
A buffet selection of cold cuts, cheese, vegetables, breads and salads is prepared onboard and served.
- 12:00 - Journey back
Time to sail back to Cairns. This is usually a calmer transit with the prevailing winds filling our sails and smoothly guiding us home.
- 16:00 - Arrival in Cairns
Typically we return to Cairns between 3–4pm. Please let us know if you need a specific return time. The end of the trip is followed by a group photo - and often, drinks with the crew in the nearby bar for those interested.
Please note:
While we have tried to describe a typical trip, our itinerary is reflective of weather conditions at the time. As we have access to over 25 exclusive moorings at 9 reef systems, we will always seek the best option given the weather conditions to ensure guests enjoy the best possible locations on the day and are comfortable and safe. Therefore, times and locations visited may vary.
Itinerary allows for 4 to 5 certified day dives and 1 night dive, or up 4 day intro dives (conditions apply). Snorkeling is available at all times except at night.
***diving is bookable & payable on board only, not included in the ticket price***
We can accomodate most of the dietary requirements, however please let us know before the trip if you do have any.
Great Barrier Reef Overnight Dive and Snorkel Locations from Cairns
Which reef areas are explored on this overnight trip?
This 2 day 1 night experience from Cairns focuses on mid-reef and outer reef environments rather than inshore locations. The vessel has access to a wide network of permanent moorings across multiple reef systems, allowing the itinerary to adapt to conditions rather than follow a fixed schedule.
Sites regularly used include well-known dive and snorkel areas such as Three Sisters, The Whale, 5 Ways and the reefs surrounding Michaelmas Cay, alongside a broader rotation of northern and southern reef systems depending on conditions.
Are reef locations locked in before departure?
No. Reef selection is made close to departure and may change throughout the trip. Decisions are based on wind strength, swell direction and overall comfort, ensuring safer travel and better underwater conditions.
When winds are stronger, reef systems north of Cairns are usually chosen due to their natural shelter. In calmer weather, southern outer reefs are often favoured, offering more exposed sites with expansive coral structures and deeper dive profiles.
Is this suitable for both snorkellers and certified divers?
Yes. The reefs visited include a mix of shallow coral platforms, lagoons, bommies and deeper walls. This variety allows snorkellers to remain in protected, shallow water while divers explore deeper sections suited to their training and experience.
Introductory divers can participate at selected sites with gentle conditions, while certified divers have access to deeper profiles where appropriate.
What kind of visibility should I expect?
By operating primarily on mid and outer reef systems, water clarity is often very good. Visibility can reach impressive distances at certain sites, particularly on the outer reefs. Conditions vary naturally throughout the year, but these locations consistently offer clearer water than inshore reefs.
What marine life is commonly seen?
These reef systems support a wide range of marine species. Guests regularly see hard and soft corals, reef fish of all sizes, turtles and reef sharks. Larger pelagic species may pass through deeper water, while smaller marine life such as nudibranchs and reef invertebrates reward those who take time to look closely.
Marine sightings are never guaranteed, but the diversity across these reef systems means each dive and snorkel session offers something different.
Milln Reef
Depth range up to 36 metres
Milln Reef is known for its strong coral growth and high fish activity. Large schools of fish are a feature here, alongside colourful reef species spread across bommies and walls. The reef structure supports both daytime and night diving, with nocturnal species becoming active after dark.
Flynn Reef
Depth range up to 28 metres
Flynn Reef sits on the outer edge of the reef system and offers a combination of wall dives, coral slopes and sandy patches. Large coral plates and bommies provide shelter for schooling fish, while deeper areas attract reef sharks, rays and passing pelagic species.
Hastings Reef
Depth range up to 20 metres
Hastings Reef is often selected when conditions require additional shelter. Shallow coral areas make it well suited to snorkelling, while deeper sections offer enjoyable dives along gentle walls. Marine life here includes reef fish, sharks and schools of pelagic species moving through the area.
Michaelmas Reef and Cay
Depth range up to 14 metres
Michaelmas Cay is a low sand cay recognised for its importance as a seabird nesting site. Overnight access allows guests to observe bird activity at dawn and dusk, when the cay is at its most active.
Snorkelling and diving take place in surrounding shallow reef areas, where turtles, giant clams and a wide range of reef fish are commonly seen in calm, protected water.
Upolu Reef
Depth range up to 8 metres
Upolu Reef is the closest mid-reef system to Cairns and is characterised by shallow lagoons dotted with coral bommies. It is particularly well suited to snorkellers and introductory divers. For experienced divers, nearby walls provide opportunities to search for smaller, camouflaged marine species.
Moore Reef
Depth range up to 20 metres
Moore Reef is a broad mid-reef system offering protection from multiple wind directions. Coral diversity is a standout feature, with swim-throughs and channels creating interesting underwater terrain. Some sites here are known for light filtering through coral formations, creating striking underwater scenes.
Thetford Reef
Depth range up to 18 metres
Thetford Reef consists of numerous coral bommies spread throughout a protected lagoon. Smaller reef species are commonly found here, making it an excellent location for relaxed snorkelling and shallow diving. Its calm conditions also make it suitable for overnight anchoring and night diving.
Breaking Patches
Depth range up to 25 metres
Breaking Patches features tall coral structures separated by channels and swim-throughs. Divers may encounter reef sharks, schooling fish and unusual coral formations. The reef’s structure creates varied dive profiles and opportunities to explore sheltered passages.
Norman Reef
Depth range up to 28 metres
Norman Reef lies further offshore and is typically visited on overnight trips. Surrounded by deep water, it attracts pelagic species and is known for its dramatic walls. These conditions make it particularly appealing to experienced divers looking for encounters in open blue water.
Why experience the reef on an overnight trip?
Staying overnight on the Great Barrier Reef allows access to sites outside standard day-trip hours and provides opportunities for night dives and early morning snorkelling. With limited guest numbers on board, space is restricted and trips often fill well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Tour Details
Tour Languages Offered
English
EnglishDeparts From
Cairns
Departure Time
Board Coral Sea Dreaming at 7:45am, Berth 3, Finger A, Marlin Marina Cairns for morning tea and meet & greet - Departs 8.00am - Returns 4.00pm the following day
Destinations
- Great Barrier Reef
- Outer Great Barrier Reef Cairns Queensland Australia
Months of Operation
January - December
Days of Operation
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Please note we are closed for Christmas: Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th December; and also for New Year: Saturday 31st of December to Sunday 1st of January
Duration
2 day & 1 night
Available for Purchase / Hire
- Scuba Diving bookable on board only
- Certified diving package: $350 includes, (4-5 day dives and a night dive)
- Introdiving package: $80 includes 1 dive, additional dives can be added on board
- ***Diving is bookable & payable on board only, not included in the ticket price***
- ***Prices are subject to change without notice***
Fitness Level Required
Low, Medium
IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS
Scuba Diving Restrictions
- Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
- Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
- Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
- Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.
Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.
Additional Information
- Diving is bookable and payable on board only
- Night diving is only available for certified divers
What to Bring
- A small overnight bag only (limited luggage storage available upon request)
- Sunglasses, Hat and Swimwear, Beach Towel, Camera, warm clothes for evening, Cert card and logbook for certified divers. We accept credit cards or cash for on-board payments.
- Toiletries are now PROVIDED onboard for all guests (soap, shampoo, shower gel, conditioner).
Cancellation Policy
Our T&Cs
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Additional Tour Operator's T&Cs
If you can't make the trip and wish to cancel for any reason, the following cancellation policy applies:
More than 30 days prior to departure: free (full refund)
7 to 30 days prior to departure: 35% cancellation fee
Less than 7 days prior to departure or no show: no refunds under any circumstances, including illness, cancelled flights, etc.
Private charter bookings
Similarly to the above, if you wish to cancel your private charter booking, the following cancellation policy applies:
More than 90 days prior to departure: free (full refund)
30 to 90 days prior to departure: 50% cancellation fee
Less than 30 days prior to departure or no shows: no refunds
If we need to cancel the trip
While we aim to run all trips, sometimes we need to cancel for reasons out of our control, including:
Strong winds
Cyclone warnings
Mechanical issues with the boat or equipment
Staff unavailability
When this happens, we will offer to either move your booking to a different date depending on trip availability, or a full refund if the alternatives don't work for you.
Please note we are unable to cover your additional expenses such as accommodation, flights and others that might be affected by our trip cancellation.
We recommend all guests have travel insurance prior to travel.
Please ensure you are aware of the medical restrictions attached to underwater activities - Medical Conditions
From
au$669.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$669.00
Family: au$2,676.00
Tour Code: 228
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