• Snorkeling and scuba diving on 2 Outer Great Barrier Reef sites from Cairns
• Upgrade your Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns: Book an introductory dive or certified dives 
• This is the onIy Aboriginal Cultural Great Barrier Reef tour in Australia. Enjoy and Indigenous welcome & acknowledgment and learn about how the reef and its resources are vital to life
• Enjoy listening to the Great Barrier Reef creation story from the Dreamtime told by local indigenous Aborignal rangers as you cruise out to the reef
• Spend around 5 hours on the outer Great Barrier Reef just off Cairns exploring two very different coral reef sites. Morning and afternoon tea and lunch is also included as is all your snorkel gear

Welcome to Dreamtime Snorkeling tours, a unique reef educational experience with cultural interpretations from our Dreamtime Indigenous Rangers that integrates the most stunning sites on the Great Barrier Reef just outside Cairns on the outer reef.

What to Expect

Dreamtime Diving & Snorkelling Tours

Experience the first tour of its kind in Cairns, combining the stunning beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with a rich cultural journey led by Dreamtime AboriginaI Rangers. This full-day Great Barrier Reef diving and snorkelling tour adventure offers a unique blend of marine exploration and Indigenous Aboriginal cultural insights, featuring two premium reef sites and guided tours.

Great Barrier Reef Tour Itinerary

• 7:30 AM: Check-in at the Reef Fleet Terminal at the Reef Magic counter.
• 8:00 AM: Depart from Cairns Marlin Marina.
• 9:30 AM: Arrive at the first outer Great Barrier Reef site.
• 3:00 PM: Depart from the second Great Barrier Reef site.
• 4:30 PM: Return to Cairns Marlin Marina.

Features and Highlights

Aboriginal Indigenous Cultural Tour Experience

• Gain a deeper understanding of the Great Barrier Reef through the eyes of the Traditional Owners. Indigenous Aboriginal rangers will share Dreamtime stories and cultural insights about the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Gunggandji, Mandingalbay, and Yirrganydji people. Learn about traditional hunting tools, musical instruments, and the significance of the Great Barrier Reef in their culture.

Two Premium Diving and Snorkelling Reef Sites

• Explore two spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef locations: Moore Reef and either Miln or Flynn Reef. These coral reef sites are known for their vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life. Spend approximately 5 hours snorkelling, scuba diving, and learning about the reef.

Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat Tours

• Snorkellers will have the opportunity to explore the reef up close with high-quality equipment provided. Non-swimmers can enjoy the beauty of the reef from a glass bottom boat, offering a dry yet immersive experience.

Marine Biologist Presentations

• Marine biologists on board provide educational presentations throughout the day. Learn about the unique marine ecosystem and the various species that inhabit the Great Barrier Reef.

Gourmet Dining

• Indulge in a freshly prepared hot and cold buffet lunch featuring a selection of seafood. Morning and afternoon tea are also included, ensuring you stay energised throughout the day.

Spacious Catamaran

• Travel in comfort on a 24m catamaran with three spacious levels, including an air-conditioned saloon and plenty of outdoor seating. The vessel can accommodate over 100 passengers, but this tour is limited to 65 to ensure a comfortable reef experience.

Optional Extras

• Guided Snorkelling Tour: Join an experienced marine biologist for an in-depth snorkelling tour to see unique coral formations and marine life.
• Introductory Scuba Diving: No prior scuba diving experience needed. All equipment is provided, and small group sizes ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.
• Certified Scuba Diving: Experienced guides will take certified scuba divers to the best dive spots, including drifts, walls, and swim-throughs.

Acknowledgement of Country

• We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land and Sea on which our business operates. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past, present, and emerging.

Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour

Exclusive Reef Destinations

• Explore two exclusive outer reef sites, including Milln, Flynn, Hastings, Saxon, Norman, or Thetford Reef. Each location offers incredible underwater adventures and a connection to the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Unique Cultural Activities

• Experience authentic Aboriginal cultural interactions with clap sticks, fire poles, traditional dances, and the mesmerising sounds of the didgeridoo. This tour provides a profound connection to Indigenous traditions and the natural beauty of the reef.

Full Day of Activities

• Enjoy a full day packed with activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, cultural presentations, and guided tours. With 5 hours of reef time, there’s plenty of opportunity to explore and learn.

Your Great Barrier Reef Tour Itinerary

• 8:15 AM: Boarding commences at 8:15 AM with final boarding at 8:45 AM from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
• 9:00 AM: Depart Marlin Jetty Cairns, grab your complimentary snorkel and fins, and enjoy morning tea.
• 10:30 AM: Begin in-water activities at the first reef site before lunch.
• 12:30 PM: Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch prepared by the renowned Ochre Restaurant & Tropic Spirit Catering.
• 3:30 PM: Return snorkel, fins, life jacket, and Lycra suits. Depart the reef and enjoy afternoon tea while interacting with Cultural guides on board.
• 5:00 PM: Arrive back in Cairns.

Book Your Great Barrier Reef Tour Adventure

Experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef combined with the rich cultural heritage of its Traditional Owners. This unique tour offers an unforgettable day of exploration, education, and relaxation. Book your Dreamtime Snorkelling & Scuba Diving Tour today and immerse yourself in the wonders of the reef and the traditions of its Indigenous people.

See more 2 in 1 Great Barrier Reef tours  

Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour

Embark on an extraordinary adventure as you venture to two exclusive premium outer reef destinations, unlike any other experience.

Enjoy a leisurely five-hour journey that promises to immerse you in the richness of this diverse ecosystem while offering a profound cultural insight into our indigenous heritage.

Uniquely, we proudly stand as the sole Great Barrier Reef cruise that grants you the remarkable opportunity to interact with authentic clap sticks and fire poles. Moreover, you'll be enthralled by live demonstrations of traditional dances and the mesmerizing sounds of the didgeridoo. This immersive encounter with our indigenous traditions and the natural beauty of the reef will leave you with unforgettable memories.

The selected reef sites, including Milln, Flynn, Hastings, Saxon, Norman, or Thetford Reef, promise awe-inspiring underwater adventures and a deep connection to the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Optional Extras

Guided Snorkel Tour

Join our enriching snorkel tour led by our team of experienced marine biologists. This highly regarded excursion offers a chance to witness the stunning and distinctive coral formations as well as observe schools of fish in their natural habitat, all up close and personal. Whether you're a novice or an experienced snorkeler, this tour caters to individuals of all skill levels, ensuring a perfect experience for everyone.

Introductory Diving 

No prior experience is required to embark on this adventure. We provide all the necessary equipment, including wetsuits, and even offer a souvenir dive certificate for you to proudly display on your wall as a testament to your achievement. Our purpose-built vessel offers a secure and controlled environment, making it ideal for those new to diving.

For easy access, we have convenient stairs leading directly into the water, allowing you to practice basic scuba skills before your dive. Safety is our top priority; therefore, we maintain small group sizes, with a maximum of 4 divers per instructor (even fewer if divers feel apprehensive). 

Your inaugural dive takes place in our vibrant coral lagoon, a shallow and sheltered area adorned with dense coral formations and teeming with diverse fish species. The first dive lasts approximately 20-30 minutes and reaches a maximum depth of 10 meters, with most of the exploration conducted around 4-5 meters. On your second dive, having already mastered the necessary skills, you'll have more time to revel in the actual dive experience.

Introductory diving with us is one of the most popular and cherished activities among Cairns Reef tours, ensuring you a memorable and enjoyable underwater adventure.

Certified Diving 

Our seasoned guides will lead you to a selection of captivating dives, including drifts, walls, and channels featuring swim-throughs, small caves, ledges, and drop-offs. 

With 5 hours of actual reef time, we offer the opportunity for up to 3 completely distinct dives in a single day. Each dive is expertly guided to ensure your safety and enhance your enjoyment. We whisk you directly to the best dive spots, allowing you ample time to immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings without the hassle of navigation.

Our dive sites are thoughtfully selected to match the day's weather conditions and cater to the divers' varying levels of experience. Don't forget to bring your logbook; we'll record your Great Barrier Reef journey, preserving the memories of your exceptional underwater exploration.

Your Itinerary

08:15 - Boarding commences at 8.15am with final boarding at 8.45am from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

09:00 - Depart Marlin Jetty Cairns and grab your complimentary snorkel & fins

• Safety Briefing
• Indigenous welcome and acknowledgment
• Great Barrier Reef creation story
• Enjoy morning tea

10:30

Our in water activities commence at the Outer Great Barrier Reef where you’ll enjoy our pristine coral reef site before lunch and the next reef site after lunch.

Approx 12:30

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch freshly prepared by the highly awarded & renowned Ochre Restaurant & Tropic Spirit Catering.

15:30

Return snorkel, fins, life jacket and lycra suits
Depart the Reef and enjoy afternoon tea whilst interacting with the Cultural guides on board

17:00 - Arrive back in Cairns

Tour Languages Offered

• Chinese
• English
• French
• German
• Japanese

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

Boarding commences at 8.15am with final boarding at 8.45am from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. Our vessel departs Cairns Marlin Jetty at 09:00 arriving at the first reef by 10:30, leaving the reef at 15:30 and arriving back in Cairns by 17:00.

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• 2 premium Outer Barrier Reef sites: Moore & Milln Reefs

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

8 hours (approx) 5 Hours Reef Time

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Guided snorkel safari
• Scuba Diving

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium, Active

Restrictions

Scuba Diving – minimum age 12

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.

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sun protection
• Hat & Sunglasses
• Camera
• Cash ($AUD) or credit card (Visa, MasterCard) for snacks and drinks and any additional onboard purchases.

• Child price applies to children 4 to 14
• Minimum age for introductory scuba diving is 12