• Flexible timing with half-day, full-day, or custom itineraries tailored to your group’s schedule.
• Enjoy gourmet onboard dining, professional crew, and a marine biologist guide for an exclusive reef experience.

Private Great Barrier Reef charter from Cairns for up to 40 guests with exclusive access to premium reef sites. Flexible full-day or half-day itineraries with expert crew and Marine Biologist.

What to Expect

Step aboard a spacious, purpose-built vessel designed for private groups of up to 40 guests — ideal for families, friends, corporate outings, and milestone celebrations. You’ll journey to handpicked reef locations showcasing the very best of the Great Barrier Reef’s coral gardens and marine biodiversity.

Your private charter allows full control over your day. Choose to snorkel vibrant coral reefs, relax on the pure white sands of Sudbury Cay (accessible only under exclusive permit), or combine island and reef experiences with stops at Fitzroy Island and the Outer Reef.

A qualified Marine Biologist and professional crew are onboard to guide your experience, sharing fascinating insights into the reef’s unique ecosystem. 

Cruising at around 24 knots, the vessel ensures a smooth, efficient journey so you can spend more time exploring and less time travelling. Depending on the weather and sea conditions, the vessel can reach speeds of up to 45 knots.

Your private Great Barrier Reef experience is entirely bespoke—relaxed, luxurious, and tailored exclusively to you.

Features and Highlights

Flexible Charter Options

• Choose from half-day, full-day, or custom itineraries designed to fit your schedule.
• Option to depart later, return earlier, or extend your day on the reef.
• Perfect for those with limited time in Cairns who still want a full reef experience.

Exclusive Access & Reef Locations

• Visit over 15 carefully selected Great Barrier Reef sites, ideal for snorkelling, swimming, and exploring.
• Enjoy exclusive access to Sudbury Cay and its untouched white sands.
• Combine destinations such as Fitzroy Island and the Outer Reef for a diverse day of reef exploration.

Personalised Experience

• Customise your day’s activities, dining, and timing to suit your group.
• Indulge in a gourmet onboard lunch featuring fresh local produce and tropical flavours.
• Gain insights from an onboard Marine Biologist who brings the reef’s ecology to life.

Professional Service & Comfort

• Modern vessel accommodating up to 40 guests with spacious indoor and outdoor areas.
• Dedicated, highly trained crew ensuring safety and seamless service throughout the day.
• Ideal for families, corporate groups, or private leisure charters.

Important Information

This private snorkelling charter is suitable for confident swimmers. Guests must be able to swim and stay afloat unassisted to participate safely. Beginner snorkellers are welcome if they can swim at least 50 metres without flotation devices. These requirements are essential for the safety and comfort of all guests and crew.

Children aged 6 years and older are welcome, provided they are strong swimmers and remain under parental supervision at all times.

All snorkelling gear is provided and professionally maintained:
• Snorkels and masks (prescription masks available +1.5 to +3 / -1.5 to -8)
• Fins in multiple sizes
• Stinger suits (November – April)
• 5mm wetsuits (May – October)
• Flotation devices for added comfort and confidence

Each charter includes a safety briefing and quick medical questionnaire before departure. Snorkelling access is via wide stairs and a semi-submerged platform at the vessel’s stern, making entry and exit easy and comfortable.

The vessel also features:
• Two onboard restrooms and additional marina facilities
• Dedicated storage for personal belongings
• Fully trained first aid and marine safety crew
• Comfortable indoor lounge and shaded outdoor decks

Reef Locations You May Visit

Experience the Great Barrier Reef exactly how you want it with a private charter from Cairns. Choose from a half-day escape, full-day adventure, or create your own custom itinerary designed around your interests, timing, and group size. Every charter offers flexibility, comfort, and exclusive access to some of the most beautiful and uncrowded reef locations in Far North Queensland.

Your journey may include some of the Great Barrier Reef’s most pristine and diverse sites:
Briggs Reef, Moore Reef, Sudbury Reef, Upolu Reef, Pretty Patches, Breaking Patches, Oyster Reef, and Thetford Reef. Each site offers unique coral formations, tropical fish species, and the chance to encounter sea turtles, giant clams, and even reef sharks in their natural habitat.

Half-day charters typically visit one premium reef location, while full-day charters allow time to explore two.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Half Day Charter - Departure time flexible between 8am & 12pm
• Full Day Charter - Departure time flexible between 8am & 10am

Destinations

• Fitzroy Island
• Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Half Day - 5 Hours
Full Day - 7 Hours

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Additional Information

• Unfortunately, our tours are not recommended for:
• Guests with pre-existing back, neck, or hip injuries.
• Guests who are heavily pregnant.
• Guests with limited mobility
• Guests who cannot swim

Guests must be a minimum of 6 years of age to participate. All participants under 18 years must be accompanied by a paying adult, and a parent or guardian must sign a liability waiver on their behalf.