• From Cairns enjoy a private charter boat snorkelling tour tailored to your small group’s needs. Up to 25 guests on a half day charter or 12 guests on a full day charter.
• Enjoy a thrilling 50 minute ride from Cairns to the wonderful Upolu Reef with our friendly and experienced crew who will ensure your safety and comfort in the water.
• Choose from a half day morning, half day afternoon or a full day snorkelling tour on the Great Barrier Reef in private with your family, friends, workmates or fellow cruise ship passengers.

Book your very own private charter boat from Cairns for a full day or half day snorkelling tour to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Half day tours cater for 25 guests and full day tours cater for 12 guests. A highly personalised snorkelling tour from Cairns.

What to Expect

Book a charter boat in Cairns to take off and explore the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef with your family friends or work mates. With 12 - 25 guests onboard you will be snorkelling in the pristine waters of Upolu Reef just off Cairns after a high-speed boat ride to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, seeking an adventure with family and friends, or simply looking for a unique escape, our half-day or full-day Cairns boat charters offer a tailored experience for all guests. With small group sizes, you’ll enjoy a personalised and intimate charter boat tour, led by experienced crew and snorkel guides.

Your private charter boat journey starts at Cairns Marlin Marina, where you'll board the high-performance vessel, Mad Max. This 13.5-meter aluminium-hulled inflatable boat, powered by two 325 hp Suzuki engines, ensures a swift and thrilling 50-minute ride to the beautiful underwater world of Upolu Reef. Once there, you'll have the chance to snorkel amidst vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life in one of the most spectacular sections of the Great Barrier Reef just off Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.

Cairns Charter Boat Options: -

Half-Day Boat Charter - Morning or afternoon departure. - 25 Guests

Morning - The morning trip runs from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Afternoon - The afternoon session takes place from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

Full Day Charter Boat Option – Departing Cairns – 12 Guests

- A full-day boat charter offers more time out on the Great Barrier Reef, departing Cairns at 8:30 AM and returning at 5:00 PM.

Inclusions:-

• Enjoy snorkelling with the guidance of our experienced team and explore Upolu Reef's colourful coral gardens and marine inhabitants, from tropical fish to stingrays.
• Onboard refreshments are provided, with morning or afternoon tea served during the half-day tours. Full-day guests are encouraged to bring their own lunch for a longer, immersive experience on the Great Barrier Reef.

Features and Highlights

Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef at Upolu Reef

• Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Upolu Reef, located 30 km off the coast of Cairns. Known for its vibrant coral and teeming marine life, the reef is home to a variety of species, including clownfish, sea stars, and stingrays. Our small group size ensures a more personal and peaceful snorkelling experience, with up to 25 guests on the half-day charters and only 12 guests on the full-day adventure.

High-Performance Charter Boat

• The journey to Upolu Reef aboard Mad Max is fast and exhilarating, thanks to its powerful engines. Designed for comfort and speed, this vessel allows for more time spent snorkelling and exploring the reef’s natural beauty, without wasting hours on transit. The Cairns charter boats size and capacity ensure a more private experience, far from crowded tourist boats.

Personalised Snorkelling Tours

• Each private boat charter is designed with flexibility and guest comfort in mind. Whether you opt for a half-day or full-day snorkelling tour, the experience is curated for small groups, making it perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or intimate adventures. You’ll be guided by knowledgeable crew members who share insights about the Great Barrier Reef’s unique ecosystem.

Snorkelling Gear and Safety

• All snorkel gear is provided, including top-quality masks, fins, and floatation devices. Our expert guides ensure you feel comfortable in the water, making this a great experience for both beginners and experienced snorkellers alike. Safety briefings and full support are provided to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time snorkelling the reef.

Important Information

• This Cairns charter boat tour is best suited for those who are comfortable in the water and have a moderate fitness level. It is not recommended for children under 4, individuals who use wheelchairs, non-swimmers, or those who experience severe seasickness. Participants should be aware that snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef requires a basic level of swimming ability, and guests over 65 years of age are encouraged to read these travel tips and hints on snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef.

Marine Life at Upolu Reef

• Upolu Reef is a stunning natural aquarium, where you can encounter vibrant coral formations and a wide variety of marine species. From the famous clownfish (Nemo) to graceful stingrays, the reef is bursting with life, offering a breathtaking experience for snorkellers. Its shallow waters make it an ideal spot for beginners, while experienced snorkellers can explore deeper sections.

Whether you're looking for an action-packed adventure or a peaceful day out on the water, this private charter to Upolu Reef delivers an unforgettable experience. Dive into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and create lasting memories in one of the world’s most remarkable marine environments on your own private charter boat for the day.

View more Cairns charter boats and the shared Great Barrier Reef tours.

For a more luxury charter boat experience view our yachts.

Read The Tour Specialists Blog for all the things you need to know before you go to the Great Barrier Reef.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Morning Tour : 8:30am
• Afternoon Tour : 1.00pm

Departure Instructions

Please meet at the Reef Adventure office located inside the Pier Shopping Centre 30 minutes prior to departure.

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Upolu Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Morning - Departs 8:30am Returns 12:30pm
Afternoon - Departs 1:00pm and Returns 5:00pm
Full Day - Departs 8:30am Returns 5:00pm
Mid Morning: 10.00am or 11.00am depending on cruise ship schedule

Duration

Half Day 4 hours
Full Day 8 hours

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Restrictions

• A moderate level of fitness and mobility is required to enjoy the Reef Adventures product, particularly surrounding the entry and exit into the vessel at the Great Barrier Reef. Travellers who have had recent surgical procedures have back issues/problems or that have respiratory or heart conditions should reconsider their participation in the Reef Adventures product.
• Pregnant women are welcome onboard as long as they are cleared by their doctor.

• Swimmers
• Towel
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Card for onboard purchases

This product is not suitable for infants between 0-5