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Great Barrier Reef Diving | Cairns Overnight Dive & Snorkel Tours

Tour Code: 470

Operated By: Reef Encounter

Departing: Cairns

Pickup: Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches, Port Douglas

21 Luxury Stateroom Cabins
  • Book your superbly appointed stateroom cabin accommodation for your ultimate liveaboard dive and snorkel tour on the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns. Only 21 staterooms available, twin, double, sole occupancy. 
  • Choose your mode of transport from Cairns by boat or helicopter transfer to the liveaboard dive and snorkel boat on the outer reef. Stay for as many nights as you wish on our floating hotel, boatel. 
  • Fully air-conditioned 35 metre catamaran boatel/hotel designed with the utmost stability and creature comforts for extended dive and snorkel holiday in style. Outdoor fresh water hot tub, licenced bar, sundeck, dining saloon, heli pad and more.
  • All of our 21 stateroom cabins have their own private ensuites, fully air-conditioned, towels and toiletries. All meals freshly prepared by onboard chefs, the best dive and snorkel gear and marine biology presentations. 

Included In Price

  • Stateroom Guests
  • Twin or Double Stateroom with private bathroom
  • Chef prepared meals: all meals are included in your trip and prepared fresh daily. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Fruit, tea and coffee are also included.
  • Marine Biologist presentation when transfers are done by Reef Experience crew
  • All dive and snorkeling equipment with the exception of wetsuits
  • Reef video presentation
  • Free scuba lessons for snorkellers
  • All dive equipment with the exception of wetsuits
  • Coffee, Tea & Milo are available all day for guests free of charge
  • Fresh fruit is available at all times on board the dive boat

This is simply the best Great Barrier Reef diving and snorkelling tour in Cairns and the best value diving and snorkelling overnight boat tour on the Great Barrier Reef. This reef trip is an excellent choice with comfortable accommodation and fabulous VIP upgrades not available on any other tours.

What to Expect

Join us for the absolute best overnight multi-day adventure on one of Cairns' most value-packed liveaboard diving and snorkelling tours. This outstanding Great Barrier Reef tour allows you to immerse yourself in the underwater world with VIP comfort and style. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a snorkelling enthusiast, this 2-to-4-day overnight reef tour caters to all levels, offering an extensive itinerary across several pristine coral reef sites.

Features and Highlights

Extended Great Barrier Reef Access

  • Spend 2 to 4 days aboard a comfortable liveaboard boat, often referred to as a 'boatel', positioned in the heart of the Outer Great Barrier Reef off Cairns. The extended stay gives visitors a true experience of the real Great Barrier Reef away from the normal day tour crowds. On this overnight diving and snorkelling tour, you will explore some of the best underwater sites the Great Barrier Reef has to offer and see a magnificent array of marine life. We try to encourage all visitors to Cairns to at least spend one night on the Great Barrier Reef, so they get to see the real reef.

Diverse Great Barrier Reef Dive Sites

  • The tour itinerary includes visits to renowned reef locations such as Norman Reef, Saxon Reef, Hastings Reef, Breaking Patches, and Michaelmas Reef. The captain selects the best sites based on current weather conditions and water clarity to ensure the optimal diving and snorkelling experience.

Stateroom Standard Accommodation Included

Choose from comfortable twin or double staterooms with private bathrooms.

  • Ocean Views
  • Private Ensuite
  • Towels and toiletries
  • Check in time 10.00am
  • Check out time 8.00am

Upgrade to Captains Club Luxury Cabins

  • Elevate your diving and snorkelling experience with the Captains Club VIP package. This luxury upgrade includes superior cabin accommodations with enhanced amenities such as silk duvets, cotton sheets, plush bathrobes, and oversized beds. Enjoy your very own concierge personalised service daily with a private marine guide, breakfast in bed, and even sparkling wine and fruit platters on your private deck. Think of this as a first-class cabin on a cruise ship.

Culinary Delights

  • Delight in freshly prepared meals three times a day, with options ranging from hearty breakfasts to deluxe three-course dinners. Special dietary needs can be accommodated, ensuring every guest enjoys high-quality dining throughout their stay.

Personalised Service

  • The overnight diving and snorkelling tour is designed to feel intimate and exclusive, accommodating a maximum of 42 guests. This smaller group size ensures privacy and personalised attention from the crew and a more enjoyable experience at each Great Barrier Reef dive site.

Embark on this remarkable journey to explore the depths of the Great Barrier Reef, where luxury meets adventure in an unforgettable marine setting.

See more itinerary details below

See all overnight diving and snorkelling tours from Cairns Tropical North Queensland

Visiting Townsville or Whitsundays. 

Cairns Liveaboard Dive Boat Facilities

Stateroom Cabin Accommodation

On-board your comfortable liveaboard dive boat you will have the choice between 21 air-conditioned cabins which either have twin single beds or a double bed.

  • Ocean views
  • Private ensuite facilities
  • Towels and toiletries provided
  • Twin singles or Double bed
  • Check in time 10.00am
  • Check out time 8.00am

 

Cairns Dive Tours - 2 Day / 1 Night Liveaboard (winter schedule May to Sep)

Day One

  • 7.30am - Board Reef Experience transfer vessel at Cairns Marlin Marina for transfer to Reef Encounter
  • 8.30am - Breakfast Bacon & Egg Rolls
  • 9.30am - Arrive onboard your liveaboard dive boat home for the next few days where you are greeted by the crew for your ‘Welcome & Safety Talk’ before being shown to your room to settle in and relax
  • 10.00am - Room check-in
  • 10.30am - Water Session: Time to snorkel for all guests before lunch
  • 12.00 - Lunch is served in the dining saloon
  • 13.00 - Water Briefings for all (certified & intro divers as well as snorkellers)
  • 13.30 - Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time
  • 15:00 - Reef Encounter moves to new reef site
  • 17.30 - Night dive briefing for certified divers
  • 18:00 - Water session for night divers
  • 19:15 - Dinner
  • 20.00 - Dessert

Day Two

  • 6.00am - Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session
  • 6:30am - Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time
  • 7:30am - Breakfast is served in the dining saloon
  • 8.00am - Room check-out
  • 10:30am - Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
  • 12:00 - Lunch is served in the dining saloon
  • 13:30 - Water Session: Snorkel only
  • 14:45 - Departing passengers board the transfer boat for the journey back to Cairns
  • 15.15 - Refreshments complimentary wine, cheese and biscuits served on the return journey
  • 16:30 - Approximate arrival time to the Cairns Marlin Marina

Cairns Dive Tours - 3 Day / 2 Night Liveaboard Itinerary

Day One

  • 7.30am - Board Reef Experience transfer vessel at Cairns Marlin Marina for transfer to Reef Encounter
  • 8.30am - Breakfast Bacon & Egg Rolls
  • 9.30am - Arrive onboard your liveaboard dive boat home for the next few days where you are greeted by the crew for your ‘Welcome & Safety Talk’ before being shown to your room to settle in and relax
  • 10.00am - Room check-in
  • 10.30am - Water Session: Time to snorkel for all guests before lunch
  • 12.00 - Lunch is served in the dining saloon
  • 13.00 - Water Briefings for all (certified & intro divers as well as snorkellers)
  • 13.30 - Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time
  • 15:00 - Reef Encounter moves to new reef site
  • 15.30 - Water session: scuba diving, snorkelling
  • 17.30 - Night dive briefing for certified divers
  • 18:00 - Water session for night divers
  • 19:15 - Dinner
  • 20.00 - Dessert

Day Two

  • 6.00am - Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session
  • 6:30am - Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time
  • 7:30am - Breakfast is served in the dining saloon
  • 8.00am - Reef Encouter moves to new reef site
  • 10:30am - Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
  • 12:00 - Lunch is served in the dining saloon
  • 13:30 - Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
  • 15.00 - Reef Encouter moves to new reef site
  • 15.30 - Water session: scuba diving, snorkelling
  • 17.30 - Night dive briefing for certified divers
  • 18:00 - Water session for night divers
  • 19:15 - Dinner
  • 20.00 - Dessert

Day Three

  • 6.00am - Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session
  • 6:30am - Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time
  • 7:30am - Breakfast is served in the dining saloon
  • 8.00am - Room check-out
  • 10:30am - Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
  • 12:00 - Lunch is served in the dining saloon
  • 13:30 - Water Session: Snorkel only
  • 14:45 - Departing passengers board the transfer boat for the journey back to Cairns
  • 15.15 - Refreshments complimentary wine, cheese and biscuits served on the return journey
  • 16:30 - Approximate arrival time to the Cairns Marlin Marina

Cairns Dive Tours - 4 Day / 3 Night Liveaboard (winter schedule May to Sep)

A 4 day 3 night liveaboard trip itinerary is the same as the 3 Day 2 night with a repeat of day 2 on day 3.

On a 4 day 3 night introductory divers will have up to 10 opportunities to dive and certified divers up to 10 day divves AND 3 night dives.

How many scuba dives will you get on this Cairns liveaboard dive trip?

The number of included scuba dives depends on the duration of your stay and whether you are a qualified ‘Certified Diver’ or beginner ‘Resort Diver’, or are enrolled on a ‘Learn to Dive’ course.

2 Day / 1 Night Liveaboard - Intro divers 4 day dives, certified divers 4 day dives PLUS 1 night dive

3 Day / 2 Night Liveaboard - Intro divers 7 day dives, certified divers 7 day dives PLUS 2 night dives

4 Day / 3 Night Liveaboard - Intro divers 10 day dives, certified divers 10 day dives PLUS 3 night dives

Learn to Dive Packages:

  • Applies to Open Water Dive courses. For all advanced dive courses, number of included dives are the same as other certified dive packages
  • Duration of Stay Number of Scuba Dives Included
  • 3 days, 2 nights 8:   Up to 8 daytime scuba dives
  • 4 days, 3 nights 12: Up to 11 daytime scuba dives; plus 1 night dive* after certification (*subject to course completion)
  • Each additional night 4:   Up to 4 additional scuba dives; 3 day and 1 night

Cairns Dive Trips - Daily Departures

Our daily departures give divers more flexibility to begin your liveaboard dive trip according to your schedule. Our Great Barrier Reef tour day boat transfers guests to the liveaboard dive boat out on the reef.

You can even meet the dive boat by booking a helicopter transfer to the pontoon and enjoy a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. Helicopter transfers are subject to availability & passenger body weights, priced from $812.50 per person (minimum 2 passengers required)

Cairns Dive Boat Facilities

  • Fully air-conditioned
  • Large dining saloon
  • Licenced bar and lounge area with TV and games area
  • Exterior sun deck with sun loungers
  • Open air hot tub
  • Rooftop helicopter pad

You will be spoilt with locally sourced and freshly made meals by the on-board chef. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert are included every day. Coffee, tea and fruit are also included.

All dietary requirements are taken into consideration you will just have to advise the boat staff of your special requests at the time of booking.

Optional Extras Payable On Board

Wetsuits - (stinger suits provided during wet season)
Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour
SSI Nitrox Scuba Dive Course (includes 24 hours of nitrox fills)
SSI Advanced Adventure Dive Course 
SSI Specialties 
SSI Stress and Rescue (booked with 3D2N cert dive package) 
SSI Referral Dive Package (booked with snorkel package) 
Scuba Dive Refresher Course 
1st Introductory Scuba Dive 
Additional Introductory Dives 
Night and additional Certified Scuba Dives
Guided dive package for Certified divers only – pre-booked only
Guides for Certified Scuba Dives when booked onboard 
Underwater cameras for hire 
Prescription Mask hire 
Drinks, snacks, cameras, souvenirs, T-Shirts etc

Tour Languages Offered
  • English
Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

Boarding 7:30am - Departure 8:00am - Returns to Cairns 4.30pm (approx.)

Departure Instructions

Please note your transfer vessel from Cairns to the liveaboard dive boat will be Reef Experience located at Cairns Marlin Marina, A Finger.

Pickup Locations
  • Cairns
  • Cairns Northern Beaches
  • Port Douglas
  • Return transfers are an extra cost
Destinations
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Norman Reef, Saxon Reef, Hastings Reef, Breaking Patches and Michaelmas Reef. The Captain will choose the location based on weather and which reef offers the best experience and comfort for guests. 
Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

2 to 4 days
Additional nights available on request

Available for Purchase / Hire
  • Return coach transfers from Cairns, Northern Beaches or Port Douglas are an optional extra and need to be prebooked (subject to availability)
  • Return or one way helicopter transfers are an optional extra and need to be prebooked (subject to availability)
  • All diving and water activities and extras are bookable/payable on the day of travel direct on the boat: 
  • Alcohol can be purchased on the boat - No BYO
  • Snacks such as chocolate, chips, soft drink can be purchased onboard
Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Restrictions
  • Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
  • Certified dive packages are for those already qualified as scuba divers and must hold Open Water Diver level or higher and produce divers certification
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.

Advanced Dive Medical Intro Dive Medical

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

Additional Information
  • This operator reserves the right to change locations, prices, vessels and itineraries due to unforeseen circumstances without notice. Each day the captain will assess weather conditions and other technical issues to determine the vessels location for that day.
  • FLYING AND SCUBA DIVING
  • You should not travel to a high altitude (fly or drive above 8000 feet) within 18 hours of completing a single scuba dive or 24 hours after multiple dives OR after any ‘deep’ dive. (A deep dive is any dive over 18 meters/60 feet).
  • We recommended leaving a minimum of 24 hours after your last scuba dive before flying. You can fly and then dive the same day – but not dive and then fly. On the last day of your liveaboard scuba tour, your final dive will be finished by around 12 noon.
  • Please consider this when arranging ongoing travel plans which include flying or driving to altitude. Flying any time after 12 noon the following day is recommended.
  • If you have booked a helicopter transfer back to Cairns as part of your Great Barrier Reef liveaboard tour – lucky you! It’s a fabulous way to end a Great Barrier Reef adventure. Our helicopter tours are low flying scenic excursions over the coral reef that are designed to be a safe activity after scuba diving. You may book a helicopter transfer back to Cairns on the final day of your stay with us, even if you have scuba dived that day.
  • SCUBA DIVING - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
  • Queensland, Australia has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world but also the safest scuba diving record.
  • We have a passion to show Australia’s Great Barrier Reef so please make sure that you understand the scuba diving laws. We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules including medical as is the law.
  • To avoid disappointment on your day of travel we strongly recommend that all passengers complete our Dive Medical Questionnaire prior to booking as some medical conditions, age and / or medications may prevent you from scuba diving. Age restrictions will also apply to any diver training courses.
  • It is always our mission to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef experience. We are very happy to help you with any questions you may have. Please contact us.
  • No refunds will be offered for uncompleted dives.
  • No refunds will be offered for uncompleted dives due to medical / health / medication restrictions.
  • All prices are in Australian dollars and include GST
  • We recommend Travel Insurance
  • Please bring with you only a small to medium overnight bag with personal items:
  • Casual clothes, personal toiletries, sun hat, swimming clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, medication if needed, jumper/pullover/cardigan as evenings can be cool etc.
  • Camera
  • For large luggage pieces that are not required at the reef, we offer a free luggage storage facility at office in the city. It is about a 15-minute walk to the Cairns Marina from our offices. Office opening times are from 7am – 9pm, 7 days a week. If you have selected a bus pick-up option on the morning of your tour, you may leave any large items with the bus driver who will deliver them to our office storage facility
  • For safety reasons, Reef Encounter has a ‘no shoe’ policy. There is no need to bring extra pairs of shoes – socks are great
  • Personal dive/snorkel equipment if you would prefer to use your own. While equipment hire is included in your booking, you are welcome to bring any personal dive/snorkel items if you wish to. (Optional extras for hire are wetsuits and prescription lens masks)
  • Cash or credit card for purchases
  • Proof of certification if you are a Certified Scuba Diver (must be equivalent of Open Water Level or above) – this will be checked by the Dive Supervisor at the start of your trip. All persons intending to scuba dive should read the Scuba Divers Important information page. Read More
  • Dive medical if you are intending to Scuba Dive and require one to comply with Australian Dive Regulations – See our SCUBA Divers Important Information page to avoid disappointment on your trip.
  • IMPORTANT – dive medicals will only be accepted if they are conducted using the Australian Medical Examination Form AS4005.1 and clearly state this on the medical Certificate that you provide the Dive Supervisor onboard Reef Encounter

  • Children 2 to 18 adult rates applies
  • Rolloway beds are available for children up to 11 years of age - on request only, extra cost applies
  • Introductory/Resort Scuba diving is available for children 12 years and over
  • Certified dives are available for children that hold a scuba dive certification

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.

Operators policy:

  • 20% cancellation fee 30 days or more prior to departure
  • 50% cancellation fee if within 30 days prior to departure
  • 100% cancellation fee within 14 days prior to departure
  • We require a minimum of 48 hours notice to re-schedule a reservation or to alter a reservation.
  • There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances – including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather etc.
  • All passengers are strongly advised to purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities.

Great Barrier Reef Diving | Cairns Overnight Dive & Snorkel Tours

Tour Code: 470

Operated By: Reef Encounter

Departing: Cairns

Pickup: Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches, Port Douglas

21 Luxury Stateroom Cabins

From

au$585.00

Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.

Child: au$585.00
Family: au$2,340.00

Tour Code: 470

From

au$585.00

19 yrs & over

2 - 18 yrs

Ages of Children
(Discounts May Apply)
Phone
1300 761 612
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745
Phone
1300 761 612
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745

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