• The best Outer Great Barrier Reef half day snorkelling tour in Cairns. Explore vibrant coral gardens, encounter giant clams, and observe a variety of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for sightings of sea turtles and the ultra vibrant marine life.
• Short on time jump onboard our high speed boat ride to the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns in the afternoon. Exclusive, small-group snorkelling tour on a different reef every day.
• We welcome up to 40 snorkellers per trip, with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1 to 10, ensuring personalised attention and a high level of service.

Cairns' Only Half-Day snorkel tour to the Outer Reef. Maximise your time in Cairns with our half-day reef adventure. Our fast boat means less time spent travelling and more time to explore the stunning underwater world of the outer reefs.

What to Expect:

Get set for an exhilarating half day outer reef tour from Cairns and speed away on our brand-new, purpose-built reef boat, designed for thrill and excitement on Austalia's Great Barrier Reef.

Our tour boat skipper will select an incredible location from our collection of 15 exclusive sites, including Briggs Reef, Sudbury Reef, Moore Reef, and Thetford Reef to take our guests on the best half day snorkelling tour in Cairns. With just one hour of travel time, our half-day snorkel tour from Cairns maximises your experience, giving you more time in the water snorkelling among the brilliant corals and marine life and much less time spent on the boat.

Our Master Reef Guides will take you on a fun, personalised, and exciting adventure, with a maximum of only 40 passengers on our half day snorkelling tours. Enjoy over 2 hours on the Great Barrier Reef, exploring two handpicked locations each day from our selection of four stunning coral reefs. Our tour boat departs from Cairns Marlin Marina, D Finger, at 12:00pm and returns at 5:00pm.

Join our Marine Life Presentation at 10:30am at the Pure Snorkelling Pontoon office on D Finger at the Cairns Marlin Marina. Check in will commence after at 11:00am and closes at 11.30am. The boat departs at 12pm sharp.

Features and Highlights:

• Only 40 snorkellers per reef trip, with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1 to 10, ensuring personalised service.
• The reef boat cruises at approximately 24 knots (44 km/h) for optimal fuel efficiency and comfort. On the day of your trip, weather and conditions may allow the vessel to reach speeds of up to 45 knots.
• Our brand new high speed reef boat offers a Rooftop sun deck and seating downstairs.
• On our half-day snorkelling tour, we visit some of the Great Barrier Reef’s most stunning outer reef locations, including Briggs Reef, Moore Reef, Sudbury Reef, Upolo Reef, Pretty Patches, Breaking Patches, and Thetford Reef. Briggs Reef, in particular, is a hidden gem known for its vibrant coral and rich marine life, nourished by nutrient-rich waters thanks to its unique position between three major reef systems. With exclusive mooring rights, it offers a tranquil, crowd-free experience, making it a truly special destination compared to other reefs.

Additional Bonus

If you have some extra time why not come and see us earlier for a Free Marine Biologist Presentation; a preview of the trip ahead.

Your free presentation starts at 10.30am and concludes at 11.00am - please arrive earlier so you don't miss a moment of it.

Complimentary tea & coffee available as well.

This is a 30-minute engaging family friendly marine presentation before boarding. This is an amazing opportunity to learn about the reef's fascinating eco system and the marine species to look out for, before they get in the water!

The presenter will also be on the boat so they will have plenty of time to continue learning and chatting throughout the day!

Our pontoon office is located at the Cairns Marlin Marina – D Finger.

This tour is suitable for guest travelling to Cairns on a cruise ship staying overnight. Please check your cruise ship schedule, check in is at 11.15am for a 12.00pm departure returning 5.00pm.

See all Cairns and Port Douglas half day reef tours.

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

Itinerary

10:30am - Complimentary Marine Life Presentation with a Marine Biologist begins on the Pure Snorkelling Pontoon.

11:00am - Check-in begins and staff will fit equipment for travelling guests which include masks, prescription masks, seasonal stinger suits/wet suits and fins.

11:30am - Check-in closes, guests board the vessel, and staff will provide safety briefings.

12:00pm - Pure Snorkelling vessel will depart Cairns Marina.

1:30pm - Arrive at expertly selected reef location from a choice of over 15 different sites. Join a snorkel guide for marine interpretation. 

3:30pm - Light snacks and nibbles are provided before travelling back to Cairns.

5:00pm - Arrive back at Cairns Marina.

*Please note that this is a sample itinerary and actual times may vary due to weather and sea conditions

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• The Marine Life Presentation begins at 10:30am at the Pure Snorkelling Pontoon office on D Finger at the Cairns Marlin Marina. Check in commences at 11:00am and closes at 11.30am. The boat departs at 12pm sharp.
• Returns 5.00pm

Departure Instructions

• Arrive at 10.30am for the Marine Life Presentation at the Pure Snorkelling Pontoon office on D Finger at the Cairns Marlin Marina.
• Check in commences at 11:00am and closes at 11.30am
• The boat departs at 12pm sharp.

Destinations

Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

5 Hours

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

Please note this tour is only suitable to participants who can swim. This tour is NOT suitable if you are pregnant, have any musculoskeletal issues that could be aggravated by a potentially bumpy ride, have any cardiac or mobility issues. This is only suitable for children over 6 years of age who can swim.

Additional Information

• The boat will operate in various conditions, and it may be a bumpy ride.
• Health & Participation: Guests must be in good physical health and able to swim to join snorkelling activities. Any recent illnesses, injuries, or relevant medical conditions must be disclosed. This tour may be unsuitable for guests who are pregnant or who have musculoskeletal, cardiac, or mobility issues. Pure Snorkelling may refuse participation if safety cannot be ensured. All guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Risk Notice: Participants acknowledge that snorkelling and outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including exposure to heat, sun, and physical exertion. Pure Snorkelling is not liable for injury, loss, or damage arising from circumstances beyond its control.
• Force Majeure & Operations: Pure Snorkelling is not liable for refunds or compensation for cancellations caused by force majeure events. Alternative dates may be offered where possible. Vessel substitutions may occur without notice.

What to bring: Swimmers, Towel, reef safe sunscreen, hat and sunglasses, refillable waterbottle and card for purchases from the bar

Our snorkelling tour is recommended for children aged 6 and above, who are confident swimmers and comfortable in an open water environment. All children will need to be under parental supervision at all times.