• Let us transport you to spectacular Great Barrier Reef snorkelling site just off Cairns for a half day tour of marine wonders.
• Small group snorkel tour - only 25 passengers onboard.
• 2 hours of snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef around the gorgeous Upolu Reef
• Depart in the morning at 8.00am and return to Cairns at 12.00 midday.

Bring your sense of adventure for an exhilarating half day snorkelling tour to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, where you'll snorkel the stunning Upolu Reef from Cairns.

What to Expect

Your half day Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour starts at Cairns Marlin Marina, where you'll board our vessel, 'Mad Max,' for an exciting trip to Upolu Reef. Enjoy two hours of underwater reef exploration with our snorkelling tour guide before we return to Cairns by 12.00pm.

Embark on an exhilarating 50 minute boat journey to Upolu Reef, part of the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. This small group half-day snorkelling tour from Cairns accommodates up to 25 guests, ensuring a tailored, crowd-free experience.

Features and Highlights

• Our 13.5-meter aluminum-hulled inflatable tour boat is equipped with two powerful 325 hp Suzuki engines, allowing you to explore the wonders of the natural world efficiently and swiftly during our signature Cairns half-day Great Barrier Reef tour experience.

Cairns Half Day Great Barrier Reef Tour Itinerary

• 7.30 AM: Please meet at the Reef Adventure office located inside the Pier Shopping Centre 30 minutes prior to departure. Board the 'Mad Max' and prepare for a thrilling ride to Upolu Reef.
• 8.00AM: Departure
• 9:00 AM: Enjoy morning tea on board with drinks available for purchase. After a 50 minute journey, arrive at Upolu Reef. Spend two hours exploring the reefs, with crew assistance for gear and a free snorkelling briefing to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
• 11:00 AM: Depart the Great Barrier Reef and return to Cairns.
• 12:00 PM: Disembark at Cairns Marlin Marina

Snacks (delicious lamingtons) are provided, and drinks are available for purchase on board.

Snorkelling and Marine Life

• Visiting Upolu Reef offers an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most remarkable marine environments on the planet.
• Upolu Reef is a stunning part of the Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Cairns in Queensland, Australia. It is renowned for its vibrant marine life, clear waters, and diverse coral formations, making it a popular spot for snorkeling.

See all half day tours to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns and Port Douglas.

See all full day snorkelling tours in Cairns, Port Douglas, Mission Beach, Townsville, Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island. 

Learn more on Great Barrier Reef Blog.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Morning Tour - Check in 7.30am - Departs 8.00am - Returns 12.00pm
• Afternoon Tour - Check in 12.00pm - Departs 12.30pm - Returns 4.30pm

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

Duration

4 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
• Sense of Adventure

This product is not suitable for infants between 0-3