• One of the most popular reef trips in Cairns is our snorkel & dive tour. A small intimate Great Barrier Reef tour. Great marine life, keep a sharp look out for dolphins, turtles and whales during the months of July to August!
• Join us on our small intimate sailing tour that caters for only 20 persons providing a really unique and personalised snorkel & dive tour from Cairns. We aim to sail daily to 2 unique outer reef locations. 
• Dive up to 2 times on the day but be sure to pre-book your scuba dives to avoid missing out! 2nd dive subject to availability on the day. 
• All snorkel gear provided, and a free guided snorkel tour with our marine naturalists, morning and afternoon tea and buffet lunch. 
• Our Great Barrier Reef tours permit allows the skipper to choose the best coral reef moorings around Upolu Reef. Each morning we look at the weather and tide conditions to decide the reef locations to give you the best experience

With only 20 guests and 3 dedicated crew members you'll be sure to experience the ultimate service on our reef trip in Cairns for your snorkel & dive tour. Visit up to 2 outer reef sites on the beautiful Great Barrier Reef.

What to Expect

This is one of the most sensational value small group reef trips in Cairns that is sailing daily with up to only 20 guests to go snorkelling and scuba diving on the outer sections of the world famous Great Barrier Reef. With 3 dedicated crew members, this intimate snorkel and dive tour from Cairns promises exceptional service and an unforgettable experience on the Great Barrier Reef. You'll visit up to two outer reef sites, ensuring you get the best possible underwater adventure. Sometimes due to weather it’s not possible to visit multiple dive sites but we do our best to ensure you see some magnificent reefs and equally brilliant marine life.

This small group reef tour sails daily, offering an exceptional value for those looking to explore the stunning marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. Our knowledgeable and friendly crew are dedicated to making your reef trip memorable, taking you to some of the best reef sites available.

Features and Highlights

Why are we the most popular small reef trip in Cairns?

• Small Group Size: Limited to 20 guests for a more intimate experience.
• Friendly Crew: Our guests rave about the exceptional service provided by our knowledgeable and friendly crew.
• Two Reef Locations: Visit two outer Great Barrier Reef sites in one day. (weather permitting)
• Stable Catamaran: Our sailboat is a catamaran, providing stability in all types of conditions.
• Spa on Deck: Relax in the onboard spa while enjoying the stunning views.
• Trampoline on Forward Deck: Perfect for lounging and soaking up the sun.
• Diving and Snorkelling: Enjoy both snorkelling and scuba diving activities with personalised instruction and guidance.
• Convenient Boarding: Check-in directly on board at Marlin Marina Cairns.
• BYO Alcoholic Drinks: Available after all in-water activities.

Boarding and Departure in Cairns

• You'll meet your crew on our 12-meter long and 7.5-meter-wide sailboat, which offers plenty of space to relax. We depart from Cairns Marlin Marina at 8am, so please check in directly on board at 7:45am. Enjoy hot tea and coffee as you settle in for the picturesque 2-hour journey to the Great Barrier Reef.

In-Water Activities

• Once at the outer Great Barrier Reef, you’ll have up to 4 hours to enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving. Our boat is equipped with an easy-access platform for you to slide into the water and explore the sheltered coral reefs. For non-confident swimmers, floatation devices such as vests and noodles are available. A free snorkelling tour is also offered for those who want assistance or a deeper understanding of the marine life.
• For scuba diving, we limit groups to 2 sets of 4 divers to ensure personalised attention and safety. This allows new divers to learn at their own pace and enjoy an unrushed underwater tour. Certified scuba divers are also welcome, but spaces are limited and should be pre-booked.

Meals on Board

• We provide lunch and afternoon tea during your day aboard the yacht. A picnic-style lunch with cold meat platters, salads, and fresh bread/rolls is served while the crew transfers the boat to the second destination (weather dependent). In the afternoon, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, tropical fruit, and a cheese and crackers platter on the journey back to Cairns.

Return to Cairns

• We return to Cairns at approximately 4:45pm - 5pm, concluding your wonderful day on the Great Barrier Reef.
• Whether you are snorkelling or diving, this Great Barrier Reef diving and snorkelling tour offers a fantastic way to experience the vibrant marine life and breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef in a comfortable and exclusive setting.

See more Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns and Port Douglas and learn more about the best things to do and see on the Great Barrier Reef on our blog.

Would you like a charter boat in Cairns or Port Douglas?

Reef Trips in Cairns - Snorkel & Dive Tour - In Water Activities

With up to 4 hours you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the in-water activities. Enjoy snorkelling or try scuba diving with your on board dive instructor.

Snorkelling:  don your complimentary snorkel equipment and slide off the easy access back platform to explore the sheltered coral reefs.

Floatation devices such as vests and noodles are supplied for the non-confident swimmer and a free snorkel tour is available for those requiring some assistance or interested in learning about the marine life.

Scuba Diving: Each day we limit the scuba diving to 2 groups of 4, this ensures that new divers do not feel rushed whilst learning some basic dive skills and the actual underwater tours are not time limited.

This allows the dive to continue till it’s time to resurface with 50bar of air in the tank adhering to the safe diving practices. Certified scuba divers are also invited to dive and as spaces are limited you will need to pre-book.

Meals on Board

Lunch and afternoon tea is provided during your day aboard our reef boat. It is recommended to have breakfast before travel as it is an early morning departure or bring some extra snacks if you like to nibble in between meals.

The vessel is BYO alcoholic drinks (only to be consumed after in-water activities) and cold water is available throughout the day. Soft drinks and chocolate bars are available for purchase on board.

Lunch: enjoy a picnic style lunch on board whilst the crew transfers the boat to destination number 2 (weather dependant). Help yourself to a delicious selection of cold meat platters including chicken pieces, 3 large salads and fresh bread/rolls.

Afternoon Tea: on the way home the crew will offer a complimentary glass of, tropical fruit and a cheese and crackers platter.

Would you like to charter this yacht for your group or family for private Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns?

Tour Languages Offered

• English
• French
• German

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Check in is at 'D' Finger at the Marlin Marina at 7:30am for a 7:45am departure
• Return to Cairns Marlin Marina approximately 4.30pm approx.

Departure Instructions

We can organise return transfers from your accommodation or please make your way to Marlin Marina, Cairns for boarding on boat

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Upolu Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Does not operate Christmas Day

Duration

2 hours sailing each way
4 hours at Upolu Reef

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Scuba diving introductory and certified, limited availability
• Return Accommodation Transfers: Cairns city $20 per person, Northern Beaches $35
• Wet/Lycra Suits
• Camera Hire
• Soft Drinks & Chocolates

Fitness Level Required

Medium

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.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

Sun protection, towels, swimwear, camera, money for on board purchases, dive certification and travel voucher

Child price applies to children under 14