Cairns Great Barrier Reef Tours | Dive-Snorkel | Scuba Doo | Pontoon | GBRA

Cairns Great Barrier Reef Tours | Dive-Snorkel | Scuba Doo | Pontoon | GBRA

Save $125.00 on our Great Barrier Reef Family Tour Deal, 2nd Child Travels Free

Great Barrier Reef Tour - Cairns Reef Trip To Outer Reef Pontoon

Upgrade your tour and fly high above the reef with a scenic helicopter flight and take a free ride around in a semi-submersible submarine

This is the perfect Great Barrier Reef day tour for those guests who are non-swimmers and those that suffer from seasickness   

Upon boarding the Great Barrier Reef tour boat from Cairns to the Outer Barrier Reef you will be greeted by the friendly and knowledgeable staff who will be serving tea and coffee and helping out with any questions you may have about the day's itinerary.

The outward journey to the Great Barrier Reef is a comfortable 90 minute trip (one way) starting at around 10.30am (which is a good time for cruise ship passengers looking for shore excursions).

The time goes by quickly as the crew inform and surprise you with a marine naturalist talk, give you tips on snorkelling, and briefings for those guests that would like to participate in some Scuba diving or try out Scuba Doo which is a groovy underwater scooter and a must do experience.

You will have around 3 full hours on the outer reef platform for snorkelling, scuba diving, Scooba - doo, Scenic Helicopter flights and other in water activities to keep everyone busy for the day.

Why Go Out To A Great Barrier Reef Pontoon from Cairns?

A pontoon platform that sits out on the reef permanently is just perfect for those guests that want to see the Great Barrier Reef but do not fancy spending the whole day in the water snorkelling or scuba diving or just sitting on a boat.

It is also perfect for families with children as they have plenty of room and plenty of activities for them to participate. The multi-level pontoon deck ensures plenty of room for everyone to move about or even relax on a sun lounger with a nice cocktail in hand.

A reef trip out to a pontoon is also perfect  for non-swimmers as they can ride around in the semi-submersible submarine and see all the corals and marine life and they can also sit in the underwater observatory and watch all the underwater action of the scuba divers and snorkellers. They can even relax and have a coffe or an ice-cream on deck whilst sunning themselves.     

A pontoon is also a great option for those days when the weather may be a little blowy and also a bit rough as it offers you some protection from the wind so you can still enjoy the in-water activities.

Whether you are a total non-swimmer and do not wish to swim or a scuba diver the team at Great Adventures will help you every step of the way.

What can you do and see on a Great Barrier Reef Pontoon?

A pontoon on the reef offers all the fun in water toys and the complimentary activities on board the pontoon include a Semi-Submersible Submarine Boat Ride that has glass windows all around for you to see the reef and marine life from your comfortable seat, a step down underwater observatory which is located at the base of the platform where you can take photographs of your friends and family snorkelling and or scuba diving outside the glass winodws.

All your snorkelling gear is included and the crew will give you demonstrations on how to use them and in water supervision is provided for your safety.

If you are not a very strong swimmer or you have children with you just ask the crew for a pool noodle and or a floatation vest so you can float around in the water for as long as you like.

There is so much you can participate in even if you are a non-swimmer or your children are very little. They can splash around in the childrens swimming enclosure and have just as much fun as everyone else.

Optional extras are guided snorkelling tours with a marine biologist or marine naturalist, scuba diving, Scuba Doo and helicopter scenic flights over the reef. During times of school holidays and peak season we strongly advice you pre-book these extra activities well in advance to ensure you do not miss out on these experiences.

Activities on board Your Great Barrier Reef Day Tour

Once arriving at the Great Barrier Reef platform the crew encourages you to actively participate in all the day's scheduled activities. The multi level floating pontoon, situated on picturesque Norman Reef is without a doubt the most comfortable pontoon on offer in this area.

Once you have decided which in-water activities you would like to enjoy for the day it's time to begin your Great Adventure! Whether you are a non-swimmer or a scuba diver the team on the Great Barrier Reef adventure will help you every step of the way.

Great Adventures also have an underwater observatory where you can spot the divers and view the colourful array of reef fish swimming around and listen to a reef eco talk with one of Great Barrier Reef Cruises experienced marine naturalists.

Semi-Submersible Submarine Tours

The semi-submersible glass bottom submarine tours operate from the stable platform on a regular basis and this is a great activity for families and for the non-swimmer as the semi-submersible submarine tour travels around the huge coral bommies and gives you a similar perspective of a scuba diver while staying dry and comfortable!

From the semi-submersible submarine tour the amount of marine life and coral that you have the chance to see is endless. Make sure you keep an eye out for the elegant green sea turtles, the giant clams and the ever popular Nemo and his friends hiding in his anemone.

Guided Snorkel Safaris On The Reef

Great Barrier Reef Cruises caters for a range of people and different levels and abilities. The boat crew are very patient with beginner snorkelers and offer full instructional guidelines to help you in the water.

Guided snorkelling trips are available at an additional charge and the crew take you away from the pontoon to some of the most beautiful coral you will ever see.

They take you to the coral reef bommies that hide spectacular marine life such as green sea turtles, giant Maori Wrasse and all types of tropical fish in brilliant colours.

Scuba Diving (Introductory & Certified Diving)

If you have ever wanted to try scuba diving for the first time or it has always been your dream to scuba dive on Australia's Great Barrier Reef the crew will be more than happy to make that dream a reality as you see that their passion for underwater is second to none and they appreciate the smiles on the divers faces as they resurface and get told that was the best experience they have ever done.

It's a lot of fun and no scuba diving experience is necessary to try an introductory scuba dive (medical questionnaire to be filled out on board) as all dives are fully escorted and guided by the experienced crew on your Great Barrier Reef adventure.

For the certified scuba divers the dive instructors will guide you to on an underwater adventure away from the pontoon and other divers to see more spectacular parts of the Great Barrier Reef and marine life in all its wonder.

Please note: You will need to be fit and have absolutely no medical conditions at all so please ensure you fill in the medical questionnaire correctly and honestly as it could save your life.

Children must be 12 years and older to scuba dive in Australia.

Scuba Doo - Underwater Motor Bike - Great Barrier Reef Australia

If scuba diving isn't your thing why not try the Scuba Doo, the only place in Australia where you can ride a scooter underwater! Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef activities platform where your professional guide will take you on an underwater scooter journey on a Scuba Doo bike to remember.

No experience is necessary and non-swimmers are welcomed to join this Scuba Doo activity. (Medical questionnaire to be filled out on board)

Please note: You will need to be fit and have no medical conditions at all so please ensure you fill in the medical questionnaire correctly and honestly as it could save your life.

Children must be 12 years and older and a certain height.

Scenic Helicopter flights - Great Barrier Reef

See the Great Barrier Reef From Above and Below

Great Barrier Reef Adventures offer spectacular scenic helicopter flights around Norman Reef and the option of flying out to the pontoon or returning to Cairns in a helicopter.

As you fly around 500 feet over this remarkable decorative reef system you may be lucky enough to spot turtles, manta rays and sharks.

The helicopter flights must be pre-booked as this is an extremely popular way to see the reef and you would not want to miss the opportunity to see this natural wonder from above.

Oh and you will be pleasantly surprised on the cost of this activity it will definitely not break the bank.

Lunch on Board Great Barrier Reef Platform

After a busy morning snorkelling, scuba diving or enjoying your trip on the semi- submersible submarine then there's no better way than to head back to the platform and enjoy the sumptuous lunch the Great Barrier Reef Cruises crew have been waiting to serve for you.

With a full hot and cold tropical buffet lunch there is no nicer setting then to sit under the shaded platform and view the Great Barrier Reef while having a glass of wine or beer and enjoying a full buffet lunch that includes some fresh prawns and various hot and cold meats and meat dishes or a warm vegetarian curry.

Our buffet caters for all sorts of special dietary requirements you may have and we request advance notice for food intolerances 

As your day at the reef starts to wind up the pontoon platform offers fresh water showers and change rooms to wash all that salt off you. On the return journey to Cairns you are offered afternoon tea with cheese and biscuits.

See more Great Barrier Reef tour options such as Seawalker another great underwater experience for non-swimmers. 

Have You Seen This Amazing Great Value Tour Offer?

Choose any 3 award winning Great Barrier Reef day tours from 8 fantastic boat choices

Choose a tropical island or go out to a pontoon or spend the day diving off the back of a boat 

3 Meals (morning, afternoon teas and lunch) a day on each reef trip

Free snorkelling lessons

Free snorkelling equipment

Free in water activities (some activities like scuba diving etc extra cost applies)

This is the cheapest and absolute best value reef trips on offer on Australia's Great Barrier Reef Guaranteed!

3 Great Barrier Reef tours over 3 days or over 7 days

Now that really is awesome value!