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Cairns Reef Tour | Outer Reef Pontoon | Great Adventures

Tour Code: 126

Departing: Cairns

Pickup: Cairns, Palm Cove

Family Deal Save $148
  • Swimmers and non-swimmers can choose from a range of aquatic adventures from the stationary activity pontoon on this popular Cairns Great Barrier Reef tour.
  • View the rich marine life without getting wet when riding around on an underwater semi-submersible submarine tour on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
  • This is the only place in Australia where you can cruise the reef on an underwater scooter (optional activity). Pre-book your Scuba Doo tour on the Great Barrier Reef.
  • View the awe-inspiring beauty of the Barrier Reef from 500ft up on a scenic helicopter flight (optional activity)
  • Don’t want to get wet? Snap an amazing pic of the colourful reef standing by the window of the underwater observatory. This is the perfect Great Barrier Reef tour for a non-swimmer.
  • Family Deal - Save $148 based on 2 adults & 2 children

Included In Price

  • Return air- conditioned fast catamaran cruise
  • Tea & Coffee served until departure from Cairns
  • Morning Tea cake selection on outward journey
  • 3 hours at the outer reef activity platform
  • Lunch
  • Use of snorkelling equipment
  • Buoyancy vests
  • Lycra suits
  • Reef Education Presentation
  • Semi-submersible sub-marine coral reef viewing tour for non-swimmers
  • Underwater observatory - for non-swimmers
  • Eco Reef Talk with marine naturalist in underwater observatory
  • Afternoon Tea & Coffee available whilst on the platform
  • Cheese & Biscuits on the return journey
  • Please note languages change on a daily basis

The stable reef activity platform provides an ideal setting for both swimmers and non-swimmers. Whether you choose to snorkel, dive, visit the underwater observatory, take a cruise in a semi-submarine, or simply unwind on the sundeck, there is something for everyone.

What we like about this Great Barrier Reef Tour:-

  • This is the perfect Great Barrier Reef tour for all age groups and capabilities 
  • Non-swimmers can see the reef in 4 ways without getting wet
  • Upgrade to extra activities such as helicopter rides, Scuba Doo, diving, guided snorkel tours
  • Family fare pricing makes it a great deal  

Great Barrier Reef Tours - Cairns Reef Trip To An Outer Reef Activity Pontoon

Snorkel and scuba dive, ride in a semi-submersible submarine, scubadoo, enjoy the scenery of the divers and snorkelers cruising past the underwater observatory floor to ceiling windows or take a 10 min scenic helicopter flight over the coral reefs.

It’s all possible on our Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns in Queensland Australia, just proceed to the booking form and tick all of your extra activity options to build your experience on this World Heritage Listed reef tour.

Another upgrade for your Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns is flying high above the reef with a Cairns helicopter flight that takes passengers to and fro the pontoon, or whilst out on the platform enjoy a scenic flight from the activity pontoon itself to explore the reef. Please be aware that helicopter seats are limited and it is best to book far in advance. 

Children and families love to take a free ride around in a semi-submersible submarine and see all the underwater attractions.

These types of Great Barrier Reef tours are perfect 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 have booked 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 interactive platform for snorkelling, scuba diving, Scooba - doo, Scenic Helicopter flights (infants age 3 must pay child price) and other in water activities to keep everyone busy for the day.

Proceed to the booking form and build your Great Barrier Reef tour adventure and add in all the optional extra tours and activities to create an exciting day on the reef for you and your family. 

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 lot's of room and 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.

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.

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 (in the booking form) are guided snorkelling tours with a marine biologist or marine naturalist, scuba diving, Scuba Doo and helicopter scenic flights over the reef (infants age 3 must pay child price). 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.

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 when onboard 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.

Cairns 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. (see the booking form)

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

***Please note: infants age 3 must pay child price***

Great Barrier Reef Tour Cairns - Lunch

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. 

Accommodation Return Transfers

Please note: All return transfers will depart Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal 17.30pm.
Reservations staff will be contacting all passengers with transfers the day prior to travel to update them
on locations and times.

Please see below timetables:

Pick up time@ 06:40
MANTRA AMPHORA (49-63 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove)
PARADISE ON THE BEACH RESORT (119-121 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove)
PEPPER'S BEACH CLUB & SPA PALM COVE (123 Williams Esplanade)
PULLMAN PALM COVE SEA TEMPLE RESORT & SPA
REEF HOUSE (99 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove)
REEF RETREAT (10-14 Harpa Street Palm Cove)
SANCTUARY PALM COVE (6 Cedar Road)


Pick up time @ 06:45
MANGO LAGOON (81-85 Cedar Road Palm Cove)


Pick up time @ 07:00
CNR Moore & Trinity St Bus Stop


Pick up time @ 07:30
CAIRNS SHERIDAN (295 Sheridan Street)
THE LAKES CAIRNS RESORT & SPA (2 Greenslopes Street)
PALM ROYALE HOTEL (7-11 Chester Court)
CAIRNS COCONUT HOLIDAY RESORT (23-51 Anderson Road)
HOLIDAY INN CAIRNS HARBOURSIDE (209-217 The Esplanade)
CAIRNS COLONIAL CLUB (18-26 Cannon Street)
QUEEN'S COURT (167-171 Sheridan Street)
RYDGES ESPLANADE RESORT (Bus Area - Esplanade Side)


Pick up time @ 07:35
181 ESPLANADE P/Up Lake Street Side (181 Esplanade)
BAY VILLAGE (Cnr Lake & Gatton Streets)
CORAL TREE INN (162-172 Grafton Street)
TROPICAL HERITAGE CAIRNS (8 Minnie Street)
CAIRNS PLAZA HOTEL (145 Esplanade)

Pick up time @ 07:40
RILEY (p/u from DOUBLETREE BY HILTON - Abbott St side)
WYNDHAM RAMADA( (p/u from DOUBLETREE BY HILTON - Abbott St side)
IBIS STYLES CAIRNS (p/u DOUBLETREE BY HILTON)
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON (121-123 Esplanade)


Pick up time @ 07:45
BAILEY CRYSTALBROOK COLLECTION (163 Abbott St)
FLYNN BY CRYSTALBROOK (p/u Abbott Street entrance near Night Markets)
MANTRA TRILOGY (p/u Abbott Street entrance near Night Markets)
NOVOTEL CAIRNS OASIS RESORT (122 Lake Street)
THE BENSON HOTEL (Cnr Grafton & Spence)
GILLIGANS - P/up The Benson (50 Grafton St)


Pick up time @ 07:50
PARK REGIS CITY QUAYS APARTMENTS (2-4 Lake Street)


Pick up time @ 08:00
SOUTHERN CROSS ATRIUM APARTMENTS (3-11 Water Street)
YHA CAIRNS CENTRAL (20-26 McLeod Street)

Tour Languages Offered
  • English
Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time
  • Cruise/Cruise: departs 10:30am returns Cairns 5:30pm
  • Cruise/Fly: departs Cairns at 10:30am returns Cairns 3:40pm
  • Fly/Cruise: departs Cairns at 12:30pm returns Cairns 5:30pm
  • Fly/Fly: departs Cairns at 12:30pm returns Cairns 3:40pm
Departure Instructions

Departure from Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St Cairns. It is recommended to check-in 30 minutes prior to departure.

Pickup Locations
  • Cairns
  • Palm Cove
  • Please note: All return transfers will depart Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal 17.30pm.
  • Our Reservations staff will be contacting all passengers with transfers the day prior to travel to update them on locations and times.
Destinations
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Outer Great Barrier Reef: Moore Reef or Norman Reef depending on weather conditions.
Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

For Christmas and New Year there is a high demand so advance booking is advised.

Duration

7 hours (approx) or less depending on options

Available for Purchase / Hire
  • Introductory scuba diving (no experience necessary, subject to medical questionnaire) - minimum age 12
  • Certified scuba diving - minimum age 12
  • Guided Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour (40 minutes in water + 10 minute safety brief)
  • Scuba-Doo Underwater Scooter (25 minutes in water + 10 minute safety brief)
  • Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total
  • Helicopter flights
Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

Scuba Diving – minimum age 12

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving, Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions

  • Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo.
  • Participation is subject to medical questionnaires completed on board with the tour operator.
  • Minimum age for scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo 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.

Intro Dive Medical Advanced Dive Medical Seawalker Medical

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

Additional Information
  • For scuba diving and helmet diving, medical, height and age restrictions apply; must be 12 to 70 years.
  • All schedules, activities and prices may be varied without notice.
Eco Certifications
Certified Tourism
Eco Certified Guide
  • Sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses, Swimming costume, Towel, Cash or credit card, Camera
  • Souvenirs available for sale on board the boat.

Customer Reviews

Average Rating

Judith P

Reviewed on March 06, 2019

An amazing day. The crew and staff so very helpful in every way. The lunch was so good, the snorkling was great. Everything was perfect. The pontoon was clean and everything was provided. We did a guided snorkel and he was so patient and helpful. Highly recommend this company.

Response From The Tour Specialists

Judith thank you so very much for your review of your Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns. This particular outer reef pontoon tour is one of our most popular as there are so many things to do and so many ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef from this pontoon and its tour options. We look forward to welcoming you back to Cairns in ther near future

John P

Reviewed on March 06, 2019

Great time on the Barrier Reef. Amazing staff. Great Lunch and enjoyable day.

SIOBHAN T

Reviewed on July 21, 2018

Our family of 5 enjoyed it very much. Our only criticism would be the quality of the food for lunch - it really was not very appetising. The staff were fantastic and it's very well organised.

Response From The Tour Specialists

Thank you for your review of the Great Barrier Reef tour Siobhan. We have passed on your comments regarding the buffet lunch on the day. We look forward to welcoming you back to Cairns in the future

Gregory L

Reviewed on March 25, 2018

Yes

Response From The Tour Specialists

The Tour Specialists are pleased to hear you enjoyed your day on the Great barrier Reef Greg and we look forward to your next visit to our region.

Alma M

Reviewed on August 18, 2016

The trip on the catamaran and the staff were really great. We also enjoyed the semi sub and underwater viewing. Just a bit dissapointing that the lunch seemed a bit chaotic and nowhere to sit on the pontoon as tables taken over with other guests bags etc. We ate on the catamaran- thought we would have been able to relax on a sun bed but that was the same.

Containes notes on wheelchair access
Wheelchair Accessibility

For an Outer Reef experience, Great Adventures recommend their Quicksilver Outer Reef Cruise, however the following is provided for your information.

Number of Steps

There is a ramp to access the vessel~|~there is a motorised chair lift to enable a transfer between upper and lower decks~|~There are no wheelchair accessable toilets on board the boat or pontoon.

Onboard Access

At the Outer Barrier Reef there are ramp facilities from the vessel to the floating platform. There are no disabled facilities on the platform and the platform does have decking whereby wheelchair wheels can get stuck.

Access to the underwater observatory, swim platforms and semi-submersible is by stair only

  • Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)
  • Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive
  • Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total

All cancellations must be in writing.

Please note that all cancellations will incur an administration fee.

Please see our terms and conditions page here for details prior to booking.

Operator's T&Cs:

Cancellations received within 24 hours are subject to full cancellation.

Note: Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total

Cairns Reef Tour | Outer Reef Pontoon | Great Adventures

Tour Code: 126

Departing: Cairns

Pickup: Cairns, Palm Cove

Family Deal Save $148

From

au$274.00

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

Child: au$149.00
Family: au$705.00

Tour Code: 126

From

au$274.00

15 yrs & over

4 - 14 yrs

0 - 3 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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