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Sightseeing Cruises

Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise with Lunch

Snorkelers enjoying the water near a cruise ship on a Cairns to Great Barrier Reef tour.
Tourists relaxing on bean bags on deck during Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns.
Turtle swimming among fish at the Great Barrier Reef.
Tourists snorkeling among colorful fish in clear waters of Great Barrier Reef during Cairns cruise.

Duration

8 hrs - 8 hrs 30 mins

Open today

10:00am - 5:00pm

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Transfers available

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience
    • Start your day in Cairns and cruise to two outer reef sites, where pristine coral gardens and clearer waters set the scene for snorkelling or diving.

    • Enjoy live expert commentary and friendly guidance that make vibrant marine life feel accessible, whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned explorer.

    • Recharge between reef stops with a tropical BBQ buffet lunch onboard, keeping you fuelled and ready for more underwater moments.

    • Full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef

    • Round-trip transfers from select hotels in Cairns

    • Round-trip superyacht transfers from Cairns to 2 reef sites (North Hastings & Saxon or Norman)

    • 8-hour cruise with 5 hours on the reef

    • Snorkeling equipment, masks, and lycra suits

    • Guides/captains

    • Chef-prepared BBQ lunch with fish, prawns, steak, salads, breads (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free options available)

    • Tea/coffee/mini-muffins

    • 1 glass of wine and a light snack on the return journey

    • Choice of snorkeling tour or introductory dive (based on option selected)

    • Onboard bar available (additional drinks at own cost)

  • TOTAL DURATION8 hours 30 minutes
    Timeline
    Map
    Cairns
    Start point

    Cairns

    Outer Great Barrier Reef

    1. Outer Great Barrier Reef

    1 activity

    The vibrant coral gardens of Norman and Saxon Reefs host a dazzling array of marine biodiversity with some of the highest coral density in the region. These outer reef locations offer crystal-clear visibility and shelter countless species of tropical fish, making them perfect for underwater photography and marine life encounters. Pro tip: If you're nervous about snorkeling, ask the crew for the "noodle trail"—a floating path with extra buoyancy for confidence.

    Things to do

    North Hastings Reef

    2. North Hastings Reef

    Cairns
    End point

    Cairns

    Get direction
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • Start your day with an easy pickup in Cairns, where a brief check-in and safety briefing will prepare you for an exciting adventure at the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Board a comfortable vessel that soon departs for your first reef destination, brimming with marine life. Here, a certified guide explains your options: opt for a snorkeling session or test the waters with an introductory dive.

    In the afternoon, you’ll have a tropical BBQ buffet lunch and move on to a second reef site, where you can again choose your preferred activity. Whether you decide to snorkel among the corals or dive deeper into the reef’s mysteries, expert guidance is always available. The day wraps up with a comfortable return to Cairns, leaving you with a reef experience that caters to both snorkelers and aspiring divers. Optional upgrades, such as an introductory dive or guided snorkeling, let you tailor your adventure.

  • What to bring

    • Bring along your sunscreen, swimmers, towel, change of clothes, refillable drink bottle, and cash or credit card for bar and souvenir purchases.

    What's not allowed

    • For the certified dives, you will need to produce your certification card. For intro dives, no experience is necessary.

    • The experience is restricted for guests aged 12 and under.

    • Note that the following is not allowed during this experience: large bags.

    • Diving within 24 hours before your flight is not permitted.

    Accessibility

    • Divers over 65 must have medical clearance from a physician confirming they are fit to dive. Please be aware that certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and any prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor's name, and practice, and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition.

    • Special dietary requirements should be confirmed directly with the activity provider.

    Additional information

    • This activity is dependent on the weather.

    • All divers are required to complete an onboard medical questionnaire.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID during the pick-up.

    Pick up points

    • You can find the pick up location here

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