Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise With Water Activities

Cairns, the gateway to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the vibrant underwater realm. The Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns promises a comprehensive experience, catering to a range of water-based activities and marine exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a curious snorkeler, this cruise provides the perfect platform to discover the reef’s captivating beauty. With a focus on safety and comfort, the cruise invites you to embark on a journey that may just leave you…

This experience made our list of the 24 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Cairns.

Key Points

• A full-day cruise from Cairns to the outer Great Barrier Reef with snorkeling, diving, guided tours, and scenic helicopter flights.
• Comprehensive package includes snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, semi-submersible tours, glass-bottom boat, and underwater reef viewing observatory.
• Educational experiences like fish feeding and identification sessions with a marine biologist, as well as chef-prepared buffet lunch.
• Suitable for all skill levels, with dedicated safety features like an infants’ swimming enclosure and a snorkel supervisor.
• Restrictions on certain medical conditions and minimum age requirements for diving, with pre-flight recommendations after diving.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Details

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at the Great Barrier Reef, including snorkeling, diving, guided snorkel tours, and scenic helicopter flights.

They can venture to the outer reef and spend the day on a state-of-the-art platform, where they’ll see exotic fish and marine life and learn about the underwater ecosystem. The tour includes all snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and Lycra suits, as well as a semi-submersible tour, glass-bottom boat, and underwater reef viewing observatory.

Guests can also attend a fish feeding and identification session with a marine biologist and enjoy morning and afternoon tea, refreshments, and a delicious chef-prepared buffet lunch.

Included Features

The tour includes a variety of features to enhance the Great Barrier Reef experience, such as all snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and Lycra suits.

Guests can also enjoy a semi-submersible tour, glass-bottom boat, and underwater reef viewing observatory.

Plus, there’s a fish feeding and identification session with a marine biologist, as well as morning and afternoon tea, refreshments, and a delicious chef-prepared buffet lunch.

For added safety and comfort, there’s an infants’ safety swimming enclosure and a dedicated snorkel supervisor.

These inclusions ensure a well-rounded and enriching Great Barrier Reef adventure for all participants.

Restrictions

While the Great Barrier Reef cruise offers a wealth of activities, certain restrictions apply.

Individuals with respiratory issues, epilepsy, or high blood pressure may be unable to participate. Plus, certain medical conditions or medications could preclude people from engaging in diving activities.

The minimum age for diving is 12 years old, with parent or guardian permission. Certified divers must also provide their certification cards.

After diving, it’s recommended to wait 12-24 hours before flying to allow the body to acclimate.

These safety measures ensure all participants can enjoy the reef’s wonders while prioritizing their wellbeing.

Booking and Cancellation

Given the popularity of the Great Barrier Reef cruise and activities, booking early is likely to ensure availability. From $201.34 per person, visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Booking Information
Selling Out Quickly	Likely
Pricing	From $201.34 per person
Reservation Process	Reserve now, pay later

The comprehensive cruise and water activities package provides a range of inclusions, from snorkeling gear to a chef-prepared lunch. Whether seeking an unforgettable snorkel safari or a relaxing day on the state-of-the-art platform, savvy travelers would be wise to secure their booking well in advance to avoid disappointment.

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Additional Information

Depart directly from Cairns on a fast, stable catamaran for a smoother ride and reduced travel time.

The new all-weather platform caters to all activity levels, allowing visitors to snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon or join a marine biologist on a guided snorkel safari.

Plus, guests have the option to try a Helmet Dive for an experience without getting their hair wet. This unique underwater exploration activity doesn’t require certification and provides an up-close encounter with the reef’s vibrant marine life.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-timer, the Great Barrier Reef cruise offers a range of activities to suit every interest and skill level.

Depart From Cairns

From Cairns, guests embark on a fast, stable catamaran for a smoother ride and reduced travel time to the Great Barrier Reef.

This direct departure from Cairns offers several advantages. The catamaran design provides a more comfortable journey, minimizing motion and seasickness.

By departing directly from Cairns, the travel time to the reef is shorter, allowing guests to spend more time enjoying the underwater wonders.

The platform’s all-weather capabilities ensure the activity can proceed regardless of weather conditions, enhancing the reliability of the experience.

Snorkeling Opportunities

Snorkelers can explore the vibrant coral reefs and spot an array of colorful marine life during guided snorkel tours at the Great Barrier Reef platform.

A dedicated snorkel supervisor ensures a safe and enjoyable experience, even for first-time snorkelers. The platform’s sheltered coral lagoon offers excellent visibility, allowing you to witness the underwater ecosystem up close.

You can join a marine biologist on a guided snorkel safari to learn about the diverse marine species. Snorkeling equipment, including wetsuits and Lycra suits, is provided, ensuring your comfort throughout the activity.

Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a newcomer, the Great Barrier Reef platform offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the natural wonder of this iconic Australian destination.

Helmet Dive Option

For an even more immersive underwater experience, guests can opt for the Helmet Dive, which allows them to explore the reef without getting their hair wet. This unique dive offering provides:

A sturdy helmet that rests comfortably on the shoulders, allowing for easy breathing and movement underwater.

The opportunity to venture up to 10 feet below the surface, observing the vibrant marine life up close.

Guidance from a trained dive instructor, ensuring a safe and educational experience.

The ability to communicate with the surface, enabling guests to ask questions and learn more about the reef ecosystem.

This helmet dive offers a remarkable way to connect with the Great Barrier Reef without the need for complex dive gear, making it accessible for a wider range of visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Boat Ride to the Reef Platform?

The boat ride to the reef platform is relatively fast, taking approximately 1.5-2 hours. The high-speed catamaran provides a smooth, comfortable journey to the outer reef, reducing overall travel time for visitors.

What Types of Marine Life Can I Expect to See?

Visitors can expect to see a diverse array of exotic marine life, including colorful coral formations, tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays. The Great Barrier Reef is home to a vibrant underwater ecosystem teeming with incredible sights to behold.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

You can bring your own snorkeling equipment, but it’s recommended to use the provided gear. The tour operator ensures all snorkel equipment is well-maintained and safe for use. Using the included gear simplifies the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend My Stay at the Reef Platform?

Yes, guests can extend their stay at the reef platform. Overnight packages are available, allowing visitors to spend more time exploring the Great Barrier Reef and its diverse marine life. Additional activities may be offered for an extended stay.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

Yes, the activity provider offers group discounts for bookings of 4 or more people. Discounts can range from 5-10% off the standard per person rate, providing a more affordable option for those traveling together.

Recap

The Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world.

With a range of activities, including snorkeling, diving, and guided tours, visitors can enjoy the stunning marine environment.

The cruise’s comfortable catamaran, diverse amenities, and professional guidance ensure a memorable and seamless experience for all.

You can check if your dates are available here: