Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling or Dive Tour and Lunch

Cairns, the gateway to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, offers an exhilarating opportunity to explore the underwater wonders through a snorkeling or dive tour. This exclusive 8-hour excursion takes adventurers to two outer reef sites, providing up to 5 hours to enjoy the vibrant marine life. With transportation, snorkeling gear, and guided tours included, this tour caters to both novice and experienced water enthusiasts. But the real question remains: what secrets and surprises await beneath the surface of this natural wonder?

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Lunch Experiences In Cairns.

Key Points

• An 8-hour excursion from Cairns to two exclusive outer reef sites for snorkeling or diving, with up to 5 hours to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
• Transportation via a purpose-built vessel AquaQuest, with a 1.5-hour boat trip to reach the reef sites and a 45-minute return journey to Cairns.
• Snorkeling gear and guided snorkeling tours provided, with optional certified dives available for an additional $20 per dive.
• Meals and refreshments included, such as morning tea, a tropical buffet lunch, and afternoon tea, designed to nourish and energize guests.
• Additional offerings include digital camera hire and professional photos, with the tour departing promptly at 8:30 AM from Cairns Marlin Marina.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Details

The tour is an 8-hour excursion that takes visitors to two exclusive outer reef sites for snorkeling or diving, allowing them to spend up to 5 hours exploring the renowned Great Barrier Reef.

Participants will enjoy a 1.5-hour boat trip from Cairns to reach the outer reef sites, and a 45-minute return journey back to Cairns.

The tour utilizes a purpose-built vessel, AquaQuest, which is specially designed for diving and snorkeling activities. Snorkel equipment, including masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation devices, is provided. Wetsuits and lycra suits, as well as prescription masks, are also available.

A guided snorkeling tour is included, along with morning tea, a tropical buffet lunch, and afternoon tea.

Transportation

Participants will embark on a 1.5-hour boat trip from Cairns to reach the outer reef sites, and a 45-minute return journey back to Cairns.

The purpose-built vessel AquaQuest is designed specifically for diving and snorkeling activities.

This vessel will transport guests to two exclusive outer reef locations where they’ll have up to 5 hours to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

The boat trip to and from the reef sites is a crucial part of the overall 8-hour tour, providing the necessary transportation to access these remote and pristine snorkeling and diving locations.

Snorkeling and Diving Inclusions

Equipped with snorkel gear including masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation devices, guests can enjoy guided snorkeling tours at the reef locations.

Wetsuits or lycra suits, as well as prescription masks, are provided for comfort and safety. Plus, hot freshwater showers are available onboard for rinsing off after snorkeling or diving.

For those with a certification, certified dives are available for an additional $20 per dive.

Guests can also capture their reef experience with a digital camera available for hire, or purchase professional photos taken by the crew.

The tour includes a delectable morning tea, tropical buffet lunch, and afternoon tea to refuel after a day of exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Certification Costs and Optional Extras

For guests interested in certified dives, the tour offers these for an additional $20 per dive. Plus, visitors can opt to hire a digital camera to capture their reef experience or purchase professional photos taken by the crew.

Option	Price
Certified Dives	$20 per dive
Digital Camera Hire	–
Professional Photos	–
Drinks from Bar	–

While the tour package includes a variety of equipment and meals, these optional extras provide opportunities for guests to further enhance their Great Barrier Reef adventure. Guests are encouraged to consider their interests and budget when selecting add-ons to personalize their experience.

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Meeting Point and Departure Time

Guests check in at Cairns Marlin Marina at 8:00 AM, departing promptly at 8:30 AM on the purpose-built vessel AquaQuest for the 1.5-hour boat trip to the outer reef.

This allows ample time for everyone to get settled and ready for the exciting day ahead.

Once aboard, guests will enjoy the scenic journey to the Great Barrier Reef, where they’ll have up to 5 hours to explore the underwater paradise through snorkeling or diving.

The return trip to Cairns is a leisurely 45-minute cruise, giving participants time to reflect on the amazing experiences they’ve had on this unforgettable tour.

Reef Exploration and Sightseeing

Upon arriving at the outer reef sites, guests can dive into the crystal-clear waters and marvel at the vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life that make the Great Barrier Reef a true natural wonder.

Experienced guides lead the snorkeling tours, ensuring participants make the most of their time exploring this underwater paradise.

During the 5-hour reef experience, visitors can expect to see a kaleidoscope of colorful fish, sea turtles, and maybe even a reef shark or two.

Whether snorkeling or diving, the opportunity to take in the beauty and tranquility of the Great Barrier Reef is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Meals and Refreshments

Throughout the day, participants enjoy a variety of refreshments and meals, including a tropical buffet lunch.

After the morning snorkel or dive, guests can recharge with a selection of morning tea options.

The highlight of the day is the tropical buffet lunch, featuring an array of freshly prepared dishes. Lunch is served on the boat, allowing guests to admire the stunning ocean views as they dine.

Later in the afternoon, they’ll be treated to a spread of afternoon tea snacks before the journey back to Cairns.

Staying hydrated is easy, with unlimited access to filtered water throughout the tour. With a focus on quality, the catering aims to nourish and energize guests for their reef adventures.

Additional Information

The tour provides a purpose-built vessel called AquaQuest, designed specifically for diving and snorkeling excursions on the Great Barrier Reef.

Certified divers can opt to add up to two dives to their experience for an additional $20 per dive. Guests also have the option to hire a digital camera and purchase professional photos taken during the day.

While all snorkeling equipment is included, beverages from the on-board bar aren’t covered in the tour price.

The tour departs promptly at 8:30 AM from the Cairns Marlin Marina, so guests should arrive at the check-in point by 8:00 AM.

This full-day adventure offers an immersive experience exploring the stunning natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Non-Swimmers?

The tour can accommodate non-swimmers as it includes flotation devices and a guided snorkeling tour. However, certain activities like certified diving may not be suitable for non-swimmers. It’s best to confirm the tour’s suitability with the operator.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling/Diving Equipment?

Passengers can bring their own snorkeling or diving equipment, but the tour provides high-quality rental gear at no extra cost. Using the tour’s equipment is recommended, as it ensures proper fit and function for the outing.

What Is the Policy for Cancellations and Refunds?

The tour operator has a flexible cancellation policy. Guests can cancel or change their booking up to 24 hours prior to the tour with a full refund, excluding a small processing fee. Last-minute cancellations may incur fees.

Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions for Participants?

There are no minimum age requirements, but participants must be able to swim. Those with certain health conditions may need medical clearance. Pregnant women, and those with heart, lung, or other serious medical issues, should consult their doctor before booking.

Can I Explore the Reef on My Own Without a Guided Tour?

While visitors can explore parts of the Great Barrier Reef independently, guided tours are recommended for safety and to maximize one’s experience. Independent reef exploration may be subject to restrictions and risks that touring companies can help mitigate.

Recap

This exclusive 8-hour Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns offers guests the opportunity to explore two outer reef sites for up to 5 hours.

With snorkeling gear, guided tours, and optional certified dives, visitors can enjoy the marine wonders of the reef.

The tour also includes transportation, meals, and refreshments to ensure a comfortable and fulfilling experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: