Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

The Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise offers an exceptional way to explore one of the world’s natural wonders. With guided snorkeling, drift snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat tours, visitors can enjoy the stunning Upolu Cay and ‘Wonder Wall’ reef, accompanied by a knowledgeable marine naturalist. For those seeking a more immersive encounter, the cruise also provides certified and introductory scuba diving options. Combined with a delectable buffet lunch and high-quality inclusions, this cruise promises an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experience. But what makes this cruise truly remarkable is the level of care and attention to detail that sets it apart from the rest.

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

Key Points

• 6-hour luxury catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, visiting Upolu Cay and Upolu Reef’s ‘Wonder Wall’.
• Includes glass-bottom boat tours, guided snorkeling, drift snorkeling, and optional certified and introductory scuba diving activities.
• Features a delicious buffet lunch with fresh seafood, chicken, salads, and more, along with tea, coffee, and light snacks.
• Provides complimentary snorkeling equipment, wetsuits/lycra suits, and freshwater showers on board.
• Offers an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experience through inclusive activities led by knowledgeable marine naturalists.

Tour Overview

This luxury catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns allows visitors to explore two stunning reef locations over the course of 6 hours.

Travelers will visit Upolu Cay and the Upolu Reef ‘Wonder Wall’, where they’ll have the chance to view the reef’s vibrant marine life through a glass-bottom boat tour, guided snorkeling, and a drift snorkel experience.

The tour includes an informative session with a marine naturalist, as well as a delicious buffet lunch featuring fresh seafood, chicken, salads, and more.

Guests can also opt to go scuba diving, with both certified and introductory dive options available.

With a maximum capacity of 75 travelers, this intimate cruise provides an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experience.

Reef Exploration Experiences

Guests embark on a captivating exploration of the Great Barrier Reef‘s vibrant marine life through a variety of guided experiences offered during the cruise.

The glass-bottom boat tour provides a unique underwater perspective, while the snorkeling tour with a marine naturalist offers an up-close encounter with the reef’s diverse ecosystems.

For the more adventurous, the drift snorkel tour allows guests to effortlessly glide along the reef, marveling at the incredible colors and formations.

Those seeking an even deeper immersion can opt for the scuba diving activities, available for both certified divers and first-time participants.

Through these diverse reef exploration opportunities, guests gain a profound appreciation for the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef.

Dining and Refreshments

Alongside the engaging reef exploration experiences, the Great Barrier Reef cruise offers an array of dining and refreshment options to nourish and rejuvenate guests throughout their journey.

Onboard, guests can indulge in a delectable buffet lunch featuring a variety of seafood, chicken, salads, and fresh bread. Tropical fruit, cheese, and crackers are also provided as tasty accompaniments.

To stay hydrated, tea and coffee are available, while the inclusion of freshwater showers allows guests to rinse off after their reef adventures.

These culinary and refreshment offerings ensure that travelers can fully enjoy the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without having to worry about their hunger or thirst.

Snorkeling and Diving

Snorkeling tours with marine naturalists enable guests to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, while drift snorkeling allows them to effortlessly drift along the renowned ‘Wonder Wall’ at Upolu Reef.

The cruise also offers:

• Glass-bottom boat tours for those who prefer to admire the reef from the surface.
• Optional scuba diving experiences, including both certified dives and introductory dives for beginners.

The cruise provides:

• Complimentary snorkeling equipment and wetsuits/lycra suits to ensure maximum comfort and safety.
• Freshwater showers on board to rinse off after snorkeling or diving.

With these diverse activities, guests can enjoy the incredible marine ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef.

What’s Included

The cruise package includes an Environment Management Charge (EMC) and port fees, as well as a selection of complimentary refreshments – tea, coffee, and light snacks.

Guests can enjoy a buffet lunch featuring seafood, chicken, salad, and fresh bread, along with tropical fruit, cheese, and crackers.

Snorkeling equipment and wetsuits/lycra suits are provided, and guests can take advantage of freshwater showers after their underwater adventures.

For those interested in diving, the tour offers optional scuba diving activities, including both certified dives and introductory dives.

With these inclusions, the cruise ensures a comprehensive and enjoyable Great Barrier Reef experience for all guests.

Additional Activities

For guests seeking a more immersive underwater experience, the tour offers optional scuba diving activities. Visitors can choose between one or two certified dives or try their hand at introductory dives, providing them with the opportunity to delve deeper into the vibrant marine world of the Great Barrier Reef.

The scuba diving options include:

1. One certified dive
2. Two certified dives
3. One introductory dive
4. Two introductory dives

Certified divers will be able to explore the reef’s underwater wonders, while those new to scuba can experience the thrill of diving under the guidance of experienced instructors. These additional activities allow guests to customize their Great Barrier Reef adventure and create lasting memories.

Booking and Accessibility

Bookings for the Great Barrier Reef cruise can be confirmed within 48 hours for reservations made within 3 days of the tour date.

The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, catering instead to a maximum of 75 travelers per cruise. This is due to the nature of the catamaran vessel and the remote reef locations.

Guests will be required to complete a medical questionnaire prior to any optional scuba diving activities. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

Despite these limitations, the cruise offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef through a variety of inclusive activities, from glass-bottom boat tours to guided snorkeling adventures.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Great Barrier Reef cruise, evident from the impressive 1,324 reviews that have earned the tour a Badge of Excellence.

Guests have highlighted several aspects of the experience:

The stunning natural beauty of the reef locations visited, including the Upolu Cay and the Upolu Reef ‘Wonder Wall’.

The excellent guided tours, including the glass-bottom boat, snorkeling, and drift snorkel excursions led by knowledgeable marine naturalists.

The high-quality inclusions, such as the delicious buffet lunch with fresh seafood, the comfortable snorkeling equipment, and the refreshing freshwater showers.

The overall value and memorable experience provided by this luxury catamaran cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Cruise Depart and Return?

The cruise departs in the morning and returns in the afternoon, providing ample time to explore the Great Barrier Reef at two different locations. Exact departure and return times may vary based on the specific tour operator.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Passengers?

There is no minimum age requirement for passengers on this tour. Children of all ages are welcome, though it’s important for parents to ensure their children can safely participate in the snorkeling and other activities.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Passengers are generally not allowed to bring their own food or drinks on board, as the cruise provides a full buffet lunch, snacks, and beverages. Bringing outside items may not be permitted for food safety and logistical reasons.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?

No, you don’t need to know how to swim to participate. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and a marine naturalist to guide the snorkeling tours. Non-swimmers can participate in the glass-bottom boat tour as well.

How Much Luggage Can I Bring on the Cruise?

The cruise generally allows passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for specific policies, as there may be size or weight restrictions to consider. Travelers should pack light and efficiently for the day-long excursion.

Recap

The Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise offers an exceptional 6-hour experience exploring the stunning Upolu Cay and ‘Wonder Wall’ reef.

With guided snorkeling, drift snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and scuba diving options, visitors can enjoy the vibrant marine life.

The cruise also includes a delectable buffet lunch and receives exceptional reviews, making it an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef adventure.