Tours operate 7-days a week. Please choose your travel date at check-out.

Reef Cruises- Pontoon Options

Reef Magic Pontoon
from $185.00

Reef Magic Cruises are delighted to have brought a brand-new pontoon to the Great Barrier Reef in 2022. With a focus upon three main pillars Sustainability, Marine Biology and Indigenous story telling - the new pontoon features a two-storey structure for reef-based exploration and onboard scientific learning via a purpose-built laboratory, the first of its kind on the Great Barrier Reef.

Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, join the Marine Biologist on a Guided Snorkel Safari, try Scuba Diving or even Sea Trek Helmet Diving. If simply relaxing & soaking up the tropical warmth is more your style then take time out on our spacious sundeck.

Inclusions:

  • 5 hours on the Great Barrier Reef

  • All snorkelling equipment and instruction

  • Delicious hot and cold buffet lunch

  • FREE wet-suit or lycra suit hire

  • Glass bottom boat tour

  • Semi-submersible boat tour

  • Marine Biologist presentation

Time:

  • Tours depart Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at 9am and return at 5pm. Check-in commences from 8am

Great Barrier Reef & Green Island
from $185.00

2 tours for the price of 1!

The complete Green Island tour & Great Barrier Reef tour combo in one day awaits with this exciting cruise! A fast 45-minute catamaran ride across the Coral Sea from Cairns will take you to beautiful Green Island to enjoy two hours on this unique reef and rainforest coral cay.

A day of adventure and discovery continues onto Great Adventures’ spacious activity platform moored on the majestic Outer Great Barrier Reef. From the activity platform, guests of all ages, swimmers and non-swimmers can enjoy a magical day on one of nature’s wonders. With the air-conditioned semi-submersible and underwater observatory, you don’t even have to get wet to discover the reef.

Snorkel directly off the platform amongst beautiful coral gardens and colourful marine life, or just relax on the sundeck with a delicious buffet lunch and enjoy the amazing marine-scape!

Inclusions

  • Air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise

  • Morning tea and coffee & cake served until departure from Cairns

  • 2 hours at Green Island

  • 3 hours at Outer Reef Activity Platform

  • Hot and Cold buffet lunch

  • Snorkel equipment

  • Use of buoyancy vests

  • Reef education presentation

  • Coral viewing semi-submersible

  • Underwater observatory with guided eco reef talk

  • Afternoon tea whilst at the platform

  • Cheese and biscuits for the return journey

Time

  • Tours depart daily from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal (a short walk from most Cairns accommodation) at 8.30am and return at 5.30pm. Check-in commences at 7.30am and boarding commences at 8am

Sunlover Reef Cruises*
from $165.00

Join this experience for a unique outer reef tour where the Sunlover catamaran docks alongside a floating pontoon stationed in a natural lagoon fringed with beautiful coral. The marine biologists, dive instructors, qualified lifeguards and cruise attendants have only one goal: to share their passion for the Great Barrier Reef and ensure you make memories that will last a lifetime.

Inclusions

  • Luxury travel to the Outer Barrier Reef on-board an air-conditioned catamaran

  • Informative presentation hosted by a marine naturalist

  • Delicious picnic lunch

  • Guided coral viewing from a glass bottom boat

  • On-board touch tank to experience unique marine life up close

  • All snorkelling equipment

  • Tea and coffee on boarding the vessel and prior to departure

  • Environmental Management Charge

  • Water slide at the pontoon

    Time

  • Cruises depart Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at 9.30am and return at 5.30pm. Check-in commences 1 hour prior to the departure time

Reef Cruises-Boat Options

Passions of Paradise with Snorkelling
from $165.00

Travel to the Great Barrier Reef on a magnificent 25 metre custom designed sailing catamaran. Includes a visit to 2 unique destinations and lunch.

See the best of the Great Barrier Reef in style and comfort with this sailing cruise from Cairns aboard a purpose-built sailing and brand new catamaran. Live the life of luxury aboard a wonderful vessel while surrounded by the spectacular azure blues and emerald greens of Australia's most famous natural icon as you head out to two stunning outer reef locations where you'll have the opportunity to snorkel with all the marine life or simply relax on the spacious foredeck and soak up the sunshine - the choice is yours.

We ensure you get to experience the least crowded areas so you can maximise your enjoyment of the reef, with a great, friendly crew who will provide you with all scuba and snorkelling tuition plus give you a guided snorkelling tour pointing out all the best marine highlights. With morning and afternoon tea as well as lunch and all equipment included, this is the comprehensive reef day trip for those who want to get a full day of Outer Reef enjoyment while "taking it easy" amongst these unforgettably picturesque surrounds.

Inclusions

  • Full day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise

  • Snorkelling tuition

  • Tropical hot and cold buffet lunch

  • Guided snorkel tour

  • Morning with freshly brewed coffee and muffins

  • Afternoon Tea with a cheese platter

  • Scuba diving demonstration

  • Wetsuits in Winter and stinger suits in Summer

Time

  • Cruise departs Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal daily at 8am and returns at 5pm. Check in commences from 7.15am

Michaelmas Cay Cruise
from $145.00

On this full day tour from Cairns, you'll cruise to the spectacular Michaelmas Cay, a wonderful natural reef-island that is teeming with marine life and corals of a range of colours that makes for a perfect snorkelling destination!

This comprehensive, 8 hour cruise experience will allow you to enjoy 4 full hours out on the reef at Michaelmas Cay and its fringing reefs that surround its golden sands - everything you'll need to enjoy the day is provided as you'll have full, free use of all necessary equipment as well as snorkelling tuition and demonstrations available for those who are going to snorkel for the first time.

Michaelmas Cay itself is spectacularly beautiful and a haven for wildlife - the entire area is a National Park and is brimming with sea birds and other wildlife that makes for a fascinating spot for a nature walk. Explore the island, relax on the spacious vessel, snorkel amongst the spectacular aquatic life of the Great Barrier Reef, board a semi-submersible and see the fish and corals through the glass; however you wish to spend your time at Michaelmas Cay, you'll no doubt come away with some unforgettable memories of what makes the reef an essential bucket-list item.

Inclusions

  • Return cruise to Michaelmas Cay on a luxury sailing vessel

  • 8 hour cruise experience with 4 full hours on the reef

  • Morning and afternoon teas

  • Superb hot and cold buffet lunch including fresh prawns

  • Snorkelling demonstrations and tuition

  • FREE use of all snorkelling equipment

  • FREE use of flotation vests

  • Informative ecological presentations by qualified Marine Biologists

  • Informative tour on an air conditioned semi-submersible coral viewing vessel

  • Guided nature tours of the island and bird sanctuary

  • Cruise in the semi-submersible sub for a divers view of the reef

  • Fish feeding presentation

    Time

    • Cruises depart daily at 8.30am and returns at 5pm

    • Boarding commences at 8am

Reef & Helicopter
from $330.00

Book this outstanding Great Barrier Reef tour and scenic helicopter flight package to see the best of the reef from both the sea and the air!

Combine an outer reef cruise with a memorable 10 minute scenic helicopter flight so you can admire this living spectacle from the air as well as below the surface.

Your reef tour includes a luxury cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef where you will visit 2 different reef sites. Morning tea is provided for you and cheese and biscuits will be served with a complimentary glass of wine on the return cruise. A hot and cold buffet lunch is also served with seafood selections where you can enjoy on the sundeck surrounded by the beautiful reef.

The use of snorkelling equipment is included during your visit to the 2 different reef locations so that you can experience the coral gardens and vibrant marine life or you can simply relax on the sundeck and enjoy the fact that you are hanging out on one of the natural wonders of the world. Your day on the reef is topped off with an exhilarating 10 minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef. Your pilot will give you a full running commentary of your surrounds and let you know of all the awesome photo opportunities throughout the flight.

Inclusions

  • Return air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise to 2 different Great Barrier Reef locations

  • 10 minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef

  • Morning and afternoon tea

  • Delicious Aussie BBQ lunch including prawns, fish, steak, sausages, vegetarian, and a variety of salads (GF, DF, Vegan options available)

  • Use of snorkelling equipment

  • Buoyancy vests

  • Afternoon tea with a complimentary glass of wine and light snack

Time

  • Tours depart daily from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at 8.00am and return at 4.30pm. Check-in commences from 7.15am and closes at 7.45am.

Dreamtime Dive
from $152.00

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel is a unique educational Great Barrier Reef experience incorporating the world's oldest living culture and the stories Traditional Owners have passed down over tens of thousands of years. Step back into the Great Barrier Reef's Dreamtime with Indigenous sea rangers on a day tour to two spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef sites.

Inclusions

  • Full day Great Barrier Reef tour

  • Indigenous welcome and acknowledgment

  • Indigenous sea rangers

  • 5 hours to explore 2 premium outer reef sites

  • Morning and afternoon tea

  • Experienced Marine Biologists will share knowledge on reef health and marine life

  • All snorkelling equipment

  • Wet and lycra suits

  • Hot & cold buffet lunch also incorporating a Native Bush Tasting

  • Reef Levy

    Time

  • Cruise departure time is 9am from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. Check-in commences at 8.15am and returns at 4:30pm

Silverswift Great Barrier Reef Cruise
from $308.00

Set sail for the best of the Great Barrier Reef on this tour from Cairns! This wonderful cruise package includes a return, air-conditioned luxury catamaran cruise that departs daily from Cairns then heads out for a day of marine adventure activities on the stunning Great Barrier Reef. Once we reach our hand-picked section of the reef (one of the most scenic in the region!), you'll be able to enjoy a multitude of activities including as much snorkelling as your heart desires (with a guided snorkel tour accompanied by a qualified reef guide included in the tour package) and explore amazing coral formations and underwater gardens abundant in stunningly-coloured aquatic life on the way to visit three popular sites at Pellowe, Flynn, Milln and/or Thetford Reefs.

Inclusions:

  • 5 hours on the Great Barrier Reef

  • Visit 3 different reef locations

  • Hot & cold tropical buffet lunch

  • All snorkelling equipment supplied

  • FREE snorkel tour with a reef guide

  • Morning & afternoon tea included

  • “Certified Diver” includes all above + 1 x certified dive

  • “Intro Diver” includes all above + 1 x introductory dive

    Time:

  • Cruises depart daily at 8.30am and return at 4.30pm

  • 7.30am check-in at the Silverswift Counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal for your boarding passes

Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sail
from $220.00

Explore the beautiful Green Island off the coast of Cairns with a full day sailing cruise and snorkel tour!

Visiting some of the Great Barrier Reef's most popular and most beautiful destinations, this full day tour will see you sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving as part of a small, personalised tour from Cairns with a focus on a better environment and fewer passenger numbers. You'll be able to explore this stunning, world-famous region in a comfortable and uncrowded tour.

Catering for up to 25 guests on each cruise, this is one of the most intimate and personalised cruises on the reef. Taking you to the reef and an island, this is the only operator to do so while also offering the chance to sail around the waters. All tours include all snorkelling equipment, an informative reef talk by a marine interpreter, a delicious and large smorgasbord lunch as well as tea, coffee, pastries and fresh fruit on board.

Inclusions

  • Full day sailing cruise to Green Island

  • Small personal snorkel tours

  • Top quality snorkelling equipment, buoyancy snorkel vests

  • Reef talk by a marine interpreter

  • Large smorgasbord lunch – smoked salmon/ prawns, chicken platter / mixed meat platter / 3 salads / assorted breads

  • Complimentary tea and coffee, Danish Pastries / fresh fruit on boarding

Time

  • Check-in at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal from 7:15am for a 8:00am departure

  • Arrives back into Cairns at 5:00pm

Half Day Great Barrier Reef Adventure
from $150.00

Explore the unforgettable underwater world and experience the Great Barrier Reef like never before on a half day snorkelling adventure!

Onboard the brand-new, purpose-built vessel, designed for speed and comfort, you’ll reach exclusive reef sites like Briggs, Sudbury, and Moore in just one hour. With a maximum of 35 passengers, this intimate tour ensures a personalized and crowd-free experience, perfect for anhyone looking to create lifelong memories.

Once at the reef, enjoy over 2 hours of snorkeling guided by friendly experts who cater to all experience levels, ensuring everyone feels confident and safe in the water.

  • Not suitable for children under 6 years of age

Inclusions

  • Snorkeling equipment including seasonal wetsuits/stinger suits

  • Prescription masks

  • Marine life presentation

  • High speed transfer to the reef

  • Over 2 hours of snorkeling an exclusive reef location

  • Fresh, locally sourced afternoon snacks

Time

  • Complimentary 30-minute Marine Life Presentation begins at 10.30am at the Pure Snorkelling Pontoon office on D Finger at the Cairns Marlin Marina.

  • Check in starts at 11:00am and closes at 11.30am

  • The boat departs at 12pm sharp, returning at 5pm

Snorkel & Dive Reef Tour
$260.00

Experience the Great Barrier Reef with our all-inclusive day tour! Snorkel or dive on vibrant reefs, enjoy fresh meals, and relax on your reef trip. Our expert dive guides ensure a fun and unforgettable adventure on the Outer Reef.

Inclusions:

  • Unlimited snorkelling at two reef locations

  • Scuba dive for introductory dive or certified divers

  • Breakfast (bacon and eggs)

  • Tea and coffee served throughout the day

  • BBQ lunch served with a wide variety of meal options

  • Light snacks (wine, cheese and crackers) on the journey back to Cairns

  • Return bus transfers from Cairns

  • Sunscreen provided

  • All Snorkel/Dive equipment inc. Wet Suit, Lycra suit, Flotation devices.

  • Reef Levy/Tax

Time:

  • Boarding at 07:30 for a 08:00 departure. Vessel returns to Cairns at 16:30

Reef Cruises- Island Options

Green Island Snorkel & Glassbottom Boat
from $80.00

Visit Green Island from Cairns with this great value tour that will let you experience its best all in a single day! With the choice of two daily departure times from Cairns, the Green Island Eco Adventure is perfect for a visit to this beautiful Great Barrier Reef island.

Offering a combined reef and rainforest experience on a fast catamaran, you’ll reach your island destination in just 45 minutes. This Green Island Eco Adventure gives you the choice of a glass bottom boat coral viewing tour OR snorkelling equipment to use during your stay on the island. Choose your way to experience the reef – stay dry and view from a glass bottom boat or choose to snorkel directly from the white sandy beaches.

As a guest, you’ll enjoy many exclusive inclusions such as the use of the island swimming pool and a self guided eco island walk to discover some of the island’s unique rainforest flora.

Inclusions

  • Return air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise

  • 3 or 5 hours on Green Island

  • Tea and Coffee served until departure from Cairns

  • Self guided eco island walk

  • Glass bottom boat coral viewing tour

  • Use of snorkelling equipment

  • Use of island swimming pool

  • Use of day visitor facilities

Time

  • Cruises depart daily from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal (a short walk from most Cairns accommodation) at 8.30am and 10.30am.

  • Cruise departs Green Island at 2:30pm (arrives into Cairns 3:30pm)

Frankland Islands
from $125.00

The Frankland Islands Reef Cruise and Island Day Tour is your chance to discover the Frankland Islands and all that it has to offer.

The tour takes you on a 30-minute cruise along the Mulgrave River before arriving amongst the Frankland Islands. Next, take to snorkelling from the beach and discover beautiful coral, tropical fish, and giant turtles. Cruise along Normandy Island and discover the vibrant coral reef flora and fauna from the comfort of the semi-submersible vessel.

A delicious and refreshing lunch will be had amongst the shade on the beach. The tour is accompanied by expert marine biologists, meaning that all your most detailed questions about the Frankland Island's unique ecosystem will be answered! As the only commercial operator allowed to visit the uninhabited Frankland Islands, this is an opportunity of a lifetime!

Inclusions

  • Coach transfers from Cairns CBD accommodations

  • Mulgrave River cruise with commentary

  • Guided snorkel tour with a Marine Biologist

  • Adventure snorkel safari

  • Semi-sub tour of the island

  • Guided island walk (with kids’ treasure hunt)

  • All snorkelling equipment and tuition

  • Use of kayaks & paddleboards

  • Buffet lunch and Morning & afternoon tea

  • Protection suit (Nov-Apr)

  • Guided rock pool discovery tour

Time

  • Bus Transfers from 7:00am, returning to Cairns around 5:30pm

Fitzroy Island Return Ferry Half-Day
from $42.00

Spend the morning on Fitzroy Island with return ferry transfers from Cairns delivering you to and from an island paradise for a half-day adventure.

Departing from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, step aboard the fast, air-conditioned catamaran to embark on a 45 minute island transfer anchoring up at Fitzroy Island. Enjoy up to 3 hours of free time to explore the stunning coral beaches, self-guided rainforest walks and shallow coral reefs. If you wish to head out for a snorkel or kayak, a beach activity centre is open for all your equipment hire (additional cost).

Inclusions

  • Fast air-conditioned catamaran to and from the island

  • Enjoy a half day with 3 hours on the island

  • Access to self-guided rainforest walks and pristine beaches

  • Beach activity equipment hire available

  • Restaurant and bar facilities available

Time

  • Ferry departs Cairns Marina at 8am (check-in by 7:30am)

  • Ferry departs Fitzroy Island at 12:15pm

Fitzroy Island Snorkel
from $80.00

Cruise to paradise aboard the Fitzroy Island Sundancer and spend a full day experiencing pristine beaches, lush rainforest and shallow coral reefs.

Come explore Fitzroy Island, a destination loved by Cairns locals and visitors alike, where you’ll marvel at the rainforest-covered mountains as they slope down to the rocky headlands, the unspoilt coral beaches and the serene waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Comprised of 90% National Park land, this is as close to paradise as it gets. After arriving at this impressive location by way of ferry, you can easily snorkel straight from the beach and discover incredible marine life and sea turtles, or simply bask in the tranquillity of the sandy shores of the famous Nudey Beach, which was voted the best beach in Australia.

For those who prefer land activities, there are nine kilometres of walking trails through the tropical rainforest.

Inclusions

  • Fast, air-conditioned catamaran to and from the island

  • Enjoy a full day with six hours on the island

  • Access to self-guided rainforest walks and pristine beaches

  • Snorkel equipment package (mask, snorkel, fins and lycra suit)

  • Beach activity equipment hire available

  • Restaurant and bar facilities available

Time

  • Departs Cairns at 8:45 am and arrives at Fitzroy Island 9:45 am

  • Departs Fitzroy Island at 4:00 pm and arrives in Cairns at 4.45 pm