🌊 Reef Experience – The Best Value Great Barrier Reef Day Tour from Cairns

  • ✅ FREE Scuba Dive Included: Every guest receives a complimentary introductory scuba dive (or certified dive), no experience needed!
  • ✅ All-Inclusive Day Tour: All meals, snorkelling gear, dive equipment, and guided tours are included – no hidden fees.
  • ✅ Two Outer Reef Locations: Visit two stunning coral reef sites chosen for the best conditions on the day.
  • ✅ Marine Biologist Onboard: Learn about reef conservation and marine life through fun and educational presentations.
  • ✅ Perfect for Beginners & Non-Swimmers: Snorkel guides to assist beginners and flotation devices ensure everyone can join in.
  • ✅ Departs Daily from Cairns: Convenient check-in at 7:30am, returning by 4:30pm – a full day of adventure!
  • ✅ Upgrade Available: For a VIP experience, opt for the Top Deck Club with personalised service and exclusive perks.

🛥️ Your Day Aboard Reef Experience

Welcome Aboard!
Kickstart your day with a warm welcome and a tropical breakfast as you cruise out from Cairns Marina. Our friendly crew will serve up fresh fruit and our famous BBQ bacon and egg burgers while you settle into your reef adventure.

Discover the Great Barrier Reef
Dive in – literally! Whether you’re snorkelling over vibrant coral gardens or experiencing your first-ever scuba dive, you’ll be blown away by the beauty below the surface. With two Outer Reef stops, there’s double the time to explore. Explore the best of this World Heritage-listed beauty.

Learn & Explore
Join our onboard Marine Biologist for fascinating insights into the reef’s ecosystem. You’ll learn about the fish, coral, and conservation efforts – all while enjoying the view from our spacious sun deck.

Delicious BBQ Lunch
Enjoy a hearty hot BBQ buffet lunch, served fresh onboard with a variety of options to suit all diets. Plus, afternoon wine, cheese and crackers to keep you energised after all the reef time!

Relax & Reflect
After your reef adventure, kick back with a cold drink and take in the beautiful views as we cruise back to Cairns. Arrival is around 4:30pm – plenty of time to plan your evening or unwind after an epic day.


✅ What’s Included

  • 🥓 Breakfast bacon & egg rolls, and fruit platter
  • 🍽️ Fresh BBQ buffet lunch (with vegetarian & gluten-free options)
  • ☕ Tea and coffee (while the vessel is stationnary)
  • 🤿 Unlimited snorkelling at 2 Outer Reef locations
  • 🐟 FREE introductory scuba dive (or certified dive) for all guests 12 years and older*
  • 🧑‍🏫 Marine Biologist presentation
  • 🦺 Snorkelling & scuba gear + flotation devices
  • 🧀 Wine, cheese and crackers on the return home trip
  • 🚿 Freshwater showers on the dive deck & spacious sun deck
  • 🚌 Optional return transfers from Cairns accommodation

💎 Want to Make it Extra Special?

Upgrade to Top Deck Club and enjoy:

  • A personal in-water guide and valet for the day
  • Reserved VIP seating area
  • A private reef tour tailored to your interests
  • Breakfast served to your table + upgraded lunch options

Upgrade here 👉 Reef Experience Top Deck Club


❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🧑‍🏫 Do I need to know how to swim?

No! Non-swimmers are welcome. The crew provides flotation devices, assistance getting in and out of the water, and guided snorkelling support. Many first-timers have an amazing time!

🤿 Can I try scuba diving even if I’ve never done it before?

Absolutely. A FREE introductory dive is included for all guests, and full instruction is provided. You don’t need prior experience, but you must be 12 years old and pass the diving medical questionnaire.

🪪 I’m a certified diver. Can I do more dives?

Yes. Certified divers can book extra dives on the day or in advance. Optional extras include a second dive and guides for the dives.

🦺 Is it safe for children or seniors?

Yes! Children aged 12+ can participate in introductory dives (subject to medical clearance), and snorkelling is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. The crew is attentive and supportive.

🚫 Are there any medical restrictions for diving?

Yes. Some health conditions and medications may prevent you from diving. We recommend completing the Diver Medical Questionnaire before booking.

🐢 Join Us for a Day You’ll Never Forget!

Whether it’s your first time on the reef or your fifth, Reef Experience offers an unbeatable day of exploration, education, and fun – all with Cairns’ most passionate and professional crew.

Don’t miss out – book now and dive into the world’s most iconic natural wonder!

BOOK NOW

Want to stay longer and wake up on the Great Barrier Reef? Check out Reef Encounter and stay as long as you want.

Highlights

Tour highlights include snorkelling at two pristine Outer Reef sites, a FREE scuba dive (beginner or certified), all-inclusive meals and refreshments, Cairns City pick-ups, and engaging marine biologist presentations—making it Cairns’ best-value, all-inclusive reef adventure.

Itinerary

  • 07:00 – Pick-up from your Cairns City accommodation.
  • 07:30 – Check in at A-Finger of the Cairns Marina and board the Reef Experience vessel.
  • 08:00 – Depart Cairns. Enjoy a safety briefing and snorkel orientation on the way out to the reef.
  • 08:30 – Marine biology presentation with fascinating facts about the reef’s ecosystem.
  • 09:00 – Scuba dive briefing for introductory and certified divers.
  • 09:45 – Arrive at the first reef location. Begin snorkelling and/or introductory or certified scuba diving.
  • 12:30 – Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch served onboard.
  • 13:00 – Travel to the second reef site. Discover vibrant coral gardens, giant sea fans, black coral trees, and the beauty of the shallow reef lagoon. Option to upgrade to do a 2nd dive or join a Marine Bio guided snorkel tour
  • 15:00 – Depart the Great Barrier Reef and begin the return journey to Cairns.
  • 15:30 – Relax with a complimentary glass of wine, cheese, and crackers.
  • 16:30 – Arrive back at the Cairns Marina. Transfer back to your Cairns City accommodation.

Included

We are Cairns Best-Value day tour for a reason!

    • Cairns City return shuttles
    • Breakfast bacon & egg roll
    • Marine Biology Presentation
    • 1 x FREE Scuba dive (beginner or certified dive)* Subject to medical conditions and age
    • BBQ Lunch with salads
    • 2 x snorkel sessions with all equipment included
    • Wine, cheese & crackers
    • Reef Friendly Sunscreen
    • Reef levies and fuel levies

Optional Extras

  • Second scuba dive
  • Certified divers: optional private dive guide service (introductory dives already include a guide)
  • Underwater digital camera rental
  • Snack bar purchases available: soft drinks, chocolate, chips, alcoholic beverages, and more
  • Guided snorkel tour with a marine biologist: snorkel alongside a professional marine biologist and learn about reef ecology through an interactive educational experience
  • Great Barrier Reef souvenirs – T-shirts, hats, and more
  • Prescription dive mask rental
  • Bus transfers from accommodations located outside the Cairns City area

What to bring

  • Cash and/or credit card for onboard purchases
  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Water bottle
  • Certified divers: please bring your dive certification card
  • This is a barefoot tour – all guests are required to remove their shoes once onboard.

How to get there

Cairns Great Barrier Reef Tour, Reef Experience departs from

Cairns Marina: ‘A-Finger’ Number 8 View map to Cairns Marlin Marina

Boarding commences at 7:30 a.m. for check-in. The Reef Experience vessel arrived directly at Cairns Marina at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Where Can I Park?

Several parking stations throughout Cairns are within walking distance of the Marina.  Click here to see where

Important Information

Important Information for Scuba Diving

Queensland, Australia, has the strictest scuba diving rules globally and the safest scuba diving record.   We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all regulations, including medical, as is the law.

We recommend that all of our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire. Some medical conditions, age and medications may prevent you from scuba diving.

The minimum age for an introductory scuiba dive is 12 years old, and 10 years old for certified divers. Please note adult rates apply for scuba divers.

Flying after Scuba Diving

After scuba diving, you must not fly for at least 18 hours.

You should not fly for 24 hours after your last dive for multiple dives.
If you are Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after your dive.
We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible.

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