Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

Name: Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour
Brand: GetYourGuide
Price: 128.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.72 (1875 reviews)

4.7 (1,875 verified reviews)

Aerial view of the Reef Adventures vessel with snorkellers in the water beside it

A guest jumping from the boat into the reef shallows, split above and below water

A coral bommie surrounded by schooling fish in clear sunlit water

The vessel anchored alone over a broad turquoise reef

The fast boat carving a turn on the run out to the reef

About This Experience

Reef Adventures runs fast boats and caps each trip at 27 guests, which puts it in a different category from the 200-seat catamarans: a half-day out of Cairns Marlin Marina with 1.5 hours of guided snorkelling at one of two reefs.

There are three departures a day, so it fits either side of a flight or a second activity, and at $128 it is the least expensive way to actually get in the water on this site. Quality snorkel gear, a guide, flotation devices, stinger suits in season, snacks and free GoPro photos are included.

It is a genuinely strenuous half-day - a fast vessel, open-water snorkelling and no pontoon. The operator lists it as unsuitable for non-swimmers, for people with back problems or mobility impairments, and for anyone prone to seasickness. Read that list before booking rather than after.

Highlights

Enjoy an exhilarating trip to the Reef onboard one of our fast vessels
Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef
Enjoy a personalised experience with a maximum of 27 guests per tour
Explore the stunning Great Barrier Reef, home to a variety of marine life
Choose from 3 departure times

What's Included

✓ Visit to World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef
✓ Exhilarating boat ride onboard one of our fast vessels
✓ Quality snorkelling equipment
✓ Snacks
✓ Snorkel guide
✓ Floatation devices
✓ Stinger suits (in season)
✓ Personalised reef experience away from usual crowds
✓ Free GoPro photos

Not Included

Wetsuit (available to hire)
Drinks (available to purchase)
Prescription mask (available to hire)
Hotel transfers

What to Bring

Hat
Swimwear
Towel
Sunscreen
Water

Good to Know & Caveats

3 departure times available
Meet your crew half an hour before departure at the Reef Adventures office, located at Cairns Marlin Marina on Finger B next to our vessels

Not Suitable For

People with back problems
People with mobility impairments
Low fitness level
Non-swimmers
Children under 6 years
Wheelchair users
People over 65 years
Pre-existing medical condition
People with recent surgeries
People with heart problems
People prone to seasickness
People with respiratory issues

Meeting Point

Reef Adventures office, Finger B, Cairns Marlin Marina - next to the vessels. Meet the crew 30 minutes before departure and look for the Reef Adventures flags.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.7/5 by 1,875 verified GetYourGuide travelers.

I had a wonderful time with them! My guide were Lily, Bradley and Harry. They were super friendly, cheerful, energetic and helpful who were willing to help the participants in need of help. The boat ride was super fun but it can get quite bumpy if you get seasick easily. I highly recommend everyone to take this tour because you will definitely be taken care of very well.
— Hayatmin, Septemb

All tour guides were friendly and educational as we went along
— Rafael, Septemb

The people were very friendly; it was an experience I would repeat many times.
— maria, Septemb

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the half-day trip?

Four hours, with about 1.5 hours of guided snorkelling at the reef. There are three departures a day from Cairns Marlin Marina.

How many people are on the boat?

A maximum of 27, which is the point of the trip - it is a fast vessel and a small group rather than a large catamaran running to a pontoon.

Is it suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The operator lists it as unsuitable for non-swimmers, for people with back problems, mobility impairments, heart problems or recent surgery, for children under 6 and for anyone prone to seasickness.

What is included?

Quality snorkel gear, a snorkel guide, flotation devices, stinger suits in season, snacks, and free GoPro photos. Wetsuits, prescription masks and drinks are available but cost extra.

Where do I meet the boat?

At the Reef Adventures office on Finger B at Cairns Marlin Marina, 30 minutes before departure. Look for the Reef Adventures flags.