Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch
About This Experience
Down Under Cruise and Dive runs a 35-metre superyacht from Cairns to two exclusive outer reef moorings, and the pitch is time in the water: five hours of reef time across the two sites, which is more than most full-day boats manage.
The day is 8.5 hours. Morning tea and coffee on the way out, snorkelling at the first site, a chef-prepared barbecue lunch of prawns, fish, steak and salads between sites, then a second reef before the run home with a complimentary glass of wine, cheese and biscuits.
Snorkel equipment, lycra suits, lessons and safety briefings are included, and both introductory and certified dives are available depending on the option you book. Divers complete a medical questionnaire on board; anyone over 65, or on medication for asthma, heart disease or diabetes, needs a doctor's clearance letter before the day.
Highlights
- Cruise aboard a 35-metre luxury superyacht from Cairns
- Visit 2 exclusive mooring locations and enjoy five hours of snorkelling
- Experience the reef with professional, qualified and friendly crew
- Enjoy a delicious chef-prepared BBQ lunch (special dietaries available)
- Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, cheese and biscuits on the return journey
What's Included
- ✓ Full-day reef cruise
- ✓ 2 outer reef site visits
- ✓ 5 hours of reef time to snorkel
- ✓ Snorkel and dive equipment (depending on option selected)
- ✓ 1 introductory or certified scuba dive (depending on option selected)
- ✓ Lycra suits
- ✓ Safety briefings and tutorials
- ✓ Chef-prepared lunch (allergies catered for on request)
- ✓ Morning tea, coffee, and muffins
- ✓ 1 glass of wine with cheese and biscuits on the return trip
Not Included
- Semi-submersible tour
- Marine biologist tour
- Underwater camera hire
What to Bring
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
Good to Know & Caveats
- The minimum age for introductory diving is 12 years old
- This activity is dependent on the weather
- All divers are required to complete an onboard medical questionnaire
- Divers over 65 must have medical clearance from a physician confirming they are fit to dive. Please be aware that certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and any prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor's name and practice, and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition
- Diving within 24 hours before your flight is not permitted
- Special dietary requirements should be confirmed directly with the activity provider
- Languages spoken onboard: English, German, Japanese, Chinese Mandarin
Meeting Point
Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Check in at the Down Under Cruise and Dive desk before boarding.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.7/5 by 1,620 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Very choppy water resulting in a difficult boat ride for many of the other passengers, but the staff were very helpful. Two snorkeling sites, again excellent work by the staff to help all swimmers. Down side was choppy water and too many swimmers in one spot. But the staff did all they could to make a great experience in with the difficult water. All equipment provided and in good shape. Tasty lunch too. Be sure to take Dramamine!!
— Robin, Septemb
Excellent day snorkeling on this cruise. We stopped at 2 different reef locations. Excellent lunch, good equipment and seamless service. Wonderful experience.
— Christina, Septemb
I did both the Safari tour with the biologist and the semi submersible tour with the biologist. Both was good, but the semi submersible was definitely better. Definitely do the semi submersible.
— Linda, Septemb
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do you actually spend at the reef?
Five hours of reef time across two exclusive outer reef moorings, out of an 8.5-hour day. That is the highest in-water figure of any full-day boat on this site.
What is for lunch?
A chef-prepared barbecue - prawns, fish, steak, salads and bread - served on board between the two reef sites. Special dietary requirements are catered for if you request them in advance.
Can I dive on this trip?
Yes, one introductory or certified dive is included depending on the option you select at booking. All divers complete an onboard medical questionnaire, and the minimum age for introductory diving is 12.
I am over 65 - can I dive?
Only with medical clearance from a doctor confirming you are fit to dive. The letter must name you, the doctor and practice, and clear you specifically for any medications or conditions.
Can I fly the same day?
No. Diving within 24 hours before a flight is not permitted. Snorkelling carries no such restriction.
Other Great Barrier Reef Tours
Airlie Beach: Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach Tour
Cairns: Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight
Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour
From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran
Port Douglas: Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Full-Day Cruise
Cairns: Silverswift 3 Great Barrier Reef Sites in 1 Day
