From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran
About This Experience
Passions of Paradise runs a single 25-metre sailing catamaran out of Cairns and takes it to two outer reef sites a day - Flynn and Milln, or further north to Norman and Hastings, depending on which way the wind is blowing. Picking the reefs on the morning rather than the week before is the reason the snorkelling holds up on days when a fixed-mooring boat would be sitting in chop.
The day runs about nine hours door to door. You board at the Reef Fleet Terminal, take morning tea on the way out, and get a marine-life briefing from the onboard marine biologist before the first site. Snorkel gear, flotation belts, wetsuits or lycra in season and prescription masks are all included, and a chef-prepared buffet lunch is served between the two reefs.
An introductory or certified scuba dive can be added at the time of booking, which is what most first-timers do - there is an instructor in the water with you and no prior experience is needed. The boat carries Eco Tourism and Climate Leader certification, and at 4.8 from more than 3,800 reviews it is the most-reviewed reef day trip leaving Cairns.
Highlights
- Visit 2 diverse reef destinations in the Great Barrier Reef
- Spot marine life: turtles or a giant wrasse on the outer reef
- Feast on a chef-prepared lunch, including fresh tropical fruit
- Relax on board a luxury catamaran
- Enjoy an Eco Tourism and Climate Leader Certified experience
What's Included
- ✓ Morning and afternoon tea
- ✓ Snorkeling equipment
- ✓ Snorkeling tutorial/tours
- ✓ Flotation belts
- ✓ Chef-prepared lunch (allergies catered for on request)
- ✓ An on-board marine life presentation
- ✓ Wetsuits and Lycrasuits (Season Dependent)
- ✓ Prescription masks
Not Included
- Underwater camera hire/photography services with an 8GB SD card
- Scuba dive
- Souvenirs
- Bottled water, snacks, and drinks from the bar
- Hotel transfers
What to Bring
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable clothes
- Beachwear
- Diving certification
Good to Know & Caveats
- All guests participating in scuba diving must complete a Queensland medical questionnaire/declaration. Some past or present medical conditions may prevent you from diving. Contact the operator before travel if unsure.
- Minimum diving age is 12 years, with parental/guardian consent.
- Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 18+.
- A moderate level of fitness is recommended for in-water activities.
- Certified divers must provide proof of certification.
- Weather, sea conditions and passenger safety may result in changes to the itinerary or reef locations without notice.
- Infants travel free and can be booked directly with the operator.
- Lunch includes vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Please advise of dietary requirements before travel.
Not Suitable For
- Pre-existing medical condition
Meeting Point
Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Check in at the Passions of Paradise desk before boarding.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 3,837 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
We chose this group because they had extra floatation devices for less-confident swimmers. We thought we would be good on our own, but immediately after jumping into the water clung onto the guides’ safety ring for extra stability. We honestly enjoyed swimming with the guide even more because he was able to spot cool wildlife and tell us fun facts as we were swimming (Thank you Luca!). The meals were delicious and we felt super taken care of. Just wish we could’ve had extra time to sun tan on the boat!
— Lauren, Septemb
Had a great time on this tour. The crew were brilliant and very friendly, and everything was very well organised with plenty of time snorkeling at two different locations. The boat was spacious and not overcrowded. Glad that we chose this tour as they contribute to and are involved in conservation initiatives on the reef which we got to hear about in a talk on the return journey. Lunch was also very nice with freshly cooked food. Would definitely recommend.
— Zoe, Septemb
The tour was incredible! They are some of the last locally owned tour companies and part of the profits fund marine research and conservation by them. It was awesome!
— Gabriel, Septemb
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Passions of Paradise reef trip?
About nine hours, door to door from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns. That covers the sail out, two outer reef sites with snorkelling at each, lunch on board and the return.
Which reefs does it visit?
Two of Flynn, Milln, Norman or Hastings. The crew choose on the morning based on conditions rather than running a fixed itinerary, which is why the snorkelling holds up on windier days.
Can I scuba dive without a certification?
Yes. An introductory dive can be added when you book and needs no prior experience - an instructor is in the water with you. The minimum age is 12, and you complete a Queensland medical questionnaire on the day.
Is snorkel gear included?
Yes - mask, snorkel, fins, flotation belts, and wetsuits or lycra suits depending on the season. Prescription masks are available at no extra cost.
What is not included?
Hotel transfers, the scuba dive itself, underwater camera hire, and drinks or snacks from the bar. Morning and afternoon tea and a chef-prepared lunch are included.
Other Great Barrier Reef Tours
Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch
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
Port Douglas: Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Full-Day Cruise
Cairns: Silverswift 3 Great Barrier Reef Sites in 1 Day
