Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkeling Cruise from Cairns

After boarding your deluxe boat, which seats a max of 100 people, including your experienced guides, your Great Barrier Reef day trip starts with the boat ride from Cairns out to the reef—one of the fastest rides from Cairns, with just more than an hour of cruising time. Depending on the weather and water conditions on the day of your tour, your guides will head to one of 12 exclusive moorings at six reef locations, providing you with the best possible on-the-water experience that day. Most likely, you’ll visit one of the Outer Great Barrier Reef spots like Saxon Reef or Norman Reef in the morning, and then continue to North Hastings Reef in the afternoon. Upon arrival at your first location, hop in the water with your provided snorkeling equipment for a look at multicolored fish, coral and other marine life. Instruction is provided for beginners, and your knowledgeable crew members are on hand to encourage and help you, if needed. (See the Itinerary for more details about the scuba diving options, as well as the optional helicopter ride.) Then snorkel again at your second location. If you’d rather not get wet, you can still check out this World Heritage–listed underwater world on a tour by semi-submersible vessel (own expense; payable on the day of your tour). You’ll have five hours total on the barrier reef and can refuel from your activities with the onboard buffet lunch of Australian barbecue items such as fresh fish, sausages and steak, plus a selection of pastas, salads and prawns. On the return trip to Cairns, snack on a platter of cheese and fruit while members of your talented crew provide live music and entertainment to celebrate the end of your day on the sea.