Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Cruise by Catamaran Cairns
Overview
This full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise leaves Cairns on a premium catamaran and takes you out to the outer reef, where you spend the middle of the day in the water. The default option covers snorkelling equipment, a short tutorial, guided snorkel tours, a chef-prepared lunch and morning and afternoon tea. A marine life presentation runs on board. It is a shared group tour that suits first-time snorkellers, families and anyone who wants a relaxed reef day; an introductory scuba dive is available as a separate option.
Highlights
- Cruise from Cairns to the outer Great Barrier Reef on a premium catamaran
- Snorkelling equipment, flotation belts and prescription masks provided on the default option
- Snorkelling tutorial and guided snorkel tours for beginners and confident swimmers
- Chef-prepared lunch plus morning and afternoon tea on board, with allergies catered for on request
- On-board marine life presentation from the crew
- Wetsuits or lycra suits provided, depending on the season
- Optional introductory scuba dive for guests who want to go deeper
Full Description
The outer Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth, stretching for more than 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast and listed as a World Heritage Site since 1981. Many visitors ask whether the Great Barrier Reef is worth visiting, and the outer reef is the strongest answer: the water is clearer and the coral healthier than near the coast.
A Great Barrier Reef day trip from Cairns means a cruise of around two hours each way, then several hours on the reef itself. Sites are chosen by the crew on the day to suit tides, wind and visibility, so you always get the best conditions available.
Your premium catamaran and the snorkelling day
Our Great Barrier Reef cruise runs on a comfortable, stable catamaran with shaded seating, so the crossing is easy even for people who worry about rough water. Before anyone enters the water the crew give a clear snorkelling tutorial covering mask, snorkel, breathing and safety, then guide small groups over the coral.
If you have never tried a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour, this is a gentle way to start. Flotation belts help weaker swimmers stay relaxed, and prescription masks are available for guests who wear glasses. Lunch is served on board between sessions, and afternoon tea follows before the return cruise.
Marine life you can expect to see
Healthy outer reef sites hold a huge variety of life: green and hawksbill turtles, giant clams, parrotfish, wrasse, angelfish and colourful schools of small reef fish moving around branching and plate corals. Reef sharks and rays are sometimes seen, always from a safe distance.
The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is generally the drier months from June to October, when visibility is often at its best, though the reef is rewarding all year. In the warmer months stinger suits are provided, and an on-board presentation explains what you have just seen.
Adding an introductory scuba dive
If you would like to see the reef from below the surface, choose the introductory scuba dive option. Qualified instructors brief you, fit your equipment and stay with you underwater, and no previous diving experience is needed.
The rest of the day is the same as the snorkelling option, so you can still snorkel between dives and enjoy lunch, tea and the marine life talk. Some medical conditions require a dive medical certificate before you can dive, so read the option details and the health notes carefully before you book.
Itinerary
- Check-in in CairnsArrive at the meeting point shown in your booking voucher, check in and board the catamaran in the morning.
- Cruise to the outer reefRelax on deck for around two hours while the crew explain the plan for the day.
- Snorkelling briefingA short tutorial covers equipment, technique and safety, and you are fitted with gear and a suit.
- Guided snorkelling at the reefSnorkel over the coral with guides, with free time in the water between sessions.
- Lunch on boardA chef-prepared lunch is served on the boat, with allergies catered for on request.
- Marine life talk and afternoon teaJoin the on-board presentation and enjoy afternoon tea before heading back.
- Return to CairnsCruise back and arrive in the late afternoon, about nine hours after departure.
What's included
- Return catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef
- Snorkelling equipment, flotation belts and prescription masks
- Snorkelling tutorial and guided snorkel tours
- Wetsuits and lycra suits (season-dependent)
- Chef-prepared lunch (allergies catered for on request)
- Morning and afternoon tea
- On-board marine life presentation
Not included
- Scuba diving
- Underwater camera hire and photography services
- Souvenirs
- Bottled water and snacks
- Hotel transfers
Not suitable for
- Guests who cannot swim and do not want to use a flotation belt
- Wheelchair users, as boarding and moving around the vessel needs mobility
- Guests with certain heart, respiratory or other medical conditions should check with a doctor first, especially for the scuba dive option
Meeting point
The meeting point is in Cairns and the exact location and check-in time are confirmed in your booking voucher. Hotel transfers are not included, so plan to make your own way there, and arrive at check-in before the 08:00 departure.
Important information
- Bring swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunscreen and a change of clothes
- Reef-safe sunscreen is best for protecting the coral you are visiting
- Tell the crew about any medical condition or allergy when you check in
- Scuba diving is not part of the default option and is a separate choice
- Hotel transfers are not included; arrive at check-in in good time
- Take motion-sickness tablets before departure if you are prone to seasickness
- Sea conditions can change the sites visited and the order of activities
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Great Barrier Reef catamaran cruise cost?
The price depends on the option you choose and the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
Is snorkelling equipment included?
Yes, on the default snorkelling option you get snorkelling equipment, flotation belts, prescription masks and a wetsuit or lycra suit depending on the season.
Is lunch included?
Yes, on both options a chef-prepared lunch and morning and afternoon tea are served on board. Tell us about any allergies at booking and again at check-in.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet at the point in Cairns given in your booking voucher, so arrange your own transport to check-in.
How long is the Great Barrier Reef cruise?
The tour lasts about nine hours in total, with around two hours of sailing each way and several hours at the reef.
Can beginners and non-swimmers join?
Beginners are welcome and the crew give a full tutorial. Weak swimmers can use a flotation belt, but guests who cannot swim at all should speak to the crew before entering the water.
What is the difference between the two options?
The default option is snorkelling only. The second option adds an introductory scuba dive with qualified instructors, while lunch and snorkelling stay the same.
What should I bring and wear?
Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, hat, sunscreen and a change of clothes. Bring seasickness tablets if you need them.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, subject to availability. The booking panel shows the next available departure dates for each option.
When is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns?
The drier months from June to October usually bring the clearest water and calmest days, but reef trips run all year and stinger suits are provided in the warm season.
