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Sail the Passions of Paradise Catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
You can dive, snorkel and sail the Great Barrier Reef on an award-winning, personalized day tour from the heart of the Cairns Central Business District in Cairns, run by a company with 30 years’ experience; aboard an 80-foot luxury purpose-built catamaran you visit two unique locations where you choose to dive or snorkel amid colorful fish, turtles and an amazing array of coral, while a friendly crew selects from 27 outer Great Barrier Reef destinations to find the best spot for the weather and give you the most memorable Great Barrier Reef experience.
About this activity in Cairns Central Business District
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Join an award-winning Great Barrier Reef operator with 30 years’ experience for a personalized day trip from Cairns aboard a luxury 80-foot high-speed catamaran.
- Sail from Cairns to two exclusive outer reef locations (chosen from 27 possible sites) so the crew can pick the best spots for snorkeling or scuba diving based on weather.
- Encounter vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish and turtles with guided snorkeling tuition and an onboard marine naturalist to enhance your reef experience.
- Relax on deck and enjoy a hot-and-cold chef-prepared buffet lunch plus tea and coffee, with full snorkel equipment, wetsuits and masks available on request.
Important Information
- Your fare includes return reef cruising from Cairns, complimentary guided snorkel tour, marine park fees, tuition, and an interpretive talk by the marine naturalist.
- Additional on-board amenities include wetsuits (seasonal), prescription masks, snorkeling equipment, light snacks during the day and a full buffet lunch; drinks from the bar are extra.
- Scuba diving has health and age requirements: minimum age 12, certain medical conditions or prescription medications will require a Queensland dive medical-please contact the operator to confirm your suitability.
- Transfers back to Cairns city/northern beaches, carbon offsets and bar purchases are not included; plan to bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, and be moderately fit for water activities.
Meeting Point
Check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal (Cairns Marina) - doors open at 7:00am and close at 7:45am for an 8:00am departure. Arrive early to collect equipment, meet the crew and attend the safety briefing; bring your swimwear, towel and any required medical documentation if you plan to dive.
Includes
- Join a complimentary snorkel tour with tuition and a marine naturalist presentation - perfect for snorkelling and reef exploration from Cairns.
- Visit two exclusive outer reef locations for snorkeling and marine discovery aboard a stylish, modern high-speed catamaran.
- All marine park fees and levies are included for a hassle-free reef experience.
- Use winter wetsuits, summer sun suits, prescription masks and snorkeling equipment available onboard to suit your needs.
- Indulge in a hot and cold chef-prepared buffet lunch served on the vessel.
- Enjoy tea and coffee on arrival, plus light snacks served during the day to keep you fuelled while exploring the reef.
Excludes
- Soft drinks and alcohol are available at the onboard bar (cash and credit cards accepted).
- Return transfers are not included; book in advance for Cairns city transfers at $25 per person or Cairns Northern Beaches at $40 per person.
- Optional carbon offset is available for $1 per person to offset your footprint.
Other
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap.
- You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to enjoy activities at the reef.
- Bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to make the most of your day on the water.
- Check-in begins at 7:00am at the Reef Fleet Terminal and closes at 7:45am for an 8:00am departure - please arrive on time.
- Certain prescription medications and medical conditions will preclude you from scuba diving in Queensland without a Queensland dive medical; these include, but are not limited to, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart or lung problems, ear problems, high or low blood pressure, current cough, cold or flu, chronic sinus conditions, fainting or seizures, and the use of prescription medication including those for anxiety and depression. Contact us directly to discuss your suitability for diving.
- The minimum age for scuba diving in Queensland is 12 years.
- Scuba divers must allow 18 hours between their last dive and any flight; you cannot participate in scuba diving if you plan to travel by air within 24 hours of your trip, including if you plan to do skydiving activities.
Customer Reviews
10
/
10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
Amazing experience, get to see plenty of fish and coral - just like out of finding nemo! Staff are very friendly and the lunch was excellent! Marine biologist talk on the way back to shore was also very insightful. Great trip which is worth every penny!
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Summary:
I have been on SCUBA and snorkel trips many, many times. Never have I experienced such a professional, well-organized, fun and attentive staff! Everyone had every detail taken care of: Simon made sure that I had a mask that would not fog (he pointed out why my personal one did!) and that it would adjust for my eyesight, Libby assured that my traveling companion had eyes on at all times as they needed some extra care. The event was well-timed and ensured we were all hydrated and fed (with healthy and yummy food and fresh fruit!) throughout the day. I simply cannot say enough about how well done this tour is. Thank you for a truly memorable trip of a lifetime!
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Summary:
The crew were great, really informative and I felt confident with our guide Simon. We did a scuba taster session and enjoyed it so much, we paid for a 2nd one on the same trip. The reefs we visited were amazing and we got really close to them. There was loads of food provided, unfortunately I was too sea sick to eat anything but bread at lunch, but there were lots of fruit and snacks later.
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Know more about Cairns Central Business District
You’ll sail aboard an 80-foot luxury catamaran from Cairns to two unique outer reef locations chosen from 27 possible sites. The personalized day tour combines high-speed cruising, expert crew guidance and opportunities to snorkel or scuba dive among colorful fish, turtles and diverse coral on a reef that’s world-famous for marine life.
The tour operates on a purpose-built catamaran with snorkeling equipment, tuition and marine naturalist presentations provided. You’ll also enjoy a chef-prepared hot and cold buffet lunch and light onboard refreshments while cruising between reef sites.
With 27 outer reef destinations available, the friendly crew assesses current weather and sea conditions and selects the two reef sites best suited to provide safe, high-quality snorkeling and diving on that day, maximizing your chances to see vibrant coral and marine wildlife.
Yes - you can choose to snorkel or scuba dive at the two outer reef locations your crew selects. The experienced team tailors the day to conditions and your preferences so you get the best possible reef experience on each visit.
Scuba diving suitability depends on age and medical history: the minimum age for scuba diving in Queensland is 12 years, and certain medical conditions or prescription medications may preclude you from diving without a Queensland dive medical. Contact the operator directly to discuss any health concerns before booking.
Yes - the day tour caters to families and a range of fitness levels. There are both snorkeling and surface options for less-active participants, and staff provide tuition and support. Infants and small children can travel on board in prams or on laps, and the crew help ensure a comfortable reef experience for groups and families.
