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Reef Experience

4.9 (27 Reviews)

FROM

$260

100

Select Date and Passengers

Selected Date

Adult (12+)

Child (4-11 years)

Family (2A + 2C)

Infant (0-3 years)

Inclusions

Snorkel + Dive Gear Provided

Drinks

Drinks For Purchase

Cairns

Gorgeous Day Trip From Cairns

Snorkelling

Guided Snorkel Tours

Marine Life

Great Barrier Reef

Scuba Dive

Intro + Certified Divers

Locations

visit two reef sites

Meals

Lunch + Snacks

Overview

For an affordable, all-inclusive tour to the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, choose Reef Experience! Spend up to 6 hours on the reef where you can snorkel or scuba dive until your heart's content. Visit two pristine locations where you can experience the stunning diversity of corals and marine life. You're guaranteed to see a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, giant clams, vibrant coloured corals and more! If you're lucky you might even spot a turtle or two! The ideal reef trip for the whole family which also includes a marine biology presentation, BBQ lunch and transfers to and from your Cairns accommodation.

Spend the day exploring two locations on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
Enjoy one FREE introductory or certified scuba dive
Listen to an informative marine biology presentation
All-inclusive meals plus coffee and refreshments

Your Sample Itinerary

What's Included?

2 Outer Great Barrier Reef locations
Guided snorkel tours
Wetsuits
Buoyancy vests and noodles
Stinger suits during stinger season
Snorkelling equipment
FREE Certified Scuba Dive (licenced) or Intro Scuba Dive (no-experience necessary)
Marine biology presentation
Breakfast
BBQ lunch
Cheese and fruit platters
Tea and coffee
Water drinking fountain
Bus transfers for those staying in the Cairns city area
Reef tax, fuel levy & national park fees
Complimentary ginger Tablets for seasickness

What's Extra?

2nd Introductory/Resort Scuba Dive - $70.00
2nd Certified Dive - $60.00
Dive Guide for Certified Diver - $15.00
Marine Biologist Tour - $35.00
Prescription Masks - $10.00
Underwater cameras are available to hire for $89
Drinks and snacks (that aren't part of morning/afternoon tea)

Important Information

A surcharge of $100 per person applies to 25 December - Christmas Day (payable on board)
A surcharge of $50 per person applies to all other Queensland public holidays (payable on board)

Terms and Conditions

Please read through our Terms and Conditions before booking your tour.

FAQs

Where does the boat depart from and what time?

Check in starts at 7:30 am on board the Reef Experience boat located at A Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina. Departure is at 8:00 am. No need to go to the Reef Fleet Terminal.

Which reef sites does the Reef Experience visit?

Depending on the day, the crew will decide which reef sites are the best based on the weather conditions and visibility. You’ll have 2 stops at either Norman, Saxon or Hastings Reefs.

How long does it take to get out to the reef?

The journey out to the first reef site takes about 90 mins.

Are coach transfers included from my accommodation?

If you are staying in the Cairns Business District area, bus transfers to and from your accommodation to the boat are included on your day trip.

How many hours do we spend at the reef in total?

You will spend up to 5.5 hours enjoying snorkelling, scuba diving and relaxing on the reef.

Are special dietary requirements catered for?

Yes. If you have any special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or any food allergies, please let us know at the time of booking to ensure the crew can cater to your request. All food is locally sourced and prepared fresh by the onboard chef.

What if I can’t swim? Can I still snorkel and scuba dive?

The crew aim to show all guests the Great Barrier Reef at its best. If you can’t swim or are nervous, please speak to the crew on board who can provide you with flotation devices to support you while in the water. When you are scuba diving, you wear a jacket that inflates, helping you with buoyancy.

I’m a certified diver and I’m travelling with people who don’t want to dive. Can we travel on the same trip?

Absolutely! Reef Experience caters to a mixture of people wanting to do different activities. It’s common for divers and snorkelers to travel together on the same trip.

Is this trip suitable for somebody who has a disability?

Reef Experience is a family and disability friendly trip and the crew are able to cater to most people’s needs. If you are unsure or have a specific question, please get in touch with us.

If we have children, is there someone to watch them while we go diving?

Unfortunately, the Reef Experience doesn't have child-minding on the boat, so the crew cannot cater to infants, or anyone needing close supervision. However, if your children are old enough to go snorkelling on their own, they do have lifeguards watching the snorkelling area, so they will be in good hands. If you just let the lifeguards or any member of staff know that your children are entertaining themselves while you are heading off for a dive, they will be happy to keep a close eye out. You can also organise for your scuba dives to be at different times, so there is always one of you with your child or children.

Customer Reviews

Hugo Remy

Mar, 26 2025

Harrison Murphy

Nov, 17 2024

Insane value for money! Can't believe we could go for a dive for that price!

Matt Hurst

Nov, 16 2024

What a great trip to the reef! My first time going to the outer reef and it was so beautiful.

Bobby Baines

Nov, 10 2024

Went with my mates on a budget. We've all been over here now for like 2 months so running a bit tight on cash but this boat's nice and cheap. Got to go diving as well so that's a good extra thing on top.

East Coast Tours acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners of Country and recognises their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.

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