2-Day Snorkeling: Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard from Cairns
Two days and nights on the water, snorkeling outer reef sites most day trips never reach
A 2-day snorkeling experience on the Great Barrier Reef aboard OceanQuest, a liveaboard catamaran departing from Cairns. You sleep aboard the vessel, snorkel at more than 14 permanent moorings across Saxon, Norman, and Hastings Reefs, and attend Fish After Dark in the evenings. All snorkel equipment, meals, and briefings are included.
What’s included
- All snorkel and dive equipment including dive computers, air fills and prescription masks.
- in-depth equipment tuition and briefings.
- Fish After Dark activity.
- visits to two outer reef locations each day.
- all meals aboard including breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts.
- pickup from Cairns.
Times
- Every day 07:30
Before you book
Operated by Divers Den
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The experience
OceanQuest is a three-deck, 35-metre catamaran that leaves Cairns and stays on the reef overnight, which means you reach the outer sites most day trips can't fit in. The vessel carries you to two different snorkel locations each day, with in-depth equipment tuition and briefings before you enter the water. All snorkel and dive equipment comes with you (masks, computers, air fills), so you arrive ready to go. The boat has air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms, hot freshwater showers, and a spacious lounge bar where you unwind between dives.
Meals are prepared onboard by the chef: hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, plus dessert after your time in the water. Evenings include Fish After Dark, a dry activity unique to the liveaboard format. You're not rushed through a schedule. The overnight setup gives you time to explore the reef at a pace that suits the conditions and your comfort level. Pickup from Cairns is included, so you don't arrange transport separately.
Is this one for you?The overnight departure from Cairns means you reach the outer reef sites that day trips can't access, and you don't need your own transport: pickup is included, so the boat collects you and brings you back.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What snorkel sites do you visit on the 2-day trip?
OceanQuest moors at more than 14 permanent moorings across Saxon, Norman, and Hastings Reefs, visiting two different outer reef locations each day. The specific sites depend on conditions and marine life activity on the day you travel.
Is all the snorkel gear provided, or do I need to bring my own?
All snorkel and dive equipment is included: masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits, dive computers, and air fills. Prescription masks are available if you need them. You don't need to bring or hire your own gear.
What happens in the evenings aboard the boat?
After dinner, you can relax in the spacious lounge bar with other guests or retreat to your air-conditioned cabin. The boat also offers Fish After Dark, a unique dry activity that happens in the evenings while you're moored on the reef.
Are meals included in the 2-day package?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared onboard by the chef each day, along with dessert. Bar purchases and snacks are separate.
Do I need diving certification to snorkel on this trip?
No. Snorkeling does not require certification. The crew provides in-depth equipment tuition and briefings before you enter the water. Scuba diving courses and guided dives are available separately at additional cost.
2-Day Snorkeling: Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard from Cairns
2d · EN · at your hotel
from AU$ 730 per person
≈ US$ 520 in your currency
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