Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Snorkel & Dive Cruise with Lunch

Summary

Snorkel coral gardens and drift above Wonder Wall from Cairns

You’ll start your day in Cairns with coffee on deck before snorkeling or diving two distinct Great Barrier Reef sites—Wonder Wall’s deep drop-offs and Upolu Cay’s bright coral gardens. Enjoy guided tours with marine experts, spot turtles or rays if luck’s on your side, and relax over fresh seafood lunch before drifting back toward shore—salt still clinging to your skin.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the slap of salty air as we left Cairns — not sharp, just enough to wake you up. There was coffee brewing below deck and a Danish in my hand before I’d even found a seat. Everyone seemed half-awake but grinning, like we were all in on something good. Our guide, Jamie, pointed out the color shift in the water as we sped towards Upolu Reef. She said you could always tell when you were getting close to the real stuff by that impossible blue — she was right.

When we dropped anchor at Wonder Wall, it was quieter than I expected. The only sounds were wetsuits zipping up and a few nervous laughs. I slid into the water and honestly, for a second I forgot to breathe — schools of fish darted around like they owned the place (which, fair). Jamie led us along the wall, pointing out things I would’ve missed: tiny clams pulsing shut, a parrotfish with colors so bright it almost looked fake. The current nudged us along during the Adventure Drift Snorkel tour — I mostly just floated and let it happen. There’s something about being carried by water that makes you feel small in a good way.

Lunch happened somewhere between saltwater hair and sun-warmed skin — seafood piled high, fruit sticky on my fingers, everyone swapping stories about what they’d seen (someone swore they spotted a turtle; I’m still not convinced). Then we headed to Upolu Cay. The sand there is so white it almost hurts your eyes if you stare too long. Some people managed to stand knee-deep on the cay itself; others just floated nearby watching rays sift through the shallows. The glass-bottom boat tour was slower paced — our marine naturalist pointed out corals shaped like antlers and explained how this part of the reef is protected from fishing. It felt good knowing that.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm by the end — maybe it was six hours in those waters or maybe just being around people who cared about this place. On the way back to Cairns, with cake and cheese plates making their rounds, someone asked if anyone got seasick (I didn’t, but took their advice about tablets just in case). Sometimes I still think about that moment drifting over Wonder Wall — how quiet it was under there compared to everything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Barrier Reef snorkel and dive cruise

• Check in and board vessel
• Enjoy coffee, pastry, and fresh fruit
• Travel to Wonder Wall reef site
• Snorkel or scuba dive at Wonder Wall
• Take Glass Bottom Boat tour
• Join Adventure Drift Snorkel tour
• Enjoy large lunch while cruising to Upolu Cay
• Snorkel at Upolu Cay coral garden
• Look for turtles and stingrays
• Land on Upolu Cay if conditions allow
• Relax and explore reef sites
• Return to Cairns with fresh fruit, cheese, and cake

Top questions

How long does this Great Barrier Reef cruise last?

The cruise lasts about six hours at the reef plus travel time from Cairns; you return around 4:15 pm.

Are snorkeling equipment and wetsuits included?

Yes, all snorkeling gear plus wetsuits or lycra suits are provided depending on season.

Is lunch included on this snorkel & dive cruise?

Yes, a large buffet-style lunch with seafood is served onboard between reef stops.

Can beginners join this Great Barrier Reef day trip?

Absolutely—snorkeling instruction and crew assistance are available for all levels.

What are the two reef sites visited from Cairns?

The tour visits Wonder Wall at Upolu Reef’s outer edge and Upolu Cay coral garden area.

Is diving available for non-certified divers?

Introductory dives are possible if you meet medical requirements; check details before booking.

How many guests are on board this cruise?

The catamaran carries up to 75 guests for a more comfortable experience.

Are there guided tours during snorkeling?

Yes—marine naturalists lead both Adventure Drift Snorkel tours and glass-bottom boat tours at each site.

What’s included

Your day includes tea and coffee throughout, fast catamaran travel from Cairns to two distinct Great Barrier Reef locations with all snorkeling equipment provided (plus wetsuits or lycra suits depending on season), six full hours exploring Wonder Wall and Upolu Cay reef areas alongside expert guides, an adventure drift snorkel tour, glass-bottom boat tour led by marine naturalists, a generous seafood buffet lunch onboard as well as fresh fruit platters, cheese plates and cake for your return journey—all Marine Park fees covered too.