Great Barrier Reef Catamaran: Dive & Snorkel 2 Outer Reef Sites

Two Outer Reef Sites in One Day, Weather Chosen for You

You board at 7:45am, visit two outer reef sites chosen for that day's conditions, snorkel or dive with a naturalist guide, eat a chef-prepared lunch onboard, and return with all park fees and gear included. The crew's 30 years of experience means the location changes based on weather, not a fixed itinerary, so you get the reef that's actually good that day.

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the outer reef without arranging your own boat, choosing between 27 sites, or worrying about lunch and park fees — the crew's 30 years of experience means they pick the two locations that will actually be good that morning, which is what makes the difference between a reef day and a reef day you remember.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Barrier Reef catamaran cruise

• Depart from Cairns by catamaran
• Visit two reef locations
• Snorkel or dive with crew
• Explore marine life and coral
• Return to Cairns

The Experience

"We pick the reef that's going to give you the best day," our crew tells you at check-in, and that's the whole thing right there. You arrive at Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns at 7am, board the 80-foot catamaran, and by 8am you're moving. The boat has 27 outer Great Barrier Reef destinations to choose from, and the crew decides which two you'll visit based on what the weather's doing that morning — not what looks good in a brochure. It means you're not locked into a mediocre site because it's famous, and it means the reef you actually see is the one that's alive that day.

The catamaran itself is built for this — modern, fast, designed to handle the crossing without eating your whole morning. Once you're at the first site, you get a snorkel tour with tuition if you need it, plus a marine naturalist who talks you through what you're looking at underwater. The fish aren't small or distant; they're right there, moving through coral that's actually colorful. You can dive instead if you're certified, or switch between snorkeling and diving across the two stops. The crew handles the logistics — they've been running this for 30 years, and it shows in how little you have to think about. Prescription masks, wetsuits, all the gear: it's there.

Between sites you eat. The lunch is chef-prepared, hot and cold, served onboard — not a sandwich wrapped in plastic. Tea and coffee when you arrive, snacks through the day. You're in the water, out of the water, fed, and moving to the second location before the afternoon flattens. The whole day runs on a schedule that gets you back to Cairns with time left, not at dusk when you're already tired.

All marine park fees are included, so there's no surprise at the end. Bring your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen and hat — the sun out there is direct. If you're thinking about diving, check the medical requirements first: Queensland has specific rules about asthma, diabetes, heart conditions and some medications, and you'll need a dive medical clearance if any of that applies. Snorkeling has no such restrictions. And if you do dive, you can't fly for 18 hours after, so plan your departure accordingly.

Top questions

What time does the boat leave Cairns?

Check-in starts at 7am at Reef Fleet Terminal; the boat departs at 8am.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. The tour includes snorkel tuition and a marine naturalist presentation, and all equipment is provided.

How many reef sites do you visit?

Two outer Great Barrier Reef locations, chosen each day based on weather conditions from 27 possible destinations.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A chef-prepared hot and cold buffet lunch is served onboard, plus tea, coffee and snacks throughout the day.

Can I dive instead of snorkel?

Yes, if you're certified. Divers must be at least 12 years old and meet Queensland medical requirements. Some medical conditions and medications require a dive medical clearance.

What's included in the price?

Snorkel tour, tuition, equipment, lunch, marine park fees, tea and coffee, and use of the catamaran. Wetsuits and prescription masks are available.

Can I bring my young children?

Yes. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller and must sit on an adult's lap. Children should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. All snorkel and dive gear is provided.

If I dive, when can I fly home?

You must wait 18 hours after your last dive before flying. Plan your departure accordingly.

What if the weather is bad?

The crew selects the two reef sites each morning based on conditions, so you always visit the locations offering the best experience that day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup (check availability), check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal, catamaran transport to two outer Great Barrier Reef locations, snorkel tour with tuition and equipment, dive option if certified, marine naturalist presentation, chef-prepared buffet lunch onboard, tea and coffee on arrival, light snacks throughout the day, all marine park fees and levies, and return to Cairns by afternoon. Wetsuits, sun suits and prescription masks are available at no extra cost.