Great Barrier Reef: Full-Day Cruise & Helicopter Flight

Summary

Snorkel outer reefs from Cairns then fly above coral gardens

You’ll step onto Evolution in Cairns for a full-day cruise across two outer Great Barrier Reef sites, snorkel among vivid corals with all gear included, savor a fresh BBQ lunch onboard, then lift off for a short helicopter flight over swirling reef colors before winding down with wine and cheese on deck—leaving you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment when you first hear the slap of water against the hull at Cairns’ marina — kind of sharp and echoey in the early morning. I was still finishing my muffin (they hand them out with coffee at check-in) when our guide, Jamie, waved us down to Evolution. He had that relaxed Queensland way of talking, like nothing could possibly go wrong out here. The boat felt bigger than I expected, all shiny decks and people already slathering on sunscreen. I remember thinking, “Did I bring enough SPF?” but got distracted by the smell of salt and something sweet from the galley.

The trip out to Saxon Reef took about an hour and a half — long enough for me to realize I’d forgotten how blue the ocean gets this far north. Jamie pointed out a couple of flying fish as we geared up. Snorkeling over the Great Barrier Reef is one of those things you think you’ve seen in photos, but it’s different when you’re actually floating there, hearing your own breath through the snorkel and watching little parrotfish nibble at coral. At one point my mask fogged up and a crew member named Li helped me fix it; she laughed when I tried to thank her in Mandarin — probably butchered it.

Lunch was this proper Aussie BBQ — steak, prawns, salads — and everyone just sort of ate wherever they landed on deck. The sun came out strong by then, making everything look almost too bright. Hastings Reef was next, where they shuffled us into groups for the helicopter flight (I was nervous but didn’t admit it). The chopper blades were louder than I expected; once we lifted off though, there was this hush in my head as the reef patterns spread out below — turquoise patches and darker blues twisting around each other. It’s hard to describe without sounding corny but yeah… I still think about that view sometimes.

Back on board there was time for another swim or just lazing around with cheese and wine as we headed back toward Cairns. People were quieter then — maybe tired or just letting it all sink in. Someone pointed out a turtle off the port side but honestly, I missed it because I was too busy watching sunlight flicker on the waves. That’s how days like this end up feeling: not perfect or dramatic, just oddly peaceful.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Great Barrier Reef cruise

• Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal
• Board Evolution yacht and meet crew
• Enjoy arrival tea, coffee, and muffins
• Depart Cairns with safety briefing
• Travel 1.5 hours to first reef location
• Explore Saxon or Norman Reef
• Enjoy BBQ lunch onboard
• Arrive at Hastings Reef
• Take 10-minute scenic helicopter flight
• Snorkel or relax on deck
• Return to mainland with afternoon tea
• Arrive back in Cairns around 4:30pm

Top questions

How long is the Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns?

The full-day cruise lasts about 8 hours, departing at 8am and returning around 4:30pm.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Great Barrier Reef tour?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment plus lycra/sun suits are provided onboard.

Where does the tour depart from in Cairns?

The tour departs from Reef Fleet Terminal at 1 Spence Street in Cairns.

What food is served during the day trip?

A BBQ lunch with fresh fish, steak, prawns, salads and bread is included; dietary needs can be catered for if confirmed ahead.

How long is the helicopter flight over the reef?

The scenic helicopter flight lasts approximately 10 minutes over Hastings Reef.

Are diving activities included in this package?

Dives are only included if you book a dive package; otherwise snorkeling is available for all guests.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests must check in at Reef Fleet Terminal between 7:15am–7:45am.

Can children join this Great Barrier Reef day trip?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; age restrictions apply for diving activities.

What’s included

Your day includes check-in at Cairns’ Reef Fleet Terminal before boarding Evolution for tea or coffee with muffins; five hours exploring two exclusive outer reef locations with all snorkeling gear provided; a freshly prepared Australian BBQ lunch (with options for special diets); personal flotation aids; a spectacular 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over Hastings Reef; plus afternoon tea featuring cheese, crackers and wine as you sail back toward Cairns—taxes and fees are covered too.