Great Barrier Reef: Snorkeling & Diving Cruise from Cairns

Summary

Snorkel or dive two outer reef spots with fresh BBQ lunch and local crew

You’ll swim through bright coral gardens at two outer Great Barrier Reef locations near Cairns, guided by locals who know every quirky fish story. Enjoy a fresh BBQ lunch onboard and wind down with cheese and wine as you sail home. Expect laughter, small surprises, and maybe a new favorite sea creature.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s handing me a lycra suit before I’ve even finished my coffee—turns out you really do need it here, stingers and all. The crew at the dock in Cairns were already cracking jokes as we shuffled onto the boat, Evolution. There’s this early-morning hum, people half-awake but excited, and I can still smell the sunscreen mixing with salty air. Our guide, Jess, grinned as she handed out masks and said something about “keeping an eye out for Wally”—I thought she meant a person but apparently it’s a giant wrasse fish. Should’ve guessed.

The ride out to the first Great Barrier Reef spot takes about ninety minutes. I lost track staring at the water shift from murky green to that impossible turquoise. When we finally stopped (Saxon Reef today), everyone got quiet for a second—just that slap of waves against the hull and someone’s kid giggling about their flippers. Jumping in was colder than I expected but then you’re floating above this wild city of coral, fish darting everywhere like confetti. I tried to remember all the names Jess rattled off—parrotfish, damselfish—but mostly I just kept thinking how weirdly peaceful it felt down there.

Lunch was a proper Aussie BBQ on deck—fresh prawns, steak, salads—and someone always seemed to be passing around another plate. They remembered my gluten-free thing without me having to ask twice (small win). After that we moved to Norman Reef for more snorkeling or diving; some folks took the helicopter flight instead (looked epic from below). I stuck with snorkeling and ended up next to an older couple from Melbourne who’d never swum in open ocean before—they were nervous but grinning so hard under their masks you could see it in their eyes.

I didn’t expect to feel so tired on the way back but it’s that good kind of tired. The sun was dropping behind Cairns as we lounged on deck with cheese and wine—someone played old Crowded House songs on their phone and nobody minded. Jess came by again just to check if anyone had seen Wally after all (someone had, not me). I still think about those flashes of blue and yellow under the surface, how quiet everything felt for a minute or two—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Barrier Reef snorkeling and diving

• Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal
• Board Evolution and enjoy tea and muffins
• Depart Cairns with safety briefing
• Snorkel at first reef location
• Enjoy BBQ lunch onboard
• Snorkel or dive at second reef location
• Optional scenic helicopter flight
• Return to Cairns with afternoon tea and wine

Top questions

How long is the Great Barrier Reef snorkeling cruise from Cairns?

The tour lasts about 8-9 hours including 5 hours at two reef locations plus travel time.

Is lunch included on the Great Barrier Reef cruise?

Yes, a fresh Australian BBQ lunch is prepared onboard with options for dietary needs.

Do they provide snorkeling or diving equipment?

All snorkel and scuba equipment is included in your tour package.

Can beginners try scuba diving on this trip?

Yes, introductory dives are available for beginners if selected in your booking.

Which reefs do you visit from Cairns?

The boat visits two outer reef sites such as Saxon Reef or Norman Reef depending on conditions.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; check-in is at Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns between 7:15am-7:45am.

Are special diets catered for during lunch?

Yes, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options are available if requested ahead.

What time does the boat depart and return to Cairns?

The boat departs at 8:00am and returns around 4:30pm.

What’s included

Your day includes check-in at Cairns’ Reef Fleet Terminal with friendly crew greeting you onboard Evolution. You’ll get free use of lycra stinger suits plus all snorkel or dive gear needed for both reef stops. Enjoy five hours exploring two outer Great Barrier Reef sites, an onboard BBQ lunch with plenty of choices (dietary needs covered), afternoon tea with cheese and wine as you sail back—and expert local guides making sure you don’t miss anything special underwater or above deck.