Evolution

  • 140 - Pax
  • 5 - Hours
  • 3 - Dives

Evolution – Fast, Modern & Packed with Reef Adventure

If you want a reef day that does everything, Evolution delivers.  This ultra-modern, high-speed catamaran departs daily to spend around five full hours at two reef sites, giving you plenty of time to snorkel, dive, relax—or mix it all together.

 

 

Two Stunning Reef Sites, Chosen Daily

Every day is different—and that’s the point. Sites are selected based on weather and visibility, ensuring the best possible experience. Evolution has 12 exclusive moorings at six reef locations.

Typically, you’ll visit:

  • Norman Reef or Saxon Reef in the morning
  • Hastings Reef in the afternoon

As a result, you get variety, colour, and incredible marine life—all in one trip. For more details on Evolution’s outer reef locations click the link.

Dive In (Or Take It Easy)

Whether you’re brand new or fully certified, there’s a way in:

  • Introductory diving – no experience needed
  • Certified diving – up to three dives (two pre-bookable)
  • Snorkelling – easy access straight from the boat

On top of that, you can level things up with guided dives or snorkel tours (available at extra cost).

More Than Just Snorkelling

Here’s where Evolution really stands out. Between water sessions, you can:

  • Take a scenic helicopter flight over the reef
  • Jump on a semi-submersible tour for a dry underwater view

So, even if you’re not diving, you’re still right in the action.

Comfort on Every Deck

Evolution is built for both adventure and downtime. Across three spacious levels, you’ll find:

  • Air-conditioned lounges with large windows
  • Open sundecks and day beds
  • Easy water access with wide platforms and submerged stairs
  • A fully stocked bar and live entertainment

Meanwhile, lunch is a highlight. Expect a classic Aussie BBQ—think prawns, fish, steak, plus vegetarian options, salads, and pasta. Dietary needs? No problem—just mention it when booking.

Upgrade to Gold Class

If you want something more exclusive, Gold Class takes the experience up a notch.

From the start, it’s seamless. You’ll get private transfers, a dedicated concierge, and access to your own luxury lounge for up to 8 guests.

Extras include:

  • Personal snorkel tuition
  • Private lounge with minibar, coffee machine & entertainment system
  • Lunch served in your lounge
  • Complimentary semi-sub tour
  • Free wetsuit/stinger suit and prescription masks

In short, it’s a quieter, more personalised reef day—with everything handled for you.

Half-day trips are possible with a flight out from Cairns via helicopter and spending the afternoon on board Evolution at the Reef.

Add a Helicopter Experience

For something unforgettable, pair your reef trip with a scenic flight. Options include:

  • Fly / Cruise (Half Day) – helicopter to the reef, cruise back
  • Cruise / Fly (Full Day) – cruise out, helicopter back
  • Cruise + Scenic Flight – full day plus a 10-minute reef flight

Either way, you’ll see the reef from above and below—hard to beat.

Departure Details

  • Check-in: 7:15 am
  • Departure: 8:00 am sharp
  • Return: ~4:30 pm

The Fly/Crusie half-day option departs Cairns: 12:40 pm, and. arrives back in Cairns: 4:30 pm

The Cruise / Fly full day option arrives back in Cairns 3.30pm

 

Itinerary

  • 7.15 am check-in at the Reef Fleet Terminal
  • 8:00 am daily depart from Cairns
  • 80-minute trip to the outer reefs
  • Approx 5 hours on the Outer Barrier Reef
  • 2 unique outer reef sites in the day (3 dives)
  • 4:30 pm return to Cairns

Evolution - Rates + Bookings

Adult snorkeler $275.00
Child Snorkeler $170.00
Family snorkelling $800.00
Trip + 1 pre-booked dive (Intro or certified) $365.00
Trip + 2 pre-booked dives (Intro or certified) $425.00
10min scenic helicopter flight $210.00
Cruise / Fly $590.00
Fly / Cruise (½ day trip) $530.00
Gold Class (1-2 guests) $799.00
Gold Class (up to 4 guests) $1,400.00
Date of Travel
  • Trip + introductory or certified dives use the pre-booked price above.
  • Scenic Helicopter flights are 10 mins duration
  • Reef Cruise + Helicopter (Cruise/Fly) full day is trip + 25 min flight back to Cairns
  • Fly/Cruise is half day trip – Helicopter from Cairns to Evolution – afternoon at the Reef
  • Prices are valid until 31st March 2027

 

 

Inclusions

  • Reef taxes of $20 per person
  • 2 stunning outer reef sites
  • Less travel time (approx. 80 mins)
  • 5 Hours Reef Time
  • Snorkelling equipment & floatation devices provided
  • Hot BBQ lunch (hot meats, fish, prawns & a variety of salads, vegetarian option available)
  • Free stinger suit hire
  • Dive equipment for all divers (excludes wet suit)
  • Fruit platter, cheese and a glass of wine on the return journey
  • Experienced, professional dive instructors
  • Large air-conditioned modern lounges to relax in comfort
  • Spacious sundecks for sunbathing
  • High crew-to-guest ratio

Extras

  • Wet suit hire $10 (included for divers)
  • Transfers ($26 city accommodation or $38 from Northern Beaches)
  • Dive guides (shared) $20 first dive and $10 for the second
  • Semi submersible trip $20
  • Snorkel Marine Biology talk and guided tour $35