If you don’t have the time to do a live aboard trip, or simply don’t wish to stay overnight on the reef, you may wish to book a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
For the certified diver, we offer dive guides for the inexperienced. Alternatively we can find you a buddy if you don’t have one and wish to dive unguided.
You may want to just snorkel or try an introductory scuba dive. An introductory scuba dive (also called Discover Scuba Diving) offers you the opportunity to explore the underwater world with a scuba dive instructor. The program is very easy and requires no previous experience.
There are a variety of choices regarding day trips. Some trips cater specifically for divers, others for families and have fixed pontoons they moor up to at the Reef. Others are slower sailing boats that have less passengers, and offer a more relaxing day, and great snorkelling, but may not be suitable for the experienced diver. So if not sure, please feel free to contact us for some friendly advice.
Reef Experience operates daily
Reef Experience is one of the fastest catamarans departing Cairns daily, giving guests more time to discover two unspoilt outer Barrier Reef locations. Everyone will find a perfect way to experience arguably the most spectacular aquatic environment in the world, with friendly & attentive staff offering a free guided snorkel, introductory or certified dive.
Trips depart daily from Marlin Marina, and Reef Experience operates as a transfer vessel to the overnight boat – Reef Encounter. Transfers are via the day trip vessel Reef Experience.
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AquaQuest operates daily
AquaQuest is a brand new custom-built luxury dive and snorkel vessel introduced in July 2017. Taking only 60 passengers, she is fully equipped with the most modern and state-of-the-art facilities including Nitrox. In other words, passengers receive unrivalled comfort with the best experience available as we visit some of the best dive and snorkel locations on the Outer Great Barrier Normal, Saxon and Hastings Reefs
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Reef Day Tripper operates daily except for Wednesday
Want small groups and a relaxed day snorkelling and maybe trying a dive? Then this is the boat for you.
Taking a maximum of 20 people out to the Great Barrier Reef, Reef Daytripper is a beautifully kept sailing catamaran that was built in 1998. It measures 12 m x 7.5m and is very spacious inside and out.
It visits Upolu Reef which is a very beautiful location that lies at the very edge of the Outer Barrier Reef.
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Evolution operates daily
“Evolution”, operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive, is an ultra-modern, high-speed, reef day tour boat, that arrived in Cairns in 2015. The three-level, custom-designed and built catamaran takes up to 140 people but has tons of room and options for private saloon areas. 5 hours at 2 spectacular locations with up to 3 dives and snorkel times available.
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SIlverswift operates daily except Wednesdays and Sundays
Silverswift allows up to 80 guests to spend 5 hours at 3 different locations. A 29m high-speed luxury catamaran whose prices include transfers, all equipment, morning and afternoon tea and buffet lunch.
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Reef Magic operates daily
Reef Magic is a 22m catamaran catering for up to 140 passengers. At the Reef, it moors up against a 45 X 12m double deck pontoon -“Marine World”. The pontoon offers stability and a firm base to enjoy a number of activities such as diving, snorkelling, underwater observation area, a helicopter pad for scenic flights, or transfers as well as much more. Great for families and with a dedicated children’s swimming area, it’s a great option.
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Budget snorkelling trip to Outer GBR!
SeaQuest offers fantastic value for money, and gives you an opportunity to snorkel on the Outer Barrier Reef at 2 different sites for 4 hours. This vessel also operates as a transfer boat taking passengers to the over night boat – OceanQuest.
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Poseidon operates Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays only
Poseidon visits three spectacular sites on the outer edge of the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs. The crystal-clear waters, beautiful corals, and incredible fish life found at the Agincourts, enable Poseidon to offer the best possible day boat diving and snorkeling.
Poseidon caters to snorkellers, introductory and certified divers. Divers can enjoy three guided dives, including drift dives, wall dives, and isolated pinnacles surrounded by pelagic fish and coral gardens.
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Silversonic operates daily
Silversonic allows up to 80 guests to spend 5 hours at 3 different Ribbon Reef locations. A 29m high-speed luxury catamaran whose prices include transfers, all equipment, morning and afternoon tea and buffet lunch.
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Yongala Dive operates daily except for Tuesdays
Take the fastest trip to the historic S.S. Yongala wreck, voted as one of the Top 10 Dives in the World. Yongala Dive will take you to the wreck in 30 minutes. The artifacts, marine life and variety of corals that cover the wreck are spectacular. It’s a dive experience you will remember for the rest of your life!
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