Evolution

• 140 - Pax
• 5 - Hours
• 3 - Dives

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.

Evolution has 12 exclusive moorings at six reef locations. Locations are chosen each day based on weather conditions and water clarity so as to ensure the best experience for all activities. Generally, they travel to one of our two outer reef locations in the morning (Norman Reef or Saxon Reef) and then make their way to North Hastings Reef in the afternoon to conduct Helicopter Flights and our Semi-Submersible tour.

Diving is available for both Introductory divers (no experience required) and certified divers. 3 dives are available (depends on availability so only 2 dives can be booked in advance). Guides are also available at extra cost.

Extra activities once at the Reef include scenic helicopter flights and semi-submersible trips.

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

Gold Class bookings enable you to have private use of the Level 2 salon for up to 8 guests.

Lunch is a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch including prawns, fish, steak, vegetarian options, tropical salads and pasta. They can cater for guests with vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy-free diets. Please advise us at the time of your booking of any special dietary requirements and we will gladly assist where we can.

Check-in time is 7.30 am. The boat departs at 8.15 am sharp and returns at about 4.30 pm.

About MV Evolution

Surveyed for 300 but takes far less giving plenty of room

The lower deck has an air-conditioned interior section that features seating for up to 140 people with tables and large windows for excellent views while you eat your complimentary lunch. Grab drinks and snacks at the fully stocked bar and relax while you are treated to live entertainment.

Level 1 deck is the water entry for divers and snorkelers. The steps submerge directly into the ocean, providing comfortable access for snorkellers and divers alike. The hydraulic dive platforms are the largest of any reef vessel for easy access in and out of the water.

Level 2 is the air-conditioned middle deck which has plenty of comfortable bench seats with tables and lots of windows to enjoy the views. Outside you can sun tan to your heart’s content on the day beds fitted with soft material for added comfort while you relax. There’s also a seating area at the front and rear of the boat so you can soak up the views from whatever direction you desire.

Level 3 has a spacious seated and bean bag area with 360-degree views of its beautiful reef surroundings.

Gold Class package

Take that experience up to the next level of service, comfort and luxury with the exclusive GOLD CLASS package.

Start your day with a personalised transfer from your city accommodation to the Reef Fleet Terminal, ready to meet your private concierge who will be with you for the day. Located on the second floor, luxury awaits as you are invited into your GOLD CLASS lounge for a day to remember forever!

As well as the inclusions above get these extras as part of your package:

• Private return transfer service from your Cairns city accommodation
• All-day marine concierge service with personal snorkelling tuition
• Exclusive access for up to 8 guests to the GOLD CLASS luxury lounge
• Lounge features; mini bar/wine fridge, Nespresso coffee machine, large TV screen with saloon sound quality audio
• Complimentary semi-sub tour
• Lunch served inside your private Gold Class Lounge
• Free stinger suit/wetsuit & prescription mask hire
• All Reef taxes included

A minimum cost is for up to 4 people all-inclusive and then discounted for 5-8 guests

Get High Packages

Add the thrill of a helicopter flight with the Great Barrier Reef experience. There are 3 options available.

• Half-day Reef cruise with one way 25-minute Helicopter Transfer to the Reef (Fly / Cruise package)
• Full-day Reef Cruise with one way 25-minute Helicopter Transfer to the Reef (Cruise / Fly package)
• Full-day Reef cruise with 10 minute Scenic Helicopter Flight once at the Reef (Get High package)

Fly / Cruise Half day

Take a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Reef and Sand Cays to join Evolution at the Reef for snorkelling, semi-submersible and diving activities. Note a SCUBA dive is not possible with this option due to time constraints.

Departs Cairns: 12:30pm, Arrive back in Cairns: 4:30 pm

• 25 min flight over the Reef to join Down Under Cruise & Dive at lunchtime
• 2 hours at Reef
• Snorkelling equipment
• BBQ Lunch
• Return cruise with a complimentary glass of wine, cheese, fruit platter & live entertainment

Cruise / Fly Full day

Ride on EVOLUTION to the Outer Great Barrier Reef and at the end of the day board your 25-minute scenic flight over the stunning Reef and Sand Cays back to Cairns.

Check-in 7:30 am daily, Arrive in Cairns: at 3:30 pm

• Fast Cruise to 2 reef sites with Down Under Cruise & Dive
• 5 hrs at the reef
• Snorkelling equipment
• BBQ Lunch
• Standard transfer fees apply
• 25 min flight over the reef and sand cays back into Cairns

Cruise Full day + scenic flight

Ride on EVOLUTION to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for your in-water activities. During the 5 hours at the Hastings Reef, you can take a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight or join our Semi-Submarine tour before cruising back to Cairns.

Book as part of a dive or snorkel package above to get the best saving. A scenic flight arranged on board is $179 extra.