Reef Experience

  • 100 - Pax
  • 6 - Hours
  • 2 - Dives

Due to the current historic fuel costs, there is currently a fuel surcharge in place (temporarily) of $10 per person

Reef Experience operates daily

Ready for a day on the reef that actually feels like a full day? Reef Experience is one of the fastest catamarans departing Marlin Marina, which means less travel—and more time exploring two pristine outer reef sites.

The friendly & attentive staff offer a free guided snorkel, introductory, or certified dive.

Ready for a day on the reef that actually feels like a full day? Reef Experience is one of the fastest catamarans departing Marlin Marina, which means less travel—and more time exploring two pristine outer reef sites. The price includes a FREE Introductory or certified dive!!!

Not Ready to Dive? No Worries

Prefer to stay dry? No problem. Hop on the glass bottom boat and watch the reef come to life beneath your feet. Then, when you’re ready for a break, stretch out on the oversized sundeck or retreat to the cool, air-conditioned saloon.

Importantly, the vessel is built for both comfort and safety. With dedicated “wings” on either side, activities like snorkelling, diving, and glass bottom tours each have their own space—making everything smoother, safer, and more relaxed.

Reef Locations You’ll Visit

Each trip visits two hand-picked sites, chosen for the best conditions on the day. These may include:

  • Norman Reef
  • Hastings Reef
  • Saxon Reef
  • Michaelmas Cay

As a result, every trip feels unique—tailored to the day’s weather and visibility.

See here for more detailed information on the dive sites

Eat Well, Relax More

Hungry after all that exploring? You’ll be looked after. All dietary requirements are catered for—just let the team know when booking. Meanwhile, you can kick back, refuel, and soak in the ocean views.

Upgrade Your Day: Top Deck Club

Want to take things up a notch? The Top Deck Club delivers a premium, first-class style experience.

From the moment you arrive, everything is seamless. You’ll skip the lines, enjoy priority service, and have a personal crew member (your valet for the day) taking care of everything—from gear setup to meals.

On top of that, you’ll get:

  • Reserved seating in the captain’s wheelhouse
  • A personalised snorkel tour
  • An in-water guide for extra confidence
  • Priority access to all activities

In short, it’s a more relaxed, more personalised way to experience the reef.

Add a Little Adventure

If you’re chasing something unforgettable, why not arrive or depart by helicopter? Scenic flights are also available while you’re out on the reef—offering a completely different perspective of the Great Barrier Reef’s colours and scale.

Contact us for more information

 

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

  • 7:30am Check in at Reef Experience – Marlin Jetty “A” Finger
  • 8:00am Depart Marlin Wharf – Breakfast onboard
  • Safety briefing and snorkelling demonstration
  • 8:30am Marine Biology talk
  • 9:30am Arrive at first Outer Great Barrier Reef Site
  • 12:30pm Lunch
  • 13.00pm Arrive at second Outer Great Barrier Reef Site
  • 3:00pm Depart Great Barrier Reef for Cairns

Complimentary wine, cheese, biscuits and fruit platters
4:30pm Approximate arrive time at Cairns Marlin Marina

Reef Experience - Rates + Bookings

Snorkeler / Diver adult $280.00
Snorkeler child $195.00
Snorkeler Family $755.00
Snorkeler / Diver Top Deck $435.00
Extra 2nd Introductory dive $75.00
Extra 2nd certified dive $55.00
Date of Travel

Reef taxes and city transfers are included.

Excludes a temporary fuel levy of $10 per person

Prices valid until 31st March 2027

Note: Pubilc Holiday surcharge of $50 per person is for the selected dates:

  • • 3, 4, 5 & 6 April 2026 – Easter
  • 26 December 2023 – Boxing Day
  • 26, 27, 28 & 29 March 2027 – Easter
  • (Christmas Day and New Year’s day have a $100 surcharge)

Inclusions

  • Bus transfers from city accommodation
  • Breakfast once on board
  • Two spectacular Outer reef locations
  • Free Scuba Dive – Introductory/ Resort or Certified
  • All Scuba Dive equipment including wet suits
  • Stinger Suits during stinger season (November – May)
  • Snorkel Equipment – Snorkel Mask, Snorkel and Fins included (adult and Kids sizes)
  • Buoyancy aides – snorkel vests and noodles
  • Up to 6 hours at the Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Glass bottom boat tour & commentary (weather permitting)
  • Marine Biologist presentation of the reef
  • Delicious BBQ & fresh salad lunch
  • Fresh fruit platters
  • Wine, cheese & biscuits on return
  • Complimentary tea & coffee
  • Experienced & helpful crew assistance for non-confident swimmers and non-swimmers

Extras

  • Fuel levy $10 per person
  • Second scuba dive (the first dive is included) Certified $60 – Introductory $70
  • Professional underwater photographs taken on the day
  • Underwater digital camera hire – $89.00
  • Marine Biology lectured snorkel tour
  • Scuba guide for qualified divers – $15.00
  • Prescription masks if required – $10.00
  • Souvenirs: Great Barrier Reef T-shirts etc.
  • Transfers from Outer City accommodation and Port Douglas (Prices on application)

Note: All Certified dives are unguided, allowing you to dive in your buddy pairs and explore the Great Barrier Reef. If you would like a dive guide cost is $15.00 per person per dive and can be organized onboard.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS SURCHARGE

A Surcharge of $100 per person applies to 25 December 2026 – Christmas Day

A Surcharge of $50 per person applies to all other Queensland public holidays listed

  • 3, 4, 5 & 6 April 2026 – Easter
  • 26 December 2026 – Boxing Day
  • 26, 27, 28 & 29 March 2027 – Easter