Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise with Scuba Diving

An eight-hour full-day adventure begins in Cairns, Queensland. It takes you on a journey exploring the fascinating beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. This tour includes visits to two exceptional reef sites filled with vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life. Travel aboard a luxury superyacht that comfortably accommodates up to 60 guests with style. Enjoy five hours at each site for snorkeling or scuba diving, guided by experienced instructors suited for beginners and certified divers alike. Relish a chef-prepared BBQ lunch featuring fresh seafood on board the Evolution while taking breaks in air-conditioned lounges or spacious sun decks. The tour covers approximately 30 nautical miles over eight hours, ensuring an engaging experience with no rush. Audio guides are available in English, Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish, and French to enhance your understanding of this World Heritage site. Key highlights include the pristine Agincourt Reef and Michaelmas Cay.

Explore Agincourt Reef Coral Gardens

You'll visit Agincourt Reef during the tour, where snorkeling through extensive coral gardens covering 120 hectares awaits you. Established as a protected marine park in the early 1980s, this reef is home to over 150 species of colorful fish and numerous sea turtles and rays. With a maximum depth for snorkeling set at 15 meters, guests can enjoy underwater exploration without diving equipment. Spend up to two hours engaging in activities like coral viewing, spotting green turtles, and swimming alongside reef sharks. Agincourt Reef's accessibility from the mainland makes it unique compared to more remote reefs, offering insights into the ecological significance of the Great Barrier Reef.

Dive into Michaelmas Cay Seabird Sanctuary

At Michaelmas Cay, snorkeling or scuba diving reveals diverse hard and soft corals along with numerous tropical fish species. This 400-meter-long cay supports over 25,000 nesting seabirds annually as part of a protected sanctuary declared by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in 1976 to preserve its ecological integrity. Visitors can explore for up to three hours without disturbing the natural habitat, making it unique due to its focus on conservation while offering an exceptional diving experience.

Tour Highlights

Cruise aboard a luxury superyacht to two stunning reef sites.

Five-hour snorkeling or scuba diving sessions included.

Chef-prepared BBQ lunch with fresh seafood onboard the Evolution.

Introductory and certified scuba diving courses led by licensed instructors.

Air-conditioned lounges and spacious sun decks for relaxation between activities.

Audio guides available in English, Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish, and French.

Explore Agincourt Reef Coral Gardens teeming with marine life.

Snorkel or dive at Michaelmas Cay Seabird Sanctuary.

This eight-hour full-day adventure is ideal for nature enthusiasts, divers, and families. It offers unparalleled access to the Great Barrier Reef's natural wonders by snorkeling through vibrant coral gardens at Agincourt Reef, exploring diverse marine life at Michaelmas Cay, and relaxing on board the luxury Evolution yacht. The tour provides a complete experience of Queensland’s aquatic treasures while ensuring convenience with included meals and equipment.

Tips for Visitors

• Plan ahead and secure your booking at least a day in advance during peak season to ensure availability for this full-day excursion from Cairns.
• Consider starting with certified divers or those interested in introductory courses early on the trip, as diving activities are available only subject to instructor guidance.
• If you enjoy fresh seafood and BBQs, look forward to a chef-prepared lunch onboard during your journey through Coral Sea waters.