Cruise ship on the Great Barrier Reef with passengers enjoying the view.
Snorkelers enjoying the water near a cruise ship on a Cairns to Great Barrier Reef tour.
Tourists relaxing on bean bags on deck during Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns.
Turtle swimming among fish at the Great Barrier Reef.
Tourists snorkeling among colorful fish in clear waters of Great Barrier Reef during Cairns cruise.
Snorkeler exploring coral reef with colorful fish in Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Cruise ship near coral reefs on Great Barrier Reef, Cairns.

Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise with Lunch

Cairns
Sightseeing Cruises
Google Verified Seller
Duration

Duration: 8.5 hours

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Transfers included
Transfers included
Meals included
Meals included
Guided tour

Expert local tour guide

Get your booking confirmed instantly

Start your day in Cairns and cruise to two outer reef sites, where pristine coral gardens and clearer waters set the scene for snorkelling or diving.

Enjoy live expert commentary and friendly guidance that make vibrant marine life feel accessible, whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned explorer.

Recharge between reef stops with a tropical BBQ buffet lunch onboard, keeping you fuelled and ready for more underwater moments.

Full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef

Round-trip transfers from select hotels in Cairns

Round-trip superyacht transfers from Cairns to 2 reef sites (North Hastings & Saxon or Norman)

8-hour cruise with 5 hours on the reef

Snorkeling equipment, masks, and lycra suits

Guides/captains

Chef-prepared BBQ lunch with fish, prawns, steak, salads, breads (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free options available)

Tea/coffee/mini-muffins

1 glass of wine and a light snack on the return journey

Choice of snorkeling tour or introductory dive (based on option selected)

Onboard bar available (additional drinks at own cost)

Your experience image 1

Cruise ship on the Great Barrier Reef with passengers enjoying the view.

Start your day with an easy pickup in Cairns, where a brief check-in and safety briefing will prepare you for an exciting adventure at the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Board a comfortable vessel that soon departs for your first reef destination, brimming with marine life. Here, a certified guide explains your options: opt for a snorkeling session or test the waters with an introductory dive.

In the afternoon, you’ll have a tropical BBQ buffet lunch and move on to a second reef site, where you can again choose your preferred activity. Whether you decide to snorkel among the corals or dive deeper into the reef’s mysteries, expert guidance is always available. The day wraps up with a comfortable return to Cairns, leaving you with a reef experience that caters to both snorkelers and aspiring divers. Optional upgrades, such as an introductory dive or guided snorkeling, let you tailor your adventure.

Your experience image 2

Snorkelers enjoying the water near a cruise ship on a Cairns to Great Barrier Reef tour.

Your experience image 3

Tourists relaxing on bean bags on deck during Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns.

Know before you go image 1

Turtle swimming among fish at the Great Barrier Reef.

What to bring

  • Bring along your sunscreen, swimmers, towel, change of clothes, refillable drink bottle, and cash or credit card for bar and souvenir purchases.

What's not allowed

  • For the certified dives, you will need to produce your certification card. For intro dives, no experience is necessary.

  • The experience is restricted for guests aged 12 and under.

  • Note that the following is not allowed during this experience: large bags.

  • Diving within 24 hours before your flight is not permitted.

Accessibility

  • Divers over 65 must have medical clearance from a physician confirming they are fit to dive. Please be aware that certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and any prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor's name, and practice, and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition.

  • Special dietary requirements should be confirmed directly with the activity provider.

Additional information

  • This activity is dependent on the weather.

  • All divers are required to complete an onboard medical questionnaire.

Know before you go image 2

Tourists snorkeling among colorful fish in clear waters of Great Barrier Reef during Cairns cruise.

Know before you go image 3

Snorkeler exploring coral reef with colorful fish in Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

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