Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Cairns

About This Experience

Down Under Cruise and Dive runs this full day from the Reef Fleet Terminal on a 35-metre superyacht, and 1,658 reviews give it a 4.7 rating. The crew speaks English, and on some days German, Japanese or Mandarin speakers are on board too, though the listing does not guarantee it.

Boarding starts with tea, coffee and muffins for about half an hour, then a cruise of around 80 minutes to Saxon Reef, the first mooring. You get about two hours there to swim and snorkel, with a safety briefing and snorkelling lessons for anyone new to it. Lunch takes an hour: a chef-prepared barbecue with prawns, fish, steak, salads and bread, and allergies catered for if you ask. The listing calls both sites exclusive moorings, and there is time to swim, snorkel or simply take in the views on the way.

A short 30-minute hop brings you to Hastings Reef for a second two-hour session. The cruise home takes about an hour and a half, with one glass of wine, cheese and biscuits served on the way. The listing calls this five hours of reef time; the itinerary splits it into two water sessions with lunch in between.

Depending on the option you pick, the price can include one introductory or certified scuba dive, so it suits couples or friends where one wants to dive and the other only snorkels. The semi-submersible ride and the marine biologist tour cost extra; a recent guest who did both preferred the semi-submersible. Divers complete a medical questionnaire on board, the minimum age for an introductory dive is 12, and nobody may dive within 24 hours of a flight. Recent divers praise the instructors for patience with nervous beginners, and snorkellers mention good equipment and clear lessons.

Bring sunglasses and a hat, plus swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. Lycra suits and snorkel gear are supplied. Leave luggage and large bags at your hotel because they are not allowed on board. Reviewers mention choppy crossings on windy days, so take seasickness tablets early if you need them. The trip runs weather permitting, so keep a spare day in your plans in case a strong wind warning cancels a departure.

Highlights

• Cruise on a 35-metre superyacht to two outer reef moorings
• About two hours at Saxon Reef, then two more at Hastings Reef
• Snorkelling lessons and safety briefings for first-timers
• Chef-prepared barbecue lunch with prawns, fish and steak
• Options that include one introductory or certified scuba dive
• Glass of wine with cheese and biscuits on the cruise home

What's Included

• ✓ Full-day cruise to two outer reef sites
• ✓ Snorkel and dive equipment, depending on the option selected
• ✓ One introductory or certified scuba dive, depending on the option selected
• ✓ Lycra suits, safety briefings and tutorials
• ✓ Morning tea, coffee and muffins, and a chef-prepared lunch
• ✓ One glass of wine with cheese and biscuits on the return trip

Not Included

• Semi-submersible tour
• Marine biologist tour
• Underwater camera hire

What to Bring

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Seasickness tablets if you are prone to it

Good to Know & Caveats

• The trip depends on the weather, and crossings can be choppy on windy days.
• Divers complete a medical questionnaire on board; divers over 65, and anyone with conditions such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes or on prescription medication, need written clearance from a doctor.
• The minimum age for an introductory dive is 12, and diving within 24 hours before a flight is not permitted.
• Luggage and large bags are not allowed on board.
• Confirm special dietary requirements directly with the operator.

Meeting Point

Board at the Reef Fleet Terminal on the Cairns waterfront. The listing says the starting point depends on the option you book, so check your confirmation for the exact check-in details.