Silverswift Three Reef Sites in One Day from Cairns

About This Experience

Silverswift belongs to Great Adventures Reef and Island Cruises and is built for diving and snorkelling, with a big water platform, hot showers, change rooms and a licensed bar. It has 657 reviews and a 4.7 rating. It leaves the Reef Fleet Terminal daily at 8:30am and is back at 4:30pm. Coach transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches hotels cost extra. The boat carries a mix of divers and snorkellers; one reviewer counted 84 passengers, about 30 of them diving.

The run out takes about 80 minutes at up to 32 knots, and a ride control system helps smooth the trip, though reviewers still recommend seasickness tablets on rough days. The three sites come from Flynn, Pellowe, Milln and Thetford reefs, depending on conditions. You get about 85 minutes at the first site, then a ten-minute hop to the second, where you have about 70 minutes and lunch is served.

Another short move brings you to the third site for the longest session, about two and a quarter hours, which is where the guided snorkel tour with a marine biologist runs. There is a snorkel briefing at every site and qualified lifeguards watch the water. The ride home takes about 75 minutes. Three sites means you see three different stretches of reef, and one reviewer felt the moves made the day a little rushed. Snorkellers can stay in the water for as long as each stop allows, and guests often notice how different the three reefs look from one another.

This is the pick for divers and dive-curious travellers. Certified divers can do up to three guided dives at three sites, and first-timers can try an introductory dive with an instructor; both cost extra, and diver equipment including a wetsuit is supplied. The minimum diving age in Queensland is 12, certain medical conditions or medications may rule diving out, and certified divers must show proof of certification.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a camera. Snorkel gear with a Lycra suit is included, and prescription masks cost nothing extra. Morning tea, a hot and cold tropical buffet lunch and afternoon tea are on board, and the bar sells drinks.

Highlights

• Three outer reef sites in one day, from Flynn, Pellowe, Milln and Thetford reefs
• About five hours on the reef, with the longest session at the third site
• Guided snorkel tour with a marine biologist at the third site
• Up to three guided certified dives at three different sites (extra cost)
• Fast catamaran with ride control, about 80 minutes to the first site
• Large dive and snorkel platform, hot showers and change rooms

What's Included

• ✓ Return Silverswift cruise from Cairns to three outer reef sites
• ✓ Morning and afternoon tea and a hot and cold tropical buffet lunch
• ✓ Snorkel gear with Lycra suit, and prescription masks at no extra cost
• ✓ Snorkel briefing at each site and a guided snorkel tour
• ✓ Qualified lifeguard supervision
• ✓ Dive equipment including wetsuit for those who book a dive

Not Included

• Introductory and certified scuba dives (extra cost)
• Coach transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches accommodation (extra cost)
• Drinks from the licensed bar

What to Bring

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Camera
• Dive certification card if you plan to dive

Good to Know & Caveats

• Silverswift departs the Reef Fleet Terminal at 8:30am and returns at 4:30pm.
• Coach transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches accommodation are available at extra cost.
• The minimum age for scuba diving in Queensland is 12, and certified divers must show proof of certification.
• Certain medical conditions and medications may rule out diving; contact Great Adventures for advice.
• The crossing can be bumpy on windy days even with ride control, and three site moves make for a busy day.

Meeting Point

Check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, on the Cairns waterfront, for the 8:30am departure. Coach transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches accommodation can be added at extra cost.