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Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

792 Reviews 4.79 out of 5 stars Based on 792 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 97% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

8 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 6 more
French, German, Dutch, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean
Instant confirmation

Overview

On this 8-hour tour from Cairns, cruise out to an activity platform on the outer Great Barrier Reef for a day of exploring this natural wonder in different ways.

Reef Magic's location is selected for its water clarity, coral quality, and diversity of marine life, which you can see while snorkeling or taking a tour by glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible vessel.

Learn about the wildlife from on-board marine biologists, and choose to participate in more activities, if you wish, like scuba diving or a helicopter ride (additional expense). All ages and swimming abilities are welcome. Buffet lunch is included as well as morning and afternoon tea.

What's Included

  • Hot/cold buffet lunch
  • Snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit/lycra)
  • Marine biologist presentations
  • Transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches
  • Optional scuba diving, helmet diving, and helicopter flights
  • Prescription snorkel/dive masks available for rental
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

1 Spence Street
Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Depart Cairns on a fast catamaran, which provides a smooth 1.5-hour to the outer Great Barrier Reef.

When you arrive at the pontoon, begin your exploration of the reef, a complex and diverse ecosystem home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, 200 types of birds, and 20 types of reptiles. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, go scuba diving with a certified dive or introductory session (no experience necessary), or join the on-board marine biologist for a guided snorkeling safari (diving and guided snorkeling at your own expense). Our marine biologists conduct a presentation in the only science lab on the reef. You can also enjoy a session with our marine biologist, who points out resident fish like "Wally," the Maori wrasse. You can even stay dry and view the marine life from the semi-submersible reef viewer, glass-bottom boat, or underwater observatory.
Other optional activities (own expense) include a helmet dive for a scuba-style experience up to 3 m deep, or a scenic helicopter flight for an aerial adventure over the reef. Or, simply relax and enjoy the tropical weather on the sundeck.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please bring a swimsuit, hat, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cash or credit card for any on-board purchases
  • All diving is subject to the completion of an on-board medical questionnaire. Certain medical conditions (such as asthma, epilepsy, and high blood pressure) and medications may exclude individuals from diving. Minimum age to dive is 12 years with parent/guardian permission required for those under 18 years. Certified divers must produce their certification cards. After diving, intervals of 12-24 hours are recommended prior to flying in any type of aircraft dependent on depth of dives and total accrued dive time
  • Helicopter flights: Route flown and type of aircraft used are subject to weather, air traffic control, aircraft availability and, ultimately, the pilot's discretion. Maximum of 1 infant allowed per flight. Maximum combined passenger weight limits apply

Frequently Asked Questions (14)

Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?

A: Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage. Read more Jan 2022

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-22448P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.79
792 reviews

Average 4.79 out of 5 stars based on 792 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
658
4 stars
111
3 stars
14
2 stars
5
1 star
4
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Hot/cold buffet lunch
  • Snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit/lycra)
  • Marine biologist presentations
  • Morning and afternoon tea (coffee, tea, filtered water)
  • Taxes and fees
  • Glass-bottom boat and underwater observatory access
  • Transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches
  • Optional scuba diving, helmet diving, and helicopter flights
  • Prescription snorkel/dive masks available for rental
  • Helicopter fuel levy - payable directly to the helicopter operator (if scenic heli option selecte)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Please bring a swimsuit, hat, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cash or credit card for any on-board purchases
  • All diving is subject to the completion of an on-board medical questionnaire. Certain medical conditions (such as asthma, epilepsy, and high blood pressure) and medications may exclude individuals from diving. Minimum age to dive is 12 years with parent/guardian permission required for those under 18 years. Certified divers must produce their certification cards. After diving, intervals of 12-24 hours are recommended prior to flying in any type of aircraft dependent on depth of dives and total accrued dive time
  • Helicopter flights: Route flown and type of aircraft used are subject to weather, air traffic control, aircraft availability and, ultimately, the pilot's discretion. Maximum of 1 infant allowed per flight. Maximum combined passenger weight limits apply
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travelers

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