- Get up to $20 cash back per person when you book with us
- Return cruise from Cairns to two, outer Great Barrier Reef sites
- Indigenous Welcome to Country and acknowledgement
- Indigenous sea rangers to guide you throughout the tour
- Interesting and informative marine biologist presentation
- Glass-bottomed boat coral tours
- Live entertainment
- Use of snorkelling equipment, wetsuits or lycra suits and personal flotation devices
- Morning tea, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, coffee and water provided
Cairns Dreamtime Dive And Snorkel
Spend a full day exploring the stunning underwater world of the outer Great Barrier Reef on this dive and snorkel tourWhat's Included
What to Expect
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world. Join this full-day cruise from Cairns and spend up to 5 hours on the outer Great Barrier Reef. You'll visit two premium coral reef locations, where you'll come face to face with amazing marine life and coral gardens. The reefs visited on the day can vary, depending on conditions. However, the reefs that are regularly visited include Milln, Flynn and Thetford Reef in Gunggandji Sea Country and Norman, Saxon and Hastings Reef in Yirrganydji Sea Country. These locations are chosen for their superior water clarity, coral colour and overall reef health.
You'll also step back into the Great Barrier Reef's Dreamtime with Indigenous sea rangers who recount the Dreamtime stories of the local people. It's the only cultural reef experience that will help you gain a deeper cultural understanding of the diverse ecosystems that make up the Great Barrier Reef. The rangers are passionate about sharing their heritage and knowledge with visitors.
You'll be able to explore this magnificent underwater world, by either getting wet or staying dry if you prefer – there are options for everyone. Enjoy the use of snorkel gear, lycra and wetsuit hire, glass-bottomed boat coral tours and fish feeding led by marine biologists, all included in the tour. Divers can also join introductory or certified dives at an additional cost. Other optional activities include guided snorkel tours, which can also be purchased on the day.
After working up an appetite, enjoy a hot and cold buffet lunch with seafood on board, plus a complimentary morning and afternoon tea - before returning back to the Reef Fleet Terminal.
Departure info
This cruise departs Cairns daily from the Reef Fleet Terminal at 8am and returns at 4:30pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fast, stable motor catamaran delivers you to the Outer Reef in only 90 minutes leaving more of your day to enjoy the reef.
Check-in commences inside the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, at 07:30am. The vessel departs Cairns Marlin Jetty at 8am arriving at the first reef by 9:30am, leaving the reef at 3pm and arriving back in Cairns by 16:30.
Activity times will be advised on the day and are dependant on passenger numbers and interest in each activity.
You will have approximately 5 hours to explore the reefs, which is up to 2 hours longer than similar cruises. You can snorkel just off the boat, join a guided snorkel tour, try an introductory scuba dive, enjoy lunch and still have time to relax on the deck with a cool drink! You have time to do as much or as little as you like without the rush. Most guests will have travelled a long way to visit the Great Barrier Reef and with so much to see and do it is not something you want to hurry.
Unfortunately, we don’t offer a coach transfer service, however, the Reef Fleet Terminal is in close walking distance from most accommodation outlets in Cairns. Some hotels may offer a courtesy coach service.
No, all activities can be organised and booked once on board. You may wish to speak to the friendly crew prior to selecting activities so activities can be suggested that are best suited to your swimming ability (or lack of). Pre-booking optional activities guarantees availability and also help with crewing the boat with the right number of staff required for each activity. Cancellations by The Supplier of any pre-booked activities are always subject to a full refund.
Milln, Flynn & Thetford Reef are in Gunggandji Sea Country and are home to some of the best snorkelling and diving on the reef! You don’t want to miss getting in the water here.
Other magnificent reef sites that could be visited are in Yirrganydji Sea Country. These include Norman, Saxon and Hastings Reef.
Both Flynn Reef and Milln Reef sites are highly regarded as some of the best quality coral reef locations in the region. Tropical cyclones and storms or higher than average summer temperatures can affect the extent of bleaching but are a natural part of the reef life-cycle.
In poor weather, you can move your booking without charge to the next most suitable day, subject to availability. In the rare event The Supplier deems the weather too bad to travel and you are unable to reschedule, a full refund will be provided.
Hopefully not. This depends largely on the individual. Travelling on the fast, stable catamaran ensures the smoothest possible ride. If conditions are forecast 15 knots or below it will generally be smooth going.
At 20 knots and above it can get a little bumpy at times however the skippers are skilled in picking the best route to our destination. If you are prone to other common forms of motion sickness such as travelling in a car or plane you may wish to take precautions. There are both natural ginger tablets as well as medicated Travel-Calm onboard, however these are a preventative, not a cure, so should be taken approximately 30 minutes prior to departure for maximum benefit.
Yes! Sharks form a vital part of the worlds marine ecosystem. Most are shy and quite harmless such as the common white tip reef sharks which only grow to approximately 5ft and are very timid. An encounter with a reef shark is a magical experience but enjoy it quickly as they will generally swim off in the opposite direction if they feel they are being watched or if you get to close
Hat, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, something to swim in, a dry change of clothes, cash or credit card for optional activities and onboard purchases such as souvenirs, professional photos from our on-board photographer or a drink from the bar.
There are toilets on the boat accessible at all times throughout the day. Fresh water rinse showers and bathrooms are available.
A cold buffet lunch is served and includes a wide selection of fresh salads, cold meats, smoked meats, tropical fruits, sweets, breads, prawns, vegetarian bunya nut pesto and vegetable tart.
No. While theft is very rare on board, The Supplier suggests valuables are better off left in your hotel room or with the concierge rather than brought to the reef.
There is ramp access from the wharf to the vessel. However, passengers are required to negotiate at least one set of stairs on the vessel depending on tides and loading position so the assistance of a carer is highly recommended.
The Suppliers does not have a wheelchair-accessible toilet or shower, unfortunately. Access to the water and sundeck all require stairs to be negotiated and would require a carer to be present if the customer can not walk unassisted.
The best idea is to give The Supplier a call and talk through the level of disability to determine suitability.
Policies
- Tours are weather dependent and may need to be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice. In the rare event The Supplier deems the weather too bad to travel and you are unable to reschedule, a full refund will be provided
- Tour voucher must be presented on the day of travel. It can either be printed out, or mobile vouchers are accepted
- Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
- The Supplier strongly suggests reconfirming your booking within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
- You can cancel or amend your tour to a different date (subject to availability) with 24 hours or more notice prior to travel
- If you need to cancel or change dates within 24 hours of travel a 100% cancellation fee applies
- A ‘no show’ (where passengers do not turn up to the specified pick-up point or departure point without notification) automatically incurs a 100% cancellation fee
Pickup Locations
- 01 Make Own Way to Reef Fleet Terminal @ 07:15
- 01 Make Own Way to Reef Fleet Terminal @ 08:15
- 181 The Esplanade (Lake St side) @ 08:10
- 201 Lake Street @ 08:10
- Abbey's B&B PU @ 396 Draper Street @ 08:05
- 01 Make Own Way to Reef Fleet Terminal @ 07:15
- 01 Make Own Way to Reef Fleet Terminal @ 08:15
- 181 The Esplanade (Lake St side) @ 08:10
- 201 Lake Street @ 08:10
- Abbey's B&B PU @ 396 Draper Street @ 08:05
- Acacia Court @ 08:05
- Accommodation On Sheridan @ 08:00
- Adobe Motel @ 08:00
- Aquarius @ 08:15
- Arcadia Holiday Units @ 08:00
- Aspect Central Cairns @ 08:00
- Asylum Cairns Backpackers @ 08:15
- Bailey - Crystalbrook @ 08:15
- Balaclava Hotel @ 07:40
- Balinese Tropical Motel Retreat @ 08:10
- Barrier Reef Tourist Park @ 07:15
- Bay Village Tropical Retreat @ 08:10
- Bellview Hostel (Bus stop out front of Hostel) @ 08:15
- Best Western Cairns Central Apartments @ 08:20
- Blue Sky Brewery @ 08:25
- Bohemia Resort @ 08:05
- Breakfree Royal Harbour (Abbott St side) @ 08:25
- Cairns Beach House @ 08:00
- Cairns Central YHA @ 08:20
- Cairns City Backpackers @ 07:50
- Cairns City Motel (Poinsettia) @ 08:15
- Cairns City Palms @ 08:00
- Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort @ 07:30
- Cairns College of English @ 08:25
- Cairns Colonial Club Resort @ 08:00
- Cairns Convention Centre @ 08:25
- Cairns Gateway Resort @ 07:30
- Cairns Girls Hostel (147 Lake St) @ 08:15
- Cairns Harbour Lights @ 08:25
- Cairns Holiday Lodge @ 08:00
- Cairns Holiday Park (Little St) @ 08:05
- Cairns Language Centre @ 07:50
- Cairns Motor Inn @ 08:00
- Cairns One @ 07:50
- Cairns Plaza Hotel @ 08:15
- Cairns Queens Court @ 08:00
- Cairns Queenslander Hotel & Apartments @ 08:05
- Cairns Rainbow Resort @ 08:00
- Cairns Ramada @ 08:15
- Cairns Reef & Rainforest B&B @ 07:20
- Cairns Reef Apartments & Motel @ 07:30
- Cairns Sheridan Hotel @ 08:00
- Cairns Southside International Inn @ 07:35
- Cairns Sunshine Towers @ 08:15
- Cairns Villa & Leisure Park (Bus Stop Opp) @ 07:55
- Cairns-sharehouse @ 08:05
- Calypso Hostel @ 08:05
- Cannon Park Motel @ 07:35
- Caravella Backpackers @ 08:15
- Caravella Central @ 08:20
- Cascade Gardens @ 08:15
- Castaways @ 08:00
- Castle Holiday Units @ 08:10
- Central Plaza (lake st) (Best Western) @ 08:10
- Charleston House @ 08:05
- City Plaza Apartments @ 08:05
- City Sheridan @ 08:00
- City Terraces @ 08:05
- Citysider @ 08:05
- Clarendon on Spence @ 08:25
- Comfort Inn Cairns City @ 08:15
- Cool Waters @ 08:05
- Coolabah Motel @ 07:35
- Coral Reef Resort @ 07:55
- Coral Towers @ 08:05
- Coral Tree Inn @ 08:15
- Costa Blanca @ 08:05
- Crystal Cascade Van Park @ 08:05
- Crystal Garden Resort @ 08:05
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns @ 08:15
- Dreamtime Travellers Rest @ 07:50
- Edge Apartments @ 08:05
- Edge Hill Tavern @ 07:40
- El Dorado @ 08:10
- Esplanade - B/Stop (Raw Prawn) @ 08:15
- Fig Tree Lodge @ 08:00
- First City Caravilla (Kelly St) @ 07:35
- Floriana @ 08:10
- Flynn by Crystalbrook (Abbott St side) @ 08:25
- Freshwater Connection @ 08:05
- Gecko's Backpackers @ 07:50
- Getaway on Grafton @ 08:15
- Gilligans @ 08:20
- Global Palace @ 08:25
- Grand Hotel @ 08:25
- Grey Whale @ 08:05
- Grosvenor in Cairns @ 08:00
- Hides Hotel Bus Stop @ 08:25
- Hilton Cairns @ 08:25
- Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside @ 08:05
- Ibis Styles Cairns @ 08:15
- Il Centro @ 08:20
- Il Palazzo @ 08:25
- Inn Cairns (Commonwealth Bank ) @ 08:25
- Inn The Pink @ 08:00
- Jack & Newell Apartments @ 08:25
- JJs Backpackers @ 08:05
- Kaplan Aspect (was International House) @ 08:05
- Koala Court @ 08:05
- Koalas Beach Resort @ 08:15
- Kookas B&B (Bottom of Driveway) @ 07:40
- Lakes Cairns Resort @ 08:05
- Limmy's Restaurant @ 08:15
- Mad Monkey BP (100-102 Sheridan St - Formerly Bohemia Central) @ 08:20
- Mad Monkey Village (141 Sheridan Street - formerly Njoy) @ 08:00
- Make Own Way to Reef Fleet Terminal @ 07:15
- Make Own Way to Reef Fleet Terminal @ 08:15
- Mango Paradise @ 08:05
- Mantra Esplanade @ 08:25
- Mantra Trilogy @ 08:15
- McLeod Street Backpackers @ 08:05
- Mid City Luxury Suites @ 08:20
- Motel Nomad (OLD Tropical Gardens) @ 07:35
- New Chalon @ 07:30
- Nomads Cairns Hostel @ 08:05
- North Cove Waterfront Suites @ 08:05
- Northern Greenhouse Backpackers @ 08:20
- Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort @ 08:15
- Oaks Cairns (Pick up Mantra Esplanade) @ 08:25
- Oasis Inn @ 08:05
- Pacific Cay @ 08:00
- Pacific Hotel Cairns @ 08:30
- Palm Royale @ 07:55
- Park Regis City Quays @ 08:25
- Pier Marketplace @ 08:30
- Piermonde @ 08:25
- Pullman Cairns International @ 08:25
- Pullman Reef Hotel Casino @ 08:25
- QCWA Units Grafton Street @ 08:10
- Railway Station @ 08:20
- Rainforest Grove @ 07:55
- Raintrees Shops Bus Stop @ 07:55
- Red Beret @ 08:05
- Reef Gateway @ 08:10
- Reef Palms @ 08:05
- Regency Palms @ 07:40
- Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort @ 08:15
- Royal Palms (McLeod St) @ 08:05
- Ryans Rest @ 07:50
- Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns @ 08:15
- Rydges Plaza Cairns @ 08:20
- See Notes Run 1 City (9.00am BC / RMC) @ 00:00
- Shangri-La Hotel, The @ 08:30
- Sleeping with the Enemy @ 08:05
- Southern Cross Atrium Apartments @ 08:10
- Sunland Van Park - Pease St Busstop @ 07:55
- The Abbott @ 08:25
- The Jack (shenanigans) @ 08:20
- Tradewinds McLeod @ 08:05
- Travellers Oasis @ 07:50
- Trinity Links (main road @ front gate) @ 07:25
- Trinity Wharf @ 08:25
- Tropic Days Backpackers @ 07:35
- Tropic Sunrise - p/u Digger St @ 08:05
- Tropic Towers @ 08:05
- Tropical Heritage Cairns @ 08:15
- Tropical Queenslander @ 08:05
- Villa Shangri-La @ 08:05
- Villa Vaucluse @ 08:20
- Vision Apartments (Abbott St side) @ 08:15
- Waterfront Terraces - Lake St side @ 08:05
- Watersedge - Abbott st side @ 08:15
- White Rock Van Park @ 07:25
- Woodducks (Rosies) @ 08:10
- YAL Cairns (former Tropicana Lodge) @ 08:05
- Zanzoo Bed & Breakfast @ 08:05
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