Great Barrier Reef Tours With Semi-Submersible Boats
While you’re in Cairns, exploring the Great Barrier Reef is an essential! But if snorkelling or scuba diving isn’t quite your thing, don’t worry - you can still experience this spectacular underwater world without even getting your feet wet! As long as your Great Barrier Reef tour has a semi-submersible boat, you and your crew will be able to descend below the ocean’s surface and spy colourful corals, tropical fish, and exotic marine life through the wide, underwater viewing windows - no snorkel required!
A semi-submersible boat is an excellent option for non-swimmers, families, and anyone keen to experience the magic of the Reef in comfort. Commonly included in full-day reef adventures from Cairns, these tours make the Great Barrier Reef accessible to all everyone, making them a popular activity for travellers of all ages.
Are you intrigued? Does a semi-submersible sound like your style of ocean exploring? Then read on as we cover exactly what a semi-submersible boat is and which Cairns Reef tours include this incredible experience - so you can choose the right adventure for your tropical getaway!
What is a semi-submersible boat?
A semi-submersible is a boat that’s specially designed to let you explore the underwater world without getting wet. Unlike traditional boats, semi-subs have a lower deck that sits just below the waterline. Inside, there are typically large panoramic windows, giving you uninterrupted views of the Reef and its marine life.
From inside the comfortable semi-submersible, you’ll feel like you’re gliding through a giant aquarium! Stay dry and relaxed while you look out for colourful coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, and even turtles or reef sharks! Sometimes semi-submersibles come with guided commentary, so you can learn fascinating facts about the reef as you cruise through its ecosystem. These boats are the perfect addition to a Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns, giving travellers of all ages and swimming abilities the chance to experience the Reef up close.
Great Barrier Reef tours with semi-submersible boats
If a semi-sub experience sounds like your kind of Reef adventure, you’re in luck! Plenty of Great Barrier Reef tours departing from Cairns include a ride on a semi-submersible as part of their itinerary.
Reef tours with semi-submersible boats
Evolution Reef Cruise
Set sail on a fabulous 35-metre superyacht and spend a full 5 hours out on the Reef. Visit spectacular locations like Norman Reef and Saxon Reef by snorkelling, scuba diving, or observing from their semi-submersible boat. Combine this tour with a scenic helicopter flight with the Evolution Get High Package Full Day or get the VIP experience on Evolution Reef Cruise Gold Class.
Ocean Free | 1 Day Sailing Green Island & Great Barrier Reef
Sail, snorkel, and scuba dive across the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island in just one day on this action-packed tour. For an extra cost, guests can arrange to head out on a semi-submersible boat or glass-bottom boat.
Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef | Great Adventures
Explore the Reef from a stationary activity platform that offers stability and plenty of activities to choose from! Snorkel, scuba dive and enjoy seeing the reef from a semi-submersible boat - complete with expert commentary - or underwater observatory.
Green Island & Great Barrier Reef | Great Adventures
Kick back and relax on a cruisey catamaran as you glide to your island and reef destinations. As well as two full hours to explore Green Island, enjoy three hours on an activity pontoon. Choose from snorkelling, diving, or relaxing in the underwater observatory on board!
Ocean Spirit | Michaelmas Cay Cruise
Sail away to the beautiful Michaelmas Cay for a day of adventure through the spectacular fringing reef. Snorkel, scuba dive, watch a fish-feeding presentation, or stay dry with a semi-submersible experience.
Frankland Islands Reef Cruise
You'll be spoiled for choice of activities on this scenic cruise through the Mulgrave River to the Frankland Islands. Enjoy a guided snorkel safari, try out stand-up paddleboarding, enjoy a kayak, or view the reef on a semi-sub expedition.
Reef Magic Pontoon Day Tour
Experience total magic on the water on the swanky Reef Magic Pontoon. This snorkelling and diving playground, based out on the Reef, includes unique experiences like a glass-bottom boat, a semi-submersible, helicopter tours, an underwater observatory, onboard massages and much more!
What's the difference between a semi-submersible boat and a glass bottom boat?
Both semi-submersible boats and glass bottom boats offer guests the same thing: a fantastic way to view the Great Barrier Reef without getting in the water. However, there are some key differences. While a semi-submersible lets you view the underwater world from below sea level, through side-facing, panoramic windows, a glass-bottom boat is an open-air boat that has a transparent panel built into the floor, letting you look straight down into the reef below!
If you’re after a simple reef viewing with sunshine and fresh air, you might prefer a glass-bottom boat. But if you want to further immerse yourself, and get a closer look at the world beneath the waves, then go for a semi-submersible. Here’s a little breakdown:
| Glass Bottom Boat | Semi-Submersible Boat |
| Transparent panel floor | Panoramic windows |
| Peer down at the Reef below | Come face-to-face with the underwater world |
| Typically open-air | A cabin below sea level |
| Usually more accessible | Sometimes needs to be reached by a staircase |
| Designed for a quick look below | Designed for an immersive experience |
What can you see from a semi-submersible on the Great Barrier Reef?
There’s so much to be seen from the windows of a semi-submersible boat. Sit back and relax as the magnificent underwater world unfolds right in front of you. As you cruise slowly though reef lagoons and coral gardens, there’ll be so much exciting marine life to see.
As well as a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals, keep your eyes peeled for clownfish, parrotfish, angel fish, and giant clams. If you’re lucky, you might even see the occasional green sea turtle or reef shark!
