4 Day Liveaboard Tour | Reef Encounter
Departure Times
Departure Point: Cairns Marlin Marina, Cairns
Pricing Options
Explore the iconic underwater playgrounds of the Great Barrier Reef aboard Reef Encounter!
- Four unforgettable days of adventure on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
- Avid snorkellers, intro divers, and certified divers welcome
- Relax in air-conditioned comfort and stylish accommodation
- Join the Top Deck Club for the next step in exclusive luxury
- Flexibility to stay for as little or long as you desire
Overview
Relax in paradise and dive deep into the best of the Outer Great Barrier Reef destinations with the Reef Encounter 4 Day 3 Night Liveaboard Tour. Step aboard the 34-metre catamaran and get ready to cruise from one pristine reef destination to the next. After exploring coral gardens and rubbing shoulders with friendly locals, enjoy the laid-back atmosphere on board with air-conditioned comfort, a spacious spa, and stylish deck, dining, and recreation areas. The perfect tour for all ages, providing the flexibility to stay and play for up to 4 days!
Highlights
- Overnight twin/double share cabins with private bathrooms
- Option to join the Top Deck Club for exclusive luxury
- Ample snorkelling and diving options
- Night diving for certified divers
- Scuba diving demonstration and instruction
- Onboard Chef preparing fresh, delicious meals
- Licensed onboard bar
- Hydraulic lowered dive/snorkel platform
- Helipad
- Sun deck with the perfect vantage point
- Marine biologist presentation on the Great Barrier Reef
- Spacious entertainment areas
- Onboard air-conditioning
- All Reef Levy fees included
Sample Itinerary
Show Less
Snorkelling
Enjoy ample time snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, one of the natural wonders of the world! Reef Encounter's experienced crew carefully selects the reefs to ensure the best visibility and conditions during your snorkel. All equipment and tuition is included and our purpose-built snorkel platform makes getting in and out of the water smooth and easy. A perfect activi...
Read More
Reef Sites
Show Less
Reef Encounter 4-day, 3-night liveaboard provides ample time for snorkelling or diving at gorgeous, pristine reef sites on the Great Barrier Reef. The crew will choose the best locations on the day, with over 15 individual reef sites to choose from.
Check out some of the most renowned sites on Reef Encounter's itinerary:
- Norman Reef - Epic reef site with caves, drop-offs, and healthy populatio...
Read More
Reef Encounter 4-day, 3-night liveaboard provides ample time for snorkelling or diving at gorgeous, pristine reef sites on the Great Barrier Reef. The crew will choose the best locations on the day, with over 15 individual reef sites to choose from.
Check out some of the most renowned sites on Reef Encounter's itinerary:
- Norman Reef - Epic reef site with caves, drop-offs, and healthy population of sharks, rays, and turtles
- Saxon Reef - Intriguigins bommies and coral gardens with vibrant colours
- Hastings Reef - A horseshoe-shaped patch reef great for all levels of snorkellers and divers
- Breaking Patches - Shallow, unique corals with flourishing marine life
Our Delicious Sample Menu
Show Less
Reef Encounter loves the flavours of the tropics; mango and coconut tempered with the exotics like mangosteen, dragon fruit and lychee. Herbs are our Chef's favourite compliment; the exquisite flavours of mint, basil, dill, and more earthy notes of thyme and sage.
Breakfast
Continental and cook...
Read More
Accommodation
Show Less
Top Deck Club
Reef Encounter offers an exclusive Top Deck Club service, customised to take care of all your needs! Much like 'first class' this tailored option is ideal for those who wish to indulge in additional luxuries and personalised attention during their getaway. Perks include a dedicated ...
Read More
Important Information
- Child rates for standard Twin Share or Double cabins are not available. All guests aged 2 years and over must pay the full adult rate unless they are a child aged 11 years or under travelling as a third person in a cabin with two full-paying adults:
- For infants (0–1 years), a flat rate of $75 per night applies, which includes cot hire and incidentals. Please consult with a booking agent to make a booking including an infant.
- For children (2–11 years), a rollaway bed may be available for use as the third person in the cabin. This option is available on request only.
- Please note divers may be subject to a medical questionnaire before they are able to dive. For more diving information please read the scuba diving medical questionnaire
- Resort intro divers must be at least 12 years old
- Travel over Public Holiday periods may incur additional charges on check-in
- Outdoor, freshwater hot-tub - Currently not operational
What To Bring
- Overnight bag - If you wish to store any excess luggage, you can store it at Reef Encounter (100 Abbott Street, Cairns).
- For safety reasons, Reef Encounter has a no-shoe policy (there is no need to bring extra pairs of shoes).
- Cash or credit card for purchases of snacks from the bar/souvenirs for sale on-board or underwater camera hire.
- Sun hat, swimming clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and light casual clothing.
- As the air-conditioning is on a set temperature for the heat during the day it can become quite cool in the evenings, even just being on the Great Barrier Reef can be cooler at night-time, therefore a light long-sleeved pullover/cardigan should be packed.
- Dive medical if required
- Proof of certification if you are a certified scuba diver.
* Sleeping Bags are NOT permitted
* Reef Encounter has a fully licensed bar - NO BYO!
What's Included
Reef Encounter Stateroom Inclusions
- Twin or Double Stateroom with private bathroom
- Chef prepared meals
- Reef Levies, Management Fee and Fuel Surcharge
- Marine Biologist presentation when transfers are done by Reef Experience
- All dive and snorkeling equipment with the exception of wetsuits
- Free scuba lessons for snorkellers and dive equipment
- Coffee, Tea & Milo are available all day while vessel is not underway
- Fresh fruit is always available on board Reef Encounter
Reef Encounter Top Deck Club Additional Inclusions
- Dedicated personal Valet service for the entirety of the stay
- Private snorkel or dive guide available at all times
- Australian Sparkling wine & sunset cocktails
- Breakfast served to stateroom
- Turn down service
- Romantic dinners under the stars (weather permitting)
- Wetsuits
What's Extra
-
All extras payable on board:
- Wetsuit Hire - $5pp per day
- Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour - $40pp
- Scuba Diving
- Scuba Refresher Course - $60pp
- SSI Nitrox Scuba Dive Course - $250pp (Nitrox fills not included)
- SSI Advanced Adventure Dive Course - $275pp
- SSI Referral Dive Package - $320pp
- SSI Skill Review Course - $145
- 1st Intro Dive $85pp
- Additional Intro Dives $75pp
- 1st, Night, and Additional Certified Dives $55pp per dive
- Guided dive package for certified divers when prebooked $10pp per dive
- Guided dives for certified divers when booked onboard $15pp per dive
- Helicopter transfers (please enquire)
- Underwater cameras for hire - from $100pp per day
- Prescription masks - $10pp per day
- Drinks, snacks, cameras, souvenirs, t-shirts etc.
- Please Note: Travel over Public Holiday and Peak Season periods may incur additional charges on check-in.
Please note divers may be subject to a medical questionnaire before they are able to dive. Please click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.
Cot Hire and Rollaway Beds
Cot hire and children’s beds are available add-ons that may be selected during your online booking. Cot hire is available for babies aged 0-2 years. Small rollaway beds are available for children aged 2-11 years and will go in the room with the parents/guardians. Rollaway beds are available upon request only. Children aged 12 years and above must have a standard bed.
Holiday Surcharge
A Peak Season holiday surcharge of $100pp for travel between 2nd April 2026 and 7th April 2026, between 23rd December 2026 and 1st January 2027, and between 25th March 2027 and 30th March 2027 - payable on board the day of travel.
*Prices subject to changes without notice.
Cancellations
20% cancellation fee for any cancellations made outside of 7 days prior to departure.
100% cancellation fee for cancellations made within 7 days of the departure date.
A refund in the event of cancellation is subject to both our Cancellation Policy and the terms of the supplier.
Terms and Conditions
Our Terms & Conditions apply to this experience. Please review them before booking.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed...
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we bring our own alcohol?
No, Reef Encounter is a licensed vessel so you can purchase drinks onboard!
Is hotel pickup available?
Bus transfers to and from your accommodation to Cairns Marlin Marina are available at an additional cost. Please contact +61 740 372 700 to arrange.
Is there a public holiday surcharge?
Yes, a Peak Season holiday surcharge of $100pp for travel between 28/03/2024 to 02/04/2024 AND from the 23/12/2024 to 01/01/2025 - payable on board the day of travel.
Is there a minimum age for scuba diving?
Yes, the minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
What reef sites do we visit?
Possible reef sites include:
The exact locations will depend on the conditions that day, ensuring you get the best visibility and chances of spotting marine life!
Where does the vessel depart?
Reef Encounter departs from Marlin Marina A Finger in Cairns.
Can we BYO?
No, there is a licensed bar onboard for buying drinks!
Where can we store excess luggage?
If you have extra luggage that you don't want to bring on the liveaboard, you can store it at the Reef Encounter office (100 Abbott Street, Cairns).
