07 4082 7470

AquaQuest | Great Barrier Reef Tour From Cairns

FROM: $255
80
SingleDay
Min. Age
All Ages
4.7 (7 Reviews)

Departure Times

Departs: 8:30AM
Returns: 4:30PM

Departure Point: B Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina

Pricing Options

$255 AUD / Person - Adult (15+) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$171 AUD / Person - Child (4-14 yrs) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
RRP $213 $170.25 AUD / Person - Family (2A+2C) ($681 Total) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$0 AUD / Person - Infant (0-3yrs) (Between: 01 Jul 2022 and 31 Mar 2025)
RRP $335 $325 AUD / Person - Adult + 1 Intro Dive (14+) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
RRP $385 $375 AUD / Person - Adult + 2 Intro Dives (14+) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
RRP $355 $345 AUD / Person - Adult + 2 Cert Dives (14+) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)

Dive, snorkel and explore the Great Barrier Reef with Divers Den!

  • Fully equipped dive vessel with hot showers and excellent amenities
  • Snorkelling, introductory diving and certified diving offered
  • Guests will get to visit two different sites on Norman, Saxon or Hastings Reefs
  • We have everything you need to enjoy the day including a delicious buffet lunch
  • Great way to spend the day, departing from Cairns

AquaQuest's Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns provides divers and snorkellers the ultimate chance to explore amazing reef sites on their fleet of purpose built vessels. AquaQuest or ReefQuest will visit two dive sites at either Norman, Saxon or Hastings reefs during this adventure-filled one day trip. Soak up the sun and sea in tropical paradise with expert crew guiding you throughout the day. It’s the best way to experience one of the world's wonders on a trip to remember!

Highlights

  • 5 hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Visit two exclusive dive locations
  • Hot freshwater showers
  • Free guided snorkelling tour
  • Guided add-on dives 
  • Detailed snorkel and dive briefings
  • Dive and snorkel equipment provided
  • Wet and stinger suits
  • Prescription masks available
  • Ideal for introductory and certified divers
  • Morning tea including pastries with tea and coffee
  • Hot and cold tropical buffet lunch selection


Important Information

  • Please note divers must be 12 years old. 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.
  • The itinerary is subject to change, and some activities such as diving are available for additional costs.
  • This tour is operated using vessels AquaQuest OR ReefQuest.

Sample Itinerary

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Divers Den Itinerary:

  • 8:00 am Check-in at Cairns Marina
  • 8:30 am Departure for Outer Reef, enjoying the scenery
  • 10:00 am Arrive at the first location for a dive or snorkel
  • 12:45 pm Move to a second site and enjoy lunch
  • 1:30 pm Continue diving and snorkelling
  • 3:00 pm Depart reef site
  • 4:30 pm Arrive back in Cairns

three people smiling with snorkel gear on a boat


Snorkelling

Guests who want to enjoy snorkelling during their time with Divers D...

Read More

Divers Den Itinerary:

  • 8:00 am Check-in at Cairns Marina
  • 8:30 am Departure for Outer Reef, enjoying the scenery
  • 10:00 am Arrive at the first location for a dive or snorkel
  • 12:45 pm Move to a second site and enjoy lunch
  • 1:30 pm Continue diving and snorkelling
  • 3:00 pm Depart reef site
  • 4:30 pm Arrive back in Cairns

three people smiling with snorkel gear on a boat


Snorkelling

Guests who want to enjoy snorkelling during their time with Divers Den will be shown the best places to snorkel and what they can find there by their knowledgeable crew. With 2 opportunities to jump in the water to explore, there is much to be seen on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, including tropical fish, colourful corals, stingrays, sea stars and more!

travelers snorkelling in the great barrier reef


Scuba Diving (Add-on)

The Great Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns offers diving to both introductory and certified divers, visiting 2 different reef sites during the day. Introductory divers require no experience and will be given a thorough briefing before taking to the water. Diving up to 12m alongside your guide, you will get to see the abundance of marine life that waits below, including thousands of species of fish, shy reef sharks, amazing plant life and so much more. Certified divers can dive with a buddy or ask one of the friendly crew to dive with them on a shared guided dive at no extra cost. Nitrox fills and courses also available.

Scuba Diver Great Barrier Reef

Reef Sites

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During your day with Divers Den, you will get to visit two different sites. Your captain will choose from sites within:

  • Hastings Reef - A horseshoe-shaped reef with shallow sections for snorkellers and a deeper drop-off for scuba divers
  • Norman Reef - Stunning coral reefs with shallow rocky reef flats and deep slopes
  • Saxon Reef - Home to incredible coral bommies and dive sites like Twin Peaks, ...

Read More

During your day with Divers Den, you will get to visit two different sites. Your captain will choose from sites within:

  • Hastings Reef - A horseshoe-shaped reef with shallow sections for snorkellers and a deeper drop-off for scuba divers
  • Norman Reef - Stunning coral reefs with shallow rocky reef flats and deep slopes
  • Saxon Reef - Home to incredible coral bommies and dive sites like Twin Peaks, Fish Bowl, Clipper and Turtle Bommie

We have exclusive moorings meaning you get to stay away from the crowds and enjoy the reef alongside your trip mates! Each reef site has something different to offer with unique seascapes and diverse marine life. All of the potential reef sites on the Great Barrier Reef are great for both snorkelling and scuba diving! 

Blue reef fish swimming on the Great Barrier Reef

More Information

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What To Bring

  • Hat
  • Towel
  • Swimsuit
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Certified Divers please bring Cert-Card and logbook
  • Money for onboard purchases VISA and Mastercard accepted

What's Included

  • 5 hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Visit two exclusive dive locations
  • Morning tea including pastries with choice of tea or coffee
  • Hot and cold tropical buffet lunch selection with fresh prawns
  • Hot freshwater showers
  • Detailed snorkel and dive briefings...

Read More

What To Bring

  • Hat
  • Towel
  • Swimsuit
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Certified Divers please bring Cert-Card and logbook
  • Money for onboard purchases VISA and Mastercard accepted

What's Included

  • 5 hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Visit two exclusive dive locations
  • Morning tea including pastries with choice of tea or coffee
  • Hot and cold tropical buffet lunch selection with fresh prawns
  • Hot freshwater showers
  • Detailed snorkel and dive briefings
  • Guided snorkelling tour and safety spotters
  • Dive/snorkel equipment (including masks, snorkel, fins and flotation devices)
  • Wet suits and stinger suits
  • Prescription mask (deposit required)

What's Extra

  • Natural ginger seasickness preventative remedies - $1
  • T-shirts, hats, snacks, soft drink and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board
  • Guided dives - $20 per dive
  • Underwater camera hire
  • Videos and photos

CERTIFIED DIVERS

Please remember to bring your certified divers card. You may be required to sign a 'Statutory Declaration' and dive with an Instructor on your first dive which will cost an extra $15.00

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.


Terms and Conditions

All information provided at any time by Cairns Tours and our affiliates is subject to these Terms & Conditions. This includes but is not limited to tour information, pricing, blog posts, travel advice, itinerary information and availability.

Your Responsibilities:

Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip. 

You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Cairns Tours / Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.

It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.

It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.

You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. 


Prices/Extra Costs:

All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply. 

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.

We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.


Travel Risk/Insurance:

It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Tour Operator. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. 


Transport:

It should be noted that any transport you have booked (buses, flights and ferries) through Cairns Tours is non-refundable and non-transferable. It might be possible to change flights however do note this must be done directly with the flight operator and we are unable to offer any support with this. This may incur change fees or cancellation fees, it depends on the T+Cs of the flight operators themselves. As we acted as a booking agent for you, it is possible to liaise with the airline directly should there be any unexpected events and the airline is forced to cancel your flights. If there are any changes to your flight times or days, we will get notified and send this email directly to you in a reasonable time.


Merchant Fees:

Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.


Other: 

Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages. 

All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.


Transfers:

The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies. Not all tours offer transfers, please refer to the individual product to see if this is applicable to your tour.


Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees.

You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations

Client Cancellations:

All cancellations forfeit 25% of the recommended retail price (RRP) - not the discounted/sale price. No shows or client cancellations made within 24 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 

Cairns Tours is required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9am-5pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider.

Transfers between tours can be made at the supplier's discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee. 

It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to admin@mr-travel.com. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.


Supplier Cancellations:

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.

All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.

All add-on activities (including but not limited to scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, helmet diving, guided snorkel tours, banana boat rides and waterslides) are subject to availability and price changing, and may not be available during your tour without notice. Guests are not eligible for refunds on the grounds of non-operating extra activities.

In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Travel Shop retail outlet located in Cairns, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Cairns Tours/Mr Travel online department.


Refunds:

All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Cairns Tours/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.

Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.

You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.


Accountability/Misconduct:

All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators. 

Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.

Cairns Tours/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.


Information & Advice:

All information, advice or pricing provided by Cairns Tours and our affiliates, or through any of our team, is subject to change. Cairns Tours articles and products are provided online for general information purposes only and are intended as guides. Any advice interpreted from information on the website (including but not limited to financial, immigration, employment and tax information) is not specialist advice and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional instruction. Cairns Tours does not guarantee that any information provided is up-to-date or accurate. Please obtain professional advice before actioning any advice, including but not limited to tax, immigration, employment, travel restrictions and finances.


Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Cairns Tours / Mr Travel Adventure Group. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the boat depart from and what time?

Check in is onboard the boat at 8:00am from B Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina which is located at the end of Spence Street.

 

What reef sites does AquaQuest visit?

Norman Reef, Saxon Reef or Hastings Reef. Reef sites are based on weather conditions and are carefully selected by the captain and crew to give you the best day possible!

Are coach transfers included?

Transfers to and from the Marina are currently not available for AquaQuest. Guests will have to make their own way to the Cairns Marlin Marin, B Finger Jetty to board half an hour prior to departure. 

When is stinger season?

Stinger Season in Cairns runs from November until May, but you can still enjoy the reefs by wearing a stinger suit. ReefQuest provides these onboard to ensure you can enjoy the reef all year round!

What if I get sea sick?

AquaQuest is a catamaran, which offers greater stability and a smoother ride than monohull vessels. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is recommended that you buy natural ginger tablets, available at all local chemists. The crew also have some available for sale on board.Please note that sea sick tablets are a preventative and should be taken at least 20 minutes prior to boarding the boat. They will not help if you are already feeling nauseous.

Are any special dietary requirements catered for?

Lunch on board AquaQuest day trips will be a fresh tropical buffet lunch with hot and cold options. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of booking.

Do I need to know how to swim to snorkel?

As long as you’re comfortable in the water, you should be able to snorkel or even do an intro dive. Before you enter the water you will fill out a form that includes information on your competence level in the water, along with any medical conditions. The crew can provide you with a flotation device to use while snorkelling.

Reviews

Overall Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Based on 7 reviews

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Reviews by our Cairns Tours customers

Elaine Phillpot , 30 Jul 22
Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Would definitely do it again. Kids were kept busy the whole day (they had a blast and haven't stopped talking about it) and the food was great!
Jo Bigg , 27 Jul 22
So so beautiful, a wonderful experience to see the reef, lots of beautiful fish and coral. A super comfortable boat and the team were very friendly
Maddie Jones , 22 Jul 22
Such a cool experience! I've only ever been snorkelling a few times overseas, but wow it was a whole other experience here, it was just beautiful. Didn't want to get out of the water. Highly recommend this boat tour
Theo Jaynes , 16 Jul 22
We did an intro dive and it was epic, saw heaps of marine life and got some pretty awesome footage of it too. the crew were great as well, highly recommend!
India
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