Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef | Great Adventures

Departure Times
Departure Point: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
Pricing Options
Explore the Great Barrier Reef from on board an activity platform for a fun day full of activities and adventure!
- Cruise to a platform on the Great Barrier Reef and snorkel right off the edge
- Join optional activities such as scuba diving, snorkel tours and more!
- See the reef from a semi-submersible boat for a new point of view
- Enjoy the reef at its best on this unforgettable day trip
- Enjoy the return journey on a comfortable and air-conditioned catamaran
Venture to the Great Barrier Reef with Great Adventures! Cruise out towards Green Island where you will hop on board an activity platform from which you will enjoy your day. From here you can snorkel, scuba dive and enjoy seeing the reef from a semi-submersible boat or underwater observatory. This fun day tour is a great way to explore the marine park and all it has to offer with the added bonus of a stationary pontoon.
Features
- Return air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise
- Tea and coffee served until departure from Cairns
- Morning tea cake selection on the outward journey
- 3 Hours at Outer Reef Activity Pontoon
- Use of snorkelling equipment
- Use of lycra suits and buoyancy vests
- Reef education presentation
- Semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour with commentary
- Underwater observatory at the platform and Eco Reef Talk
- Optional extras such as underwater scuba-doo and scenic helicopter flights
- Add on scuba diving or guided snorkel tours
- Delicious buffet lunch
- Great tour for swimmers and non-swimmers
Add a 2-hour stopover at Green Island to your day for only an additional $30 with Great Adventures: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef!
Sample Itinerary
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Here is your sample itinerary for the Great Adventures day trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef Pontoon!
9.30am - Check-in at Great Adventures Reservations Counter inside the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to obtain your boarding pass.
10:10am - Vessel boarding. Complimentary morning tea/coffee served on boarding. For your safety hot drinks are not served once the vessel is underway.
10:30am - Depart...
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Reef Sites
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The Great Adventures Outer Reef Pontoon is located on Norman Reef about 80km northeast of Cairns. This stunning stretch of reef reaches depths of anywhere between 1 and 20 metres depending on the tides, and is home to a fabulous array of marine life!
The reef location of the pontoon is located just past Green Island, another incredible Great Barrier Reef destination. ...
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More Information
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What To Bring
- Hat
- Towel
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Protective clothing
- Cash or credit card for souvenirs or optional activities
- Camera / waterproof phonecase (drones are not permitted)
What's Included
- Return air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise
- Tea and coffee served until departure from Cairns
- Morning tea cake selection on outward journey
- Up to 3 hours free time at the Moore Reef Activity Pontoon
- Buffett lunch includ...
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the boat depart from and what time?
Check in starts at 9:30am inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Boarding begins at 10:00am for a 10:30am departure. The boat is located at A Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina right next to the Reef Fleet Terminal.
Are transfers included from my accommodation?
Return transfers are available for an additional fee. You can add these at checkout!
Which reef does this tour go to and how long do we spend there?
His tour visits the Great Adventures Moore Reef pontoon. You will spend around 3 hours at the pontoon.
Are special dietary requirements catered for?
Yes. Daily buffet lunch at the Outer Reef provides food options for vegetarians. All menu options are labelled with ingredients lists. If you have other special dietary needs, please let us know directly prior to travel.
Is there any shade on the Outer Reef Platform?
The main deck on the Outer Reef platform is mostly shaded. The upper deck however is a sun deck with limited shading provided.
Is this trip Wheelchair friendly?
Wheelchair facilities are available, however there are some restrictions and some mobility may be required. At the Outer Reef platform, there are steps to get into the underwater observatory and semi-submersible boat tour. Access from the Great Adventures boat to the pontoon is also via steps. A disabled toilet is available onboard the boat. It is recommended that you get in touch so we are able to advise you accordingly.
How long does it take to get to Moore Reef from Cairns?
The journey takes approximately 2 hours with a stop at Green Island to pick up and drop off passengers.
Can I take a pram on to the boat and pontoon?
Yes you can. Both are pram friendly with ample room on the boat and on the platform.
Are prescription masks available?
Standard masks magnify objects underwater by about 25%. Great Adventures have prescription masks up to -8.0 available. If you need a prescription mask, please let us know so the crew can make sure one is available for you. Supply is limited, especially in the higher prescription strengths.
What if I'm not a very strong swimmer, can I still snorkel?
Flotation/buoyancy vests are available for use whilst swimming or snorkelling. You can borrow one of these from the front of the platform with the rest of your snorkelling equipment.
Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7 / 5.0
Based on 7 reviews