Great Barrier Reef Tour From Cairns | AquaQuest
Departure Times
Departure Point: B Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina
Pricing Options
Step aboard a premium reef vessel and get ready for a full day of sun, sea, and underwater adventure!
- Purpose-built dive boat with spacious decks, hot showers, and modern amenities
- Opt for snorkelling, introductory dives, or certified scuba diving
- Visit two vibrant Outer Reef sites at Norman, Saxon or Hastings Reef
- All gear provided, plus a fresh tropical buffet lunch with fresh seafood
- Departs daily from Cairns – the perfect way to explore the Great Barrier Reef
Overview
Experience the Great Barrier Reef like never before with AquaQuest’s full-day reef tour from Cairns. Cruise across turquoise waters to explore two vibrant reef sites at Norman, Saxon or Hastings Reef, renowned for their crystal-clear visibility and marine biodiversity. Whether you're snorkelling above colourful coral gardens or scuba diving deeper into the reef’s underwater wonderland, you’ll be guided by expert crew every step of the way. With purpose-built vessels, sunny decks, and a day packed with adventure, this is your chance to swim, dive, and soak up paradise on one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
Highlights
- 5 hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
- Visit two exclusive dive locations
- Dive and snorkel equipment provided
- Morning tea, including pastries with tea and coffee
- Hot and cold tropical buffet lunch selection
- Free guided snorkelling tour
- Hot freshwater showers
- Guided add-on dives
- Detailed snorkel and dive briefings
- Wet and stinger suits
- Prescription masks available
- Ideal for introductory and certified divers
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
Snorkelling
Guests who want to enjoy snorkelling during their time with Divers D...
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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, ...
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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, 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!
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.
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)
- Wetsuits 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 for certified divers - $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.
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.
Cancellations
No shows or client cancellations made within 24 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price.
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.
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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
4.8 / 5.0
Based on 8 reviews
