Evolution Reef Cruise
Departure Times
Departure Point: Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns
Pricing Options
Experience the best of the reef aboard an award-winning 35-metre superyacht, the ultimate affordable day of aquatic adventure from Cairns!
- Cruise at high speeds to two spectacular locations on the Great Barrier Reef
- Relax and play aboard an air-conditioned, three-level reef vessel
- Enjoy ample snorkelling time and scuba diving opportunities
- Explore colourful reefs and spot unique marine species
- Adventure-filled day perfect for all ages and groups
Overview
Cruise from Cairns to the Outer Great Barrier Reef with Evolution Reef Cruise for a relaxing adventure aboard a high-speed, modern superyacht vessel. Boasting 5 full hours on the reef, guests can explore vibrant coral walls at two exclusive reef locations!
Snorkel, kick back, or try your hand at scuba diving during your day of marine fun. With PADI-qualified dive instructors and a Master Reef Guide, Evolution welcomes both introductory and certified divers. Providing all the comforts you need, a fast and affordable way to see one of the world's natural wonders is awaiting onboard Evolution!
Highlights
- Full day tour to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
- Visit two stunning reef sites
- Comfortable, stabilized vessel with ample relaxing spaces
- Air-conditioned for guest's comfort
- Aussie BBQ lunch with steak, prawns and tropical salads
- Unlimited snorkelling
- High-quality equipment provided
- Add on up to 3 introductory or certified dives (extra)
- Optional scenic helicopter tours above the reef (extra)
- Expert staff and instructors
- Scenic views of the reef
- Complimentary glass of wine & snack on return
Sample Itinerary
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7:15 am - Check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal for your day aboard Evolution.
8:00 am - Evolution Reef Cruise departs Cairns for the Great Barrier Reef.
9:45 am - Arrive at your first reef location at Saxon Reef or Norman Reef for 3 hours of snorkelling or diving (at additional cost).
11:30 am - Enjoy a fresh, locally-sourced BBQ lunch aboard Evolution.
1:00 pm - Arrive at your second reef locat...
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Reef Sites
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Evolution Reef Cruise includes two reef sites for the day during your tour. The captain will choose the best locations based on the weather conditions and tides. This ensures you have optimal visibility for checking out the incredible marine life and corals of the Great Barrier Reef!
Here are the reef sites you might visit throughout the day.
- Saxon Reef - An underwater paradise with a shallow ...
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Evolution Reef Cruise includes two reef sites for the day during your tour. The captain will choose the best locations based on the weather conditions and tides. This ensures you have optimal visibility for checking out the incredible marine life and corals of the Great Barrier Reef!
Here are the reef sites you might visit throughout the day.
- Saxon Reef - An underwater paradise with a shallow lagoon and abundant marine life
- Norman Reef - The furthest north of the reef sites visited by Cairns on day trips
- Hastings Reef - A stunning destination on the outer edge of the reef with unique coral formations
Our Delicious Sample Menu
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BBQ Lunch
- BBQ steak, prawns and fish (Lasagne with quinoa and bean sprout salad on request)
- BBQ veggie patties
- Potato dill salad, roast vegetable salad, tossed salad, sundried tomato pesto pasta salad
- Couc cous salad and spinach salad
- Coleslaw
- Bread - cottage loaves, french sticks, focaccia
M...
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Important Information
- Please click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.
- Helicopter: 130kg weight restrictions apply for helicopter rides.
What To Bring
- Towel
- Sunscreen & hat
- Swim suit
- Sunglasses
- Cash or Credit Card for bar and souvenir purchase
- Change of clothes and warm jumper/ jacket for cooler days.
- Certified Divers must bring C Card
- Dive Medical if required
What's Included
- Cruise on board luxury 35-metre superyacht
- Visit 2 unique outer reef sites
- 5 hours of snorkelling or diving
- Unlimited snorkelling with all equipment
- Hot BBQ lunch including fresh fish, prawns, steak and salad
- Tea, coffee, and mini muffins
- Free lycra/sun-suit hire
- Free glass of wine and snack on return
- PADI qualified dive instructors and Master Reef Guide
- Spacious air-conditioned lounges and upper deck to relax
- Reef Levy
What's Extra
- 10 Minute Scenic Helicopter Flight - $199pp
- Introductory Dive: 1st dive $80, 2nd dive $60, 3rd dive $45
- Certified Dive: 1st dive $80, 2nd dive $60, 3rd dive $45
- Marine Biologist Snorkel Tour $45
- Semi-Submersible Tour $20 Adults, $10 Child
- Wetsuits $10pp
- Underwater Camera Hire (SD card included) - $65
- Underwater phone case - $35
- Return Coach Transfers starting from
- $24pp for Cairns City
- $35pp for Northern Beaches
- $100pp for Port Douglas (minimum of 2 people)
- Prescription Mask Hire - $50 refundable deposit
Optional extra prices are subject to change without notice.
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 starts from 7:15am at the Down Under Dive counter located inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. The Evolution yacht is located at A Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina and departs at 8am sharp.
How many hours do we spend out on the reef?
Enjoy over 5 hours at the reef snorkelling, diving and relaxing at 2 outer reef sites.
What reef sites do Evolution visit?
Evolution has access to 12 exclusive moorings at six different reef spots. The locations you go to are chosen each day depending on weather conditions and water clarity to ensure the best experience for all activities. Generally, Evolution will travel to one of the two outer reef locations in the morning (Norman Reef or Saxon Reef), then travel to North Hastings Reef in the afternoon where they also conduct Helicopter Flights and the Semi-Submersible tour.
What if I get sea sick?
If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s advisable to take something around 20 minutes prior to boarding the boat. As Evolution is a catamaran, it is a more stable vessel in choppy weather compared to monohulls. You can purchase seasickness pills on the boat, but please note that tablets are a preventative and will not help if you are already feeling nauseous.
Are special dietary requirements catered for?
Evolution provides a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch including prawns, fish, steak, vegetarian option, vegan option and tropical salads. They can cater to guests with vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free diets - but you must advise reservations of your special dietary requirement at least 48 hours prior to travel. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks for morning and afternoon tea if you have any concerns regarding the options provided.
Are there sharks on the reef?
There are sharks in every ocean, but the ones you are most likely to encounter on the Great Barrier Reef are black and white tipped reef sharks. They are super timid creatures and pose no threat to humans. You should count yourself very lucky if you get to see one! Sightings of a reef shark is considered a good indication of a healthy reef and underwater ecosystem.
Is the Evolution boat wheelchair friendly, and is there disability access?
Evolution can accommodate guests with limited mobility, but it is advised to speak to staff when inquiring to ensure if the crew can meet your specific needs.
Where does the scenic helicopter fly?
The 10-minute scenic helicopter flight departs from Hastings Reef private helicopter pontoon. You’ll fly over Hastings Reef and surrounding areas before arriving back to the pontoon where the Evolution crew will transfer you back to the yacht.
Does Evolution visit an island or pontoon?
No, it doesn’t. Evolution is a beautiful 3 story luxury catamaran that moors on the outer reef while you enjoy the delights of the Great Barrier Reef.
How long does it take to get to the outer reef?
The journey takes about 90 minutes to reach the Outer Reef location from Cairns. Evolution is one of the fastest boat trips to the Outer Reef giving you 5 hours of snorkelling and scuba diving at 2 Outer Reef Sites.
Are accommodation transfers available?
Yes but they cost extra!
- Return coach transfers to and from your accommodation:
- $24pp for Cairns City
- $35pp for Northern Beaches
- $100pp for Port Douglas (minimum of 2 people)
Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9 / 5.0
Based on 38 reviews
