Great Adventures | Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef
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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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 Reef Fleet Terminal for the Outer Great Barrier Reef platform via Green Island.
11:20am - Cake selection served on forward journey. During your journey to the reef, a Reef Presentation is shown on the vessel’s monitors. Snorkelling demonstration by crew.
12:30pm - Arrive at the Outer Great Barrier Reef platform. Reef activities commence. Semi-submersible coral viewing tour with informative commentary departs every 30 minutes or as advised. Snorkel directly from the platform. Collect your snorkel gear and buoyancy vests once on the platform. Underwater observatory is open throughout the day for coral and fish viewing. Pre-booked optional activities including introductory diving, Scuba-Doo and scenic helicopter flights commence as advised.
1.00-2.30pm - Hot and cold buffet lunch is served.Time for more reef activities or just relax on the sundeck and take in the views! Tea and coffee is available whilst at the platform
3:30pm - A blast on the ship’s horn will signal the time when all passengers should return to the vessel ready for departure.
3:40pm - A passenger count is conducted before leaving the Reef. Crew will announce when this commences and we ask all passengers to co-operate during this very important procedure by not moving about the vessel.
3:45pm - Departure to Cairns via Green Island. Complimentary cheese and biscuits served on homeward journey.
5:30pm - Arrive Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
Snorkelling
Snorkel right off the side of the activity platform and see all the amazing marine life that awaits you below. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is the world's largest reef and is host to thousands of species of fish, sharks, rays, corals, and other amazing marine life. You can look forward to seeing the diversity as you enjoy a leisurely swim above the shallow reefs, enjoying the life on the reef below you!
Scuba diving
Those who want to see the reef in a more intimate way can enjoy the thrill of scuba diving! Great Adventures offers both introductory and certified scuba diving, getting to take an in-depth look into the reefs from up close! Certain restrictions and fees apply.
Underwater Observatory
If you want to see the reef from a new point of view, you can do so from the comforts of our underwater observatory. Take a look below the waves all while staying dry and comfortable on board our pontoon! You can watch snorkellers, divers and the local reef residents, getting to enjoy everything in a whole new way.
Semi-submersible boat
Be sure to try out the semi-submersible boat if you want to enjoy another way of viewing the reef! We'll take you around the reef as you enjoy the view from the comfort of the boat, immersed below the waves! The uniquely designed boat will allow you to enjoy the feeling of snorkelling or scuba diving, all without going in the water! Tours depart every 30 minutes.
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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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. This lush sandy island is also home to flourishing coral reefs and marine life, and you can combine a 2-hour stopover at Green Island to your reef tour for only an additional $30 with Great Adventures: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef!
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...
Read More
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 including vegetarian options
- Snorkelling equipment
- Lycra stinger suits and buoyancy flotation vests
- Reef education presentation
- Semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour with commentary
- Underwater observatory at the platform and Eco Reef Talk
- Afternoon tea and coffee available whilst at the platform, cheese and biscuits on return journey
What's Extra
Coach Transfers:
Optional Coach Transfers are available from:
- Cairns for $34/Adult $21/Child.
- Northern Beaches for $41/Adult $23/Child
Fuel Surcharge: With fluctuations in world oil prices, it may be necessary to apply a fuel surcharge to your ticket price. In such cases, any charge will be collected on departure.
Please click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.
*Pricing is subject to changes without notice.
Terms and Conditions
Important Information:
- Divers must be aged 12 and up
- Divers are subject to a medical questionnaire. Please click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.
- Scenic Helicopter Flight is subject to availability and pre-booking is required.
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:
For cancellations after 6pm on the day prior to travel a 100% cancellation fee will apply.
For cancellations between 12 midday and 6pm on the day prior to travel a 50% cancellation fee will apply.
For cancellations before 12 midday on the day prior to travel no cancellation fee will apply.
Cairns Tours are 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 within an 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 Cairns Tours retail outlet located in Cairns, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the 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 on 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.
Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel/Cairns Tours. If you would like any further advice, or assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.
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. Return Cairns City transfers are $32 per adult and $20 per child. Return Northern Beaches transfers are $39 per adult and $22 per child.
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