Day Trip To The Great Barrier Reef | Great Adventures

FROM: $299
250
SingleDay
FOR AGES
All Ages
4.7 (7 Reviews)
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Free Cancellations - Up To 24 Hours Before Departure

Departure Times

Departs: Cairns 10:30am - Daily
Returns: Cairns 5:30pm - Daily

Departure Point: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

Pricing Options

$148 AUD / Person - Add On - 1 Certified Dive (Enquire To Book) (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$198 AUD / Person - Add On - 1 Intro Dive (Enquire To Book) (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$228 AUD / Person - Add On - 2 Certified Dives (Enquire To Book) (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$299 AUD / Person - Adult (15+ Years) (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$164 AUD / Person - Child (4-14 Years) (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
RRP $231.5 $192.5 AUD / Person - Family (2A+2C) ($770 Total) (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$0 AUD / Person - Infant (0 - 3 years) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2026)
$35 AUD / Family - Adult - Transfer from Cairns (Enquire To Book) (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$22 AUD / Family - Child - Transfer from Cairns (Enquire To Book) (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$44 AUD / Person - Adult - Transfer from Northern Beaches (Enquire To Book) (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$24 AUD / Person - Child - Transfer from Northern Beaches (Enquire To Book) (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)
$199 AUD / Person - Add-On - 10 Minute Scenic Heli Flight (Enquire To Book) (Between: 01 Apr 2025 and 31 Mar 2026)

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

Overview

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.

sea turtle swimming through the ocean in australia

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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Moore Reef

The Great Adventures Outer Reef Pontoon is located on Moore Reef about 40km off the coast of Cairns. This stunning stretch of reef reaches depths of anywhere between 1 and 25 metres depending on the tides, and is home to a fabulous array of marine life!

clownfish in an anemone on the great barrier reef


Green Island

The reef location of the pontoon is located just past Green Island, another incredible Great Barrier Reef destination...

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Moore Reef

The Great Adventures Outer Reef Pontoon is located on Moore Reef about 40km off the coast of Cairns. This stunning stretch of reef reaches depths of anywhere between 1 and 25 metres depending on the tides, and is home to a fabulous array of marine life!

clownfish in an anemone on the great barrier reef


Green Island

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!

aerial view of green island surrounded by reef near cairns

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.

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

The following add-ons are payable at check-out:

  • Coach transfers
  • Scuba diving 
  • Scenic flight

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.

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.

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 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 1.5-2 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

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Overall Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Based on 7 reviews

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