Ocean Free: 1 day Sailing Green Island & Great Barrier Reef
Departure Times
Departure Point: Cairns - Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina
Pricing Options
Join Ocean Free for a one day sailing tour to Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef
- Look forward to an unforgettable day of exploring, relaxing and getting to see one of the most beautiful parts of the world
- Visit the beautiful Green Island and Pinnacle Reef
- Scuba dive, snorkel, and enjoy small group sailing
- Transfers to and from Green Island
The Ocean Free: 1 day Sailing Green Island & Great Barrier Reef combines sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving in one terrific trip. The Great Barrier Reef has rightfully earned its title as a natural wonder of the world and Ocean Free gives you the chance to view it is up close and personal. Guests will sail to Pinnacle Reef and Green Island with time to swim, dive or snorkel in the sheltered waters, or simply relax throughout the day in your natural surroundings. You may even get to feed the fish! With just a small group of guests (maximum is 25), this tour offers a personal and exclusive experience.
Highlights & Features
- Spend over 4.5 hours on the exclusive mooring on the Great Barrier Reef
- Great food including Danish pastries and fresh fruit on board
- Tropical smorgasbord lunch including seafood
- Snorkelling tuition and tours and use of all snorkelling equipment
- Scuba diving demonstration
- Transfers to and from Green Island
- Afternoon tea and a glass of wine during the day
- Fish feeding
- Fuel levy
- Glass bottom boat & semi-submersible tour add-ons
- $20 Reef Levy to pay on arrival (included in advertised price)
Explore the Great Barrier Reef on this fantastic day trip bound to immerse you in the magic of this natural world wonder!
Important Information
- 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.
- This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change
Sample Itinerary
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Sailing
Make your way to Pinnacle Reef under the power of the wind, cutting your way along the surface of the warm, blue water. The 16m schooner offers a comfortable ride, and with only 25 passengers you will be able to escape the crowds and enjoy the serenity of the reef!
Snorkelling
Upon arrival at Pinnacle Reef, enjoy a swim, snorkel, scuba dive or just relax. Ocean Free's exclusive mooring e...
Read More
Sailing
Make your way to Pinnacle Reef under the power of the wind, cutting your way along the surface of the warm, blue water. The 16m schooner offers a comfortable ride, and with only 25 passengers you will be able to escape the crowds and enjoy the serenity of the reef!
Snorkelling
Upon arrival at Pinnacle Reef, enjoy a swim, snorkel, scuba dive or just relax. Ocean Free's exclusive mooring ensures that the ocean is uninterrupted by crowds. The "bommies" (coral outcrops) and coral gardens are just one metre under the surface and are teaming with life and are easily spotted while snorkelling. All your snorkel equipment is included, all you need to bring along is a sense of adventure!
Scuba Diving
Both introductory and certified divers are welcome on board Ocean Free where they can enjoy all the reef has to offer. Our qualified instructors and guides will ensure you feel comfortable and safe, whether it’s your first time or not, so you can enjoy the thrill of scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
Destinations
Pinnacle Reef
During your one-day sailing trip, you'll get to visit Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef. Sail to our exclusive mooring on Pinnacle Reef, just 1km offshore from Green Island where you can snorkel and dive and explore the reef at length. You can get a tender to the island to explore and check out all it has to offer, or spend your day enjoying the offshore reef. This Marine Park Reserve is protected from fishing and has an abundant range of marine life.
Green Island
You're free to spend as little or as long as you like on the island, taking time to enjoy its walking tracks, beaches, restaurants, reefs and facilities. The island also offers a perfect place to swim, sunbathe, enjoy a glass bottom boat ride, a semi-sub tour or Marineland Melanesia to see saltwater crocodiles up close, including the world's largest captive croc!
Optional Add-ons
Ocean Free provides tender transfers to Green Island throughout the day, so you can spend time on the reef and the island. Glass Bottom Boat and Semi-sub can be organised on the day from the Island at an extra cost.
More Information
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What To Bring
- Towel
- Camera
- Sunscreen and swimsuit
- Cash for purchases on board
What's Included
- Snorkelling tuition
- Use of top quality snorkelling gear including buoyancy vests
- Prescription masks (if required)
- Hire of wet / stinger suits
- Fish feed
- Scuba diving demonstration
- Morning Tea, Buffet Lunch, Afternoon Tea
- Glass of wine on Sail Home
- Transfers to and from Green Island
What's Extra
- Green Island Activities (payable on the island, ...
Read More
What To Bring
- Towel
- Camera
- Sunscreen and swimsuit
- Cash for purchases on board
What's Included
- Snorkelling tuition
- Use of top quality snorkelling gear including buoyancy vests
- Prescription masks (if required)
- Hire of wet / stinger suits
- Fish feed
- Scuba diving demonstration
- Morning Tea, Buffet Lunch, Afternoon Tea
- Glass of wine on Sail Home
- Transfers to and from Green Island
What's Extra
- Green Island Activities (payable on the island, please advise the skipper that you want to do these upon boarding)
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour (Adult $22, Child $11)
- Semi-submersible experience (Adult $30, Child $15)
- Scuba diving - Introductory / Certified (prebooking required)
- $20 Reef Levy to pay on arrival
- Coach transfers
- $18 Inner city return per person
- $25 Northern Beaches, as far as Palm Cove, return per person
- Refreshments
- Underwater cameras
- Hire of Wet / Stinger suits
- Merchandise
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.
Terms and Conditions
All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Tour Operator. 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 actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We 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. Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1.5% surcharge for VISA, MASTERCARD and AMEX card purchases.
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
All client cancellations forfeit 25% of total ticket price and all client cancellations made less than 72 hours prior to departure will result in complete forfeiture of the full price of the trip. If the company has to cancel the trip (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.
Thank you for booking with Mr Travel. If you would like any advice or assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the boat depart from and what time?
Check in starts at 7:15 am at the Ocean Free/Ocean Freedom desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St Cairns. The Ocean Free boat is located at A Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina. Boarding begins at 7:30am for an 8am departure.
How long does it take to get out to the reef?
It takes about 2 hours to get to Pinnacle Reef, just 1 km from Green Island.
Are special dietary requirements catered for?
Ocean Free offers three different types of salads and breads, but can also order a vegetarian meal for you on request. If you have any other dietary concerns or preferences, you can order vegan, vegetarian, lactose free, and gluten free for no extra cost – but you must pre-order at least 24 hours prior to the date of travel. Please let our reservations team know when you book.
What if I get seasick?
If you are prone to seasickness, please take preventative medication about 20 minutes prior to boarding the boat. It will help you to have a much more enjoyable day. The crew will look after you at all times. You can also be taken across to Green Island which will help being on solid land.
Should I be worried about sharks?
While there are small black and white tipped reef sharks that live out on the reef, they are very timid creatures. They pose absolutely no threat to humans and we count ourselves very lucky when we are able to see them!
I’m not a good swimmer, can I still snorkel?
Yes, you can! Ocean Free has a range of buoyancy vests and aids available for you to use. There are also snorkel stations in the water for you to hold on to when you need to. If you are still in need of assistance, a member of staff can come in the water with you until you feel more confident. Ocean Free will have a crew member on watch at all times, keeping an eye on all snorkelers, swimmers and divers ready to offer help if necessary.
Can I scuba dive even without any experience?
Yes! Anyone who is in general good health can experience an introductory scuba dive. In fact, diving is easier than snorkelling when taken by Ocean Free’s experienced instructors. There are certain medical conditions that may prevent you from diving, such as asthma, epilepsy and heart conditions. All divers must complete a dive medical questionnaire onboard the boat. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. Ocean Free offers a guaranteed 1:3 ratio of instructor to divers, but most do a 1:2 ratio and even 1:1 for those needing extra attention. Most other boats offer a 1:4 ratio.
Do we actually get to sail?
Ocean Free prides itself in giving you a great sailing experience. You can even assist with the hoisting of the sails and steering the boat! You’ll motor sail out to Green Island, simply because there is a schedule to run, ensuring you experience a full 4.5 hours on the reef. On the way home the crew are a bit more flexible with the return time and turn the engines off to truly sail back to Cairns!
Is there shade on the boat?
Yes there is. The whole aft (back) section of the boat is under a canopy. In the summer a small forward canopy is also put up. There is also plenty of shade on Green Island.
Are transfers included?
Transfers are available for an additional cost. Return transfers from Cairns City are $18 p/p, and return transfers from the Outer Suburbs and Northern Beaches are $24 p/p. This needs to be pre-booked at least 24 hours prior to your date of travel.
Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0 / 5.0
Based on 13 reviews
