In the winter months, wetsuits are provided for warmth, while in the summer, stinger suits are supplied to protect guests from potential marine stingers.
Pure Snorkelling | Half Day Afternoon Snorkel Trip
Departure Times
Departure Point: Cairns D Finger, Marlin Marina
Pricing Options
Dive right into Great Barrier Reef magic with Pure Snorkelling's Half-Day Afternoon Reef Trip!
- Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef on a high-speed, half-day cruising vessel
- Explore vibrant coral and tropical marine life at exclusive reef sites
- All snorkelling gear, marine education and afternoon snacks included
- The top half-day reef trip in Cairns, perfect for those short on time
Overview
Experience that underwater enchantment with Pure Snorkelling's epic half-day snorkelling adventure on the Great Barrier Reef! This is the ultimate experience for those wanting to explore the reef without committing to a full-day trip, perfectly balancing excitement, discovery and relaxation.
Departing from Cairns, step aboard a brand-new, high-speed vessel built for comfort and adventure. In just over an hour, you’ll arrive at exclusive reef sites like Briggs Reef, Sudbury Reef, or Moore Reef, to name a few, far from the crowds and bursting with marine life. With small group sizes, this tour delivers an intimate, immersive snorkelling experience, letting you glide through vibrant coral gardens, encounter tropical fish, and soak up the magic of this marine wonderland!

Highlights
- High-speed vessel for more reef time
- Exclusive access to uncrowded reef sites
- Small group, max 35 passengers
- 2 hours snorkeling
- All snorkel gear included
- Prescription masks available
- Marine life presentation with Master Reef Guides
- Afternoon snacks included
- Optional free marine biology presentation prior to departure
Sample Itinerary
Show Less
- 10:30 - 11:00am - Free marine biology presentation, located on D Finger at the Marlin Marina. (This is optional).
- From 11:15 pm - Check-in at Marlin Marina
-
12 pm - Depart Cairns for the Outer Great Barrier Reef
-
1:45 pm - Arrive at exclusive reef location
-
2 pm - Snorkelling
-
4 pm - Afternoon Tea & depart the reef for the return journey
-
5 pm - Arrive back in Cairns

Snorkelling
Div...
Read More
Reef Sites
Show Less
Depending on the conditions of the day, your skipper will select one of the following quiet reef sites with optimal conditions:
- Moore Reef
- Thetford Reef
- Breaking Patches
- Pretty Patches
- Upolu Reef
- Sudbury Cay & Reefs
- Brigg’s Reef
- Oyster Reef

Read More
Depending on the conditions of the day, your skipper will select one of the following quiet reef sites with optimal conditions:
- Moore Reef
- Thetford Reef
- Breaking Patches
- Pretty Patches
- Upolu Reef
- Sudbury Cay & Reefs
- Brigg’s Reef
- Oyster Reef

Important Information
- Minimum age is 6 years
- Please check-in between 11:15 and 11:45 at Cairns D finger, Marlin Marina, Cairns QLD 4870
What To Bring
- Towel
- Sunscreen & hat
- Swimmers
- Cash or credit card for additional purchases
- Change of clothes
- Refillable water bottle
What's Included
- High-speed cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
- Over 2 hours of snorkelling at exclusive reef sites
- All snorkelling equipment, including wetsuits (winter) and lycra suits (summer)
- Optional free marine biology presentation (prior to departure)
- Flotation devices
- Prescription masks
- Afternoon tea
- Snorkel guide
What's Extra
- Merchandise
- Soft drinks/alcohol from the bar
Cancellations
Free Cancellations - Up To 24 Hours Before Departure
Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
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.
Customers who were interested in this product, also viewed...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for my medical conditions? E.g. pregnacy, mobility issues, etc.
This tour is not suitable if you are pregnant, have any musculoskeletal issues that a potentially bumpy ride could aggravate, have any cardiac or mobility issues, or for children or adults who cannot swim.
Pure Snorkelling tours depart from Cairns Marina, which features accessible docks, ramps, and gates. However, due to the vessel design and the nature of snorkelling activities, some guests with limited mobility may require additional assistance or may find participation challenging.
Please contact us if you wish to discuss your suitability for this trip.
I can't swim. Is this tour suitable for me?
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour, all guests (including children) must be able to swim. Please get in touch to discuss any queries regarding your individual swimming capabilities if worried.
Is this tour child-friendly?
The minimum age for this tour is 6 years old, and is a family-friendly experience.
Do I need to be able to swim to snorkel?
Strong swimming skills are essential for this tour. Participants must be able to swim and stay afloat independently to safely enter the water. While beginner snorkelers are welcome, you should be able to swim at least 50 yards without extra flotation. This policy ensures your safety, the crew's safety, and the comfort of fellow guests onboard.
How many people will be onboard?
We accommodate up to 40 snorkelers per trip, with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1 to 10 to ensure personalised attention and safety.
What animals will I see?
During your snorkelling adventure, you will encounter vibrant coral gardens, giant clams, and a variety of tropical fish species, with occasional sightings of sea turtles or reef sharks.
How long is the tour?
The half-day snorkelling tour lasts around five hours, including travel time to and from the reef. This allows guests to explore the reef's wonders while leaving plenty of time in their day for other activities.
When does the boat return to Cairns?
You will return back to the Marina in Cairns at 5 pm.
When is check-in?
Check-in is directly at the boat on D Finger at Cairns Marlin Marina, starting at 11:15 am. The tour departs at 12 pm sharp.
What snorkelling gear is provided?
All the snorkelling equipment you need for the tour is provided, including snorkel, mask, fins, and optional flotation devices to ensure you have a comfortable snorkelling experience.
Are wetsuits included?
Which reef sites are visited?
Pure Snorkelling has handpicked some of the best reef locations for an unforgettable experience! Guests enjoy exclusive access to stunning, less-crowded sites like Briggs Reef, Moore Reef, Sudbury Reef, Upolu Reef, Pretty Patches, Breaking Patches, Oyster Reef, and Thetford Reef. These diverse spots ensure a truly intimate and awe-inspiring snorkelling adventure.
Please note that you will only visit one of the above reef sites each day, chosen by your skipper to conditions.
Does this tour cater to dietary requirements?
Absolutely! The crew caters to all dietary requirements. Just let us know during the booking process, and we’ll ensure everything is ready for you in advance.
Will we still go out if it's raining?
Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions, including rain. Your experienced crew will select the best reef sites for the day, ensuring you have an amazing snorkelling experience, no matter the weather.
Is there a toilet onboard?
Pure Snorkelling features two onboard bathrooms.
What is the free marine biology presentation?
Prior to departure and beginning at 10:30am is a free marine biology presentation. This is optional, and only attend if desired (but we recommend if you're an ocean enthusiast!).
The presentation dives into the Great Barrier Reef's ecosystem and the different types of species that call it their home. You can learn about what you might see on the tour.
All ages are welcome, no booking is required, AND there is complimentary tea and coffee available.
Located on D Finger at the Marlin Marina.
Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0 / 5.0
Based on 5 reviews

