07 4082 7470

Pure Snorkelling | Half Day Afternoon Snorkel Trip

FROM: $179
40
SingleDay
Min. Age
6 Years+

Departure Times

Departs: 12 pm - Daily
Returns: 5 pm - Daily

Departure Point: Cairns D Finger, Marlin Marina

Pricing Options

RRP $159 $143 AUD / Person - Child (6 - 14 Years) (Between: 01 Jan 2025 and 30 Dec 2026)
RRP $199 $179 AUD / Person - Adult (15+) (Between: 01 Jan 2025 and 30 Dec 2026)
RRP $650 $629 AUD / Family - Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) (Between: 06 Apr 2025 and 30 Dec 2026)

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

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!

a green sea turtle swimming underwater

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

Sample Itinerary

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  • 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

Pure Snorkelling pink and white reef cruiser boat


Snorkelling

Dive into the crystal-clear waters and explore the vibrant coral gardens. With over 2 hours dedicated to snorkelling, ...

Read More

  • 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

Pure Snorkelling pink and white reef cruiser boat


Snorkelling

Dive into the crystal-clear waters and explore the vibrant coral gardens. With over 2 hours dedicated to snorkelling, you'll have ample time to witness the bustling marine life, including tropical fish, giant clams, and perhaps even sea turtles. Our small group size ensures a personalized experience, with our expert guides on hand to assist and educate along the way.

A woman swimming by orange corals


Reef Cruising

Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef in style aboard a high-speed vessel designed for comfort and speed. Feel the thrill as you zip through the crystal-clear waters, enjoying scenic views of the reef from the comfort of the modern boat. The fast journey ensures more time exploring the reef, with an exciting yet smooth ride both ways!

Two girls on a boat taking a selfie


Afternoon Tea

Relax on deck and enjoy a selection of locally sourced afternoon tea. Share your experiences with fellow travellers as you cruise back to Cairns, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Coral Sea.

Reef Sites

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Depending on the conditions of the day, your skipper will select one of the following quiet reef sites with optimal conditions:

A woman snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, smiling

Read More

Depending on the conditions of the day, your skipper will select one of the following quiet reef sites with optimal conditions:

A woman snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, smiling

More Information

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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)
  • Flotation devices
  • Prescription masks
  • Afternoon tea
  • Snorkel guide

What's Extra

  • Merchandise
  • Soft drinks/alcoh...

Read More

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)
  • Flotation devices
  • Prescription masks
  • Afternoon tea
  • Snorkel guide

What's Extra

  • Merchandise
  • Soft drinks/alcohol from the bar

Terms and Conditions

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

Operator Cancellations

Cairns Tours is required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period (24 hours). It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9am-5pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider.

Cancellations made more than 24 hours before departure can be rescheduled or refunded without penalty.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure will incur a 100% cancellation fee.

If the tour is cancelled by Pure Snorkelling due to operational considerations (e.g., weather conditions, mechanical issues, or safety concerns), guests will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Force Majeure – In the event of cancellations due to force majeure (including but not limited to natural disasters, government restrictions, pandemics, or civil unrest), Pure Snorkelling will not be liable for any refunds or compensation. Where possible, guests may be offered alternative dates or tour options.

Pure Snorkelling Adventures reserves the right to substitute vessels without notice at any time for any reason.

Failure to Attend – If you fail to arrive at the designated meeting point at the correct time, Pure Snorkelling reserves the right to consider this a cancellation, and no refund will be provided.

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 Travel Shop retail outlet located in Cairns, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Cairns Tours/Mr Travel online department.


Cairns Tours Conditions

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 off of 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.


Information & Advice:

All information, advice or pricing provided by Cairns Tours and our affiliates, or through any of our team, is subject to change. Cairns Tours articles and products are provided online for general information purposes only and are intended as guides. Any advice interpreted from information on the website (including but not limited to financial, immigration, employment and tax information) is not specialist advice and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional instruction. Cairns Tours does not guarantee that any information provided is up-to-date or accurate. Please obtain professional advice before actioning any advice, including but not limited to tax, immigration, employment, travel restrictions and finances.


Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel / Cairns-Tours.com . If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.

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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?

In the winter months, wetsuits are provided for warmth, while in the summer, stinger suits are supplied to protect guests from potential marine stingers.

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.

Libby
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