Reef Daytripper
Departure Times
Departure Point: D Finger at Marlin Marina Cairns
Pricing Options
Explore the protected reef environment guided by Reef Daytripper's professional and friendly crew!
- Learn about the complex marine life on the Great Barrier Reef
- Choose to snorkel or scuba dive and enjoy the thrill of sailing
- Get up and close with the stunning marine life that awaits in the coral reefs
- An eco-friendly tour with the lowest carbon footprint of any Cairns snorkelling operator
The Reef Daytripper is known to be the best 'back to nature' experience in Cairns where you can explore the Great Barrier Reef and swim up close to the beautiful coral formations and exotic marine species. Sail to the picturesque Upolu Reef on our charming catamaran for a relaxing yet fun-filled sailing trip.
Highlights
- Small group size of just 20 guests
- Explore the protected reef world
- Eco-friendly tour
- Lowest carbon footprint of any Cairns snorkelling operator
- Locally owned and operated
- Swim up close with gorgeous marine life
- See tropical fish, colourful reefs, giant clams, and more
- All snorkel equipment included
- Informative reef education provided
- Complimentary guided snorkel tour provided
- Smorgasbord lunch and afternoon tea
Sample Itinerary
Show Less
Snorkelling
We offer informative snorkel tours, as well as all your snorkel equipment so you can enjoy your snorkelling adventure in the best way possible! You can see the amazing fish life and coral gardens in the crystal clear waters of Upolu Reef, getting a good look into the world-famous and World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.
Scuba diving
Both introductory and certified divers are...
Read More
Snorkelling
We offer informative snorkel tours, as well as all your snorkel equipment so you can enjoy your snorkelling adventure in the best way possible! You can see the amazing fish life and coral gardens in the crystal clear waters of Upolu Reef, getting a good look into the world-famous and World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.
Scuba diving
Both introductory and certified divers are welcome to join this fun sailing tour on the Great Barrier Reef! Divers can look forward to one dive during the day, where you will get to explore the reef at length. All your gear and tuition is included, ensuring you have everything you need for an amazing underwater experience. We aim for you to dive for as long as you want, with no rush to come back to the surface!
Sailing
Avoid the crowds and join a small-group sailing tour to Upolu Reef in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Sit back and relax as you skim along the surface of the bright blue water, relaxing in the bow nets, or enjoying the rights from the spacious decks. Adventurous guests can even help the crew out and learn a thing or two about sailing as you make your way out, getting a feel for the sails and winches! This is one of the best ways to experience the reef as you feel the power of the wind move you along as you coast over colourful reefs and clear waters.
Reef Sites
Show Less
Our destination, Upolu Reef, is a beautiful location situated on the edge of the Outer Barrier Reef that is teeming with a large variety of interesting marine life and a beautiful array of corals. In the sheltered lagoon, you will see a multitude of giant clams, turtles, sea stars, and reef fish.
This offers a perfect snorkelling or diving experience in warm, clear, protected waters. A complime...
Read More
Our destination, Upolu Reef, is a beautiful location situated on the edge of the Outer Barrier Reef that is teeming with a large variety of interesting marine life and a beautiful array of corals. In the sheltered lagoon, you will see a multitude of giant clams, turtles, sea stars, and reef fish.
This offers a perfect snorkelling or diving experience in warm, clear, protected waters. A complimentary snorkel guide is available, which offers a fun and informative addition to the day’s exploration.
More Information
Show Less
What To Bring
- Towel
- Hat & Sunglasses
- 50+ sunscreen
- Travel calm
- Certification card (certified divers)
- Money for any on board purchases
- Warm clothing for the end of the day.
- You are also welcome to bring your own equipment for diving and snorkeling if you prefer, though, equipment hire is price inclusive.
What's Included
- Coffee or tea on arrival
- Snorkelling equipment (mask, fins & snorkel)
- Guided snorkel tour
- Tropical style buffet lunc...
Read More
What To Bring
- Towel
- Hat & Sunglasses
- 50+ sunscreen
- Travel calm
- Certification card (certified divers)
- Money for any on board purchases
- Warm clothing for the end of the day.
- You are also welcome to bring your own equipment for diving and snorkeling if you prefer, though, equipment hire is price inclusive.
What's Included
- Coffee or tea on arrival
- Snorkelling equipment (mask, fins & snorkel)
- Guided snorkel tour
- Tropical style buffet lunch
- Complimentary fruit platter, selection of cheeses & crackers
- A complimentary glass of wine
- Reef education and introduction
- A dive professional for all dive upgrades
What's Extra
- Transfers to and from Cairns city accommodation
- Intro Dives and Certified Dives ($80 per person, can book at checkout)
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
Important Information:
Please note: Minimum age for diving is 12 years. Second dive subject to availability. All divers must complete a medical questionnaire on board before diving. Certain medical conditions may prohibit diving in accordance with the law. All trips are subject to weather tidal conditions. All prices and times quoted are subject to change without notice. Trips may be cancelled at the discretion of operator.
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:
24 hours cancellation notice is required for groups of 4 persons or less without charge. For groups exceeding 4 persons, 48 hours notice is required without charge. For groups of 7+ persons, 7 days cancellation is required.
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.
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.
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.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed...
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the boat depart from and what time?
Check in for Reef Daytripper starts at 7:30am on the boat from D Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina. Departure is at 7:45am.
Which reef does this boat visit?
Up to 2 sites inside the Upolu Reef depending on time and weather.
How long does it take to get out to the reef?
The journey out to Upolu Reef takes approximately 1 hour to get to the first reef spot.
What if I get sea sick?
If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s advisable to take something around 20 minutes prior to boarding the boat. As Reef Daytripper is a catamaran, it’s a smoother and more stable vessel compared to monohulls. But please note that most sea sick tablets are a preventative and will not help if you are already feeling nauseous. So best take it before the trip if you are concerned.
Are special dietary requirements catered for?
If you have any food allergies or special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc. Reef Daytripper can arrange this with the catering provider. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks if you prefer.
Are transfers included?
Transfers are available for an additional cost. Return transfers from Cairns City are $20 p/p, and return transfers from the Outer Suburbs and Northern Beaches are $35 p/p. This must be pre-booked at least 24 hours prior to your date of travel.
I’ve heard there are deadly jellyfish in Cairns, should I be worried about being stung?
There are 2 main types of dangerous jellyfish in Tropical North Queensland waters. The Box Jellyfish is coastal dwelling and is rarely seen on the reef. They breed in estuaries and live their life on the shoreline mostly away from the reef. The Irukandji Jellyfish is also predominantly a coastal dweller but is occasionally found on the reef. Stinger Season in Cairns runs from November until May, but you can still enjoy snorkelling the reef by wearing a stinger suit. Reef Daytripper provides these onboard to ensure you can enjoy the reef all year round!
What about sharks or crocodiles?
If you’re lucky, you may see a little white or black tip reef shark cruising the reef, but rest assured they are super timid and will swim away if you get near. It’s actually a good sign of a healthy marine ecosystem if you do see one! Crocodiles prefer to hang around the murky waters of rivers, lakes and swamps. So the water is too clear for them further out and is a long distance for them to swim, making it extremely rare to see them on the Great Barrier Reef.
What temperature is the water?
Cairns is located in Tropical North Queensland, so the water temperature is very pleasant all year round. Approximate average water temperatures throughout the year are: December-February 29C or 83F March-May 25C or 76F June-August 22C or 72F September-November 25C or 76F
Is breakfast included?
Reef Daytripper does not offer a breakfast option, however, tea and coffee are available on arrival. Only lunch is included with the tour, and a glass of bubbly on the way home. You are also welcome to bring along your own snacks.