07 4082 7470

Reef Encounter | 2 Day 1 Night Liveaboard Tour

FROM: $585
42
2D
1N
Min. Age
All Ages
4.7 (3 Reviews)

Departure Times

Departs: 7:30am - Daily
Returns: 4:30pm - Daily

Departure Point: Cairns Marlin Marina, Cairns

Pricing Options

$585 AUD / Person - Snorkel Stateroom (Twin Share Cabin with Ensuite) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$585 AUD / Person - Snorkel Stateroom (Private Twin Cabin with Ensuite) ($1170 Total) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$585 AUD / Person - Snorkel Stateroom (Private Double Cabin with Ensuite) ($1170 Total) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$450 AUD / Person - Small Child - Snorkel Stateroom - Add-On rollaway bed (2-11 years) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$940 AUD / Person - Snorkel Top Deck Club (Private Double or Twin Cabin with Ensuite) ($1880 Total) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$805 AUD / Person - Small Child - Top Deck Club - Add-On rollaway Bed (2-11 years) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$210 AUD / Person - Resort Intro Diver Package Add-On (4 Day Dives) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$140 AUD / Person - Certified Diver Package Add-On GUIDED (4 Day Dives OR 3 Day Dives + 1 Night Dive) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$90 AUD / Person - Certified Diver Package Add-On NO GUIDE (4 Day Dives OR 3 Day Dives + 1 Night Dive) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)

Make a splash and explore the best of the Great Barrier Reef aboard Reef Encounter!

  • Enjoy ample snorkelling and diving over 2 adventure-filled days
  • Stylish accommodation, air-conditioning, and onboard entertainment features
  • Avid snorkellers, intro divers, and certified divers of all ages welcome
  • Join the Top Deck Club for tailored, exclusive service
  • Flexibility to stay and play for as little or as long as you like

Searching for a longer trip? Ask us about extended Reef Encounter stays!

Combining world-renowned Outer Reef destinations with ample snorkelling and diving opportunities, the Reef Encounter 2 Day 1 Night Liveaboard Tour is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience!

Explore coral reefs, spot local marine species, relax aboard spacious decks, and enjoy knowledgeable marine life commentary. The 35-metre purpose-built catamaran boasts air-conditioned comfort, a spacious spa, and vast deck, dining and recreation areas. Perfect for all ages, Reef Encounter additionally offers the flexibility to stay and play for up to 4 days!

two girls smiling on the edge of a boat on the reef

 Highlights

  • 35-metre catamaran hotel
  • Designed for optimal comfort and stability
  • Overnight twin/double share cabins with private en suites
  • Option to join the Top Deck Club for tailored luxury and service
  • Ample daily snorkelling and diving options
  • Night diving for certified divers
  • Scuba diving demonstration and instruction
  • Onboard chef preparing fresh, delicious meals
  • Licensed onboard bar
  • Hydraulic lowered dive/snorkel platform for seamless reef access
  • Helipad for scenic helicopter tours over the Great Barrier Reef (optional)
  • Sun deck with the perfect vantage point
  • Onboard air-conditioning
  • Spacious entertainment areas
  • All Reef Levy fees included

Reef Encounter Liveaboard Tour, Cairns Tours


Holiday Surcharges

  • PLEASE NOTE: A Peak Season holiday surcharge of $100pp for travel between 28/03/2024 to 02/04/2024 AND from the 23/12/2024 to 01/01/2025 - payable on board the day of travel.

Sample Itinerary

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Snorkelling

Enjoy ample time snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, one of the natural wonders of the world! All equipment and tuition is included and our purpose-built snorkel platform makes getting in and out of the water smooth and easy. A perfect activity for guests of all ages and experiences to explore the reef below - it's time to make a splash!

Reef Encounter Liveaboard Tour, Cairns Tours


Resort / Introductory Diving...

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Snorkelling

Enjoy ample time snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, one of the natural wonders of the world! All equipment and tuition is included and our purpose-built snorkel platform makes getting in and out of the water smooth and easy. A perfect activity for guests of all ages and experiences to explore the reef below - it's time to make a splash!

Reef Encounter Liveaboard Tour, Cairns Tours


Resort / Introductory Diving Package

Reef Encounter grants the ideal opportunity to try your hand at diving, with no prior experience required! All diving tours are guided by a qualified instructor who will teach you everything that you need to know before diving below. When booking a Resort Diver Package you will have the opportunity to experience 4 day dives. Immerse yourself in a world of quirky reef fish and unique coral formations - the perfect way to see the Great Barrier Reef as you never have before!


Certified Diving Package

Certified divers can look forward to abundant time under the water during their unforgettable time on Reef Encounter. Offering day dives in addition to night dives, the opportunities to explore the Outer Reef are seemingly endless! During your 1 night tour, dive in a buddy system or partner up with a guided dive instructor to experience the reef alongside an expert. For those solo travellers, our dive supervisor will team you up with a suitable buddy. You have the option of choosing to do your four dives during the day or you could do three day dives and one night dive. 


Night Diving

There is nothing more thrilling than diving at night! During your one-night stay, Reef Encounter offers the opportunity for certified divers to experience the Outer Reef after the sun sets. The Great Barrier Reef is extremely active at night as plenty of fish come out to feed, including sharks and giant trevallies - an unforgettable chance to explore the reef in a whole new 'light'!

Diving, Reef Encounter Liveaboard Tour, Cairns Tours

Reef Sites

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With over 15 individual sites to choose from, Reef Encounter's experienced crew will ensure you enjoy the best conditions for the day. From sprawling coral gardens to countless species of reef fish, a unique and spectacular experience is guaranteed each and every time!

Check out some of the most renowned sites on Reef Encounter's itinerary

  • Norman Reef - A diverse, stunning reef perfect for bot...

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With over 15 individual sites to choose from, Reef Encounter's experienced crew will ensure you enjoy the best conditions for the day. From sprawling coral gardens to countless species of reef fish, a unique and spectacular experience is guaranteed each and every time!

Check out some of the most renowned sites on Reef Encounter's itinerary

  • Norman Reef - A diverse, stunning reef perfect for both introductory and advanced divers
  • Saxon Reef - A quieter section of reef with shallow coral formations and unique marine life
  • Hastings Reef - 10km radius of reef ecosystem packed with sea creatures and fascinating corals
  • Breaking Patches - A kaleidoscope of corals near Michaelmas Cay on the Outer Reef

girl snorkelling up close to unique corals at saxon reef

Our Delicious Sample Menu

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Reef Encounter loves the flavours of the tropics; mango and coconut tempered with the exotics like mangosteen, dragon fruit and lychee. Herbs are our Chef's favourite compliment; the exquisite flavours of mint, basil, dill, and more earthy notes of thyme and sage.

Breakfast

Continental and cooked...

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Reef Encounter loves the flavours of the tropics; mango and coconut tempered with the exotics like mangosteen, dragon fruit and lychee. Herbs are our Chef's favourite compliment; the exquisite flavours of mint, basil, dill, and more earthy notes of thyme and sage.

Breakfast

Continental and cooked breakfast, to suit everyone guest's needs. Crowd favourites include fresh raw honeycomb, lime and blueberries, smoked salmon, capers and fluffy scrambled eggs with homemade Mexican beans.

Lunch

A fresh luxe buffet consisting of a variety of salads and mains, all made fresh and changing daily. Menu items include:

Mains - Croissants & pastries, pita pockets, burritos and quiche.

Salads - Rocket & poached pear, pumpkin & pine nuts, quinoa & cranberry, papaya & lime.

Afternoon Tea

Light refreshments including delicious fruit platters, home-baked treats and tapas platters.

Dinner

Indulge in a plated meal for the evening, with restaurant-quality food and excellent service. Reef Encounter uses high-quality cuts of proteins and takes pride in the flavours and colours of the evening. We aim to cater for all dietary’s with care and respect and value each individual’s requests.

Dessert

Mouth-watering desserts including pastries, cheesecake, mousses, sponges and more.

Accommodation

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Top Deck Club

Offering exclusive, tailored service the Top Deck Club is here to take care of all your needs whilst on board Reef Encounter! Much like 'first class' this indulgent option is perfect for those holidaymakers who want optimal luxury and personalised service during their trip. Perks in...

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Top Deck Club

Offering exclusive, tailored service the Top Deck Club is here to take care of all your needs whilst on board Reef Encounter! Much like 'first class' this indulgent option is perfect for those holidaymakers who want optimal luxury and personalised service during their trip. Perks include a dedicated personal valet, three-course evening meals, a private scuba or snorkel guide and late check-out times. 

Staterooms

Sleep on the reef in the stylish Reef Encounter Staterooms. Enjoy serene ocean views from your very own comfortable air-conditioned cabin, equipped with an en suite toilet and shower, and included towels and toiletries (soap, shampoo). Rooms are Twin Share - 2 x Single Beds or Private Double - 1 x Double bed.

Cot hire is available for babies aged 0-2 years. Small rollaway beds are available for children 2-11 years and will go in the room with the parents/guardians. Children aged 12 years and above must have a standard bed. Prams and pushchairs are welcome onboard, however, they can be stored at the Reef Encounter Office in town if needed.

More Information

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What To Bring

  • Overnight bag - If you wish to store any excess luggage we are happy to do so in our office at 100 Abbott Street, Cairns.
  • For safety reasons, Reef Encounter has a no-shoe policy. (There is no need to bring extra pairs of shoes)
  • Cash or credit card for purchases of snacks from the bar/souvenirs for sale on-board or underwater camera hire.
  • Sun hat, swimming clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, light casual clothing.
  • As the air...

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What To Bring

  • Overnight bag - If you wish to store any excess luggage we are happy to do so in our office at 100 Abbott Street, Cairns.
  • For safety reasons, Reef Encounter has a no-shoe policy. (There is no need to bring extra pairs of shoes)
  • Cash or credit card for purchases of snacks from the bar/souvenirs for sale on-board or underwater camera hire.
  • Sun hat, swimming clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, light casual clothing.
  • As the air-conditioning is on a set temperature for the heat during the day it can become quite cool in the evenings, even just being on the Great Barrier Reef can be cooler at night-time, therefore a light long-sleeved pullover, cardigan should be taken.
  • Dive medical if required
  • Proof of certification if you are a certified scuba diver.

* Sleeping Bags are NOT permitted 
* Reef Encounter has a fully licensed bar - NO BYO! 

What's Included

Reef Encounter Stateroom Inclusions

  • Twin or Double Stateroom with private bathroom
  • Chef prepared meals
  • Reef Levies, Management Fee and Fuel Surcharge
  • Marine Biologist presentation when transfers are done by Reef Experience
  • All dive and snorkelling equipment, except wetsuits
  • Free scuba lessons for snorkellers and dive equipment
  • Coffee, Tea & Milo are available all day while vessel is not underway
  • Fresh fruit is always available on board Reef Encounter

Reef Encounter Top Deck Club Additional Inclusions

  • Dedicated personal Valet service for the entirety of the stay
  • Private snorkel or dive guide available at all times
  • Australian Sparkling wine & sunset cocktails
  • Breakfast served to stateroom
  • Turn down service
  • Romantic dinners under the stars (weather permitting)
  • Wetsuits

What's Extra

  • Wetsuit Hire - $5pp per day
  • Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour - $40pp 
  • Scuba Refresher Course - $50pp
  • Advanced Dive Course - $250pp
  • Professional photos
  • Helicopter transfers (please enquire)
  • Underwater cameras for hire - from $89pp per day
  • Prescription masks - $10pp per day
  • Drinks, snacks, cameras, souvenirs, t-shirts etc. 
  • Please Note: Travel over Public Holiday and Peak Season periods may incur additional charges on check-in.

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.

Cot Hire and Rollaway Beds

Cot hire and children’s beds are available add-ons that may be selected during your online booking. Cot hire is available for babies aged 0-2 years. Small rollaway beds are available for children aged 2-11 years and will go in the room with the parents/guardians. Rollaway beds are available upon request only and priced from $450 pp. Children aged 12 years and above must have a standard bed.

Holiday Surcharge

There is a $100 holiday surcharge for travel between 28/03/2024 to 02/04/2024 AND from the 23/12/2024 to 01/01/2025 - payable on board the day of travel.

*Prices subject to changes without notice. 

Terms and Conditions

Important Information:

  • Please note divers may be subject to a medical questionnaire before they are able to dive. For more diving information please read the scuba diving medical questionnaire
  • Resort/ Introductory divers must be at least 12 years old
  • Travel over Public Holiday periods may incur additional charges on check-in
  • Outdoor, freshwater hot-tub - Currently not operational 

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

Client Cancellations:

All cancellations forfeit 25% of the recommended retail price (RRP) - not the discounted/sale price. No shows or client cancellations made 30 days or more of departure forfeit 25% of the total ticket price. No shows or client cancellations made within 30 days of departure forfeit 50% of the total ticket price. No shows or client cancellations made within 14 days of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 

A minimum of 48 hours notice is required to re-schedule or alter a reservation. 

Cairns Tours is required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. 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 suppliers 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.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit on this tour?

Cot hire is available for babies aged 0-2 years. Small rollaway beds are available for children 2-11 years and will go in the room with the parents/guardians. Children aged 12 years and above must have a standard bed. Prams and pushchairs are welcome onboard, however, they can be stored at the Reef Encounter Office in town if needed.

How many dives do we get to do?

You can do up to four dives in total during this 2-day, 1-night tour with Reef Encounter! You can choose either four day dives or three day dives and one night dive. 

Can we BYO?

No, this is a fully licensed vessel so you can purchase drinks on board!

Is hotel pickup available?

Bus transfers to and from your accommodation to Cairns Marlin Marina are available at an additional cost. Please contact +61 740 372 700 to arrange.

Is there a public holiday surcharge?

Yes, a Peak Season holiday surcharge of $100pp for travel between 28/03/2024 to 02/04/2024 AND from the 23/12/2024 to 01/01/2025 - payable on board the day of travel.

Which reef sites do we visit on Reef Encounter?

The reef sites will be chosen on the day by the captain based on the conditions. This ensures everyone gets the best possible experience! Possible reef sites include:

Reviews

Overall Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Based on 3 reviews

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Reviews by our Cairns Tours customers

Diana D, 25 Mar 24
We had such an amazing experience on board the Reef Encounter - and that’s all really because of their amazing crew! First off - yes the boat is a bit worn down, but honestly it’s so comfortable and surprisingly steady considering it’s sitting in the middle of the ocean most of the time! We had a 2D 1N stay - in the middle of the wet season so the weather was very moody - but we still had an amazing experience and the captain made sure we moor in spots that are both safe and pleasant to enjoy for both snorkeling and diving. We only snorkeled - and with one less experienced swimmer. The crew was fantastic and helpful - even went on an assisted swim with us. We also took advantage of their marine biology tour which is so incredible and informative! I was also so surprised to see how structured and safe they are organizing the water sessions - with plenty of time to enjoy even on the day of departure. The cherry on top - their onboard chef is so so talented and cooked amazing meals for us all by himself! All in all - great service, a lovely stay on a comfortable boat with amazing food - and most importantly a lot of water time on this amazing reef!
Svenn-Petter M, 16 Jan 24
Excellent operational organization, didn't feel like a single minute was wasted. Great diving, great food, great photography, great courses. Outstanding.
Mayhem, 15 Dec 23
Having done a tour to the great barrier reef from Airlie Beach a couple of days before, I didn't expect much about Scuba Diving. Little did I know. The scuba diving with reef encounter is really good, you can dive in buddy teams without guide. The dive spots are easy but beautiful. The reef seems quite healthy, we saw plenty of shark, turtles and barracudas. The crew is very friendly, welcome briefing was a bit long but good. The food, especially the burger and also breakfast, was better than expected. Rooms are way more spacious than expected. The boat is worn out.
Jayme
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