5 Day Liveaboard Tour | Reef Encounter
Departure Times
Departure Point: Cairns Marlin Marina, Cairns
Pricing Options
Combine pristine Great Barrier Reef adventures with sun-soaked relaxation!
- Five blissful days to explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef
- Perfect for snorkellers, intro divers, and certified divers
- Indulge in stylish accommodation, air-conditioning, and onboard features
- Join the Top Deck Club for the next step in exclusive luxury
- Flexibility to stay and play for as little or long as you desire
Overview
From Norman Reef to Hastings Reef and countless more, the Reef Encounter 5 Day 4 Night Liveaboard Tour guarantees an Outer Great Barrier Reef Experience filled with underwater adventures! A 35-metre purpose-built catamaran, Reef Encounter boasts a serene atmosphere, air-conditioned comfort, a spacious spa, and ample deck, dining and recreation spaces. From abundant snorkelling time and countless diving opportunities, there truly is something for everyone aboard Reef Encounter!
Highlights
- Overnight twin/double share cabins with private bathrooms
- Option to join the Top Deck Club for exclusive luxury
- Ample snorkelling and diving options, including night diving for certified divers
- Scuba diving demonstration and instruction
- Onboard Chef preparing fresh, delicious meals
- Licensed onboard bar
- Hydraulic lowered dive/snorkel platform
- Helipad
- Sun deck with the perfect vantage point
- Marine biologist presentation on the Great Barrier Reef
- Onboard air-conditioning and spacious entertainment areas
- All Reef Levy fees included
Accommodation
Top Deck Club
An exclusive customised service, Top Deck Club on Reef Encounter is here to take care of all your needs! Much like 'first class' this top of the line accommodation option is ideal for those who wish to indulge in personalised service during their getaway. Perks include a dedicated personal valet, three-course evening meals, a private scuba or snorkel guide, and late check-out times.
Staterooms
Experience the Outer Reef at its best, by day and night! Unwind from the day to day onboard Reef Encounter in a spacious, air-conditioned cabin and enjoy vast ocean views. All cabins have their own en-suite toilet and shower with included towels and toiletries provided. Staterooms are Twin Share - 2 x Single Beds, or Private Double - 1 x Double Bed.
Sample Itinerary
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Reef Sites
With over 15 individual sites to choose from, Reef Encounter's experienced crew will ensure you enjoy the best conditions for the day. Check out some of the most renowned sites on Reef Encounter's itinerary:
Snorkelling
Enjoy abundant time snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, one of the natural wonders of the world...
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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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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
- Resort intro 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
Age Range
Reef Encounter caters to guests of all ages and generally has a wide variety of age groups on any given trip. From glass-bottom boat tours, sightseeing from the outer decks, and endless snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, there is an activity for every type of traveller!
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. 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.
Child rates for standard Twin Share or Double cabins are not available. All guests aged 2 years and over must pay the full adult rate unless they are a child aged 11 years or under travelling as a third person in a cabin with two full-paying adults:
For infants (0–1 years), a flat rate of $75 per night applies, which includes cot hire and incidentals. Please consult with a booking agent to make a booking including an infant.
For children (2–11 years), a rollaway bed may be available for use as the third person in the cabin. This option is available on request only.
What To Bring
- Overnight bag - If you wish to store any excess luggage, you can store it at the Reef Encounter office (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, and 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 with the exception of 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
MANDATORY $15pp per day (capped at 3 days) Marine Park Levy, paid on arrival (Included in Advertised Price)
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All extras payable on board:
- Wetsuit Hire - $5pp per day
- Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour - $40pp
- Scuba Diving
- Scuba Refresher Course - $60pp
- SSI Nitrox Scuba Dive Course - $250pp (Nitrox fills not included)
- SSI Advanced Adventure Dive Course - $275pp
- SSI Referral Dive Package - $320pp
- SSI Skill Review Course - $145
- 1st Intro Dive $85pp
- Additional Intro Dives $75pp
- 1st, Night, and Additional Certified Dives $55pp per dive
- Guided dive package for certified divers when prebooked $10pp per dive
- Guided dives for certified divers when booked onboard $15pp per dive
- Helicopter transfers (please enquire)
- Underwater cameras for hire - from $100pp 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. Children aged 12 years and above must have a standard bed.
Holiday Surcharge
A Peak Season holiday surcharge of $100pp for travel between 2nd April 2026 and 7th April 2026, between 23rd December 2026 and 1st January 2027, and between 25th March 2027 and 30th March 2027 - payable on board the day of travel.
*Prices subject to changes without notice.
Cancellations
20% cancellation fee for any cancellations made outside of 7 days prior to departure.
100% cancellation fee for cancellations made within 7 days of the departure date.
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.
