Reef Encounter Overnight Private Charter

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Have the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience with an overnight private charter on Reef Encounter!

  • Stable, spacious 34-metre catamaran perfect for ocean adventures
  • Choose an overnight charter of 2 days, 3, days, 4, days, or more
  • Snorkel and dive in the Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef
  • Expert instructors and high-quality snorkel and dive gear provided
  • Suitable for snorkellers, intro divers, or certified divers

Overview

Take your Great Barrier Reef tour to the next level! A private charter on Reef Encounter means you can hire the entire vessel for your group, offering an intimate and immersive experience at sea. Reef Encounter also offers a range of different charter lengths, from 2 days to 5 days or more. Charters are flexible and designed to give your party the most memorable adventure out on the stunning Great Barrier Reef near Cairns!

snorkellers smiling on a great barrier reef charter

Highlights:

  • Private charter on Reef Encounter
  • 34-metre catamaran with upscale amenities
  • Onboard air-conditioning and spacious entertainment areas
  • Overnight twin/double share cabins with private bathrooms
  • Snorkellers, intro divers, and certified divers welcome
  • Night diving for certified divers
  • Scuba diving demonstration and instruction
  • Professional chef onboard to prepare fresh, delicious meals
  • Licensed onboard bar
  • Glass bottom boat tours with expert commentary
  • Marine biologist presentation on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Option to add on scenic helicopter flights
  • Option to upgrade your charter for the Top Deck luxury experience

Reef Encounter boat on the water at sunset


Age Range On Board

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 and photography from the outer decks, and snorkelling and advanced scuba activities – there’s something for everyone to enjoy! 

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.

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
  • Please Note: Travel over Public Holiday periods may incur additional charges on check-in
  • Outdoor, freshwater hot tub - Currently not operational 

Holiday Surcharges

  • PLEASE NOTE: A Peak Season surcharge of $100 per person is applicable for all charters during peak season, please enquire about your charter dates!

Sample Itinerary

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Flexible charter lengths

Reef Encounter offers several types of reef trips so you have lots of options for your charter length. You can view these tours to review the specific itineraries and inclusions which may give you an idea of the charter you would like to book!

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Vessel Specifications

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Reef Encounter is one of the more upscale dive boats to hire from Cairns. With excellent accommodations, facilities, and diving opportunities, you're in for the charter of a lifetime on Reef Encounter! You also have the option to upgrade your experience to the Top Deck Club, which is similar to first class on an airlines. Here is more info about the amenities onboard:

Vessel specifics:

  • 35 mete...

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Accommodation

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During your overnight charter on Reef Encounter, you can stay in upscale cabins and staterooms onboard the spacious vessel. Whether you're opting for the more upscale Top Deck Club options or you're happy with the standard staterooms, you'll have a lovely place to rest and relax in between your o...

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Important Information

  • 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.
  • 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
  • Please Note: Travel over Public Holiday periods may incur additional charges on check-in
  • Outdoor, freshwater hot tub - Currently not operational 
  • PLEASE NOTE: A Peak Season surcharge of $100 per person is applicable for all charters during peak season, please enquire about your charter dates!
  • 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.

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, 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 packed.
  • 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
  • Marine Biologist presentation when transfers are done by Reef Experience
  • All dive and snorkeling equipment with the exception of wetsuits
  • Glass bottom boat tours (weather permitting)
  • Reef video presentation
  • 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)

  • Wetsuit Hire - $5 pp per day
  • Guided Certified Dives - $15 pp per dive
  • Scuba Refresher Course - $50 pp
  • Professional photos
  • Underwater cameras for hire - $89 pp per day
  • Prescription masks - $10 pp per day
  • Drinks, snacks, cameras, souvenirs, t-shirts etc. from the bar (minimum $10 purchase for Eftpos)
  • Please Note: Travel over Public Holiday 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 $405 pp. Children aged 12 years and above must have a standard bed.

Holiday Surcharge

There is a $100 holiday surcharge for travel between 6th - 11th April 2023 / 23rd December 2023 - 1st January 2024 / 28th March - 2nd April 2024 - payable on board the day of travel.

Cancellations

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. 

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any extra surcharges?

A Peak Season surcharge of $100 per person is applicable for all charters during peak season, please enquire about your charter dates!

Are children allowed onboard and what are the age restrictions?

Yes, children of all ages are allowed on Reef Encounter but there are some age restrictions. 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. Divers must be at least 12 years old.

What is included in the Top Deck Club?

The Top Deck Club is an optional upgrade that makes your experience more luxurious. Inclusions are a 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), and included wetsuits.

Where does Reef Encounter depart from?

The vessel departs from the Cairns Marlin Marina at A Finger at 7.30am.

Can we wear shoes on board?

For safety reasons, Reef Encounter has a no-shoe policy.

Can we BYO?

No, it is a fully licensed vessel so you cannot bring your own alcohol.

Is all the snorkel and dive gear included?

Yes, with the exception of wetsuits which you can hire during stinger season if you wish.

Jayme
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