Get ready for an exhilarating journey as we whisk you away on our brand new purpose built vessel designed for speed and excitement with Cairns ONLY ½ day trip to the outer reefs. Our half-day adventure ensures you make the most of your day in Cairns while our fast boat means less travel and more time to explore the mesmerising underwater world.
- Exclusive Reef Access: Our vessel holds exclusive mooring rights at some of the best outer reef locations, ensuring your experience is uncrowded and personal.
- Experienced Local Operators: With decades of experience, you are in the hands of passionate professionals who know the reef like no one else.
- Small Groups & Fast Travel: Enjoy the benefits of small group sizes, making your snorkelling adventure more intimate and personalised, while reaching the reef quickly.
Exclusive Reef LocationsOur experienced skipper will choose an amazing location from our selection of 15 exclusive sites including Briggs reef, Sudbury Reef, Moore Reef and Thetford reef. With only one hour travel time our half-day snorkel adventure maximizes your experience with more snorkelling and less travel time. |  |
Allow our Snorkel Artisans to show you a fun, personalised and exciting day with a maximum of only 40 passengers. Your tour includes more than 2 hours on the reef, visiting 2 locations chosen daily from any one of our four amazing reefs. Vessel departs Cairns D finger at 12:30 pm and arrives back at 5:30 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous swimming or snorkeling experience?
Yes, strong swimming skills are required to join our snorkelling tours. You must be able to swim and stay afloat without assistance to safely enter the water. Beginner snorkelers are welcome on our daytime tours, but it is important that you can swim at least 50 yards without additional floatation. This requirement is in place for your safety, the safety of our crew, and the comfort of other guests onboard.
*Our snorkelling tour may not be the best choice for beginners who can not swim. This experience is best suited for individuals who are confident swimmers and comfortable in an open water environment.
What safety measures are in place during the snorkelling trips?
Your safety is our top priority. Our trips include detailed safety briefings, high-quality snorkelling equipment, flotation devices, and experienced guides.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Our snorkelling tour is recommended for children aged 6 and above, who are confident swimmers and comfortable in an open water environment. All children will need to be under parental supervision at all times.
What is the maximum number of snorkelers allowed on the trip?
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 marine life can I expect to see at the Great Barrier Reef?
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 snorkelling tour?
Our half-day snorkelling tour lasts approximately five hours, including travel time to and from the reef. This schedule allows you to experience the wonders of the reef while still having the rest of your day free for other activities.
How fast does the boat go?
The vessel will travel at around 24 knots (44 kms) for maximum fuel efficiency and comfort. Weather and conditions on the day will determine top speed on the day which can reach just over 45 knots.
What time does the boat get back to Cairns?
Between 5-5:30 depending on the reef location
Where do I check in, and what time does the tour depart?
Check-in is directly at the boat on D Finger at Cairns Marlin Marina, starting at 11:45 am. We depart at 12:30 pm.
What should I bring on the snorkelling trip?
We recommend bringing only the necessities; swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a refillable water bottle, and credit card for onboard purchases like beer, or soft drinks.
Do you provide the Snorkelling Gear?
Yes, we provide all the snorkelling equipment you need for the tour, including snorkel, mask, fins, and optional flotation devices to ensure you have a comfortable snorkelling experience.
Do you provide wetsuits?
Yes in the winter months we provide wetsuits for warmth, during the summer months we provide Stinger Suits to protect you from potential marine stingers.
Do I need to be a good swimmer to snorkel?
Yes! You do need to be an good swimmer (can swim the length of a 50 metre pool comfortably and previous experience snorkeling) to enjoy your trip with us. We provide flotation devices, please note that wearing a life jacket is not a substitute for swimming skills, as snorkelling in open ocean conditions can be challenging.
What makes Briggs Reef special compared to other Great Barrier Reef locations?
Briggs Reef is a hidden gem with vibrant coral cover and diverse marine life, benefiting from nutrient-rich conditions due to its unique position between three major reef systems, and with exclusive mooring rights, it offers a peaceful, crowd-free experience unlike other locations.
Which reefs do you visit on the half-day trip?
On our half-day snorkelling tour, we visit premium outer reef locations such as Briggs Reef, Moore Reef, Sudbury Reef, Upolo Reef, Pretty Patches, Breaking Patches and Thetford Reef.
What are the best reefs to snorkel near Cairns?
We believe our reef locations are some of the best! We have carefully chosen our sites to provide a diverse, awe-inspiring experience while offering a more intimate, uncrowded snorkelling experience with exclusive access to certain areas. Briggs Reef, Moore Reef, Sudbury Reef, Upolo Reef, Pretty Patches, Breaking Patches and Thetford Reef.
What days do you operate?
We operate from Tuesday to Saturday, excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, offering you ample opportunity to experience the Great Barrier Reef.
Do you cater to vegetarian and other dietary requirements?
Absolutely! We cater to all dietary requirements—just let us know during the booking process, and we’ll ensure everything is ready for you in advance.
Can I smoke or vape on the boat?
Smoking and vaping are not allowed on board our vessel, in compliance with government regulations and to ensure passenger comfort.
Do you still operate tours if it’s raining?
Yes, we still operate even if it’s raining, our crew will choose the most appropriate reef sites to ensure you have the best possible experience, adapting to a variety of weather conditions.
Why choose us for a half-day snorkelling tour?
We offer a unique, personalised experience with small group sizes and exclusive access to some of the best reef sites near Cairns. Our vessel is designed for speed, allowing us to take you to outer reef locations quickly, giving you more time in the water. With experienced local guides, we ensure your adventure is both safe and unforgettable.
What is the difference between a half-day and a full-day snorkelling trip?
Half day includes all the highlights of a full-day trip—visiting vibrant reef locations and seeing stunning marine life—but is condensed into a four-hour adventure, giving you flexibility to enjoy other activities in Cairns.
Do I need to take Seasick Medication?
While sea sickness is never an expected side effect, the only cure for seasickness is prevention. We recommend that guests purchase seasick medication from a pharmacy and take it at minimum 30 minutes prior to departure. Ginger tablets are also an option but do not work for everyone in every case.