Snorkel, Dive and explore the outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns with five hours at two premium sites, modern facilities on AquaQuest, and a buffet lunch included.
Discover the outer Great Barrier Reef with five hours of exploration
Visit two premium dive sites on Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs
Snorkel, take an introductory dive, or enjoy certified diving
Modern vessel AquaQuest with spacious decks and easy water access
Relax with large sun decks, indoor air-conditioned spaces, and fresh water showers
Enjoy a generous buffet lunch with hot and cold options
What’s included
Snorkelling & Diving equipment
Five hours at the outer Great Barrier Reef
Visits to two dive sites
Buffet lunch with salads, rolls, and fruit
Use of hot fresh water showers
Overview
Embark on a Great Barrier Reef day trip from Cairns with a range of experiences including snorkelling, introductory diving, or certified diving. Travel on the AquaQuest, a purpose-built vessel equipped for divers and snorkellers alike.
Your adventure includes a 90-minute boat journey from Cairns to the outer Great Barrier Reef, where you will spend five hours exploring two hand-picked dive sites selected from Norman, Saxon, and Hastings reefs.
Enjoy convenient features on board such as a spacious dive deck, a sunken platform for easy water entry, large sun decks, air-conditioned indoor areas, and hot fresh water showers. Everyone, from families to experienced divers, can enjoy quality time together at the same reef locations.
After an active morning exploring vibrant corals and diverse marine life, refuel with a generous buffet lunch including hot dishes, salads, rolls, and tropical fruit before spending your afternoon on the reef.
Commonly asked questions.
The cruise visits two sites on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, selected from locations around Norman, Saxon and Hastings Reefs, depending on the weather and reef conditions.
Yes. You can book a snorkelling experience, an introductory scuba dive if you're a beginner, or certified diving if you already hold a recognised scuba qualification.
No previous diving experience is required for an introductory dive. You'll receive a safety briefing and instruction from the dive team before entering the water. Participants must meet the operator's minimum age and medical requirements.
Yes. Snorkellers, introductory divers and certified divers can travel together on the same vessel and enjoy the reef at the same locations, making this a good option for families and friends with different interests.
The trip visits two Outer Great Barrier Reef sites. The crew selects the locations according to the conditions on the day to provide the best possible snorkelling and diving experience.
You may encounter colourful tropical fish, clownfish, sea turtles, stingrays, giant Maori wrasse and a spectacular variety of coral. Marine life sightings vary with the conditions and season.
Yes. Snorkelling equipment, including masks, snorkels and fins, is provided, along with wetsuits or lycra suits and equipment instruction.
Yes, all dive gear is included, but feel free to bring along your own.
Yes. A tropical buffet lunch is included, with a selection of hot and cold dishes, salads, rolls and tropical fruit. Morning and afternoon refreshments are also provided.
The boat journey takes approximately 90 minutes each way, giving you time to relax, enjoy the ocean views and listen to the crew's safety and activity briefings.
You should be comfortable in the water and follow the crew's safety instructions. If you are not a confident swimmer, discuss your needs with Divers Den before booking so the team can advise on suitable options and flotation assistance.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle. Certified divers should also bring their certification card and logbook if required. Underwater camera hire and professional photographs may be available at an additional cos
Additional info by the operator.
7.30am - Check-in at Cairns Marlin Marina
8:00am- Depart Cairns for the Outer Great Barrier Reef
9:30am- Arrive at the first reef site for snorkelling and diving
12:00pm- Tropical buffet lunch on board
12:45pm- Visit the second reef site for more snorkelling and diving