Half Day Outer Reef Snorkel & Intro Dive
Experience a half-day snorkelling adventure on the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Enjoy a guided session, time to explore the vibrant marine life, and the option to try an introductory scuba dive.
Key Highlights
- Half-day snorkelling tour to an Outer Great Barrier Reef site from Cairns
- Recently refurbished vessel with dedicated, knowledgeable crew
- Full briefing on activities and reef environment
- Up to two hours of snorkelling on the reef
- Guides assist with snorkelling and marine life identification
- Optional introductory scuba dive (additional cost)
- Relax on the sun deck during the return to Cairns
What’s included
- Return cruise from Cairns to Outer Reef site
- Full safety and activity briefings
- Guided snorkelling session
- Experienced and knowledgeable crew
Reviews
“The crew were friendly, professional and safety-conscious. The family particularly appreciated how patient and encouraging the staff were with a child who was nervous about snorkelling.”
Danielle
“The crew were fantastic, friendly and knowledgeable. We enjoyed around two hours snorkelling, with our guide pointing out interesting fish and coral. The team also took great care of less-confident snorkellers.”
Hayden, Woolstonecraft
Overview
Discover the unforgettable marine life of the Great Barrier Reef on this half-day snorkelling adventure departing from Cairns. Begin your journey at A Finger, Cairns Marina, where you will board a recently refurbished vessel equipped for comfort and relaxation.
Enjoy a 90-minute voyage to an Outer Great Barrier Reef site, handpicked by your captain based on the day's conditions. During the trip, you'll receive a comprehensive briefing from the experienced crew outlining all activities and options.
Once at the reef, take part in a guided snorkelling session with up to two hours to explore the vibrant underwater world. Whether you are new to snorkelling or experienced, guides are available to help you maximise your experience and identify fascinating marine life. If you are interested in diving, optional introductory scuba experiences are available for confident swimmers (additional cost).
After your time on the reef, relax on the sun deck and, if prebooked, enjoy a picnic lunch box as the vessel returns to Cairns. Snacks can also be purchased on board. Your experience concludes at the Cairns Marina, leaving you with lasting memories of this natural wonder.
Commonly asked questions.
The cruise includes return boat travel from Cairns to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling equipment, a wetsuit, a safety briefing and assistance from the experienced crew. Guided snorkelling is available to help you discover the reef's colourful corals and marine life. A picnic lunch box can be purchased separately when booking.
The half-day cruise takes approximately five hours, departing Cairns at 9:00 am and returning at around 2:00 pm. This includes the journey to and from the Outer Great Barrier Reef and up to two hours of snorkelling time at the selected reef site.
The cruise departs from A Finger at Cairns Marina. Check-in is scheduled for 8:40 am, with the vessel departing at 9:00 am. Arrive in plenty of time to check in, prepare your belongings and listen to the crew's safety briefing before departure.
The cruise visits one site on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, selected by the captain according to weather, visibility and sea conditions. Tusa Reef Tours has access to locations around Saxon and Hastings Reefs, offering opportunities to explore vibrant coral formations and a variety of tropical marine life.
You'll have up to two hours to snorkel at the selected reef location. Your guide can help you identify interesting coral formations and marine life, while the crew provides assistance and guidance as needed. The actual time in the water may vary depending on weather, sea conditions and operational requirements.
Yes. An introductory scuba dive can be arranged as an optional extra, subject to availability and eligibility requirements. The experience is designed for beginners and takes place under the direct supervision of a qualified instructor. Participants must complete a medical questionnaire and meet the operator's safety requirements before diving.
No - this cruise only caters for snorkellers with optional introductory diving available.
A picnic lunch box is available as an optional extra and can be pre-purchased when booking. You can enjoy your lunch aboard the vessel on the return journey to Cairns. Light snacks and other items may also be available to purchase onboard. Check the booking page for current lunch options and prices.
Bring your swimwear, sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a quick-dry towel and personal belongings. A waterproof phone pouch or camera can be useful if you want to capture memories, although care should be taken around the water. Snorkelling equipment and wetsuits are provided, so you don't need to bring your own.
Additional info by the operator.
- 08:40: Check-in at A Finger, Cairns Marina.
- 09:00: Depart for the Outer Reef with a full briefing by crew.
- 10:30: Arrive at the Outer Reef for guided snorkelling and up to two hours on the reef.
- 12:30: Pre-purchased picnic lunch box available on return journey.
- 14:00: Return to Cairns Marina.