Seaquest Dive & Snorkel
Experience a full-day snorkelling and diving adventure from Cairns to the outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting Norman, Saxon, and Hastings reefs with five hours at two dive sites and buffet lunch included.
Key Highlights
- Explore the outer Great Barrier Reef at Norman, Saxon, and Hastings reefs
- Enjoy five hours at the reef, visiting two exclusive dive sites
- Options for snorkelling, introductory diving, and up to three certified dives
- Savour a buffet lunch with a variety of hot, cold, and tropical selections
- Relax on large sun decks and air-conditioned indoor areas with hot showers
What’s included
- Return boat transfer from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef (90 minutes each way)
- Five hours at the outer reef
- Access to two exclusive dive sites
- Buffet lunch with hot and cold foods, salads, rolls, and tropical fruit
- Use of snorkelling and diving facilities
- Large sun decks, indoor air-conditioned areas, and showers
Reviews
“The staff were insightful, fun, excited and really engaged with the passengers. We felt really equipped, learned a lot and had a 10/10 day. Spot on locations for the snorkelling too.”
Jess
“Great staff who looked after us really well on SeaQuest. The diving was fantastic, thanks particularly to Adam and Levi for making everything run so smoothly. Highly recommended.”
Richie
Overview
Discover the marine beauty of the outer Great Barrier Reef on a full-day snorkelling and diving trip from Cairns. Travel 90 minutes by boat to reach renowned sites at Norman, Saxon, and Hastings reefs, known for their crystal-clear waters and stunning coral formations.
Spend up to five hours exploring two exclusive reef locations, carefully chosen for their pristine conditions and vibrant underwater life. Encounter a range of marine species including clownfish, turtles, stingrays, and the giant Maori Wrasse, whether you choose to snorkel or dive.
The experience caters to all skill levels, with both snorkelling and diving available at each site. You can opt for introductory diving or, if experienced, enjoy up to three spectacular certified dives alongside snorkellers at the same sites.
Between reef sessions, recharge with a generous buffet lunch offering hot and cold dishes, salads, rolls, and tropical fruits. Onboard, make the most of the spacious sun decks, comfortable air-conditioned lounge areas, and hot, fresh water showers for a relaxing day on the water.
Commonly asked questions.
The trip includes return travel from Cairns to the Outer Great Barrier Reef aboard SeaQuest, visits to two reef sites, snorkelling equipment, wetsuits or lycra suits, guided snorkelling tours, a tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, drinking water, tea and coffee, and hot freshwater showers. Scuba diving options are available at an additional cost depending on the package selected.
The full-day trip runs approximately from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, including the boat journey to and from the reef. You'll have up to four hours at the Outer Great Barrier Reef to enjoy snorkelling, diving and the surrounding marine environment
The tour departs from C Finger at Cairns Marlin Marina. Check-in is at approximately 8:00 am, with the vessel scheduled to leave Cairns at 8:30 am. It's recommended that you arrive early to allow enough time to check in and board.
The trip visits two sites on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Depending on weather, sea conditions and visibility, these may include Norman Reef, Saxon Reef or Hastings Reef. The crew selects the most suitable locations for the conditions on the day.
Absolutely! The snorkelling option is ideal for visitors who want to experience the Great Barrier Reef without scuba diving. Snorkelling equipment is provided, and guided snorkel tours are included to help you explore the colourful coral gardens and tropical marine life.
Yes, introductory scuba diving is available for beginners aged 12 and over who meet the operator's medical and safety requirements. You'll receive instruction from a qualified dive professional before entering the water, making it a great opportunity to experience scuba diving for the first time. Introductory diving must be selected as part of your booking.
The Outer Great Barrier Reef is home to an incredible variety of marine life. You may encounter colourful tropical fish, clownfish, sea turtles, reef sharks, rays and beautiful hard and soft corals. Wildlife sightings vary depending on the reef location, season and conditions.
Yes, a tropical buffet lunch is included, featuring a selection of hot and cold dishes, salads, chilled meats and tropical fruit. Morning and afternoon tea are also provided, along with complimentary tea, coffee and chilled drinking water. Snacks and other beverages are available to purchase onboard.
Yes, families are welcome aboard SeaQuest. Children can enjoy the boat trip and snorkelling experience with adult supervision. The operator's child snorkelling age range is 4–14 years, while introductory scuba diving is available from age 12, subject to eligibility and medical requirements.
Bring your swimwear, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. Certified divers should also bring their certification card and logbook. Snorkelling equipment, wetsuits or lycra suits and relevant scuba equipment are provided according to your selected package.
Tea, coffee and chilled drinking water are complimentary. Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and snacks are available for purchase. Underwater camera hire and professional photographs are also available at an additional cost, subject to availability.
Additional info by the operator.
- 8:00 am - Check in at Cairns Marlin Marina, C Finger, and board SeaQuest.
- 8:30 am - Depart Cairns for the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
- 10:00 am - Arrive at the first reef site for snorkelling, introductory scuba diving or certified diving.
- 12:00 pm - Travel to the second reef site and enjoy a tropical buffet lunch.
- 12:30 pm - Explore the second reef site with another opportunity to snorkel or dive.
- 2:15 pm - Transfer alongside the OceanQuest liveaboard vessel for passenger transfers.
- 2:50 pm - Depart the reef area and cruise back to Cairns.
- 4:30 pm - Arrive back at Cairns Marlin Marina.