Great Barrier Reef Full Day Trip from Cairns aboard AquaQuest | Cairns
- 5 hours at the reef, exploring two stunning dive sites rich in marine life
- Enjoy large sun decks, air-conditioned indoor spaces, and hot freshwater showers
- Onboard AquaQuest, the newest vessel for diving and snorkeling, you'll find a spacious deck and easy water access
- No previous experience is needed, just be comfortable in the water
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Eco-tourism |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise |
Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
Experience the Great Barrier Reef on a day trip from Cairns. Whether you’re a snorkeller, first time diver or certified diver, you’ll spend a magical day with Divers Den.
Discover the marine wonderland of the outer Great Barrier Reef, just a 90-minute boat trip from Cairns. We’ll spend five hours at the reef and visit two stunning dive sites. These are expertly chosen from our exclusive moorings on the Norman, Saxon and Hastings reefs to bring you the best quality conditions and diverse marine life, from colourful corals to inquisitive Nemos, turtles, stingrays and giant Maori Wrasse.
AquaQuest is our newest vessel and purpose-built for diving and snorkelling. It has a spacious dive deck and a sunken platform offering easy access to the water, plus state of the art equipment. Choose safe and enjoyable snorkelling for you and your family, introductory diving with full pre-dive tuition, or certified diving for a choice of three spectacular dives. Travelling with both certified divers and keen snorkellers? No problem – you’ll share your journey out on the reef together on the same vessel, and complete your dives/snorkel experiences at the same dive sites.
During your Great Barrier Reef day trip, enjoy our large sun decks, air conditioned indoor spaces and hot fresh water showers. After a morning spent exploring the reef, enjoy a generous buffet lunch with a range of hot and cold foods, salads, rolls and tropical fruit to refuel for the afternoon.
— Dive Sites —
Two sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef, the best options will be selected based on the day's conditions to show the most colourful and diverse sights in these warm, clear waters.
- Norman Reef/ Saxon Reef/ Hastings Reef
AquaQuest, the newest vessel, is purpose-built for diving and snorkelling, featuring a spacious dive deck, easy water access, and state-of-the-art equipment
Spend five hours at the reef, visiting two stunning dive sites with diverse marine life, including colorful corals, turtles, and giant Maori Wrasse
Optional Extras — Intro Diving Day Trip:On your introductory dive, descend to 12 meters (40 feet) and experience the amazing marine life beneath the waves
Optional Extras — Certified Diving Day Trip: Dive with a buddy or let our expert guides show you the best underwater sights
Purchase Notice
- Please note snorkelling is not suitable for children under 4 years old
- If you have special dietary requirements, please advise at the time of booking
- Please read the Can I Dive page before purchaisng
- Please click here for more FAQs and Terms & Conditions
– What to Bring–
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Swimsuit and towel
- Certcard and logbook for certified diving
- Reusable water bottle
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 30 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
No refunds will be provided for late arrivals or circumstances beyond control, including medical issues, airline delays, bad weather, and similar situations
The cruise company reserves the right to alter the itinerary or cut short the tour in the event of medical emergency, inclement weather conditions, or for any safety reasons, at the sole discretion of the Master of the Vessel
The tour operator is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal items, including theft
No refund or compensation will be given for any unused equipment or courses or guides in the event you are unable to complete the entire tour
The itinerary times are subject to change. The cruise company reserve the right to alter vessels, dive locations, and prices without prior notice
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 4 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–3 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Yes, visitors can still swim and snorkel safely in many designated areas of the Great Barrier Reef. Tour operators, including those utilizing vessels like AquaQuest, carefully select reef sites known for their vibrant marine life and safe conditions. Comprehensive safety briefings, provision of quality equipment, and professional supervision are standard to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience in the water for guests of all comfort levels.
Yes, the Great Barrier Reef is widely acclaimed as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Furthermore, it holds the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage site, acknowledging its immense biodiversity, significant ecological role, and unparalleled natural beauty. This global recognition underscores its outstanding universal value and importance.
The Great Barrier Reef is currently facing significant environmental pressures, primarily from climate change, which contributes to increased coral bleaching events, ocean acidification, and more frequent extreme weather. Other challenges include water quality issues from land-based runoff. Extensive conservation efforts are underway to monitor its health, enhance its resilience, and implement management strategies to ensure its long-term survival.
The Great Barrier Reef is distinguished as the world's most extensive coral reef system, encompassing over 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands, stretching more than 2,300 kilometers. It is globally celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, hosting countless species of colorful fish, sharks, turtles, dolphins, and dugongs. Its diverse coral structures, from shallow lagoons to deep outer reefs, create a breathtaking and unique underwater ecosystem.
From Cairns, the primary transportation method to access the outer Great Barrier Reef is by boat. Numerous tour companies provide full-day excursions using modern, high-speed catamarans or specialized vessels such as AquaQuest. These boats depart from the Cairns Marlin Marina, transporting passengers directly to prime reef locations for snorkeling and diving. Helicopter transfers are also available for a premium experience to select pontoon locations.
The main departure point for Great Barrier Reef tours in Cairns, the Cairns Marlin Marina, is very accessible for travelers without a car. Many hotels in the Cairns city center are conveniently located within walking distance of the marina. Additionally, taxis, ride-sharing services, and local bus routes are readily available. Some tour operators also offer courtesy hotel transfers from various designated pick-up points across Cairns.
A full-day boat journey from Cairns to the outer Great Barrier Reef, particularly with vessels like AquaQuest, generally takes around 90 minutes to 2 hours each way. The exact duration can vary based on the specific reef site being visited and prevailing sea conditions. This travel time allows for a substantial exploration period, typically around 5 hours, spent enjoying two distinct dive and snorkel sites at the reef.
On a full-day trip aboard AquaQuest to the Great Barrier Reef, visitors can indulge in snorkeling and diving activities at two diverse reef locations, encountering abundant marine life. The vessel itself is equipped with large sun decks for relaxation, air-conditioned indoor areas for comfort, and hot freshwater showers. Its design includes a spacious deck and easy water access, catering to all guests. Diving opportunities are offered for individuals of all skill levels, from beginners to certified divers.
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