[Eco Tour] Great Barrier Reef from Cairns: Outer Reef Cruise and Dive Full-Day Tour by Evolution Cruise | Queensland
Cruise onboard Cairns' fastest, most luxurious super-yacht, Evolution, to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for an affordable and comfortable reef tour from Cairns.
The 35-metre superyacht, Evolution, departs Cairns for the reef, with 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day.
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, Helicopter sightseeing |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise |
| Cruise type | Yacht |
Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
- Great Barrier Reef and Outer Reef Cruise & Dive Eco Tour
Cruise onboard Cairns' fastest, most luxurious super-yacht, Evolution, to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for an affordable and comfortable reef tour from Cairns.
The 35-metre superyacht, Evolution, departs Cairns for the outer reef, with 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day. Experience the adventure of snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. Dial up the adventure and add a scuba dive for only $80.
Keen to see the reef, but want to stay dry? Add a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef or join one of our Semi-Submersible Tours (additional costs apply), the perfect reef activities for non-swimmers.
Join us for a personalised day on the Great Barrier Reef with our friendly and professional crew. As a locally owned and operated company for over 30 years, Down Under Cruise and Dive provides an unforgettable Cairns reef tour with the perfect mix of professionalism, service and fun!
- Get High Package - Reef Cruise + Heli Scenic
Experience the ultimate adventure package, and best value day on the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy all our full day tour inclusions including snorkelling, lunch, sun bathing, your choice of either an Introductory dive or Certified dive and in the afternoon, you will board a luxury Nautilus Aviation Helicopter for a 10-minute scenic flight to see the magical colours of the reef from the air!
Your day on the Great Barrier Reef - see the reef from above and below!
Cruise onboard the luxury superyacht, EVOLUTION, to the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Over 5 hours of reef time, you will visit two exclusive reef sites, providing plenty of time to snorkel, relax and sunbathe on one of Evolution's three spacious deck levels.
Snorkelling is included in our base price however you can dial up the adventure and add an Introductory dive or Certified Scuba Dive. You can add up to 3 scuba dives at check-out for the full Great Barrier Reef Tour Experience!
At the second reef location, it is time to take to the sky from our exclusive helicopter pontoon at Hastings Reef and enjoy a spectacular reef scenic flight onboard one of Nautilus Aviation's luxury helicopters. Experience the sheer size and beauty of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and gain a true appreciation of one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Sightings of manta rays, turtles and other marine life are not uncommon on scenic flights and if you’re flying with us in the winter months there is even a chance of spotting whales.
With your feet back on the boat, you can squeeze in another snorkel or kick back on a beanbag and relax. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and a snack as well as our bar facilities onboard as we cruise back to Cairns.
Immerse yourself in the sheer size and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and gain a true appreciation for one of the seven natural wonders of the world
Experience the ultimate adventure package and indulge in a fun-filled day at the Great Barrier Reef
Purchase Notice
- The return time is approximately 4:30 pm
- The minimum age for the introductory dive is 12 years old
- The minimum age for the certified dive is 10 years old. These guests must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or private guide
- All passengers who want to dive will be required to fill in a medical questionnaire before their dive. If you answer "yes" to any questions, then a medical assessment conforming to the Australian standard is required, and you must be found fit to dive. Download it here and complete the form before bringing it with you on the day of the tour
- Certified divers must show an internationally recognized scuba diver's card
- Divers above 65 years old (45 years for dive courses) and anyone who answers "yes" to any of the questions on the medical questionnaire must have a medical clearance from a physician that confirms they are fit to dive. This can be provided by your own GP before you leave for your holiday
- Helicopter: 130kg weight restrictions apply for helicopter rides
Reminders
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 45 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
If you are not familiar with the area or are traveling on a weekend or local public holiday/school holiday, please make sure you've checked your timetable or driving route beforehand, and allow extra traveling time for unexpected delays to ensure you do not miss your check-in time
Departure times are for reference only and are subject to availability
Passengers below 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult guardian
All trips and activities are weather permitting and at the captain's discretion. The Service Provider reserves the right to cancel the tour, change vessel type, or arrange an alternative carrier in the event of bad weather or mechanical problems
In the interests of safety, no flying is recommended within 24 hours of the last dive
You will not be allowed to dive until you are declared medically fit to dive
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 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
Booking the Evolution Cruise for a Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns typically involves selecting your preferred date and any optional activity add-ons, such as certified diving. You can conveniently book this tour through KKday, which offers a streamlined reservation process and a comprehensive selection of travel experiences, ensuring a hassle-free planning experience for your adventure.
The best time to experience the Outer Great Barrier Reef tour on the Evolution Cruise is generally during the dry season, from May to October. During this period, the weather is typically sunny with calmer waters, offering excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving. While marine life is abundant year-round, these months provide the most comfortable and ideal conditions for your full-day adventure.
Departing from Cairns for an Outer Great Barrier Reef tour, like the Evolution Cruise, offers direct access to the vibrant and pristine Outer Reef locations. Cairns is renowned as the primary gateway to these specific reef sites, providing a wider selection of high-speed vessels that minimize travel time. This ensures more time for exploring the reef's unique coral density and prolific marine life, maximizing your underwater experience.
The Evolution Cruise, being one of Cairns' fastest super-yachts, offers an efficient journey to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The boat ride from Cairns typically takes approximately 90 minutes to reach the first spectacular reef location. This allows for ample time, usually around 5 hours, dedicated to exploring two distinct and exclusive Outer Reef sites, maximizing your snorkeling or diving experience.
The Evolution Cruise's Outer Great Barrier Reef full-day tour includes extensive opportunities for snorkeling in the vibrant reef waters, allowing you to explore diverse coral formations and abundant marine life. For those seeking a deeper adventure, certified or introductory scuba diving is available as an additional activity, guided by experienced staff. The tour focuses on providing ample time to explore two spectacular, exclusive Outer Reef locations.
The Evolution Cruise's 'ECO Certified Advanced ecotourism experience' designation signifies a strong commitment to environmental best practices and responsible tourism. This means the operator strives to minimize its ecological footprint, supports conservation efforts, and educates guests about the Great Barrier Reef's fragile ecosystem. It ensures your tour is conducted in a sustainable manner, promoting the preservation of this natural wonder for future generations.
To plan your transportation to the Evolution Cruise departure point, which is typically the Cairns Marlin Marina, consider several convenient options. Many accommodations in central Cairns are within walking distance of the marina. Alternatively, taxis, ride-sharing services, or local shuttle buses are readily available from various points in the city. It's advisable to confirm the exact departure location and schedule with your booking for timely arrival.
During the Outer Great Barrier Reef tour with Evolution Cruise, you can expect to encounter an incredibly diverse array of marine life and vibrant coral. The two exclusive reef locations are chosen for their high coral density, featuring magnificent hard and soft corals in various colors and formations. You may spot colorful reef fish like clownfish and parrotfish, as well as sea turtles, reef sharks, and possibly even manta rays, creating an unforgettable underwater spectacle.
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