Great Barrier Reef Tours with one all-inclusive price!
Great Barrier Reef Tours departs from Cairns daily. Reef Experience includes bus transfers, Reef levies, wetsuit snorkelling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat, breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Boarding for our Great Barrier Reef tours starts at 7:30 am, returning at 4:30 pm.
About our Great Barrier Reef Tours
Reef Experience is a local family-owned and operated company sharing special Great Barrier Reef tours with our guests for over 30 years.
Why are our all-inclusive tours the best Great Barrier Reef tours?
Our company has been paying attention to our passengers for over 30 years, every day, we ask our guests to fill out a comment sheet, and from that information, we made our Great Barrier Reef experience the best on the Reef.
When you look at our inclusions, you will see that we include all the best attractions making your day on the Great Barrier Reef amazing.
About our Great Barrier Reef Day tours
We start with bus transfers and then BBQ breakfast rolls and fresh fruit.
On the way to the Reef, we will let you know our Marine Biologist will tell how amazing the Great Barrier Reef is and the best way we can all help to protect it so that it stays alive forever.
During this Great Barrier Reef tour, there will be several safety briefings. The crew will inform all visitors about snorkelling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat tours.
Along the way, we also include an informative marine biologist presentation where we also talk about what reef locations we will be visiting.
Then you can sit back and relax. We have put much thought into ensuring your Great Barrier Reef Experience is the best.
Catering for all levels of Snorkelling and Scuba Diving, everyone will find the perfect way to experience the Great Barrier Reef.
Our crew will show you to the best patches of coral and can tell you where to find the marine life that calls the Great Barrier Reef their home.
Not confident in the water?
The best way to see the Great Barrier Reef is in the water. We know that not everyone is confident in the water, so on our Great Barrier Reef tours, we have the best crew on the Reef who will be delighted to jump in with you and show you the best of the Great Barrier Reef.
What if I can not swim?
Our Great Barrier Reef tours include an excellent crew who will happily get in the water and swim for you.
Can I go scuba diving if I cannot swim?
Yes, you can go scuba diving if you cannot swim. Our introductory scuba diving program comes with scuba dive instructors who will link arms with you and take you on a fantastic underwater tour of the Great Barrier Reef.
We are passionate about our guests having fun and experiencing the magic of our Great Barrier Reef Tours.
A day on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef tour will be one of the most memorable days in your life.
Great Barrier Reef Facts
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth; we look forward to showing you how amazing it is.
How old is the Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef is 500,000 years old.
How many people work on the Great Barrier Reef?
Around sixty-nine thousand people work on the Great Barrier Reef.
How many people visit the Great Barrier Reef each year?
Around 2 million people visit Australia’s Great Barrier Reef each year.
What to look out for on the Great Barrier Reef?
When Great Barrier Reef tours arrive at the outer barrier reef, they slow down to make the final turn to pick up the mooring lines. If you keep an eye out over the rear of the boat, you may get to see flying fish. These turquoise fish will certainly add a smile to your face as you see them glide along the top of the water.
About your day at the Great Barrier Reef
- Up to 6 hours at two pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour locations
- Unlimited Snorkeling at morning and afternoon locations. All equipment, including wetsuit hire.
- Scuba Diving (Certified Dive qualified OR Resort Dive no-experience necessary at the first reef location for everyone over age 12 and medically fit scuba) Medical Conditions apply.
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour (weather permitting)
- Pick up and Return to Cairns City Accommodation
- Marine Biology Presentation
- Breakfast consisting of barbecue bacon and egg rolls and also coffee, tea and fruit platters
- Lunch delicious bbq with an assortment of fresh salads
- Cheese, fruit platter and complimentary wine on the return journey
- All dietary requirements catered for. (Vegetarian/gluten-free etc.: please advise upon booking).
- All food is locally sourced where possible and prepared fresh by the onboard Chef.
- FREE Crew assistance for non-confident snorkelers (flotation aids available). Friendly and professional crew are ready to jump with everyone who requires assistance to have fun and experience the reef’s magic!
- Large Sun Deck with padded loungers and air-conditioned indoor areas
- Reef tax, fuel levy and national park fees. Unlike other operators, mandatory levies for visiting the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are included in this trip cost, so there won’t be extra charges on the day.
- No hidden costs
- 07:30 – Board Reef Experience boat at the Cairns Marina ‘A-Finger’ for check-in
- 08:00 – Approximate departure and Safety Talk with snorkel briefing
- 08:30 – Marine Biology presentation,
- 09:00 – Scuba diving briefing
- 09:30 – Arrive at our first spectacular reef site, snorkel and scuba diving.
- 10:30 – Glass Bottom Boat tour (approximately 20-minute tour)
- 12:30 – Lunch
- 13:00 – Cruise to our second location to explore forests of coral, large sea fans and black coral trees in its shallow lagoons
- 15:00 – Depart the Great Barrier Reef
- 15:30 – Glass of wine, tropical fruits, cheese and biscuits
- 16:30 – Arrive back in Cairns
Shuttle BusFor those staying in the Cairns Business District area, bus transfers to and from your accommodation to the boat are included on your day trip. |
BreakfastBBQ bacon and egg rolls are served. Your dietary requirements will be met; please advise upon booking. All food is locally sourced and prepared fresh by our onboard chef. |
Marine Biology Presentationis a great way to learn about the marine life on the Great Barrier Reef from our resident onboard expert as you journey to your first reef destination. |
Free scuba diveAll scuba dive equipment hire is included in your trip along with one free scuba dive (certified or resort dive)!* |
Glass bottom boat toursare a great way to witness life beneath the waves comfortably and have it all explained by our marine experts. |
LunchBuffet style lunch is served with a wide variety of meal options with healthy salads on the side. Your dietary requirements will be met; please advise upon booking. All food is locally sourced and prepared fresh by our onboard chef. |
SnorkellingUnlimited morning and afternoon snorkelling at two reef locations. Non-swimmer snorkel tours are also included throughout the day for those who require assistance in the water. |
Wine, cheese and crackersEnjoy a light snack with wine on the journey back to Cairns. |
RefreshmentsTea and coffee are served throughout the day except when the boat is moving. |
SunscreenA reef-friendly sunscreen is provided onboard free of charge. |
Reef LevyWe include mandatory reef tax and fuel levies for visiting the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in the trip cost, so there won’t be extra hidden charges on the day. |
- Underwater Digital Camera Hire
- Snack Bar Purchases: Soft drinks, chocolate, chips, alcohol etc.
- Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour of the reef: Snorkel with an experienced Marine Biologist and learn about the marine life you see on an educational and interactive tour
- Great Barrier Reef souvenirs – T-shirts, hats etc
- Dive Guides for already qualified ‘Certified’ scuba divers (dive guides included for beginner divers)
- Prescription Mask Hire if you require stronger lenses to see (contact lenses can be worn in most circumstances)
- Bus transfers from accommodation outside of the Cairns Business Area
- Second Scuba Dive at our beautiful afternoon reef location
- Cash and/or credit card for purchases
- Swimming Clothes
- Towel
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Proof of qualification if you’re a Certified Diver
This is a barefoot tour. Once onboard, no one wears shoes.
Reef Experience departs from
Cairns Marina: ‘A-Finger’ View map to Cairns Marlin Marina
Boarding commences at 7:30 am for check-in directly on the vessel ‘Reef Experience.’
Arrive back at Cairns Marina at approximately 4:30 pm
Where Can I Park?
Several parking stations throughout Cairns are within walking distance of the Marina. Click here to see where
Scuba diving Information
We have a passion for showing you Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, so please make sure you understand the scuba diving laws.
Queensland, Australia, has some of the strictest scuba diving rules globally and the safest scuba diving record. We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all regulations, including medical as is the law.
To avoid disappointment on your day of travel, we strongly recommend that all of our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire before booking as some medical conditions, age and/or medications may prevent you from scuba diving. It is always our mission to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef experience.
Reef Experience Medical Questionnaire
We are happy to help you with any questions you may have.
Please get in touch with our office on 07 4037 2700 or email us.
Alternatively, you may like to consult your Doctor for a Dive Medical using the Australian Standard Forms ‘AS.4005.1
Flying after Scuba Diving
It would be best if you did not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after a scuba dive for a single no decompression scuba dive. For multiple dives, you should not fly for 24 hours after your last dive.
If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after your dive.
We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible.