• Our Cairns based dive boat offers a unique, small group (max 12) liveaboard scuba dive experience on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. 
• We have permits to scuba dive 25 exclusive dive and snorkel sites over nine different coral reefs on the outer Great Barrier Reef off Cairns in Queensland Australia.
• Our liveaboard dive trips from Cairns are great for beginner and advanced divers, with one-on-one instruction, flexible schedules, longer dives and unlimited tank refills

From Cairns, one of our most popular two-day, one-night liveaboard dive boats in Cairns. Travel with no more than 12 guests, scuba dive, try a night dive, or indulge in unlimited snorkelling. Experience an amazing sunset on the Reef and sleep under a sky full of stars like you've never seen before.

What to Expect

This popular Cairns dive tour is a liveaboard snorkelling and scuba diving tour that sails on Australia's Outer Great Barrier Reef brings you the best value liveaboard sailing and outstanding snorkelling and diving sites, with access to 25 exclusive moorings at nine different reefs including two new moorings.

Ideal for families, couples or singles wanting a unique Great Barrier Reef experience with lots of flexibility. Enjoy a small group of just 12 passengers with a high level of customer service from three professional crew members.

Features and Highlights

• The overnight dive boat provides ample room to spread out onboard, relax in the hammock on the forward deck or downstairs in the saloon’s social area, or chat with the Skipper in the undercover seating area at the rear of the vessel. You can even get some hands-on sailing experience.
• Our comfortable yacht has 4 person bunk cabin, 2 bunk bed area and a 3 x two person private cabins with double beds.
• Enjoy mouth-watering meals prepared by an onboard chef, as well as morning and afternoon teas and fresh fruit snacks. 

In water activities:

Snorkelling and scuba diving amongst exotic marine life and brilliant corals without the crowds. This Cairns liveaboard dive trip offers exclusive priority access to the most famous sites out of Cairns.  

Snorkelling Cairns

• Enjoy easy access to the water from the rear platform and unlimited snorkelling in beautiful shallow clear lagoons teeming with marine life and colourful corals. We thoroughly recommend a sunrise snorkel when the marine life on the reef is most active. 

Scuba Diving Cairns 

• Our sail boat is great for both beginner and experienced divers, our Great Barrier Reef dive sites offer something special for everyone – without the crowds, and small group numbers mean you’ll enjoy longer dives and individual instruction.
• You’ll meet diverse marine life including reef sharks, stunning tropical fish and friendly sea turtles as they glide amongst the colourful coral and swim beside you.
• Whale season during the months of June to September are especially entertaining.
• Diving is bookable & payable on board only
• Certified diving package: $350 includes 4 to 5 dives and a night dive
• Introductory diving package: $80 includes 1 dive, additional dives can be added on board

***Diving is bookable & payable on board only, not included in the ticket price***
***Prices are subject to change without notice***

A flexible schedule is provided and onboard compressor for unlimited tank refills so you can maximise your in-water dive time. 

• Certified scuba diving for experienced divers
• Experience a brilliant night dive, when the Reef is buzzing with life if you are brave enough (Only certified divers can participate in a night dive)

Reef Locations Visited

We have access to over 25 moorings on 9 different reef systems, including some of the most famous dive sites around Cairns: Three Sisters and The Whale on Milln, Little Tracey on Flynn, 5 Ways on Moore and Michaelmas Cay are just some of the many sites we visit with untouched coral gardens. See the reefs we visit in more detail on the itinerary tab below. 

Join us for the greatest spectacle on the Great Barrier Reef 

• Over several nights each year, around the full moon in November (exact timing varies), the Great Barrier Reef 'explodes' as corals spawn in a mass synchronised event like no other!

Expert Answers to Common Questions

Where will we dive and snorkel on this overnight trip from Cairns?

• This trip explores a rotating selection of mid and outer Great Barrier Reef systems rather than fixed inshore reefs. Locations are chosen based on prevailing conditions, allowing access to a broad range of reef environments north and south of Cairns.

Do reef locations change between trips?

• Yes. Reef selection varies on every departure and may also change during the voyage. Wind direction, swell and visibility all influence which reefs are visited.

Is this suitable for snorkellers and non-divers?

• Yes. Many sites include shallow coral gardens and lagoons suitable for snorkelling. These areas allow snorkellers to experience healthy coral and marine life without needing to dive.

Are the dive sites appropriate for different experience levels?

• Yes. Reef systems visited include a mix of shallow areas and deeper walls. Introductory and certified divers are accommodated at suitable sites depending on conditions and experience.

What visibility can we expect?

• Mid and outer reef locations generally provide clearer water than inshore reefs. Visibility varies by season and site but is typically very good across the reefs visited on this itinerary.

What marine life is commonly seen?

• Guests regularly encounter reef fish, coral gardens, turtles and reef sharks. Larger pelagic species may be seen at deeper or outer reef sites, while smaller marine life is often found among coral bommies and reef walls.

Are shark sightings common?

• Reef sharks are a natural part of the outer reef ecosystem and are frequently encountered. Sightings vary by site and conditions and are typically calm and non-threatening.

Why choose an overnight reef trip instead of a day tour?

• Overnight trips allow access to the reef outside peak daytime hours, offering quieter sites, night diving opportunities and early morning snorkelling. This provides a deeper understanding of reef environments than short day visits.

How many guests are on board?

• Guest numbers are limited to a maximum of 12 guests to maintain a small-group experience. Due to restricted capacity, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Is the itinerary guaranteed in advance?

• No. Reef locations cannot be guaranteed ahead of time. Flexibility is essential to ensure suitable conditions and the best possible experience.

Contact and Booking Support

Our team is available to answer detailed questions about suitability, experience levels and seasonal conditions. We help ensure this overnight reef trip aligns with your expectations before confirming your booking. We are here 7 days a week excluding Christmas Day to help guide you to the right tours to suit your requirements.

See all overnight diving and snorkelling tours from Cairns.  

Read our blog on all the things you need to know before you go.

Have you considered booking this yacht for a private charter trip for your group? 

Reef locations, conditions and what to expect underwater

Which reefs are visited on this Cairns dive trip?

• This overnight dive and snorkel experience focuses on mid and outer Great Barrier Reef systems rather than inshore reefs. Access is available to more than 25 permanent moorings spread across nine separate reef systems. This flexibility allows the crew to select sites that offer the best conditions at the time of travel, rather than following a fixed route.

Commonly visited areas include Three Sisters, The Whale, 5 Ways and Michaelmas Cay, along with a rotation of outer reef locations north and south of Cairns.

Do the reef locations change from trip to trip?

• Yes. Reef selection is made based on daily weather, wind direction and sea conditions to maximise comfort and underwater visibility. This means no two trips are exactly the same.

When stronger winds are forecast, the vessel typically heads north to more sheltered reef systems such as Hastings Reef, Michaelmas Reef and Breaking Patches. In calmer conditions, southern outer reefs such as Milln Reef, Flynn Reef or Thetford Reef are often selected.

Is this trip suitable for both snorkellers and divers?

• Yes. The reef systems visited offer a mix of shallow coral gardens, sandy lagoons, bommies and deeper walls. This allows snorkellers, introductory divers and certified divers to enjoy suitable sites on the same trip. Depth profiles vary by location, with shallower areas ideal for snorkelling and training dives, and deeper sections reserved for certified divers.

How good is visibility on these reefs?

• By focusing on mid and outer reef locations, underwater visibility is often excellent and can reach up to 40 metres at certain sites. Visibility naturally changes with seasons, tides and plankton levels, but is generally very good across the reefs visited on this itinerary.

What marine life can I expect to see?

• The outer Great Barrier Reef supports a wide range of marine species. Divers and snorkellers regularly encounter hard and soft corals, reef fish, turtles, reef sharks and pelagic species. Smaller marine life such as nudibranchs, anemone fish and reef invertebrates are also common.

During transits, it is not unusual to see dolphins riding the bow wave, and humpback whales may be spotted during migration season.

Milln Reef

Depths up to 36 metres
Visibility often 25 metres or more

• Milln Reef is regarded as one of the standout dive locations off Cairns. It features dramatic bommies, drop-offs and high fish density. Large schools of red bass, rock cod and barracuda are common, alongside colourful reef fish such as anthias, clownfish and blue tangs. Night dives here often reveal reef sharks, lionfish and nocturnal invertebrates.

Flynn Reef

Depths up to 28 metres
Visibility often 25 metres or more

• Flynn Reef sits on the outer edge of the reef system and is known for its wall dives and sloping coral gardens. Divers can expect strong coral growth, moray eels, reef sharks, rays and occasional large pelagic fish. Sandy patches dotted with coral bommies are home to anemones and clownfish, while plate corals provide shelter for thousands of schooling chromis.

Hastings Reef

Depths up to 20 metres
Visibility up to 25 metres

• Hastings Reef is located north-east of Cairns and is often chosen in windier conditions due to its protected lagoons. Shallow coral areas begin in as little as one metre of water, making it ideal for snorkelling, while deeper walls extend to around 18 metres. Common sightings include clownfish, parrotfish, schools of pelagic fish and blacktip and whitetip reef sharks.

Michaelmas Reef and Michaelmas Cay

Depths up to 14 metres
Visibility generally 10 to 15 metres

• Michaelmas Cay is a small sandy cay and an important seabird breeding site on the Great Barrier Reef. It is home to large nesting populations, with tens of thousands of birds present at peak times. Overnight access allows guests to observe seabirds returning to roost at sunset and departing again at sunrise.
• Below the surface, snorkelling and diving take place in sheltered, shallow waters. Marine life commonly includes green turtles, giant clams, upside-down jellyfish and a wide variety of reef fish.

Upolu Reef

Depths up to 8 metres
Visibility up to 15 metres

• Upolu Reef is the closest mid-reef system to Cairns. It features calm lagoon snorkelling around shallow coral bommies, making it ideal for introductory diving and relaxed snorkelling. More experienced divers can explore a nearby wall known for small, well-camouflaged marine life. Blue-spotted lagoon rays are frequently seen resting in the sand.

Moore Reef

Depths up to 20 metres
Visibility often 20 metres or more

• Moore Reef is a large, U-shaped mid-reef offering protection from a range of wind directions. It supports diverse coral types including mushroom, brain, staghorn and honeycomb corals. One of the most recognised dive sites here is 5 Ways, featuring swim-throughs and light-filled passages with gorgonian fans and schooling fish.

Thetford Reef

Depths up to 18 metres
Visibility between 10 and 20 metres

• Thetford Reef is characterised by scattered coral bommies within a protected lagoon. It is rich in smaller reef species such as butterflyfish, damselfish and pygmy seahorses. Calm conditions make it a popular overnight anchorage and an excellent location for first-time night dives due to its shallow profiles.

Breaking Patches

Depths up to 25 metres
Visibility between 10 and 20 metres

• Breaking Patches is an elongated mid-reef made up of towering coral structures separated by channels. Divers may encounter reef sharks, sweetlips, anemones with clownfish, stonefish and a variety of nudibranchs. The reef structure includes swim-throughs filled with glass fish and large pavona coral formations.

Norman Reef

Depths up to 28 metres
Visibility often 25 metres or more

• Norman Reef is a more distant outer reef and is best explored on overnight trips. Surrounded by deep water, it attracts pelagic species such as trevally, barracuda and multiple shark species. Steep walls drop away into the blue, creating exciting conditions for experienced divers and excellent opportunities for shark sightings.

Why choose an overnight dive trip from Cairns?

Spending a night on the reef allows more time underwater, access to quieter sites outside day-trip hours and the chance to experience night diving and early morning conditions. With limited guest numbers on board, availability is restricted and advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly during peak travel periods.

Liveaboard dive boat accommodation and facilities

• A maximum of only 12 guests and a high level of customer service from three professional crew members guarantees you will enjoy an exclusive and boutique experience on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
• On check-in, your friendly crew will assist you to your assigned cabin.
• There is 4 person bunk cabin, 2 bunk bed area and a 3 x two person private cabins with double beds.
• There are two toilets and a separate hot water shower and an additional shower on the aft of the boat.
• Fresh linen and bath towels are included during your stay.  

There is ample room to spread out onboard, relax in the hammock on the forward deck or downstairs in the saloon’s social area, or chat with the Captain in the undercover seating area at the rear of the vessel. You can even get some hands-on sailing instruction from the Captain.

Enjoy four mouth-watering main meals prepared by an onboard chef, as well as morning and afternoon teas and fresh fruit snacks.  Dietary requirements are met but must be requested on booking. The vessel has a pay on consumption bar facility so if you’d like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage in the evening be sure to bring along a few extra dollars.

Please note there is to be no alcohol consumed until all in-water activities have ceased and no glass is permitted on the boat.

Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef

Enjoy unlimited snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef in calm, shallow depths located close to our moorings and teeming with colourful fish and marine life including: 

• rainbow mandarin fish and blue and yellow parrotfish
• sea turtles
• silvery stingrays
• giant lavender-hued clams
• dolphins
• humpback whales (during winter months).

Comprehensive snorkelling instructions and floatation vests are available for beginners.  

Wetsuits are provided during the winter months free of charge, and full-length sunsuits are provided during summer. Prescription masks are also available – must be pre-booked. 

Scuba diving - ***Diving is bookable & payable on board only, not included in the ticket price***

Our liveaboard dive boat has access to 25 moorings at 9 different reef systems and exclusive priority access to the most famous sites out of Cairns, so beginner and advanced divers are guaranteed to enjoy amazing variety and uncrowded dives at some of the best sites on the Reef. ***Diving is bookable & payable on board only***

Certified Scuba Diving ***Diving is bookable & payable on board only***

• Whether you are newly certified or have lots of diving experience, our sites offer something special for everyone and without the crowds! Experience great water visibility on the Outer Reef as you explore swim-throughs, caves and vast coral gardens at some of the best dive sites on the Reef.
• You’ll receive a thorough briefing at each site.
• Certified Divers: all diving gear included. Divers should expect to do 4-6 dives (4-5 day dives and a night dive). Note that ALL DIVES are guided, there are no hidden extras.

Introductory Scuba Diving ***Diving is bookable & payable on board only***

• There’s no better place than the Great Barrier Reef to dive for the first time. Enjoy the experienced of a skilled instructor on full introductory scuba dives. It’s really fun and very easy and simply the best way to see the wonders of the Reef up close.
• You’ll receive a thorough briefing and plenty of time to practise with the dive gear until you feel ready to head under the water. Whichever site is chosen to explore, you’re guaranteed to encounter stunning coral formations and colourful marine life. Be on the lookout for sea turtles and damsels (fish that change colour before your eyes), our resident friendly Maori Wrasse and Nemo (clownfish). 

Night Diving on the Great Barrier Reef

• Night diving is one of our specialities and we have a number of anchorages which are perfect for night dives.
• A night dive is one of the best ways to see some of the Reef’s more exclusive creatures that only come out to play in the dark of night. Spot turtles sleeping in large coral bommies and parrotfish napping inside a huge bubble, as well as some fascinating nocturnal wildlife.
• One little fellow you’ll only see at night is the decorator crab – a delightful creature who darts around trying on coral as if he's getting dressed! And don't be surprised if you pick up a few extra members on the tour; amazing coloured fusiliers, red bass, and snapper love the light and will follow to better find their own dinner.
• Early morning dives are also spectacular. This is feeding time for many fish and a great time to see them cruising by and nibbling on plankton.
• Night diving is only for certified divers.

See more Cairns dive tours on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Learn more about the best Great Barrier Reef Tours on our informative blog pages.  

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

Board Coral Sea Dreaming at 7:45am, Berth 3, Finger A, Marlin Marina Cairns for morning tea and meet & greet - Departs 8.00am - Returns 4.00pm the following day

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Outer Great Barrier Reef Cairns Queensland Australia 

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Please note we are closed for Christmas: Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th December; and also for New Year: Saturday 31st of December to Sunday 1st of January

Duration

2 day & 1 night

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Scuba Diving bookable on board only
• Certified diving package: $350 includes, (4-5 day dives and a night dive)
• Introdiving package: $80 includes 1 dive, additional dives can be added on board
• ***Diving is bookable & payable on board only, not included in the ticket price***
• ***Prices are subject to change without notice***

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
• Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
• Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

Additional Information

• Diving is bookable and payable on board only
• Night diving is only available for certified divers

• A small overnight bag only (limited luggage storage available upon request)
• Sunglasses, Hat and Swimwear, Beach Towel, Camera, warm clothes for evening, Cert card and logbook for certified divers. We accept credit cards or cash for on-board payments.
• Toiletries are now PROVIDED onboard for all guests (soap, shampoo, shower gel, conditioner).