• Swimmers and non-swimmers can choose from a range of aquatic adventures from the stationary activity pontoon on this popular Cairns Great Barrier Reef tour.
• View the rich marine life without getting wet when riding around on an underwater semi-submersible submarine tour on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
• This is the only place in Australia where you can cruise the reef on an underwater scooter (optional activity). Pre-book your Scuba Doo tour on the Great Barrier Reef.
• View the awe-inspiring beauty of the Barrier Reef from 500ft up on a scenic helicopter flight (optional activity)
• Don’t want to get wet? Snap an amazing pic of the colourful reef standing by the window of the underwater observatory. This is the perfect Great Barrier Reef tour for a non-swimmer.
• Family Deal - Save $148 based on 2 adults & 2 children

The stable reef activity platform offers the best tour for individuals of all swimming abilities. From snorkelling, diving to an underwater observatory, enjoying the semi-submarine, or simply relaxing on the sundeck there is something for everyone.

What To Expect

Join us on the best Cairns Great Barrier Reef tour to the outer reef where you get to experience the underwater marine life in a multitude of ways on our floating pontoon for 3 hours. You can enjoy a 10 minue scenic helicopter flight from the pontoon, exprience Suba-Doo, go scuba diving, snorkelling, ride around the coral reefs in a semi-submersible submarine or watch all the underwater activity from the underwater observatory all in the one day.

Its the best Great Barrier Reef tour for non-swimmers, young families, active teenagers and those who wish to see as much of the reef as possible in the one day tour from Cairns. You may even fly to and from from Cairns on a low level scenic helicopter flight to see the lace like corals, sand cay, tropical islands and marine life on the reef.

What we like about this Cairns Great Barrier Reef Tour:

• This is the perfect Cairns Great Barrier Reef tour for all age groups and capabilities 
• Non-swimmers can see the reef in 4 ways without getting wet
• Upgrade to extra activities such as helicopter rides, Scuba Doo, scuba diving, guided snorkeling tours
• Family fare pricing makes it a great deal with our one child travels free (*see T&C;s)  
• There are so many options to choose from to enhance your experience on the Great Barrier Reef
• All catering is taken care of for the day
• Swimming safety is a top priority of the team and they provide lookouts over the reef.
• Snorkelling instruction for beginners 

Features & Highlights

After stepping off your Great Barrier Reef tour boat onto the pontoon, you can spend the next 3 hours exploring the reef in all sorts of ways from this stable floating structure (great if you don’t fancy being on a boat all day).

There are a variety of in-water and out of water tour activities to match physical capabilities and interests, and which cater to both swimmers and non-swimmers.

• Try snorkelling or scuba diving
• Explore under the water on a scuba doo scooter - just like a motor bike
• Wonder at the diversity of the Great Barrier Reef marine life through the window of the underwater observatory
• Cruise the reef in a semi-submersible submarine.
• Join the guided Eco Reef talk in the underwater observatory
• If relaxation is more your style, lie back and soak up the tropical life on the sundeck while sipping a drink from the licensed bar or munching on a delicious buffet lunch.
• If you prefer your fun at high altitudes, you’ll love the scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef (infants age 3 must pay child price)
• This a good tour for cruise ship passengers in Cairns. 

See all of the best Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns that offer a multiude of activities on a floating pontoon. 

Read our blog on all the things you need to know when visiting the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, Townsville and the Whitsundays. 

Morning Pick Up

• You’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Cairns or Northern Beaches by your tour bus and tour guide and taken to the Cairns Marina to catch a vessel to the stunning Outer Great Barrier Reef.
• Coach transfers are not included in the tour price.

Journey to the Great Barrier Reef

• You’re on your way! You’ll be whisked away in comfort to the Outer Great Barrier Reef aboard a spacious, luxury air-conditioned catamaran.
• A morning selection of delicious cakes, teas and coffees are served on the trip out to the reef.

Great Barrier Reef Activity Platform/Pontoon

• Arrive at the activity platform where you will enjoy an amazing three hours of exploration and adventure.
• Learn about the Great Barrier Reef and its abundant marine life from the Eco Reef presentations given throughout your day.
• There is a host of activities included in your tour as well as optional activities to choose from.

Activities included in your Great Barrier Reef Tour

Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef

• Ideal for everyone! All snorkellers will be given a pre-briefing on how to snorkel to ensure their comfort in the water and to maximise their enjoyment.
• There are buoyancy vests and noodles for those who would like more support. Snorkel guides will also help you with your equipment once you are in the water.
• You will be amazed at the underwater world of ornate coral structures and brightly coloured marine life. 

Reef education and guided Eco Reef Talk

• Learning about the reef and its inhabitants will really bring your experience alive.
• There is a guided Eco Reef Talk in the underwater observatory and a reef education presentation given on your day.
• If you want to get wet and up close, then join a guided snorkel tour (extra cost); your guide will take you on an educational snorkel, introducing you to and teaching you about the exotic marine life that inhabits the Great Barrier Reef.
• Find out what a sea cucumber is.
• Learn amazing facts about giant clams.
• Discover why ‘Nemo’ can live in his anemone home. 

Semi-submersible submarine tour Great Barrier Reef 

• Going down! It feels like you are on a submarine but you will be sitting just under the surface of the water in a viewing gallery whilst the captain steers the vessel from above.
• You will glide gently around the coral bommies (coral mountains) and see the amazing formation of the corals.
• View the colourful darting reef fish and vibrant angelfish.
• Observe the fascinating parrotfish (they excrete sand!).
• Your captain will also point out a host of exciting sights as you take this underwater journey of discovery.

Optional upgrade activities

Introductory scuba diving (optional activity)

• Yes, you can go scuba diving without a certification (subject to a medical questionnaire).
• What better place to experience your first scuba dive than in the crystal blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef?
• You will be taken out in a small group (maximum 4) with an experienced diving instructor.
• After a pre-dive briefing and some basic skills, you will descend with your instructor slowly to a shallow depth (maximum 12m 36ft) for your dive which lasts approximately 30 minutes.
• This is the nearest you will feel to being a fish underwater. You won’t want to come up! 

Certified scuba diving (subject to availability and booked on the day; optional activity)

• If you are a certified diver, you can dive straight off the pontoon platform to explore the incredible underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef.
• You’ll be able to experience up to three dives in the day with a number of dive sites available from the pontoon to provide you with varied topography and underwater life.
• An experienced Dive Instructor/Master will lead your dive, so stick with them and they'll show you all the hiding places for the best things to see.
• Your maximum depth will be 18 metres (60 feet) as you swim amongst the gentle undulating coral gardens and peaks of the coral bommies.
• Be surrounded by the exotic marine life of these iconic diving sites on the world famous Great Barrier Reef.

Scuba Doo underwater scooter (optional activity)

• If you’re in the mood for something a little more exciting than snorkelling then Scuba Doo is for you!
• The Outer Great Barrier Reef platform is the only place in Australia where you can cruise the reef on this amazing underwater scooter.
• Suited to swimmers and non-swimmers alike*, you will be wearing a helmet like an astronaut as you ride on your underwater bike that resembles a wheel-less moped, and follow your guide on an underwater journey like no other.  
• * must be over 12 years of age and subject to a medical questionnaire

Scenic helicopter flight (optional activity) 

• Now that you have seen the reef from under the water, what better way to see it than from the sky?
• Your helicopter ride will take you over the Norman Reef and 500ft above the amazing Great Barrier Reef.
• You might spot turtles, sharks, manta rays and dolphins swimming below.
• You can even fly from the pontoon back to Cairns.
• This is a ride of a lifetime and you’ll be surprised that it won’t break the bank.
• Pre-bookings essential as helicopter seats are limited to only 6 per day.  

***Please note: infants age 3 must pay child price***

See more cruise ship tours and Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns.

Exclusive Snorkel Adventure Up To 10 Guests

Differing from the “optional” guided snorkelling tours, this is a dedicated tour tailored specifically to the guest’s needs.

• Conducted by one of our knowledgeable Reef Biosearch Marine Biologists/Master Reef Guides.
• Guests will gain expert insights and a deeper understanding of the reef’s biodiversity and ecological importance.
• They will share conservation efforts and challenges, and inspire guests to be advocates for its protection.
• Included in this exclusive tour will be a pre and post briefing along with the 40-minute (approx.) snorkelling adventure.

Exclusive Dive Adventure - Up To 4 Guests

• This Exclusive Adventure is designed to cater for 1 – 4 guests.
• Incudes dive briefing, all dive equipment and a 30-minute (approx.) dive with one of our experienced dive instructors.
• Available for certified and introductory divers.

For non-certified divers due to Diving Regulations regarding diving safety in the event of unexpected sea conditions the maximum number of guests may be reduced depending on the conditions of the day of travel.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Cruise/Cruise: departs 10:30am returns Cairns 5:30pm
• Cruise/Fly: departs Cairns at 10:30am returns Cairns 3:40pm
• Fly/Cruise: departs Cairns at 12:30pm returns Cairns 5:30pm
• Fly/Fly: departs Cairns at 12:30pm returns Cairns 3:40pm

Departure Instructions

Departure from Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St Cairns. It is recommended to check-in 30 minutes prior to departure.

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Outer Great Barrier Reef: Moore Reef or Norman Reef depending on weather conditions.

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

For Christmas and New Year there is a high demand so advance booking is advised.

Duration

7 hours (approx) or less depending on options

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Introductory scuba diving (no experience necessary, subject to medical questionnaire) - minimum age 12
• Certified scuba diving - minimum age 12
• Guided Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour (40 minutes in water + 10 minute safety brief)
• Scuba-Doo Underwater Scooter (25 minutes in water + 10 minute safety brief)
• Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total
• Helicopter flights
• Exclusive Dive Adventure - Up to 4 Guests (subject to availability) - needs to be pre-booked
• Exclusive Snorkelling Adventure - Up to 10 Guests (subject to availability) - needs to be pre-booked

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

Scuba Diving – minimum age 12

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving, Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo.
• Participation is subject to medical questionnaires completed on board with the tour operator.
• Minimum age for scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo 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

• For scuba diving and helmet diving, medical, height and age restrictions apply; must be 12 to 70 years.
• All schedules, activities and prices may be varied without notice.

Eco Certifications

• Sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses, Swimming costume, Towel, Cash or credit card, Camera
• Souvenirs available for sale on board the boat.

• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)
• Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive
• Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total