• From Cairns enjoy a private charter boat snorkelling tour tailored to your small group’s needs. Up to 25 guests on a half day charter or 12 guests on a full day charter.
• Enjoy a thrilling 50 minute ride from Cairns to the wonderful Upolu Reef with our friendly and experienced crew who will ensure your safety and comfort in the water.
• Choose from a half day morning, half day afternoon or a full day snorkelling tour on the Great Barrier Reef in private with your family, friends, workmates or fellow cruise ship passengers.

Embark on an adventure with our private charter to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel the stunning Upolu Reef in style—our half-day charter hosts up to 25 guests, while the full day is limited to 12 for an exclusive experience.

What to Expect

Charter Mad Max, a high-performance Cairns based charter boat and set off on an unforgettable snorkelling tour designed for cruise ship passengers and private groups of 12 – 25 visitors to Cairns. This exclusive charter boat experience will take you to the stunning Upolu Cay and Reef, a hidden gem within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Whether you're looking for an adventurous day of snorkelling, exploring the marine life, or simply relaxing with friends, this trip offers a personalised journey to one of the most unique reefs in the Cairns region.

Your day begins at Cairns Marlin Marina, where you'll meet our private charter boat crew and depart on a thrilling 50-minute ride to Upolu Reef. Powered by two 325 hp Suzuki engines, Mad Max ensures a fast and comfortable trip, allowing you to maximise your time on the Great Barrier Reef. The day’s activities include snorkelling around the beautiful coral gardens, relaxing on Upolu Cay’s sandy shores, or swimming with the tropical marine life in crystal-clear waters. As you explore the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll be guided by our knowledgeable crew, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.

This charter boat is perfect for private groups and cruise ship passengers looking to make the most of their time in Cairns, offering flexible itineraries to suit your schedule. Whether you opt for a half-day or full-day trip, the snorkelling adventure is tailored to your group’s needs.

Features and Highlights

Upolu Cay and Reef: A Marine Adventure

• Discover the beauty of Upolu Cay and Reef, one of the most sought-after destinations in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Located within the inner reef, Upolu offers a rare blend of both inner and outer reef species, creating a uniquely diverse marine ecosystem. Snorkellers will encounter a variety of vibrant coral formations, tropical fish, stingrays, and even migrating seabirds, all set against the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Private Charter Boat Experience

• Tailored specifically for private groups and cruise ship visitors, this Great Barrier Reef charter boat tour allows you to enjoy a more intimate and customised experience. Mad Max accommodates smaller groups, providing an exclusive setting for your outer reef adventure. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a unique way to explore the reef, our private charters offer a personalised journey where every detail is catered to you.

Snorkelling at Upolu Reef

• Snorkelling at Upolu Reef is an incredible experience, offering encounters with marine life ranging from colourful coral to the famous “Nemo” fish. Upolu’s shallow waters make it an ideal spot for beginners, while experienced snorkellers can explore deeper areas with our expert guides. Our small group size ensures a more personal and peaceful snorkelling experience.

Fast-Paced Adventure

• Board the 13.5-meter Mad Max, equipped for both speed and comfort. With the boat’s robust engines, you’ll reach the reef quickly, giving you more time to enjoy snorkelling, swimming, and exploring. This high-speed journey is perfect for adventure seekers looking to make the most of their time on the reef.

Flexible Itinerary for Cruise Ship Passengers

• Designed with cruise ship schedules in mind, this tour offers flexible timing to ensure you make the most of your stop in Cairns. Whether you choose a half-day or full-day charter, the itinerary is customized to fit within your cruise schedule, ensuring a stress-free and memorable visit to the Great Barrier Reef.

Marine Wildlife at Upolu Reef

• Upolu Reef is teeming with a wide variety of marine species, offering a rich and immersive snorkelling experience. Encounter vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, sea stars, and stingrays, all while swimming in clear, calm waters. Upolu Reef also attracts seabirds, adding to the natural beauty of this reef ecosystem.

Snorkelling Gear and Safety

• All snorkel gear is provided, including high-quality masks, fins, and floatation devices. Our crew offers full support, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable in the water. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced snorkeller, our team is there to guide you every step of the way. Please read our snorkelling safety tips.

Exclusive Group Experience

• With a maximum of 25 guests on half-day charters and 12 on full-day charters, our charter boat tours offer a more intimate, crowd-free experience compared to larger reef tours. This ensures that each guest enjoys personal attention and the best possible day on the reef.

Additional Information

• Please note that this tour is best suited for guests with a moderate fitness level who are comfortable in the water. It is not recommended for children under 4, non-swimmers, or those who get seasick easily. As the tour is designed for small groups, we provide a safe and personalised experience for all.

This private charter tour to Upolu Reef offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for cruise passengers or private groups visiting Cairns. Whether you’re diving into the rich marine life or relaxing on the sandy shores of Upolu Cay, this tour delivers an unforgettable experience on the Great Barrier Reef.

For a more luxury charter boat experience book a yacht for your group. 

Read the Barrier Reef Australia Blog to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef. 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Morning Tour : 8:30am
• Afternoon Tour : 1.00pm

Departure Instructions

Please meet at the Reef Adventure office located inside the Pier Shopping Centre 30 minutes prior to departure.

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Upolu Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Morning - Departs 8:30am Returns 12:30pm
Afternoon - Departs 1:00pm and Returns 5:00pm
Full Day - Departs 8:30am Returns 5:00pm

Duration

Half Day 4 hours
Full Day 8 hours

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Restrictions

• A moderate level of fitness and mobility is required to enjoy the Reef Adventures product, particularly surrounding the entry and exit into the vessel at the Great Barrier Reef. Travellers who have had recent surgical procedures have back issues/problems or that have respiratory or heart conditions should reconsider their participation in the Reef Adventures product.
• Pregnant women are welcome onboard as long as they are cleared by their doctor.

• Swimmers
• Towel
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Card for onboard purchases

This product is not suitable for infants between 0-3