• The best Outer Great Barrier Reef half day snorkelling tour in Cairns. Explore vibrant coral gardens, encounter giant clams, and observe a variety of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for sightings of sea turtles and the ultra vibrant marine life.
• Short on time jump onboard our high speed boat ride to the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns in the afternoon. Exclusive, small-group snorkelling tour on a different reef every day.
• We welcome up to 40 snorkellers per trip, with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1 to 10, ensuring personalised attention and a high level of service.

Jump onboard the ultimate half-day Outer Reef snorkelling tour from Cairns. Its an afternoon tour on our fast boat, reducing travel time so you can spend more time discovering the breath taking underwater beauty of the outer reefs.

What to Expect:

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping half day snorkelling tour adventure aboard our brand-new, purpose-built vessel, designed for maximum thrill and excitement from Cairns. 

Our expert skipper will handpick an extraordinary location from our exclusive collection of 15 premier Great Barrier Reef sites, including Briggs Reef, Sudbury Reef, Moore Reef, and Thetford Reef. With just a one-hour journey across the water, our half-day snorkel tour is crafted to maximise your time in the water, offering much more snorkelling among the marine life and the colourful coral.

Guided by our knowledgeable Master Reef Guides, you'll enjoy a fun, personalised, and action-packed snorkelling tour experience with a small group of no more than 40 passengers. Spend over 2 hours exploring two carefully selected coral reefs each day from four stunning reefs. Our tour boat departs Cairns Marlin Marina, D Finger, at 12:00pm and returns at 5:00pm.

Features and Highlights:

• Join us on a half-day snorkelling tour as we explore some of the Great Barrier Reef’s most breathtaking outer reef destinations.
• Our brand-new high-speed tour boat features a rooftop sun deck and comfortable seating below. We accommodate up to 40 snorkellers per each half day reef tour, with an exceptional crew-to-guest ratio of 1 to 10, ensuring you receive personalised service throughout your day with us.
• With just one hour of travel time, our half-day snorkelling tours maximises your experience by offering more time for snorkelling and less time spent travelling on the boat.

Bonus Experience

Arrive a little earlier and join us for a complimentary Marine Biologist Presentation — the perfect introduction to your day on the reef.

The free 30-minute session runs from 10:30am to 11:00am, so please arrive a bit beforehand to settle in and enjoy some complimentary tea and coffee.

This engaging, family-friendly talk offers fascinating insights into the Great Barrier Reef’s delicate ecosystem and the incredible marine life you’ll encounter throughout the day.

Even better — your Marine Biologist presenter will also be joining you onboard, ready to answer questions and share more stories as your adventure unfolds.

You’ll find our pontoon office at Cairns Marlin Marina – D Finger.

This Half day tour is suitable for guest travelling to Cairns on a cruise ship staying overnight. Please check your cruise ship schedule, check in is at 11.15am for a 12.00pm departure returning 5.00pm.

See all half day tours to the reef from Cairns and Port Douglas.

See all half day tours in Cairns.

With your free time in the morning why dont you see the reef from the skies with a Great Barrier Reef scenic flight?

Read the Barrier Reef Blog for all the things you need to know before you go. 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• The Marine Life Presentation begins at 10:30am at the Pure Snorkelling Pontoon office on D Finger at the Cairns Marlin Marina. Check in commences at 11:00am and closes at 11.30am. The boat departs at 12pm sharp.
• Returns 5.00pm

Departure Instructions

• Arrive at 10.30am for the Marine Life Presentation at the Pure Snorkelling Pontoon office on D Finger at the Cairns Marlin Marina.
• Check in commences at 11:00am and closes at 11.30am
• The boat departs at 12pm sharp.

Destinations

Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

5 Hours

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

Please note this tour is only suitable to participants who can swim. This tour is NOT suitable if you are pregnant, have any musculoskeletal issues that could be aggravated by a potentially bumpy ride, have any cardiac or mobility issues. This is only suitable for children over 6 years of age who can swim.

Additional Information

• The boat will operate in various conditions, and it may be a bumpy ride.
• Health & Participation: Guests must be in good physical health and able to swim to join snorkelling activities. Any recent illnesses, injuries, or relevant medical conditions must be disclosed. This tour may be unsuitable for guests who are pregnant or who have musculoskeletal, cardiac, or mobility issues. Pure Snorkelling may refuse participation if safety cannot be ensured. All guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Risk Notice: Participants acknowledge that snorkelling and outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including exposure to heat, sun, and physical exertion. Pure Snorkelling is not liable for injury, loss, or damage arising from circumstances beyond its control.
• Force Majeure & Operations: Pure Snorkelling is not liable for refunds or compensation for cancellations caused by force majeure events. Alternative dates may be offered where possible. Vessel substitutions may occur without notice.

What to bring: Swimmers, Towel, reef safe sunscreen, hat and sunglasses, refillable waterbottle and card for purchases from the bar

Our snorkelling tour is recommended for children aged 6 and above, who are confident swimmers and comfortable in an open water environment. All children will need to be under parental supervision at all times.