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Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour | Shute Harbour

Tour Code: 1115

Operated By: Red Cat Adventures

Departing: Shute Harbour

Pickup: Airlie Beach

New Boat Operating
  • All snorkelling equipment included including lycra suit and wet suits during winter months
  • Multi award  Australian owned and family operated business with 14 years of experience
  • On board licensed bar - drinking only permitted once all in water activities completed... safety first
  • Travel with an accredited Climate Action Leaders and don't leave a footprint
  • The one off opportunity for snorkelling at multiple locations on the outer Great Barrier Reef at Sinker Reef near Hardy Reef.
  • Small group tour maximum 40 guests

Included In Price

  • Up to 40 Passengers
  • Snorkel the world-famous Great Barrier Reef
  • 360° rooftop deck for panoramic views
  • Relax in premium seating designed for extra comfort
  • Travel in style aboard our fully air-conditioned vessel
  • Free courtesy bus transfers included
  • A local supplier with qualified chefs caters for lunch and snacks
  • All-Inclusive of lycra suits, snorkelling equipment and wet suits (winter months)
  • Ride through the iconic Whitsunday Islands on your way to the Great Barrier Reef
  • Full-day tour 9:00 am – 5:00 pm which means more time on the reef
  • Travel with accredited Climate Action Leaders and don’t leave a footprint
  • Enjoy a cold drink onboard with our fully licenced bar. We accept both cash and card on board for any additional purchases
  • Australia’s only Marine-accredited Savannah Guide Enterprise
  • Proudly Australian-owned business for the past 14 years
  • 2018-2022 Gold National Tourism Award Winners
  • 2024 Best Adventure Tourism Business in the Whitsundays
  • Travel with Proud Climate Action Leaders with exceptional local knowledge of the Great Barrier Reef

Enjoy a full day Outer Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour from Shute Harbour. All inclusive day to the Reef, fully catered and all snorkelling equipment including lycra suits and wet suits during winter months provided.

What to Expect

Set off on a full-day snorkelling adventure to the Great Barrier Reef aboard one of the region’s most comfortable and stable vessels. Cruise across crystal-clear waters to explore vibrant outer reef sites known for their colourful corals, tropical marine life, and exceptional visibility. With expert crew and quality snorkelling equipment provided, this eco-certified tour ensures a safe, guided experience for all skill levels.

During the day, enjoy unhurried time in the water at premium reef locations before heading back to the top deck to unwind with panoramic views of the Coral Sea. A locally catered lunch is included, offering a fresh, flavourful selection of regional produce served on board in a relaxed alfresco setting.

Features and Highlights

  • Full-day snorkelling tour to the outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns

  • Travel on a spacious, high-performance catamaran or monohull designed for maximum stability and comfort

  • Snorkel pristine reef sites, hand-picked daily for clarity and marine biodiversity

  • All snorkelling gear included, with optional wetsuits and flotation aids

  • Locally prepared lunch featuring fresh Queensland produce

  • Professional crew and guided snorkel briefings

  • Ample shaded and sun-soaked deck areas for relaxing between reef stops

  • Suitable for couples, small groups, nature lovers, and first-time snorkellers

  • Eco-certified reef operator with a strong commitment to sustainability

This once-in-a-lifetime snorkelling tour experience will deliver unbeatable memories that will last a lifetime.

We depart from Shute Harbour Marina, check in is at 8.15am for a 9.00am departure.

***Bonus*** - during winter, you can see Humpback Whales in their natural habitat.

See more snorkelling tours in the Whitsundays that depart from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island. 

Itinerary

  • Depart from the picturesque Shute Harbour Marina at 9:00am
  • Snorkel the world-famous Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Guest numbers are kept personalised and well below the vessels capacity
  • During winter, you can see Humpback Whales in their natural habitat
  • Swim & Snorkel in crystal clear waters
  • A day of adventure with creature comforts
  • Beautiful natural surroundings
  • Feel peace of mind that you are travelling on a Climate Action Leading tour

Learn more about the best things to do and see on the Great Barrier Reef.

Sample Menu

Morning tea:

  • An assortment of Mini Muffins
  • Chocolate Brownies
  • Freshly cut seasonal Fruit.

Lunch:

  • Selection of Sliced Meats
  • Roast Chicken Breast
  • Rice Noodle Salad
  • Crushed Potato Salad
  • Caesar Salad
  • Falafel Pasta Salad
  • Fresh Crusty White Rolls
  • and Assorted Condiments

Afternoon Tea:

  • Antipasto selection including crackers, cheese, meats, and other delightful tasty treats

Complimentary courtesy pick-up and drop-off

We also offer complimentary courtesy pick-up and drop-off from selected local bus stops. If you’d like to use this service, please contact us on 07 4946 4444 at least 48 hours prior to departure to confirm your pick-up location. Please be ready for pick up’s at these locations at the times listed below:

  • Shute Harbour Road at Adventure Whitsundays – 8:00am
  • Shute Harbour Road at Pandanus Drive – 8:05am
  • Beach Court Holiday Villas (Road Side) – 8:05am
  • Whitsunday Shopping Centre – 8:05am
  • Mantra Club Croc (Reception) – 8:10am
  • Shute Harbour Road at Altmann Avenue – 8:10am
  • Coral Sea Marina – 8:10am
  • Coral Sea Resort Entrance – 8:10am
  • Airlie Beach Central – 8:15am
  • Coconut Grove at Airlie Beach – 8:15am
  • Shute Harbour Road at Hermitage Road – 8:20am
  • Shute Harbour Road at Loop Road – 8:20am
  • Shute Harbour Road at Ferntree Road – 8:20am
  • Shute Harbour Road at Flametree – 8:25am
  • Make Own Way – Shute Harbour Marina Terminal – 8:15am
Tour Languages Offered
  • English
Departs From

Shute Harbour

Departure Time

Check in 8.15am, Departs 9.00am, Returns 5.00pm

Departure Instructions

DEPARTURE LOCATION: Shute Harbour Terminal/Marina

Pickup Locations

Airlie Beach

  • Complimentary courtesy pick-up and drop-off from selected local bus stops.
Destinations

Outer Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

This tour doesn't operate on Christmas Day

Duration

8 hours approx.

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Restrictions

Recommended for confident swimmers that have previously snorkelled.

Additional Information
  • Recommended for confident swimmers that have previously snorkelled.
  • Please note: In the event of inclement weather where it is deemed unsafe to travel to the outer reef, rest assured that we’ll still deliver an exceptional experience by taking you to the inner reef within the picturesque Whitsunday Islands.
  • We reserve the right to alter snorkelling locations due to tidal location changes, safety concerns or weather conditions.
  • Snorkelling is a physical activity. A certain level of fitness and ability is required to participate.
  • Pack a small soft bag.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel and a hat
  • Practical clothing and footwear (warmer items during winter)
  • Underwater camera
  • Card for purchases, no cash
  • Refillable water bottle
  • A sense of fun and adventure!

  • Minimum age 6
  • This tour is not recommended for Children under six years old. However, children under 6 years old must be approved before departure, and there are limitations regarding their participation in water activities.

Our T&Cs

All cancellations must be in writing.

We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.

In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.

Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.

Additional Tour Operator's T&Cs

  • Thundercat/Tongarra Day Sail: Cancellations within 24 hours of departure will forfeit the full cost of the trip.
  • Falls to Paradise: Cancellations within 24 hours of departure will forfeit the full cost of the trip.
  • Private Charter (Dayboat / Day Tour): Cancellations within 14 days of departure will forfeit the full cost of the trip.
  • Tongarra Overnight Private Charter: Cancellations within 21 days of departure will forfeit the full cost of the trip.
  • Outer Reef Snorkelling Adventure: Cancellations within 24 hours of departure will forfeit the full cost of the trip.

Red Cat Adventures:

All prices are per person in AUD and include GST, National Park and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park entry fees, professional skipper and host, live aboard, all meals, fresh linen and use of snorkelling equipment and snorkel suits. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure (Thundercat Day Tour, Outer Reef Snorkelling Adventure and Tongarra Day Sail) or less than three weeks before departure private charters will result in complete forfeiture of the full price. We reserve the right to substitute vessels without notice at any time for any reason. We recommend you take out travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss of personal goods and the inability to travel due to weather. Clients should note that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard guests, we cannot be responsible for any damage, personal injury or loss due to the actions of passengers that are beyond our control. All cruises are subject to weather and the vessel operator’s discretion. Please allow extra time to travel during the wet season (Dec-May) as we occasionally have road closures due to flooding. At certain times of the year, ‘dangerous’ jellyfish inhabit these waters, and passengers should take care of their own safety. Passengers entering the water do so at their own risk, and the vessel’s owner will not be liable for any personal injury, illness, death or other consequences of passengers being stung by jellyfish. To minimise this risk, you will have a full-length protective ‘Snorkel Suit’ to wear while swimming and snorkelling during the cruise.

  • Snorkelling can be physically demanding and is NOT recommended for individuals with:
  • Medical conditions worsened by exertion (e.g., heart disease, asthma, lung complaints).
  • Conditions causing loss of consciousness (e.g., epilepsy, diabetic conditions).
  • Asthma triggered by cold water or salt water mist.
  • Non-Swimmers

To ensure your safety, please fill out your waiver and inform the crew of any medical conditions affecting your ability to snorkel safely.

Red Cat Adventures shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever which is suffered (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss) or for any injury to a person or property which is suffered or sustained by any passenger as a result of participating in any of its sailing adventures, except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law. Outer Reef Snorkel Adventure – while we strive to reach the Outer Reef during the Outer Reef Snorkelling Adventure, our operations are subject to weather conditions. The safety of our guests is our highest priority. If, on the day of your tour, weather conditions are deemed unsafe for travel to the Outer Reef, we will instead conduct the tour within the Great Barrier Reef’s inner reef, snorkelling along the fringing reef of the Whitsunday Islands.

Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour | Shute Harbour

Tour Code: 1115

Operated By: Red Cat Adventures

Departing: Shute Harbour

Pickup: Airlie Beach

New Boat Operating

From

au$299.00

Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.

Child: au$249.00
Family: au$959.00

Tour Code: 1115

From

au$ 299.00

15 yrs & over

6 - 14 yrs

Ages of Children
(Discounts May Apply)
Phone
1300 231 118
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745
Phone
1300 231 118
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745

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