• One of the most popular reef trips in Cairns is our snorkel & dive tour. A small intimate Great Barrier Reef tour. Great marine life, keep a sharp look out for dolphins, turtles and whales during the months of July to August!
• Join us on our small intimate sailing tour that caters for only 20 persons providing a really unique and personalised snorkel & dive tour from Cairns. We aim to sail daily to 2 unique outer reef locations. 
• Dive up to 2 times on the day but be sure to pre-book your scuba dives to avoid missing out! 2nd dive subject to availability on the day. 
• All snorkel gear provided, and a free guided snorkel tour with our marine naturalists, morning and afternoon tea and buffet lunch. 
• Our Great Barrier Reef tours permit allows the skipper to choose the best coral reef moorings around Upolu Reef. Each morning we look at the weather and tide conditions to decide the reef locations to give you the best experience

Cairns reef trips, small group sailing, avoid the crowds, snorkelling and diving. Great value Reef trip to Upolu Reef. A fun relaxed day, 3 crew per 20 guests. Sail, snorkel and dive on the Outer Great Barrier Reef for a full day from Cairns.

What to Expect

Cairns reef trips on a small group sailing adventure. Experience an intimate and relaxing day on the Great Barrier Reef with our small group sailing tour, departing from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. With a maximum of only 20 guests and a dedicated crew of three, we provide a personalised and comfortable Great Barrier Reef tour away from the crowds. Sailing, snorkelling, and scuba diving at our private moorings at Upolu Reef, enjoying nearly four hours of water activities.

Our spacious catamaran offers ample space for relaxation, including bow nets and a unique solar-powered onboard spa. You can explore vibrant coral gardens, encounter diverse marine life, and relax in the serene ambience of the outer Great Barrier Reef waters off Cairns.

Features and Highlights

Serene Sailing and Relaxation

• Travel on a spacious catamaran designed for comfort and relaxation.
• Enjoy the solar-powered spa and bow nets for a unique and tranquil experience.
• Avoid the crowds with a small group sailing experience, ensuring a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving at Upolu Reef

• Visit two stunning coral reef locations (weather permitting) for a full day of snorkelling and scuba diving.
• Discover a sheltered lagoon at Upolu Reef, home to friendly sea turtles, giant clams, and colourful fish.
• Complimentary snorkelling guide with a marine naturalist to enhance your Great Barrier Reef tour experience.

Personalised Service

• High crew-to-passenger ratio for a personalised, friendly experience.
• Dive instructor guide included for both certified and introductory scuba divers.
• All diving tuition and equipment provided.

Culinary Delights

• Start your day with a warm beverage and get to know your fellow travellers.
• Enjoy a fresh tropical lunch with a variety of salads, deli meats, and roast chicken.
• On the return journey, savour a complimentary glass of wine, cheese, and tropical fruit platters.

Eco-Friendly Experience

• Sail on a boat renowned for having the lowest carbon footprint in Cairns.
• Perfect for environmentally conscious travellers looking to minimise their impact.

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Snorkelling

• Explore the serene, protected waters of the outer Great Barrier Reef.
• Encounter a large variety of fish, corals, and other marine life in the sheltered lagoon.
• Snorkelling equipment and flotation devices provided for all skill levels.

Scuba Diving

• Both certified and introductory scuba diver’s welcome.
• Dive master provides personalised attention, especially for first-time divers.
• Experience the underwater world with the utmost safety and comfort.

Sample Day Itinerary

• 7:30am: Check-in at Cairns Marlin Marina, A finger.
• Morning: Warm beverage and welcome, followed by a 90-minute sail to the reef.
• Mid-Morning: Arrival at Upolu Reef, snorkelling and scuba diving begins.
• Lunch: Fresh tropical lunch served onboard.
• Afternoon: Continue snorkelling and diving at a second reef location (weather permitting).
• Return Journey: Complimentary glass of wine, cheese, and tropical fruit platters.
• 4:30pm: Return to Cairns Marlin Marina.

Private Charter Boat Options

• Our catamaran is available for private charter boat tours for groups, offering a personalised and exclusive Great Barrier Reef experience.

Book quickly as spaces are limited for such a memorable and serene adventure on the Great Barrier Reef, combining luxury, relaxation, and eco-friendly travel.

See all diving and snorkelling tours in Cairns.

Learn more about the Great Barrier Reef on our blog.

Cairns Personalised, Relaxed Sailing Tour

A high rate of crew to passengers means a personalised, friendly experience delivered by our family owned and operated sailing tour.

With a small group, you can explore by snorkelling or scuba diving at your leisure at the pristine outer reef, and master skills in your own time with maximum attention from the instructor.

Afterwards enjoy relaxing in the bow nets or in the solar-powered spa on board this stylish catamaran.

If you have an interest in the environment and your footprint you will be pleased to know our boat is renowned as having the lowest carbon footprint in Cairns. 

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving the Reef from Cairns

Away from crowds, enjoy the serenity of the outer reef’s protected warm waters.

Upolu Reef has a large variety of fish and pretty corals, its sheltered lagoon housing giant clams, turtles and sea stars which makes for fabulous snorkelling and diving experiences.

One of the great things about this Great Barrier Reef sailing tour is you’ll be taken to two dive and snorkel sites, (weather permitting) to see the varieties of coral and the marine life that are sustained there.

If you’re keen to explore the Great Barrier Reef as a scuba diver but don’t have your dive licence, consider trying and introductory scuba dive whilst on this personalised tour.

Our dive master will give you the utmost attention and gently ease you into being comfortable on your first ever scuba dive.  

5 Star Service At a Budget Price

Whether you’re coming for an adventure or relaxing, you’ll be kept well fed and hydrated on this full day Great Barrier Reef tour.

On arrival, your tour kick-starts with a warm beverage and everyone takes the time to get to know each other.

There’s also complimentary drinking water available whenever you want during the trip.

A fresh tropical lunch includes a choice of tasty salads, deli meats and roast chicken.

On your return sailing journey to Cairns, a complimentary glass of wine accompanies cheese and tropical fruit platters.

Your reef adventure will also be nutritious and delicious!

Our catamaran is also available for private charter tours for groups.

See more Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns.

Tour Languages Offered

• English
• French
• German

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Check in is at 'D' Finger at the Marlin Marina at 7:30am for a 7:45am departure
• Return to Cairns Marlin Marina approximately 4.30pm approx.

Departure Instructions

We can organise return transfers from your accommodation or please make your way to Marlin Marina, Cairns for boarding on boat

Pickup Locations

Cairns

• Transfers can be arranged at the time of booking.
• Transfers payable on board

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Upolu Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Does not operate Christmas Day

Duration

2 hours sailing each way
4 hours at Upolu Reef

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Scuba diving introductory and certified, limited availability
• Return Accommodation Transfers: Cairns city $20 per person, Northern Beaches $35
• Wet/Lycra Suits
• Camera Hire
• Soft Drinks & Chocolates

Fitness Level Required

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.

Sun protection, towels, swimwear, camera, money for on board purchases, dive certification and travel voucher

Child price applies to children under 14