A high-speed snorkelling adventure paired with a breath taking 40-minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. Choose Snorkel/Fly or Fly/Snorkel for a personalised half-day reef experience with small groups and premium viewing.

What to Expect

Set out on a half-day Great Barrier Reef adventure from Cairns Marlin Marina that pairs fast-paced ocean exploration with a spectacular scenic flight over the reef.  This experience lets you choose the order that suits your day: Snorkel/Fly or Fly/Snorkel, with two departures available.

Guests joining the 8:00am Snorkel/Fly begin with a high-speed trip across the Coral Sea on our purpose-built vessel, limited to just 27 passengers for comfort and space. The morning is spent snorkelling at either Upolu Reef or Breaking Patches, both renowned for clear water, colourful coral formations and abundant tropical marine species.

After your water session, the journey continues from General Aviation you enjoy a 40-minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. This aerial leg showcases the full scale of the Great Barrier Reef, including views of Green Island, Michaelmas Cay and the very reef system explored earlier that morning.

Travellers opting for the 11:00am Fly/Snorkel start with the scenic flight before returning to Cairns Marina to board your reef experience. Both options include smooth transfers between Pier Shopping Centre check-in location and the aviation terminal.

Small group sizes — 7 passengers per aircraft and 27 on the vessel — ensure a more personalised experience, clear views, and unhurried time both in the air and on the reef.

Features and Highlights

• Half-day Great Barrier Reef tour combining snorkelling and a 40-minute aeroplane flight
• High-powered custom vessel with a maximum of 27 guests
• Scenic flight with only eight passengers 
• Two itinerary options: Snorkel/Fly (8:00am) or Fly/Snorkel (11:00am)
• Marine equipment provided, including snorkelling gear and flotation aids
• Transfers between Pier Shopping Centre check-in and General Aviation

Schedules

Option #1 Snorkel / Fly

• Check in at 7.30am at Pier Shopping Centre
• Departs 8.00am
• Returns to Marina 12.00pm
• Transfer to General Aviation for 40 minute scenic flight
• Returns to Marina 2.15pm

Option #2 Fly / Snorkel

• Check in at 10.00am at Pier Shopping Centre
• Transfer to General Aviation for 40 minute scenic flight
• Returns to Marina for the 1.00pm snorkel trip departure time
• Returns to Marina 5.00pm

Looking for more ways to take in the views? See our Great Barrier Reef scenic flights.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Option #1 Snorkel / Fly: 7.30am check in - Returns 2.15pm
• Option #2 Fly / Snorkel: 10.00am check in - Returns 5.00pm

Departure Instructions

• Make own way to Reef Adventures office at the Pier Shopping Centre for check in:
• Option #1 Snorkel / Fly 7:30am
• Option #2 Fly / Snorkel 10.00am
• Transfers are provided between The Pier & Daintree Air Terminal.

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Upolu Reef or Breaking Patches

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

6 Hours Approx
Snorkel Tour - 4 Hours
Scenic Flight - 40 minutes

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

• Not suitable for children under 6 or guests over 65 years old
• Not suitable for guests with heart or lung conditions
• Not suitable for non swimmers
• Not suitable for guests with back problems
• Not suitable for guests with recent surgeries

Weight: Up to 115 Kg / 254 Lb

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

Not suitable for children under 6