- Top Reef Sites
- Max. 40 Guests
- All Inclusive
- Professional Marine Guides
Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Cairns Experience
Experience the ultimate trip to the Great Barrier Reef and Snorkel adventure with Tusa Reef Tours, and discover the breathtaking beauty of the outer reef on this exclusive, all-inclusive snorkel day tour from Cairns.
Join us for a deluxe Great Barrier Reef snorkelling excursion from Cairns and immerse yourself in the serene and mesmerizing underwater world, rich with vibrant hues and diverse marine life.
Limited to a maximum of just 40 guests, our full day snorkelling trip offers the highest level of service, with the lowest guest-to-crew ratios of any great barrier reef snorkelling tours from Cairns.
From the moment your step aboard, our highly trained and knowledgeable crew and marine guides will be on hand to ensure an exceptional day on the Great Barrier Reef and serve you a sumptuous breakfast to get you ready for the day.
Your journey to the outer reef will be a short 90-minute voyage, during which you’ll enjoy a full briefing from our Marine Guides on the activities for the day. With up to five hours of boat tour adventure out on the reef, your captain will select the best two snorkelling sites nestled within the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Based on the day’s conditions, we will select the most favourable locations, ensuring a breathtaking experience among an abundance of tropical fish (where you can find your own Nemo), pristine coral formations, and majestic sea turtles.
Whether you are a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, our guides will be there to assist you every step of the way. They will point out the best spots to explore and help you identify the vibrant marine life that surrounds you.
After snorkelling, relax on the boat’s deck, savoring a delicious lunch with local ingredients. Throughout the day, our marine guides will share their extensive knowledge about the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem, and the conservation efforts in place to protect it.
Curious to try scuba diving? Take advantage of our introductory scuba experience for the ultimate Great Barrier Reef encounter. Designed for confident swimmers, an introductory dive will provide you with the thrill of scuba diving while under the direct supervision of one of our highly trained scuba diving instructors. Learn more about our Intro Dive option here.
Please note: Tusa Reef Tours trips are restricted exclusively to people aged 12 and over, ensuring an optimal experience for all our guests.
Come aboard and embark on an unforgettable adventure where nature’s beauty unfolds, and the wonders of the underwater world come to life.
$460 all-inclusive
Per Person (AUD$)
Easy Cancellation
up to 48 hours before departure
Best Price Guarantee
Get the best price by booking direct with us
Gallery
Premium Inclusions
See what sets us apart from the other Cairns Snorkelling tour providers.
Chef Prepared Meals
Savour fresh local cuisine prepared by our in-house chefs, with vegan options available
Waterproof Headsets
Learn while you explore with our exclusive waterproof headsets with reef commentary
Reef Discovery
Enhance your experience with digital reference guides and Citizen Science projects
Itinerary
7.30 am – Kick off your morning early with complimentary hotel transfers and check-in at C Finger, Cairns Marina.
8:00 am – Time to indulge in a delicious breakfast with invigorating local coffees served on board. After you’re fuelled up, we’ll set sail to the Outer Reef, during which you’ll be treated to captivating commentary and reef information, including dive locations, interactive maps and visuals, dive site briefings for Scuba Divers. Plus, learn about the history of Great Barrier Reef and its Indigenous importance, and get insider tips on what to look out for from our resident Marine Biologist.
9:30 am – Once we arrive at Outer Reef Site #1, the real adventure begins! Those new to scuba diving can experience an introductory dive with a PADI Instructor, while others can take part in two guided snorkelling sessions. After towelling off, refuel with morning tea served on board. Then it’s time to jump back in the water for the second dive session for the day.
12.30 pm – Enjoy a delicious lunch in the main deck area, or take advantage of one of the many open deck areas and enjoy your meal al fresco. Check out our cuisine page for more info. While you dine, the captain will move the vessel to our second exclusive dive site.
1 pm – Dive back into the action when the dive deck opens for the third and final session. This site may offer a different perspective of the reef, with unique coral formations and a diverse array of marine life. Let the wonders of the reef captivate you.
2.30 pm – As the day winds down, it’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful Reef and head back to the Cairns with memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy drinks and a cheese platter while getting more information about the fish and reef bios and access to GBRMPA’s ‘Eye on the Reef’ app to contribute your sightings. Plus, don’t forget to jump in a group photo or two to commemorate your incredible day.
4.00 pm – Back to the Cairns Marina, and we commence complimentary hotel drop-offs. Our crew will bid you farewell, but the magic of the Great Barrier Reef will stay with you forever.
Outer Reef Dive Sites
FAQs
Yes! For our day trips, you’ll be travelling on the same vessel as all our other passengers – so if your travel partners are certified divers and others in your group are not, you’ll share your journey out on the reef together and complete your dives/snorkel experiences at the same sites.
You will also be asked to fill out an assessment form before snorkelling. If you are assessed as an at-risk snorkeller you may be required to wear a flotation device while snorkelling.
We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover you if your snorkel or dive trip is cancelled due to illness, poor weather, travel delays, lost luggage and legal costs. Travel insurance may not cover diving accidents and/or treatment/evacuation. For that we recommend separate insurance – see our Dive Insurance page for more information.
All equipment is included in the trip cost. For a snorkeller, this includes a snorkel, mask, fins, wetsuit, and waterproof headset for the audio commentary.
As long as you’re comfortable in the water, you should be able to snorkel or even do an intro dive. Before you enter the water you will fill out a form that includes information on your level of competence in the water and any medical conditions. Depending on your response, we may require that you use a flotation device while snorkelling.
Our friendly instructors will talk you through using all the equipment. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us to discuss.
Safety & Medical Information
It is vital that all individuals engaging in introductory scuba diving are in good physical and mental health. Some medical conditions can pose a hazard during diving, and it is recommended that individuals with these conditions undergo evaluation by a physician. Visit our Can I Dive? page for more information.
Best Price & Easy Cancellations
Book with confidence knowing you will always pay the best price booking direct and be free to cancel or amend your booking anytime.
Prices are shown in Australian dollars and includes all equipment and tuition.
Prices valid to 31st March 2025. Price is per person and inclusive of GST and all fees, including the GBRMPA environmental management charge (EMC) which contributes directly to the management of the Marine Park.
$460 all-inclusive
Per Person (AUD$)
Book with confidence
Easy cancellation up to 48 hrs before departure
Best Price Guarantee
Get the best price by booking direct with us