Half-Day Snorkel Tour

Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling - Cairns Half Day Tour

Experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef with a half-day snorkelling tour. Our trip from Cairns takes you to a spectacular outer reef site with expert crew, optional lunchbox meals, and unforgettable underwater encounters.

Tusa Reef Tours offers a chance to fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. We believe in not just visiting the reef but in preserving and enhancing its beauty for generations to come.

Our recently refurbished vessel has a dedicated and well-informed staff, making your journey truly memorable. Experience the adventure of snorkelling and sailing on the Great Barrier Reef with Tusa Reef Tours. From the moment you step aboard, our highly trained and knowledgeable crew will be on hand to ensure you have an exceptional day on the Great Barrier Reef.

Your journey to the outer reef will be a 90-minute voyage, during which you’ll enjoy a full briefing from our crew on the activities for the day. With up to two hours of snorkelling on the reef, your captain will select the most favourable site with the best conditions for snorkelling, nestled within the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Whether you are a seasoned snorkeller 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 sun deck as you return to Cairns. Optional additional lunch boxes can be pre-purchased for consumption on the return journey back to Cairns. Light snacks can also be purchased on board.

Purple nemos

Try An Intro Dive!

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.

$195 per adult (AUD)

$165 per child (AUD)

Easy Cancellation
up to 48 hours before departure

Best Price Guarantee 
Get the best price by booking direct with us

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Itinerary

7.40 am – Check-in at A Finger, Cairns Marina.

8.00 am – Set sail to the Outer Reef, during which you’ll be given a full briefing by our experienced crew on the activities and options for the day.

9.30 am – Once we arrive at the Outer Reef, the real adventure begins! Join our guided snorkelling session and enjoy up to two hours snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.

11.30 am – If prebooked, you’ll then receive your delicious picnic lunch box, which you can enjoy in the main deck area, or take advantage of one of the many open deck areas and enjoy your meal al fresco as we return to Cairns.

1.00 pm – Back to the Cairns Marina, it’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful Reef with memories that will last a lifetime!

Outer Reef Dive Sites

17 Sites to Choose From

With lots of options across Saxon and Hastings Reefs, your Captain will select the best site to visit.

Visit One Reef Location

We'll visit one site on the outer Great Barrier Reef, carefully selected based on the conditions of the day.

Up to Two Hours on the Reef

You'll have plenty of time to snorkel during our trip to the reef.

Maximum of 60 Guests

Limited to just 60 guests, we guarantee a unique and personalised experience.

FAQs

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 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, and a wetsuit.

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 snorkelling 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.

Read our Terms and Conditions

Prices are shown in Australian dollars and includes all equipment and tuition.

Prices valid to 31st March 2027. 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.

$195 per adult (AUD)

$165 per child (AUD)

Book with confidence
Easy cancellation up to 48 hrs before departure

Best Price Guarantee 
Get the best price by booking direct with us