Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
View the colorful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day trip from Cairns. Whether you are a snorkeler or a scuba diver, experienced or a novice, this snorkel and dive cruise from Cairns is the perfect day out on the Great Barrier Reef. Visiting three different dive sites you'll discover the abundant marine life and diversity of coral which the Great Barrier Reef is world-famous for. This experience is best suited to people who are confident in the water.
Available options
One Introductory Dive
Minimum Age 13 - Intro Dive: 5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 3 sites. Includes 1 introductory dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear. MIN
Three Certified Dives
Certification Required: Certified divers must possess an internationally recognised SCUBA certificate card<br/>Minimum Age 13 - 3 Cert Dives: 5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 3 sites. Includes 3 certified dives, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear
Snorkeling Only
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 3 sites. Includes guided snorkel tour, buffet lunch & snorkel gear
Two Certified Dives
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 3 sites. Includes 2 certified dives, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear<br/>Proof of Certification Needed: Certified divers must possess an internationally recognised SCUBA certificate card.
One Certified Dive
Certification Required: Certified divers must possess an internationally recognised SCUBA certificate card. <br/>Min Age 13 -One Certified Dive: 5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 3 sites. Includes 1 certified dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear
Two Introductory Dives
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 3 sites. Includes 2 introductory dives, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear
What's included
Use of Prescription masks
Buffet lunch
Professional guide
Environmental Management Charge (EMC)
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Choice of snorkeling, introductory or certified diving (option selected at time of booking)
Use of dive equipment (if option selected)
Morning and afternoon tea
Snorkel tour with reef guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Check-in and collect your boarding pass from the Reef Fleet Terminal. Board Silverswift at the Cairns Marlin Wharf between 8:00 - 8:30am. The ultra modern 29 meter catamaran will be your base for the day. Throughout the day you'll visit three different locations which may include Thetford, Milln and Flynn Reef. Each stop showcases a different aspect of the beautiful Great Barrier Reef. At each site you have the choice to snorkel, dive or a combination of both.
We recommend you book this reef trip on your first full available day. You then have the opportunity to be flexible and change your travel date if you wish. Your booking can be changed at no additional cost directly with the operator once you are in Cairns. Prebook and secure your booking, but relax in knowing you can make amendments at no charge.
2
Stop 2
5 hours dnorkel or dive time at 3 reef sites off Cairns - Flynn, Milln and Thetford reefs known for their abundance of marine life. The sites offer excellent wall dives, swim-throughs and overhangs, great for both novice and experienced divers. you can expect to see an abundance of fish species, hard corals such as staghorn, table, plate and boulder coral, and many species of soft corals.
3
Stop 3
If you have never tried scuba diving you can choose to do one or two introductory dives, or you may prefer to stick to snorkeling and explore all three sites from the surface. A crew member will take those interested on a guided snorkel tour at one of the reef locations. Certified divers can choose to partake in up to three certified dives. Whatever you choose, your Outer Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Cruise includes up to five hours in the water.
The friendly crew will be happy to answer any questions you have throughout the day. The boat features full bar facilities, fresh water showers and expansive sun-decks overlooking the Coral Sea. A tropical buffet lunch will be served between sites, along with morning and afternoon tea.
What's not included
Drinks
Wet suit hire for snorkelers (approximately AUD $12.00)
Optional activities (if options not selected)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
225 reviews
5★
183
4★
28
3★
6
2★
3
1★
5
Tripadvisor
4.6
199 reviews
5★
170
4★
9
3★
5
2★
4
1★
11
Important information
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age for all diving activities is 12 years. Medical conditions apply and some people may require a doctor’s certificate to participate in scuba diving..
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
After a single scuba dive a wait of 12 hours is recommended before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater. If doing multiple dives an interval of 24 hours is suggested.
Ceritified Diving: Certified divers must possess an internationally recognised SCUBA certificate card.
Please confirm your booking at least 24 hours prior to travel.
All participants will be required to complete a health questionnaire onboard prior to diving. Some pre-existing medical conditions (eg asthma, heart conditions, etc) may prevent you from diving, please consult your doctor.
Meeting point
Online check-in opens 24 hours prior to your travel date. You’ll receive both a text message and an email prompting you to complete your check-in. On the day of travel, please present your digital boarding pass at the vessel. Boarding commences from 8:00am, vessel departs strictly at 8:30am.
Important notes
Online check-in opens 24 hours before your travel date. You’ll receive a text message and an email prompting you to complete it. On the day of travel, please present your digital boarding pass at the Ocean Spirit vessel, located at Marlin Marina, next to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns QLD 4870. Boarding begins at 8:00 am, and the vessel departs promptly at 8:30 am.
If you haven’t checked in online, please bring your booking voucher to the Ocean Spirit check-in counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal from 7:30 am to collect your boarding pass.
About Cairns & the Tropical North
Cairns & the Tropical North is a vibrant region in Queensland, Australia, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and adventurous activities. It serves as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, and the ancient Daintree Rainforest, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Top Attractions
Great Barrier Reef
The world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 km (1,430 miles). It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to thousands of marine species.
Nature
Half-day to full-day tours
Varies by tour and activity, typically $100-$300 AUD
Daintree Rainforest
One of the oldest rainforests in the world, with diverse wildlife, ancient trees, and scenic walking trails.
Nature
Full-day trip
Varies by tour and activity, typically $100-$200 AUD
Cairns Esplanade
A scenic waterfront area with a lagoon, walking paths, and picnic spots. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the tropical atmosphere.
Beach
A few hours
Free
Kuranda Scenic Railway
A historic railway line that offers stunning views of the Barron Gorge and surrounding rainforest. It's a popular day trip from Cairns.
Historical
Half-day to full-day trip
Railway ticket: $65-$130 AUD (depending on class and direction)
Fitzroy Island
A small island located about 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns. It offers beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and hiking opportunities.
Island
Full-day trip
Ferry ticket: $80-$120 AUD (including return), activities extra
Must-Try Local Dishes
Barramundi
A popular Australian fish, often grilled or fried, with a delicate and mild flavor.
Main dish
Gluten-free, high in protein
Mangoes
Sweet and juicy tropical fruit, often enjoyed fresh or in smoothies and desserts.
Dessert/Fruit
Vegan, gluten-free
Moreton Bay Bugs
A type of lobster found in the region, often served grilled or in seafood platters.
Seafood
Gluten-free, high in protein
Iced VoVo
A classic Australian biscuit with a jam and coconut filling, often enjoyed with tea or coffee.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Skydiving
White-water rafting
Bungee jumping
Zip-lining
Parasailing
Beach relaxation
Spa and wellness treatments
Yoga and meditation
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season)
This is the best time to visit Cairns & the Tropical North, with pleasant weather, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. It's ideal for outdoor activities, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, and visiting the rainforest.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Time Zone
AEST (GMT+10:00) or AEDT (GMT+11:00) during daylight saving time (October to April)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Cairns & the Tropical North is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of fake tour operators and always book through reputable companies
- • Use metered taxis or ride-sharing services to avoid overcharging
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
Getting there
By air
- Cairns Airport • 4 km (2.5 miles) from city center
By train
Cairns Central Station
By bus
Cairns Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Sunbus network is the primary public transport system in Cairns, offering frequent and affordable services.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Cairns City
Cairns Beaches
Cairns Hinterland
Day trips
Port Douglas
70 km (43 miles) north of Cairns • Full-day trip
A charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
Mission Beach
100 km (62 miles) north of Cairns • Full-day trip
A beautiful beach town known for its long sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and adventure activities like skydiving and white-water rafting.
Atherton Tablelands
100 km (62 miles) west of Cairns • Full-day trip
A lush and green region known for its waterfalls, lakes, and diverse wildlife. It's a great destination for nature lovers and those looking to escape the tropical heat.
Festivals
Cairns Festival • August to September
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair • August
Cairns Festival of Arts • Various dates throughout the year
Pro tips
- Visit the Great Barrier Reef during the dry season (May to October) for the best visibility and weather conditions
- Book tours and accommodations in advance during peak season (May to October) to avoid disappointment
- Pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the tropical sun and insects
- Hire a guide for rainforest walks and cultural experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the region's natural and cultural heritage
- Try local specialties such as barramundi, mangoes, and Moreton Bay bugs for an authentic taste of the region
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
