Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Cairns & the Tropical North , Australia

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

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(1826 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Enjoy the most customer-oriented Great Barrier Reef tour aboard a fast travelling sleek, luxury catamaran from Cairns! Snorkel and dive 2 very different and unique Great Barrier Reef Sites. "Wonder Wall" on the outer edge Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay reef area - an aquarium style coral garden with the most beautiful clear blue azure waters. Spend six hours (more than any other reef tour) to snorkel or scuba dive (see options below) these Marine Park protected areas. Absolutely no rush in the day. Enjoy complimentary Glass- Bottom Boat tour and Adventure Drift Snorkel tours with your onboard marine naturalist. This cruise is limited to 75 guests, ensuring quality customer service and passenger comfort.

Available options

Snorkel Family Pack (2ad+2ch)

Snorkel only Family Pack: Great Barrier Reef Catamaran Cruise Family Pack from Cairns including snorkeling (2 adults + 2 children 4- 14 years)

Tour + One Certified Dive

One Certified Dive: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.

Snorkel Tour

Snorkel only: Great Barrier Reef Catamaran Cruise from Cairns including snorkeling

Tour + One Introductory Dive

One Introductory Dive: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.

Tour + Two Introductory Dives

Two Introductory Dives: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.

Tour + Two Certified Dives

Two Certified Dives: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.

What's included

Tea and coffee throughout the day

Luxury fast stylish catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef

Wetsuits or lycra suits (depending on season)

Large smorgasbord lunch with seafood

Platters of tropical fruit, cheese and crackers

Freshwater showers

Environment Management Charge (EMC) and port fees

Snorkeling instruction and in-water crew assistance if required

Six full hours on the Great Barrier Reef with stops at two uniquely different reef locations

Snorkeling tour with a marine naturalist in a highly protected Marine Park zone of the GBR

Snorkeling equipment (snorkel, marks, flippers, and buoyancy vests)

Guided interpretative Adventure Drift Snorkel Tour on Great Barrier Reef site

Informative Glass Bottom Boat Tour On Great Barrier Reef site

Detailed itinerary

After check-in board the vessel, grab a coffee, a Danish pastry, fresh fruit & settle in. After just over an hour we arrive at our first Great Barrier Reef destination - the beautiful "Wonder Wall " on the outer edge of Upolu reef. Snorkel, SCUBA (extra) this stunning Great Barrier Reef site teaming with fish and marine life. Experience an informative complimentary Glass Bottom Boat & Adventure Drift Snorkel tour with our very attentive guides. After a morning of activities enjoy a large scrumptious lunch as we cruise to Upolu Cay. Snorkel this "coral garden" tropical oasis - look out for turtles & sting rays! When conditions allow you can even land on this glistening white coral Cay! Enjoy six hours of snorkelling, relaxing between these 2 uniquely different reef sites. After a magical day we return to Cairns serving fresh fruit, cheese and crackers and cake arriving back in Cairns by around 4.15 pm . We are thrilled to now have you as part of our ever growing Ocean Freedom family!

Stop 2

Our Marine Guides will enthrall you on a reef and marine life discovery on an a highly informative and engaging Adventure Snorkel Tour and Glass Bottom Boat Tour at our two unique Upolu Reef sites - "Wonder Wall" on the Outer Edge Upolu Reef and our "Aquarium" coral garden reef site amongst the beautiful shallow, azure coloured waters of Upolu Cay Reef. These sites are in Marine Park highly protected zones where no fishing is allowed, hence the abundance of fish and marine life. Come and find your favourite Hollywood Nemo character! With 6 hrs of actual un-rushed reef time you have plenty of time to do both complimentary activities and continue exploring yourself under the guidance of our attentive crew!

Ocean Freedom travels to two Great Barrier Reef sites - "Wonder Wall" on the Outer Edge of Upolu reef (a truly magnificent snorkel and dive site) and Upolu Cay Reef - a beautiful shallow turquoise coral garden site.

Upolu Cay site is truly magnificent - picture a coral garden reef with lots of colourful reef fish darting in and out of the staghorn coral as you snorkel in these crystal clear shallow waters surrounding Upolu Cay. Look out for turtles popping to the surface for a breath of air, stingrays eagerly scouring the bottom for food. Sometimes you can stand thigh deep on the Cay in the middle of the ocean, other days we can land on this glistening white beautiful coral cay - each day a little mystery of nature but always we have the stunning turquoise waters to snorkel in and around this magnificent Great Barrier Reef area.

Make sure you have your camera ready for this truly picturesque site!

What's not included

Confectionery, Soft Drinks and Alcoholic Beverages

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Only Pre-book diving if no medical conditions/taking medication - some may preclude you from diving

OPTIONAL Diving : x1 or x2 cert dives / x1 or x2 Intro dives

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

942 reviews

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830

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Tripadvisor 4.8

884 reviews

5★

808

4★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A maximum of 75 people ensures a unique and personalized experience

The order in which the snorkeling and dive sites are visited may changes as it is dependent on the conditions on the day

Please note: All DIVERS will be required to complete a medical questionnaire on board prior to diving. Please only book the diving options if you have no medical conditions or taking medication as some conditions/medication preclude you from diving

Guests come from many countries and many only have a small opportunity to visit the reef. The vessel will operate in all weather conditions (apart from gale force and severe weather warnings) and has extra procedures to make the day the best possible. If you are concerned about the weather, please visit www.bom.gov.au cairns coastal report - it will give you a 4 day forecast. 10-20 knots is a normal good day. Date of travel can be changed subject to availability and also full refund if cancelling with minimum 24hrs notice. Our vessels are open air with good boat movement so less likely to suffer seasickness than some other closed vessels however, if prone to motion sickness we recommend taking travel sickness tablets 20 minutes before boarding the vessel.

If intending to take part in diving all divers (whether certified or introductory diver) will be required to fill out a diving medical questionnaire on board. If diving is an important option for you, please advise if you have any medical issues (past or present) or taking any medications so we can advise if any QLD diving medical clearance is required. Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. It is imperative for your safety that you answer the questions on the form truthfully.

Meeting point

Starting point is at the Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal (RFT) located 1,Spence Str Cairns .

Important notes

On day of tour - Check-in with your voucher details at the Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal located at 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Check-in commences at 7:15am. Boarding the boat from 7:30am on A Finger - just in front of the Reef Fleet Terminal. Please ensure ALL adults travelling have completed their Pre-Boarding Waivers prior to check-in.

Please note All Child Fares (including family packages) will require proof of age at check in.

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