Reef Encounter Stateroom Accommodations

Reef Encounter stateroom Australia’s Best Liveaboard

Reef Encounter is a boutique floating hotel on the Great Barrier Reef.   With a total of 21 twin and double staterooms, the ideal number for an intimate getaway.

Staying on the Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s seven natural wonders, with many amazing things to see.

Also, helicopter transfers are an option landing directly onboard Reef Encounter’s onboard helipad.
Consistently rated ‘number one scuba diving and snorkelling liveaboard by both industry professionals and independent reviewers such as Google Reviews,
Reef Encounter is large enough to provide all the cruise ship comforts yet small enough to access spectacular reef locations not accessible to other vessels.
Our passion is to deliver Australia’s best liveaboard with family-owned and operated (and all scuba enthusiasts).
We take extreme pride in our products, boats, crew, and, most importantly, our guests!

We believe that Reef Encounter is unbeatable in service and value.
Stay for as many nights as you like in superbly appointed staterooms, or choose to upgrade to the Top Deck Club for that extra bit of VIP luxury.
With daily transfers from Cairns by boat or helicopter, Reef Encounter is an excellent alternative to a resort based holiday.

Reef Encounter Highlights

  • The best crew!
  • The Reef Encounter team is the best in the business, winning personal and professional awards for outstanding customer service in the tourism industry year after year.
  • The latest snorkelling and scuba diving equipment (wetsuits are a small additional charge)
  • Glass bottom boat tour upon request
  • On the voyage to Reef Encounter, you will have the option to listen to an informative Marine Biology presentation.  Enjoy a barbeque buffet breakfast on the outbound voyage.
  • On your return voyage back to Cairns, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and a cheese and fruit platter.
  • Free luggage storage facility available at their offices in the Cairns City
  • Daily transfers to the Reef Encounter are operated by our sister vessel Reef Experience allowing daily departures.
  • Helicopter Transfers
  • Scenic Great Barrier Reef helicopter transfers to or from your liveaboard tour are an optional extra.

 

How to book Reef Encounter

Click ‘Book’ to select your arrival and departure dates – and then choose your desired activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling or enrol on a dive course.

Great Barrier Reef Accommodation

  • A fully air-conditioned 35-metre catamaran hotel, designed for the utmost stability and comfort at sea
  • Large dining saloon
  • TV and lounge area
  • Outdoor, freshwater hot-tub
  • Spacious sundeck with sun loungers
  • Fully licenced bar
  • Large, easy access dive and snorkel platforms
  • Helicopter pad on the roof for low-flying scenic helicopter tours over the coral reef as your transfer to/from Reef Encounter (optional extra)
  • Reef Encounter is one of few Great Barrier Reef liveaboards with ensuite facilities. All cabins have their ensuite toilet & shower.

Facilities Onboard

  • Check-in time: 10 am (approximately) Check-out time: 8 am (approximately)*
  • Spacious, air-conditioned cabins – with spectacular ocean views
  • Towels and toiletries provided (soap, shampoo)
  • All cabins have Australian power outlets.
  • Reef Encounter stateroom is one of the few Great Barrier Reef accommodations with ensuite facilities. All staterooms have their ensuite toilet & shower.
  • Double bed or twin-single bed cabins available
  • *For late check-out times and to keep your cabin until departure, please upgrade to our Top Deck Club

Great Barrier Reef Itinerary

Please note, this itinerary is based on a 3-day /2-night stay with Reef Encounter

First Day

Arrive

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 2 Day Dives + 1 Night

7:30am
Board the transfer vessel 'Reef Experience' at Cairns Marlin Marina for breakfast, check-in and your journey to Reef Encounter

9:30am
Arrive onboard Reef Encounter for your 'Welcome & Safety Talk' before being shown to your room to settle in and relax

10:30am
 Water Session: Time to snorkel for all guests before lunch

12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon

13.00
Water Briefings: Certified Diver Briefings / Try Scuba Diving Briefings / Snorkel Adventure Briefings

13.30
 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time

15:00

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

15:30
 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

Summer


18:00
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

18:45
Night Dive Briefings

19:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

Winter


17:30
Night Dive Briefings

18:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

19:15
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

20:00
Dessert is served in the dining saloon

Full Day

On the Reef

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 3 Day Dives + 1 Night

6:00am
Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session

6:30am
 Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

7:30am
Breakfast is served in the dining saloon

8:00am

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

8:30am
 Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

10:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon

13:30
 Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

15:00

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

15:30
 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

Summer


18:00
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

18:45
Night Dive Briefings

19:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

Winter


17:30
Night Dive Briefings

18:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

19:15
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

20:00
Dessert is served in the dining saloon

Last Day

Return

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 3 Day Dives

6:00am
Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session

6:30am
Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

7:30am
Breakfast is served in the dining saloon

8:00am

Room Checkout

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

8:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

10:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon

13:30
 Water Session: Snorkel only session available to passengers before departure

14:45
Departing passengers board the transfer vessel 'Reef Experience' for the journey back to Cairns. Complimentary wine, cheese and biscuits served on the return journey

15:00 

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

16:30
Approximate arrival time to the Cairns Marlin Marina

*Please note, this itinerary does not apply to 'Great Barrier Reef Deal' bookings.

*Stateroom Check-In time is 10.00am with Check-Out time 8.00am on the morning of departure (access to a shared transfer/baggage room with bathroom is available along with all other boat facilities)

*Top Deck Club Check-in time is 10.00am with Check-Out time 2.00pm on the day of departure>

*This itinerary may vary due to weather conditions or other circumstances.

Highlights

Nothing compares with how amazing it is to stay on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef!

While you are on board, there will be plenty of opportunities to Snorkel and scuba dive with brightly coloured fish and coral.

At night, take in the stars from the top deck or our onboard heated hot tub.

Included

Included in Reef Encounter Stateroom packages

  • Great Barrier Reef accommodation with Reef Encounter, Cairns best Great Barrier Reef liveaboard
  • A variety of spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef locations during your stay
  • Snorkelling or scuba diving, depending on which you select upon booking.
  • Delicious  fresh meals
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Breakfast and lunch is served in a buffet format. Dinner is plated. Fruit is available throughout the day, along with tea and coffee.
  • All dietary requirements will be catered for – please advise us of these when booking.

Optional Extras

  • Barista Coffee
  • Soft Drinks
  • Alcohol
  • Nitrox
  • Tshirts and hats
  • Snacks
  • Photos
  • Wetsuit hire (Please note stinger suits are provided during wet season/summer from November to May)

What to bring

What to bring

  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Light jacket
  • socks
  • An extra quickdry towel
  • Camera
  • Travel Voucher
  • Certification card and logbook for certified divers
  • Cash or credit card for onboard extras

Reef Encounter is a barefoot experience.

How to get there

Getting to Reef Encounter

Reef Encounter is always on the Great Barrier Reef.

By Boat (included in tariff)

Our sister vessel Reef Experience operates daily transfers meeting up with Reef Encounter.

Boarding starts at 7:30 am on Finger A on the Marlin Jetty, Cairns.

Reef Experience will bring you back to the same destination around 4:30 pm on your final day.

Helicopter Transfers (optional extra)

Reef Encounter has a helipad on board for guests looking at adding some magic to their stay. You may choose to take a spectacular scenic flight.

Important Information

Cabin Share Advisory: Please note that the allocation of same-gender cabin shares in twin-share cabins cannot be guaranteed.

Important Information for Scuba Divers

This information is for all guests participating in scuba diving activities.

Australia has the strictest scuba diving rules globally and the safest scuba diving record. Therefore you must understand Queensland’s scuba diving laws. Great Barrier Reef liveaboard boats are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules, including the requirements for a dive medical, where applicable, as required by law.

Please complete our dive medical questionnaire , as some medical conditions, age and medications may prevent you from scuba diving. A certificate from your doctor stating that you are “Fit to Scuba Dive” or a Queensland dive medical may be required.

Flying after Scuba Diving

Plan your travel itinerary. On the final day of your Reef Encounter stay, your last dive will be completed by 1 pm.

Do not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after scuba diving for a single no decompression scuba dive. You should not fly for 24 hours after your last scuba diving in multiple dives.

If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after your dive. We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible.

Amenities

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Check-In: 10:00 am

Check-Out: 8:00 am

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Reef Encounter Stateroom Accommodations

Add your review for Reef Encounter Stateroom

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11 Reviews for “Reef Encounter Stateroom”

  1. Nathan S
    5

    Just wanted to say a big thankyou to all the staff who went out of their way to make the trip a great one. A really big thank you to Hitomi whose clear instruction and knowledge helped me greatly in getting my open water certification.

    Reply
  2. Elena E
    5

    It's amazing! They crew were so friendly and welcoming and on top of everything. They are so hardworking. It exceeded all expectations.

    Reply
  3. Jesse F
    5

    The crew were amazing and super positive, super supportive, and always trying to help out! The accommodation was excellent and the food was amazing. Best chef I have had in a long time! I will definitely be back!

    Reply
  4. Bruna V
    5

    The crew were amazing! Out of everyone I want to highlight Michelle and Jay who were so reassuring, patient, and always trying to provide us with the best diving experience. Jade was also GREAT. As were the other crew members. Ray, the photographer, was also amazing. The Accomodation was wonderful. The meals were delicious. Congrats to the chef! I want to thank you so much for the best diving experience. My family and I had a wonderful time. My brother and I are looking forward to getting certified and we are looking forward to our next dives. Definitely recommend!

    Reply
  5. Lauren S
    5

    The crew were incredible! So patient and knowledgeable and approachable. Ray the photographer was particularly awesome. The meals and accommodation were above expectations. The food was out of this world. Thank you so much. Expect all of my friends on the boat after I recommend them to come!

    Reply
  6. Rhonda Z
    5

    The crew were perfect! We were completely satisfied! Rae is outstanding, as are all the employees. The meals and accommodation were perfect. Troy is a great Chef. The room was comfortable and a great size. We enjoyed the good night's sleeps and hot showers. We met some amazing people on the boat from all over the world and got to do 10 dives in three days. We will be happy to recommend this trip!! We will miss you all!

    Reply
  7. Neal M
    5

    Grateful for how kind the crew was to our two children. The food was 5 stars!! Unforgettable trip.

    Reply
  8. Lindsay Goward
    5

    Fantastic 5 days on Reef Encounter ! Although Cyclone Trevor made for rough seas , wind , rain , & cloudy skies & low vis diving . The ever smiling , happy Crew delivered a Great time on board . Many thanks to you all , was also awesome to be a "Hostie" for 2 days , helping out in the Saloon areas & assisting Chef Troy in the Galley preparing the Yummo meals ! You are all Legends !! Will be back again in the "Fine" weather , 10/10 , 5 Star Service , Thankyou Thankyou !!!!

    Reply
  9. Janet
    5

    I booked my overnight Top Deck reef trip with liveaboard Reef Encounter. I could snorkel and sleep at the reef!!! The crew was perfect! Everyone was so helpful and happy to assist with anything! Aisah guided us for a snorkel twice and was so patient and kind! Accommodation and food, everything was so good (food, bed, pillows). Loved it! This is a memory of a lifetime for us! Thank you so much! I would recommend this to anyone coming to Australia!

    Reply
  10. David S
    4

    The crew are awesome!!! They all work the entire time. The rooms are excellent... great food and variety. .. I'm just very impressed with the entire experience!

    Reply
  11. Kylie Dixon
    5

    Super friendly and helpful crew. Super nice time on the boat with great weather and the snorkelling was fantastic!

    Reply

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