Reef Experience Great Barrier Reef Tours Cairns,  the Best way to see the Reef

Join us onboard our high-speed Catamaran “Reef Experience” for an unforgettable day visiting two pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef tour locations and discovering the breathtaking wonder of this World Heritage environment.

Encounter Majestic Turtles on the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Experience

Reef Experience is Cairns’ only all-inclusive Great Barrier Reef tour, including a free scuba dive.

Everyone will find the perfect way to experience the Great Barrier Reef by catering to all swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving levels.

First, we will pick you up from your Cairns accommodation. Next, we will start the day with our famous BBQ bacon, egg burgers, and tropical fruit.

We will introduce your day while we go to the outer barrier reef.  Our marine biologists will give you an informative marine presentation during the trip.

Snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities will be available when we reach the reef, even if you can not swim.

Reef Experience Cairns

Experienced swimmer or snorkeler?

Our crew will show you the best patches of coral and tell you where to find the marine marvels that call the Great Barrier Reef their home.

Never snorkelled before or can’t swim?

Our friendly and professional crew is always ready to jump in and assist everybody who needs help.  The water is the best place to introduce you to some of our brightly coloured tropical fish.

We are passionate about our guests having the best day possible, experiencing the magic of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

A day on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef tour will be one of the most memorable days in your life.

If you want to stay longer on the Great Barrier Reef, please click here to read about our floating hotel.

Highlights

Tour highlights include snorkelling at two pristine Outer Reef sites, a FREE scuba dive (beginner or certified), all-inclusive meals and refreshments, Cairns City pick-ups, and engaging marine biologist presentations—making it Cairns’ best-value, all-inclusive reef adventure.

Itinerary

Reef Experience Sample itinerary

  • 7:30 Check-in at Reef Experience vessel (hotel shuttle available for CBD—conditions apply).
  • Tea/coffee & light breakfast on board.
  • 8:00am Depart Cairns. Safety brief and marine biologist talk. Gear fitting.
  • Morning reef stop: Snorkel vibrant coral gardens; certified or intro divers take their included dive with professional guides.
  • BBQ lunch on board while cruising to site two (weather-dependant).
  • Afternoon reef stop: Guided snorkel tour available; relax on the sundeck or jump in for more reef time.
  • Return cruise: Afternoon refresher served; back to Cairns ~4:30pm.

Included

What’s Included – Everything You Need for the Perfect Day

  • Breakfast on boarding – enjoy a delicious bacon & egg roll freshly made.
  • All snorkelling equipment – mask, fins, snorkel, and flotation aids included for all guests.
  • 1 x FREE scuba dive – choose between an introductory dive or a certified dive, with all gear and supervision provided.
  • Guided snorkel tours with friendly crew to help you discover the best reef spots.
  • Marine biologist presentation – learn about reef life, coral ecosystems, and conservation in a fun, interactive talk.
  • Tropical BBQ buffet lunch with fresh salads, meats, and vegetarian options served on board.
  • Afternoon refreshments – cheese, crackers and glass of wine for the return journey to Cairns.
  • Wetsuits or lycra suits (seasonal) provided for your comfort and sun protection.
  • Friendly, experienced crew offering personal assistance and safety supervision throughout the day.
  • All marine park fees included in your fare

Optional Extras

➕ Optional Extras on Reef Experience

  • Introductory Scuba Dive
  • Certified Scuba Diving
  • Underwater photography
  • Soft drinks / snacks onboard

What to bring

What to Bring

A little preparation helps you make the most of your day on the Great Barrier Reef. Here’s what we recommend bringing along:

  • Swimwear – wear it under your clothes for an easy start to the day.
  • Towel – for drying off between snorkels or dives.
  • Hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen – protect yourself from the tropical sun.
  • Change of clothes – something comfortable for the return cruise to Cairns.
  • Camera or GoPro – capture the incredible underwater colours and coral life.
  • Reusable water bottle – refill throughout the day and help us reduce waste.
  • Credit or debit card – for any onboard purchases or optional extras.
  • Dive certification card – required for certified divers.
  • Sense of adventure – you’re about to explore one of the world’s greatest natural wonders!

How to get there

Cairns Great Barrier Reef Tour, Reef Experience departs from

Cairns Marina: ‘A-Finger’ Number 8 View map to Cairns Marlin Marina

Boarding commences at 7:30 a.m. for check-in. The Reef Experience vessel arrived directly at Cairns Marina at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Where Can I Park?

Several parking stations throughout Cairns are within walking distance of the Marina.  Click here to see where

Important Information

⚠️ Important Information

  • Children under 12 may not be able to dive
  • Weather and sea conditions may affect itinerary
  • Medical conditions can restrict scuba diving
  • Stinger suits required during stinger season.

Departs

$280
$195
$755
Free
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Add your review for Great Barrier Reef Tours, Reef Experience

5

25 Reviews for “Great Barrier Reef Tours, Reef Experience”

  1. Linda M
    5

    The crew were helpful, friendly and knowledgeable! Our favourite part of the day was to snorkel and dive at the Great Barrier Reef. It was definitely a brilliant experience, thoroughly, enjoyed every second of it. We will definitely do it again!

    Reply
  2. Nancy L
    5

    This was a bucket list trip! I had an excellent trip! I would highly recommend it as the crew was spectacular.

    Reply
  3. Prateek G
    5

    Good value for money! The staff was very courteous and helpful. Trip was made beautiful by the crew! Loved the experience, good food as well! Well rounded, excellent!

    Reply
  4. Bryan
    5

    One of my friends recommended Reef Experience to tick the Great Barrier Reef off my bucket list, and it was great. Crew on board were awesome, I got to swim with sea turtles and the snorkeling was great! The experience of once in a lifetime, thank you! cheers.

    Reply
  5. Veronica T.
    5

    This tour has the best price for the facilities given. Crew were super, handy, helped non- swimmers get comfortable in the water. The whole journey was just our favourite part of it. I would suggest to change nothing! the best and coolest experience ever. Thanks to a young and skilled crew. THANK YOU <3

    Reply
  6. Emma
    5

    This tour is the best value for price!!! The crew were fantastic! Our favourite though was swimming with a turtle and the intro dive course. Food was really good, loved every minute of the tour!

    Reply
  7. Katerina
    5

    I booked my Reef Trip with Reef Experience. Very friendly crew, smiley, nice, helpful and experienced people. Brilliant!!! Hard to say what was the best part of the day, I loved everything at the reef (the reason why I chose the tour), and i loved the BBQ - the meal was super delicious. I will definitely gone back. Have to try scuba diving! Thank you so much for a spectacular day :)

    Reply
  8. Gareth J
    5

    GREAT day out. The crew are the best and the best part of the day was diving for the first time!!

    Reply
  9. Alison Williams
    5

    Every member of staff was more than helpful! They are all so knowledgeable. Amy (Newcastle) was lovely, the guys who did the talks were wonderful and again I am just so grateful to Ziggy. It is clear the whole crew are passionate about what they do and have an excellent rapport with everyone. The crew were brilliant Amy helped me when my wetsuit didn't fit and also helped my daughter with her prescription mask. Ziggy was wonderful and very encouraging when she helped me do my first snorkel. She is amazing!!!! The whole day was fantastic but snorkelling on the great barrier reef was spectacular.

    Reply
  10. Yana Hoy
    5

    The crew were excellent. Your staff are so nice, they took care of everyone and work really hard. I really appreciate every effort from them and I hope the boss will reward the staff. They treat your customers really well, we need to appreciate together.

    Reply
  11. Annika
    5

    The meals were fresh and delicious. The places we went snorkelling and the scuba diving for beginners were great! The best part of the day was diving with a green sea turtle.

    Reply
  12. Laura Taylor
    5

    Amazing food and amazing staff. I would not change a thing. Thank you all for an incredible day and experience.The crew were awesome, a great laugh and very knowledgable. The best part of the day was the 2nd reef stop.

    Reply
  13. Sarah Desforges
    5

    The whole day was amazing, thank you for a great experience!! The crew were INCREDIBLE!! Knowledgeable, entertaining and so helpful. It is clear that the whole day works because of a fantastic crew who really show what teamwork is.

    Reply
  14. Aida Salcic
    5

    Great value, what an awesome day, cool crew, great food I would defo recommend this tour. The crew were great the best part of the day was we saw two different sea turtles.

    Reply
  15. Sally B Younes
    5

    I would recommend this boat experience to anyone. It was so good. This has been my dream come true. Thank you!! The crew were fantastic, wonderful, happy and very helpful to everyone onboard. The best part of the day was snorkelling on the reef because I saw a sea turtle and the most amazing colourful fish.

    Reply
  16. Alicia McMahon
    5

    10/10 Stars. The crew were very kind and friendly and willing to help at a moments notice. The best part of the day was scuba diving for the first time. A big shout out to Zack for helping me overcome my fears and ensuring I was okay.

    Reply
  17. Casey Ercolano
    5

    The best part of the day was snorkeling on the reef. How do I apply to work here. The best part of my Cairns trip...Thank you!The crew were amazing and nice to speak to and with everything they do.

    Reply
  18. Anne Marsh
    5

    An excellent day and one I will tell my friends and family about!! The trip was great value for money. The crew were excellent. The best part of the day was snorkelling/ marine biology talk/ marine biology tour. Well done

    Reply
  19. Phillip Hicks
    5

    It was the best day of my holiday. The crew were excellent. The best part of the day was my first time snorkelling with Rick guiding me.

    Reply
  20. Amy Uchtenberger
    5

    This was an excellent experience. I would definitely recommend it, great value for money. The crew were 10/10 so happy, helpful and friendly. The whole day was planned out so well. I really enjoyed my first ever scuba dive as I never thought I would do it. The scuba instructor gave me lots of help which I was grateful for.

    Reply
  21. Brian
    5

    Snorkeling the Reef was best part of the day! The crew were fantastic, helpful, supportive and informative. An outstanding, professionally run organization. Would love to do it again. Highly recommend this trip.

    Reply
  22. Jeff & Elizabeth
    5

    The team were very knowledgeable and professional, but are able to keep things light and fun along the way. Loved seeing a shark and then realizing there is nothing between you and the shark! We also really enjoyed learning about the marine life.

    Reply
  23. Kos
    5

    The crew are very helpful and enthusiastic- they know what to do. Was the first time in my life snorkeling but I enjoyed it!

    Reply
  24. Juliet
    5

    The price was good and the crew were great. The best part of the day was seeing all the fish. The food was also great and catered to my vegan needs :)

    Reply
  25. Michelle & Adrian
    5

    Loved all of it! Fabulous, friendly, helpful crew. All inclusive. Recommended highly- keep up the good work!

    Reply

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