Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Great Barrier Reef, Cairns



Enjoy a Great Barrier Reef experience on a luxurious and fast vessel from Cairns. Snorkel and dive two unique reef sites: "Wonder Wall" and "Aquarium" on the outer edge of Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay.

This 6-hour Great Barrier Reef catamaran cruise from Cairns suits snorkelers and divers seeking guided marine exploration and a relaxed day on the reef.

Highlights

  • Six-hour guided snorkel adventure highlighting the Great Barrier Reef’s marine life
  • Drift snorkel tours with expert marine guides to spot turtles, barracuda, and stingrays
  • Leisurely pace with ample time to explore and observe the reef
  • Smorgasbord lunch featuring smoked salmon, prawns, cold meats, salads, and breads
  • Certified Ecotourism Green Travel Leader

Description

Board a luxury 20m catamaran at Marlin Marina and enjoy a morning coffee, fresh fruit, and Danish pastry as you sail to prime snorkelling and diving locations on the Great Barrier Reef.

Your first destination is Wonder Wall on the outer edge of Upolu Reef, where you can snorkel above vibrant coral walls teeming with fish and sea life. Optional guided certified or introductory dives are available to explore this diverse underwater environment featuring hard and soft corals, giant clams, sea fans, turtles, and tropical fish.

Afterward, visit Upolu Coral Cay Reef to observe blue-spotted stingrays, green sea turtles, and damselfish from a glass-bottom boat. Snorkelling here lets you experience clear turquoise waters and occasionally, depending on tides, you can stand on the coral cay itself.

Midday, enjoy a generous smorgasbord lunch including prawns, smoked salmon, various cold meats, chicken platter, fresh salads, and breads. The trip concludes with additional food platters on the return 1.25-hour cruise back to Cairns, arriving around 4:30 PM.

Includes

  • Catamaran cruise with marine guides
  • Glass bottom boat tour on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Guided drift snorkel tours at two protected Marine Park zones
  • Snorkelling tour with marine naturalist
  • Snorkelling gear, including prescription masks
  • Lycra suits, wetsuits (seasonal), and flotation devices
  • Six hours on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Fish feeding
  • Freshwater showers
  • Danish pastry and fresh fruit upon boarding
  • Tea and coffee available throughout the day when moored
  • Large smorgasbord lunch with prawns, smoked salmon, mixed meats, chicken platter, salads, and breads
  • Chilled water
  • Platters of tropical fruit, cheese, crackers, and assorted cakes served on return cruise

Excludes

  • Emission/port/administration fees (AUD 20 per person, payable at check-in)
  • Certified or introductory diving without prior selection
  • Underwater cameras
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Snacks for purchase

Important Information

  • Guests must be mobile and stable enough to move around the vessel and transfer safely to the glass bottom boat
  • Diving (certified and introductory) requires medical clearance and completion of a medical form on the day
  • Please notify of any medical conditions or medications prior to the trip if diving is planned
  • Minimum age for introductory diving is 12 years
  • Check weather forecasts at www.bom.gov.au before your trip

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen. Morning departures provide calm conditions and clearer water for snorkelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 6-hour cruise includes guided snorkel tours, a smorgasbord lunch, and ample time to explore the Great Barrier Reef’s marine life.
The cruise departs from Marlin Marina in Cairns.
Yes, the cruise is suitable for snorkelers and divers of all skill levels, with expert guides to assist.
You can see turtles, barracuda, stingrays, and diverse coral reef species on the guided snorkel tours.
Yes, a smorgasbord lunch featuring smoked salmon, prawns, cold meats, salads, and breads is included.
Basic snorkeling and diving gear is usually provided, but check with the operator for specific details.
Yes, the cruise operator is a Certified Ecotourism Green Travel Leader committed to responsible reef tourism.
Yes, the cruise accommodates both snorkelers and certified divers for exploration of the reef.
The best time depends on weather and water conditions; check the website for current operating hours and seasonal recommendations.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.4M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again