Whether you want to immerse yourself in the Great Barrier Reef or view it from a bit of a distance, this day trip to the outer reef has you covered. The activity platform at the reef provides opportunities to snorkel, dive, and swim, and to view it from the comfort of a semi-submersible and an underwater observatory. An ideal day trip for the whole family.

Buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea are provided
Learn about the reef during a educational presentation
Transfers to the reef from Cairns aboard a fast catamaran are included
Snorkeling equipment and instruction are provided

What's Included

Return fast catamaran transfer from Cairns
Morning and afternoon tea
Hot and cold buffet lunch, including prawns
3 hours at the Outer Reef platform
Use of snorkelling equipment, buoyancy vests and instruction
Underwater observatory
Semi-submersible coral viewing tour
Reef education presentation
Environmental Management Charge

Hotel pick up and drop off
Optional activitiés

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

1 Spence St
1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Check-in at the Great Adventures counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal at least30 minutes prior to departure.

Start time

10:30 am

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Ticket redemption point

1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia

What To Expect

Great Barrier Reef

3 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Great Barrier Reef

4 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Infant seats available

Most travellers can participate
Snorkelling can be a strenuous activity. We recommend informing crew of any medical conditions.
The minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years. Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from participating.
After a single 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.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveller Photos

Reviews

4.5

53 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 53 reviews

Fantastic

Tony_C, Mar 2023

Great crew, great time! Weather was challenging, but the show went on. Food was beyond expectations Thanks!

Beautiful fish and coral

Mark_S, Feb 2023

If the weather cooperates, this is an outstanding excursion. I selected a guided snorkel and our guide explained the coral and fish. We were able to touch a sea cucumber and a hard coral, which were the only sea life we could touch. There were several different fish some of which swam right up to you.

Boat staff very attentive...

Stanley_H, Nov 2022

Boat staff very attentive but the reef looks like it’s dying ……………..c fhfhhfhf BFF gfbghufhfh her egg h my the FB few g G red g he TV get th try he get the re f th y NHG FB vg

Nothing Spectacular. Disappointing thought it would be a highlight of vacation.

james_m, Oct 2022

Beautiful book ride. Not impressed with the Platform location. Would have opted to go out on boat with multiple stops at different locations with less people if done again. Too many people in one location you constantly were running into people or being kicked. Did not see many fish, no turtles, sting rays or anything that stood out. Lunch was okay.

The food provided is just...

YiMei_L, Oct 2022

The food provided is just okie, nothing special. Suitable for family with kids but the time spend on the platform is too short. Can’t finish all the activities. However, staffs are friendly and helpful.

Okay experience, not recommended with family

Fernando_F, Aug 2022

They did their best but weather was not great. Did not like that they charged for wetsuits when it was too cold to snorkel without. Also, prioritized selling pictures over safety. Many people falling while trying to buy photos in transit. A lot of operational opportunities.

Great snorkel trip!

Ruth_B, July 2022

What a great trip! Awesome staff and great customer service. It was awesome to get off at the platform. Easy in and out of the water to snorkel. Loved being able to change clothes before we went back. Would Highly recommend

Bumpy but worth it.

Lynda_L, July 2022

The ride out to firstly Green Island then the reef was bumpy but the crew looked after us. Once at the reef everything was explained to us. Again the crew looked after us well, serving us lunch, directing us the the different activities available to us and all done with smiles. The helicopter ride was amazing even though the weather wasn’t in our favour. The views were breathtaking. Snorkelling was easy and surprisingly not cold. We got to see lots of fish and coral. The semi-sun gave us a different prospective on the reef and we were lucky enough to turtles and a shark. Highly recommend this day trip.

Great day out

Kathryn_K, June 2022

Loved seeing the beautiful coral and fish. Food was average, but all staff were lovely and helpful. Beautiful part of the world and different activities to enjoy.

Great tour, tough boat ride

Mona_E, June 2022

The boat ride was terrible due to choppy waters. But the staff were very helpful to passengers. Take travel calm for queasiness. The water was much calmer on the reef. Visibility was great and the coral and marine life was beyond expectation. And, the food was surprisingly good. Great day, just v bumpy boat ride.

A most incredible experience

VanDyk_D, Apr 2022

The incredible caring of the crew. I am handicapped and needed care to get around . The crew went out of their way to make my experience memorable. Particularly one crew member of Tonga descent (unfortunately do not know her name). She took such great care above and beyond the norm. Words cannot explain it . Travelled a lot in my life but to meet care extended to that extent is rare. Again my admiration for the care extended by the crew and not to mention the excellent food that was catered for. Again my heartfelt thanks and gratitude for looking so extremely well after an old lady. Dina

Natural beauty

Nikhil_S, Apr 2022

Snorkelling in the barrier reef for sure! Wish we could have spend some more time there. You will feel like going back to snorkel again. The equipment provided was top notch.

Unforgettable trip

Monika_K, Apr 2021

I was able to see the Reef! Amazing expierence! My son took a Scuba - Doo and it was a perfect time for him! It is worth paying extra for this activity!

Découverte du snorkeling à la grande barrière de corail

Delphine_P, Jan 2020

Nous avons pu nous initier au snorkeling sur la grande barrière de corail. Le personnel pour nous renseigner ou nous équiper est nombreux, ce qui est rassurant. Le matériel de snorkeling ou plongée est fourni (masque adapté à la vue, tuba, palme, gilet, combinaison en Lycra). Une fois sous l’eau, un grand spectacle nous attend. Le corail et les poissons sont vraiment magnifiques ! Il y a vraiment tout ce qu’il faut sur le bateau. (Repas, équipement, cabine et douche) A faire.