Spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef at two different snorkel and dive sites on this luxury catamaran cruise from Cairns. Travel in style aboard a fast, comfortable catamaran to the outer edge Upolu Reef. Take an Adventure Snorkel & Glass Bottom Boat Tour through the highly protected no-fishing zone sites in the Marine Park. Refuel with a buffet lunch on board the catamaran before heading to your next destination, Upolu Cay reef. Enjoy the shallow azure blue waters surrounding this natural Coral Cay with both snorkeling or diving on offer. Be mesmerised by coral teeming with colourful fish.

Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef by luxury, fast catamaran from Cairns
Choose to snorkel or dive at two locations in highly protected Marine Park zones
Learn about the reef on a glass-bottom boat coral-viewing tour
Take a snorkeling tour led by a marine naturalist or master reef guide
Delicious buffet lunch, snacks and beverages included
Top-quality snorkeling and diving gear included
Cruise is limited to a maximum of 75 passengers
6-hours actual reef time

What's Included

Luxury fast stylish catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef
Six full hours on the Great Barrier Reef with stops at two uniquely different reef locations
Environment Management Charge (EMC) and port fees
Tea and coffee throughout the day
Large smorgasbord lunch with seafood
Platters of tropical fruit, cheese and crackers
Snorkeling instruction and in-water crew assistance if required
Snorkeling equipment (snorkel, marks, flippers, and buoyancy vests)
Wetsuits or lycra suits (depending on season)
Snorkeling tour with a marine naturalist
Freshwater showers
Informative Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Guided interpretative Adventure Drift Snorkel Tour

Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
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

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

1 Spence St
1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Starting point is at the Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal (RFT) located 1,Spence Str Cairns .

Start time

07:15 am

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Make your own way to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal where you board your deluxe 65-foot (20-meter) catamaran.

Enjoy coffee, tea, and light snacks prior to departure, then relax on the outdoor sundeck or air-conditioned interior as your vessel cruises to Upolu Cay. Receive a safety briefing from the expert crew to prepare for the day ahead.

Explore Upolu Cay and take a glass-bottom boat from the catamaran to Upolu Cay, located on the Great Barrier Reef. Hop in the sheltered turquoise water to snorkel or scuba dive among an astounding array of coral, colorful fish, and other sea creatures.

Cruise to the next destination while enjoying a delicious buffet lunch with dishes such as smoked salmon, chilled prawns, cold chicken and other meats, accompanied by salad and fresh bread.

Arrive at the outer edge of Upolu Reef at a site known as the Wonder Wall. From the ocean floor, the Wonder Wall extends 46 feet (14 meters) high, reaching to just below the water's surface. Both snorkelers and divers can explore and marvel at the variety of marine life, including hard and soft corals, reef fish, giant clams and turtles. With an expert guide, take an informative tour and drift snorkel around the site.

Cruise back to Cairns snacking on a selection of tropical fruit, cheese, crackers, and cakes.

Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom

After check-in board the vessel, grab a coffee or tea, 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 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!

9 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Great Barrier Reef

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!

6 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 3 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
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

Near public transportation
Industry COVID-SAFE Plan in place - "Good to go" . Sanitisation stations will be available at check-in, on board as well as high-touch areas being sanitised regularly.Contact details will be required at the time of booking if not already sent. Upon arrival, questions will be asked regarding travel in the last 14 days, contact with any Covid-19 positive individuals and potential symptoms – answers to these questions may impact your ability to travel and will be at the discretion of the crew on the day.
Please bring own pen and drink bottle if preferred . Food will be served under strict hygiene measures.
Most travellers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 75 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.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveller Photos

Traveller Tips

Don't hesitate to go with them - worth every penny and more!!

Not only does this cruise offer both snorkeling and SCUBA diving to see the reef and its marine life, but they also have a glass-bottom boat.

Reviews

5.0

976 reviews

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

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 976 reviews

Nice day on Great Barrier Reef

Jeffrey_g, Mar 2023

We had a great experience despite the mediocre water conditions. The equipment was in good order and staff wanted to make sure each person had the right fit. The staff were friendly and helpful in and out of the water. Plenty of food: a lunch of shrimp, cold fried chicken, ham, and cold salads; fresh fruit and cheese and crackers were served on trip back to marina. Wine, beer, and soft drinks were offered for a very reasonable fee. You could run a tab or pay as you go. They do not accept American Express. We would highly recommend this company.

Recommended Great Barrier Reef tour

Colin_W, Mar 2023

We had a flat sea which helped. That said the boat and crew were exceptional. They look after you so well in terms of help and information. Everything is so well organised. Another perfect trip.

A lovely day out on the reef

Harriet_F, Mar 2023

Lovely boat and day out on the reef! I did two certified dives and had a great time, I haven’t dived in many years and Kim was great at taking me through everything and I as a perfect guide underwater. The snorkelling area was also good and you could see so much just from snorkelling. I did find some of the staff weren’t very friendly/talkative and the food was a bit basic, I understand there’s no cooking facilities so it’s all cold food but there wasn’t really much choice but the breakfast and cake before and after the tour was good. Overall a really good day and the tiny minor things wouldn’t stop me from returning again, it was a great day out and so much to see on the reef. A great experience and team overall!

The staff was...

Jonathan_N, Mar 2023

The staff was accommodating to our needs. I went for a first time diving experience but had a hard time doing it the first time so they really helped me out and helped me overcome my fears! Great experience, both me and my girlfriend really lovet it!

Wonderful day on the Reef

Diane_D, Mar 2023

The friendly, helpful crew were always there for you, with safety always being #1. There were always 2 reef guides in the water to provide assistance if needed to snorkelers as well as pointing out fish and other sea life. 1 staff member served as a lookout on the boat to make sure all snorkelers were safe.There was more then adequate time to snorkel. We visited 2 snorkel sites as well as the opportunity for a drift snorkel with a guide. There was 2 opportunities to go on the glass bottom boat in addition to snorkeling or diving. Food & drink- plenty. Cold water always available. A lite breakfast was provided- coffee, tea, muffins & fruit. Fresh fruit available all day. Lunch- Ice cold prawns, fresh salads, smoked salmon, cold cuts and cheese, fried chicken and breads. Not your traditional cold buffet. Afternoon- Sliced fresh fruit, then a cheese and cracker platter then last a dessert tray. We ate the whole trip from the reef back to the wharf. Soda, wine & beer were available to purchase. We were gone from 8am til about 430. And saw so much. I highly recommend this tour.

Great trip!

Julie_W, Mar 2023

The staff were great-very friendly and helpful. They were all very knowledgeable when we asked questions. The food was good and plentiful! We had a great time!

Once in a lifetime experience

shumichellew, Mar 2023

Despite rainy weather in the morning, the crew made this an incredible and memorable experience for my whole group of 6. It was my first time scuba diving and I was feeling quite anxious getting into the water with the gear on, but the instructor calmly and patiently helped me through. I’m so glad I got this experience and highly recommend the Ocean Freedom crew!

Response from Host, Mar 2023

We are so glad that the rainy weather didn't get you down, that's the spirit we live for here at Ocean Freedom! Its fantastic to hear that you and the group still had an "incredible and memorable experience" while touring with us - our crew work hard to ensure everyone is safe and having fun, its wonderful that their efforts are paying off from the sound of your feedback :) Thank you for sharing your experience travelling onboard Ocean Freedom, we really appreciate it!

Awesome

mark_r, Mar 2023

Swimming with the fish just like an aquarium. The food they put on was great as well. Good crew to go with

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Cheers Mark for the awesome review, we are happy you found the food to be "great" and our crew to be good while touring :) thank you for your feedback!

Great experience Great Barrier Reef!

Shaun_M, Mar 2023

Nice tours on the reef via snorkel and glass bottom boat included! Our guides picked up some marine life (starfish and sea cucumber) to see up close as well as pointed out lots of the animals along the way.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you Shaun for sharing your feedback about your tour on Ocean Freedom :) We are so happy that our crew were able to assist in spotting some marine life for you, we shall pass on your compliments to them! Thank you again for the 5-stars :)

Must do experience in Cairns!!!

Agustina_R, Mar 2023

We had an amazing time at the Ocean Freedom cruise. From start to finish, everything was well-organized and the staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. The boat itself was very comfortable and had all the amenities you could ask for. The dive sites were breathtaking and we were able to see a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sharks, and stingrays! The crew did an excellent job of making sure we were safe and comfortable throughout the entire trip. A special shoutout to Leo, my diving instructor, who was really patient and attentive to everyone's needs. He made sure we were all comfortable and confident underwater, and took the time to answer any questions we had. His expertise and guidance really made the experience all the more enjoyable. Overall, I would highly recommend this diving cruise to anyone looking for a fun and unforgettable experience in Cairns. The staff and crew were fantastic, the boat was comfortable, and the diving was absolutely incredible. I can't wait to go back and do it again!

FUN FILLED DAY ON THE REEF

Charles_L, Mar 2023

Captain Mike and his entire crew were amazing from start to finish. My husband and I had never scuba dived so we signed up for introductory dive at The Great Barrier Reef. Leo was the certified diver that was diving with us. He was very knowledgeable and extremely patient. Early into the dive, my ears were really hurting and I could not get them to equalize. Leo was very understanding and took me back to the boat where I could snorkel and he continued the dive with my husband. We saw barracudas, sting ray, huge clams, beautiful fish, a huge tuna and a colorful variety of fish. The next day we had received a credit on our charge card because I was not able to finish the dive. Unbelievable customer service and we were definitely not expecting a refund for my dive portion. I would recommend this excursion to anyone wanting to see a close up experience of the GBR with an amazing crew!1

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Wow Charles, what a fantastic review! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience travelling with us onboard Ocean Freedom. Our crew shall be so stoked with your kind compliments, we shall be sure to pass these onto them directly, especially Leo! We are so sorry you weren't able to complete your scuba dive due to an equalizing issue, hopefully in the future you will be able to dive on the Great Barrier Reef and bask in its beauty again! Its fantastic that you ended up having an enjoyable time and saw so much marine life - barracudas, sting rays and tuna are extremely rare to see in the one day, they must've made a special appearance for you both :) Thank you again for the 5-stars, we hope we made your trip one to remember! :)

Stupendous Crew

Anonymous, Mar 2023

Our Great Barrier Reef Tour was wonderful. The Captain and Crew gave 110% in ensuring that everyone was safe and happy. We were especially well cared for. We spent over 6 hours on the Reef snorkeling among colorful coral, fish, and turtles. This is a "primo" Tour!

Response from Host, Mar 2023

We are so happy that you enjoyed your experience onboard Ocean Freedom :) Our passengers safety is our number 1 priority, so it's wonderful to hear that the crew's efforts have paid off in making you feel looked after and safe! Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, it was a pleasure having you onboard :)

Definitely book.

Jasmin_D, Mar 2023

The ocean freedom team were so nice and funny 😄 They are a small family which gives a very comfortable vibe. The reef was beautiful even on the overcast day we had. My only thing is that the chicken wings would have been nicer warmed rather than right out of the fridge haha ☺️

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you Jasmine for the wonderful review, and the 5-stars! We are so happy that you didn't let the overcast weather get you down and enjoyed your time while on tour with us - that's the spirit we love to see! Thank you for your feedback regarding our catering, your suggestion shall be passed onto management :) we hope you still found the food to be yummy!

Fantastic tour and crew

Casey_L, Mar 2023

Booked this to do with my partner for her birthday on 3-3-23. From start to finish the staff were professional funny and friendly and made us feel very welcome. Nothing was ever an issue the whole crew were excellent at putting people at ease in the water there was plenty of food included in the package, pastries and tea/coffee on arrival, a fresh lunch including prawns smoked salmon chicken drumsticks 3 cold meats 3 different salads and breads crackers and cheese in the arvo and cake as well. The things that they did sell, beers snacks soft drinks ect were a fair price. All in all it was a fantastic day thanks to captain Mike and all the crew. fantastic highly recommend! We will be bringing the kids next time we are back

Response from Host, Mar 2023

We are so glad that you both enjoyed your tour on Ocean Freedom! Its fantastic to hear that our crew were "friendly, funny and professional" and our catering met your expectations :) I shall definitely pass on your compliments to them, they will be stoked with your feedback! We look forward to having your family back out on the Reef touring with us in the future! It was a pleasure having you both onboard, thank you for sharing your 5-star experience!

best for dive if you can't swim

Safi_H, Mar 2023

amazing experience, I can't swim but the staff was very detailed that why I can still do the diving. Some people I met before this experience told me they had a very bad experience of booking for a dive but unable to proceed as they didnt know how to swim (Booked with other providers). But I am more than satisfied with the way I dived, no panic at all and the guide took was so patient with me. Amazing staff service

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Wow Safi, its amazing that you got out there and completed some scuba diving - even though you can't swim, amazing job! We are over the moon that you enjoyed your experience travelling with us and that we managed to make you feel comfortable and safe :) I shall pass on your kind words to our crew, thank you for sharing your experience! We hope to see you explore more of the Great Barrier Reef in the future!

Fantastic barrier reef experience

Ellen_T, Mar 2023

Excellent trip out to the Barrier Reef, all the staff on board were very knowledgeable and helpful nothing was to much for them. Food and drinks served were good and there was plenty of it. Snorkelling was amazing considering the weather conditions and the glass bottomed boat trip really informative. Highly recommended thanks all.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Your kind words mean so much to all of us here at Ocean Freedom! Thank you for your praise, we are glad you enjoyed your experience travelling with us :) We look forward to having you travel with us again in the future!

Awesome trip!

Craig_N, Feb 2023

A totally brilliant crew who really look after you for the day ensuring everyone has a great time no matter age and ability.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you Craig for sharing your experience with us :) we are so glad to hear that our crew ensured you felt looked after through the day, no matter that age and ability. Thank you for your kind words, we shall ensure your feedback gets passed onto the crew, they will love it !

France loved it

Elisa_D, Feb 2023

I spent the day on that cruise with a friend, and we both had a wonderful time. We've booked the 2 introduction diving and these two ones were amazing :) the weather wasn't that good but we could still snorkeling and the staff was always with us to show us where and what to look The food was always very good, they gave us a lot so no way you could starve on that boat aha, and the staff was exceptionally nice & friendly MERCI to the lovely team :)

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Thank you Elisa for taking the time to leave us such a detailed, 5-star review! We really appreciate your efforts in sharing your experience with us :) Its unreal that neither of you two let the bad weather get the better of you! We are so happy that you enjoyed the introductory scuba dives, hopefully there were an abundance of marine life out there to see! Its excellent to hear that our crew were "exceptionally nice and friendly" and happily sharing their knowledge about the Reef with you and the other passengers! Great to hear their hard work is paying off, we will ensure your feedback gets back to them! They will be over the moon :) Thank you again for giving us an exceptional review and rating! It was a pleasure having you both onboard with us.

Boat is pretty used and...

Don_D, Feb 2023

Boat is pretty used and worn staff was friendly dive site was just ok. It seemed to be frequently used

Great Barrie reef

MOhammed_F, Feb 2023

Crew members are very friendly. They took care us and explained. Boat is comfortable and big had enough space to fit all the travers.

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Thank you for your great 5-star review, we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience on tour with us :) Its fantastic to hear that our crew were "friendly" and took care of you! Great to see their hard work has paid off in making you feel safe. Its wonderful that you found our vessel comfortable and spacious, thank you for being an awesome passenger on Ocean Freedom, we hope to have you back onboard in the future :)

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