Great Barrier Reef Day Trip from Cairns

Overview

Experience the Great Barrier Reef on a day trip from Cairns. Whether you’re a snorkeller, first time diver or certified diver, you’ll spend a magical day with Divers Den.

Discover the marine wonderland of the outer Great Barrier Reef, just a 90-minute boat trip from Cairns. We’ll spend five hours at the reef and visit two stunning dive sites. These are expertly chosen from our exclusive moorings on the Norman, Saxon and Hastings reefs to bring you the best quality conditions and diverse marine life, from colourful corals to inquisitive Nemos, turtles, stingrays and giant Maori Wrasse.

AquaQuest is our newest vessel and purpose-built for diving and snorkelling. It has a spacious dive deck and a sunken platform offering easy access to the water, plus state of the art equipment. Choose safe and enjoyable snorkelling for you and your family, introductory diving with full pre-dive tuition, or certified diving for a choice of three spectacular dives. Travelling with both certified divers and keen snorkellers? No problem – you’ll share your journey out on the reef together on the same vessel, and complete your dives/snorkel experiences at the same dive sites.

During your Great Barrier Reef day trip, enjoy our large sun decks, air conditioned indoor spaces and hot fresh water showers. After a morning spent exploring the reef, enjoy a generous buffet lunch with a range of hot and cold foods, salads, rolls and tropical fruit to refuel for the afternoon.

Available:

Seven days a week

Departure/Return Location:

B Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina

Duration:

8am - 4.30pm

Dive sites:

We'll visit two sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef, selecting the best options on the day to show you the most colourful and diverse sights in these warm, clear waters.

Medical Information:

All introductory and certified scuba participants must meet medical questionnaire requirements and some conditions or medications may prevent you from diving. Visit the Can I Dive page to see if you meet the requirements before booking.

Included:

  • Five hours at the outer reef
  • Up to three dives/snorkel sessions at two exclusive sites
  • Snorkelling and scuba equipment, air fills, tuition and briefings
  • Wetsuits/lycra suits
  • Free prescription masks
  • Guided snorkel tours
  • Fresh tropical buffet lunch with hot and cold options
  • Morning and afternoon tea
  • Fresh chilled drinking water
  • Tea and coffee
  • Hot fresh water showers

Choose your Activity

Cairns Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Day Trip
From $255

Snorkelling Day Trip

Snorkel the outer Great Barrier Reef and discover its treasures - it's as easy as breathing. Locals discount available!

More info
From $335

Intro Diving Day Trip

Take the plunge and try your first scuba dive with our expert crew as your guides

More info
From $335

Certified Diving Day Trip

Cross the Great Barrier Reef off your 'must-dive' list with up to three dives at two amazing outer reef sites

More info

Itinerary

Great Barrier Reef Day Trip

8am: Check in at Cairns Marlin Marina and board the boat

8.30am: Depart Cairns and receive safety briefings as we travel to the outer reef

10am: Arrive at first snorkel and dive site

12.45pm: Move to second site and enjoy lunch

1.30pm: Continue diving and snorkelling

3pm: Depart reef site

4.30pm: Arrive back in Cairns

Additional info

Extras

  • Digital camera hire
  • Nitrox fills
  • Professional photos for purchase
  • Soft drinks, alcohol and snacks
  • Quality souvenirs
  • Introductory dive
  • Shared Dive Guide (ratio of 8:1) $20 per person per dive

What to bring

  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Certcard and logbook for certified diving
  • Reusable water bottle

Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I spent the day with Divers Den and did three guided dives where the ocean came alive and I was in awe! I wasn’t sure what to expect as I was newly PADI certified, but the staff was professional, friendly and knowledgeable. The vessel was clean and there was plenty of room for everyone on board. Thanks for the amazing day!”

– Bonir

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Outer reef sites sure are the best! Two dives and snorkelling definitely gave me what I wanted to see – turtles and different kinds of clown fish were some of the highlights. Thanks guys.”

– Kenny

Medical and Altitude Info

All introductory and certified scuba participants must meet medical questionnaire requirements and some conditions or medications may prevent you from diving. These requirements can be found on our Can I Dive? page, and we strongly recommend reviewing before booking.

Queensland’s code of practice on diving states that for a single no decompression dive, you should not fly/go to altitude for at least 12 hours, or 24 hours if divers have had multiple dives per day for several consecutive days, or have made dives that require decompression stops.

Altitude is defined as 300m/1000ft above sea level. This includes going to the Atherton Tablelands (a popular local scenic attraction), so please be aware if booking tours to follow your dive trip. Under normal circumstances, you should be out of the water from your last dive of the day at 2:30 pm.

Cancellation Policy

You can reschedule or cancel your trip any time up to 48 hours before departure with no penalty. Read our terms and conditions.