Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour
Overview
On this 8-hour tour from Cairns, cruise out to an activity platform on the outer Great Barrier Reef for a day of exploring this natural wonder in different ways.
Reef Magic's location is selected for its water clarity, coral quality, and diversity of marine life, which you can see while snorkeling or taking a tour by glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible vessel.
Learn about the wildlife from on-board marine biologists, and choose to participate in more activities, if you wish, like scuba diving or a helicopter ride (additional expense). All ages and swimming abilities are welcome. Buffet lunch is included as well as morning and afternoon tea.
What's Included
- Hot/cold buffet lunch
- Marine biologist presentation
- All taxes and fees
- Glass bottom boat tour & underwater reef viewing observatory
- Morning and afternoon tea with tea, coffee, and filtered water throughout the day
- Snorkeling equipment including mask & snorkel, fins and wetsuit/lycra suit rental.
- Transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches are at an additional cost.
- Prescription snorkel and dive masks are available for rental on board
- Optional activities: introductory scuba diving, helmet diving, certified scuba diving, guided snorkel tour with a marine biologist, SEABOB jet-powered snorkeling experience, and scenic reef helicopter flight
Meeting Location
Spence Street
Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Depart Cairns on a fast catamaran, which provides a smooth 1.5-hour to the outer Great Barrier Reef.
When you arrive at the pontoon, begin your exploration of the reef, a complex and diverse ecosystem home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, 200 types of birds, and 20 types of reptiles. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, go scuba diving with a certified dive or introductory session (no experience necessary), or join the on-board marine biologist for a guided snorkeling safari (diving and guided snorkeling at your own expense). Our marine biologists conduct a presentation in the only science lab on the reef. You can also enjoy a session with our marine biologist, who points out resident fish like "Wally," the Maori wrasse. You can even stay dry and view the marine life from the semi-submersible reef viewer, glass-bottom boat, or underwater observatory.
Other optional activities (own expense) include a helmet dive for a scuba-style experience up to 3 m deep, or a scenic helicopter flight for an aerial adventure over the reef. Or, simply relax and enjoy the tropical weather on the sundeck.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Please bring a swimsuit, hat, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cash or credit card for any on-board purchases
- All diving is subject to the completion of an on-board medical questionnaire. Certain medical conditions (such as asthma, epilepsy, and high blood pressure) and medications may exclude individuals from diving. Minimum age to dive is 12 years with parent/guardian permission required for those under 18 years. Certified divers must produce their certification cards. After diving, intervals of 12-24 hours are recommended prior to flying in any type of aircraft dependent on depth of dives and total accrued dive time
- Helicopter flights: Route flown and type of aircraft used are subject to weather, air traffic control, aircraft availability and, ultimately, the pilot's discretion. Maximum of 1 infant allowed per flight. Maximum combined passenger weight limits apply
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(13)Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-22448P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.79 out of 5 stars based on 742 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (13)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
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Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage.
Jan 2022Yes, this is possible, as long as you are comfortable going into the water. All City Boat Tours snorkeling tours adhere to strict safety regulations and have been designed to be enjoyed by all.
Your safety is our #1 priority, which is why:
- You will be wearing a flotation device at all times.
- On many tours, there is a stairway from the boat into the water so you won’t have to “jump” in!
- There are trained staff in the water and watching from the boat at all times.
For these reasons, we believe that even non-swimmers can have a wonderful time on our snorkeling trips, however, the final judgment call is yours to make. Please note we do not give refunds if you decide not to snorkel on the trip.
Oct 2021The snorkel gear we use on City Boat Tours tours is high quality and for your protection, the equipment is sanitized after each use. However, if you feel more comfortable using your own snorkeling equipment, feel free to bring it on the tour. Please note, there is no discount for providing your own equipment and we can’t be responsible for any lost or damaged items.
May 2023First-time snorkelers can be assured of one-on-one instruction and assistance. We find introducing folks to our world very rewarding!
Oct 2021There are no legal age limits for snorkeling. We have found that age 5 or 6 is a good age to learn the basics of snorkeling, however, it’s entirely up to individuals to make the best choice for their family.
Sep 2021If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEST).
- Hot/cold buffet lunch.
- Marine biologist presentation.
- All taxes and fees.
- Glass bottom boat tour & underwater reef viewing observatory.
- Morning and afternoon tea with tea, coffee, and filtered water throughout the day.
- Snorkeling equipment including mask & snorkel, fins and wetsuit/lycra suit rental.
- Transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches are at an additional cost.
- Prescription snorkel and dive masks are available for rental on board.
- Optional activities: introductory scuba diving, helmet diving, certified scuba diving, guided snorkel tour with a marine biologist, SEABOB jet-powered snorkeling experience, and scenic reef helicopter flight.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Hot/cold buffet lunch
- Marine biologist presentation
- All taxes and fees
- Glass bottom boat tour & underwater reef viewing observatory
- Morning and afternoon tea with tea, coffee, and filtered water throughout the day
- Snorkeling equipment including mask & snorkel, fins and wetsuit/lycra suit rental.
- Transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches are at an additional cost.
- Prescription snorkel and dive masks are available for rental on board
- Optional activities: introductory scuba diving, helmet diving, certified scuba diving, guided snorkel tour with a marine biologist, SEABOB jet-powered snorkeling experience, and scenic reef helicopter flight
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Please bring a swimsuit, hat, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cash or credit card for any on-board purchases
- All diving is subject to the completion of an on-board medical questionnaire. Certain medical conditions (such as asthma, epilepsy, and high blood pressure) and medications may exclude individuals from diving. Minimum age to dive is 12 years with parent/guardian permission required for those under 18 years. Certified divers must produce their certification cards. After diving, intervals of 12-24 hours are recommended prior to flying in any type of aircraft dependent on depth of dives and total accrued dive time
- Helicopter flights: Route flown and type of aircraft used are subject to weather, air traffic control, aircraft availability and, ultimately, the pilot's discretion. Maximum of 1 infant allowed per flight. Maximum combined passenger weight limits apply
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travelers
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