Highlights
- Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef by luxury catamaran from Cairns
- Spend a full six hours on the Great Barrier Reef
- Choose to snorkel or dive at 2 locations -- Upolu Cay and Upolu Reef
- Learn about the reef on a glass-bottom boat coral-viewing tour
- Take a snorkeling tour led by a marine naturalist
- Delicious buffet lunch, snacks and beverages included
- Top-quality snorkeling and diving gear included
- Cruise is limited to a maximum of 75 passengers
Useful Information
Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Luxury Catamaran
As you cruise to Upolu Cay, relax in the air-conditioned interior deck or on the outdoor sundeck. The crew will provide a safety briefing, and if you choose the introductory or certified scuba diving option, you’ll also fill out your paperwork.
Your first stop is Upolu Cay, a naturally formed coral cay situated 19 miles (30 km) from Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. The cay's protected shallow waters make it the perfect location to explore the reef, for both snorkelers and scuba divers. Drop anchor and take a glass-bottom boat tour from the catamaran to Upolu Cay. Then jump in the stunning turquoise water for your snorkeling adventure or your introductory or certified dive among an array of coral, reef fish, and starfish.
After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on board while cruising from Upolu Cay to Upolu Reef. Feast on smoked salmon, chilled prawns, cold chicken and other meats, accompanied by salad and fresh bread.
You’ll soon arrive at the amazing dive and snorkel site known as the ‘Wonder Wall,’ located on the outer edge of Upolu Reef. Rising 46 feet (14 meters) from the ocean floor, the ‘Wonder Wall’ plateaus just below the water's surface, making it a perfect spot for both snorkelers and divers. Be amazed by the many different types of hard and soft coral, giant clams, turtles and reef fish of all shapes and sizes. Learn more about the reef on an informative drift snorkel tour with a marine naturalist.
After a full six hours exploring the Great Barrier Reef, cruise back to Cairns as the crew serves a selection of tropical fruit, cheese, crackers and a decadent cake platter.
Reviewed by Kyle T, April 2013
They were wonderful! They were entertaining and always made sure we had what we needed. They also got in the water to teach my daughter how to snorkel. The food was plentiful, the attitudes were fabulous! The Great Bartier Reef was AMAZING! Money well spent for sure! I would recommend this tour to anyone, but especially if you have kids! It is a great family atmosphere!
Reviewed by elaine, February 2013
The trip on the barrier Reef was absolutely excellent. Firstly the boat was the right size and the crew excellent, very friendly and nothing was too much trouble for them. All safety aspects were gone through and the equipment available from sting suits, floatation jackets, fins, masks and snorkels were of good condition. Breakfast was great with unlimited tea/coffee available throughout the trip. A bar was there and the prices were not a ripoff. The lunch was excellent, followed on the way back by fruit, cheese and biscuits finally slices of cake. An excellent glass bottomed boat trip of the reef with a very knowledgeable skipper. The two areas of the reef they took us to, there were only two boats there, so you were very private. There are only two points I would make. More information needs to be given regarding were to park and the costs. The carpark we used we had to pay in coins only and were chaseing round for 10 dollars in coins. Also were you need to go to check-in. We were then told there was an underground carpark which took credit cards. Other than this I would reccomend this trip to anybody. We would certainly use this company again.
