Cairns best All Inclusive Tour Spectacular outer Barrier Reef locations Includes FREE scuba dive for certified divers and beginners, snorkelling, breakfast & BBQ Lunch
Reef Experience: The Ultimate Great Barrier Reef Day Tour from Cairns 🛥️
Why Choose Reef Experience?
All-Inclusive Adventure – No hidden costs! Your tour includes a FREE scuba dive*, snorkelling gear, meals, and a marine biology presentation.
Two Spectacular Outer Reef Locations – Visit the most pristine coral reefs with vibrant marine life.
High-Speed Comfortable Catamaran – Travel in comfort and style, ensuring more time to explore the Reef.
Perfect for All Experience Levels – Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeller, our crew ensures an unforgettable experience.
Friendly, Expert Crew – Our passionate team is dedicated to making your day on the Reef truly magical.
The Best Way to Experience the Great Barrier Reef 🪸
Step aboard our high-speed catamaran, Reef Experience, for an unforgettable day exploring the natural wonders of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Unlike other tours, this is Cairns’ only all-inclusive day trip, ensuring you get the most out of your adventure with no extra costs.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or have never snorkelled before, this tour is designed to cater to all swimming and diving abilities. Moreover, our expert crew will guide you every step of the way, making sure you have the best Reef experience possible.
Your Reef Adventure Begins Here
Firstly, we start the day by picking you up from your accommodation in Cairns and welcoming you on board with a tasty BBQ breakfast. Then, as we cruise to the Reef, our marine biologist will share fascinating insights about the Reef’s diverse marine life and coral formations.
Upon arrival at the first outer Reef location, you’ll have the chance to snorkel, dive*, or simply relax on deck while taking in the breathtaking surroundings. Our professional dive instructors will assist you every step of the way, whether you’re trying scuba diving for the first time or exploring deeper as a certified diver.
After an incredible first stop, we head to a second Reef site for another round of underwater adventures. Here, our friendly crew will guide you to the best coral gardens, helping you spot vibrant fish, graceful sea turtles, and even majestic Reef sharks. If you’re looking for more adventure, you can upgrade to a second dive or join a Marine Bio Snorkel Tour.
No Swimming Experience? No Problem! 🐠
If you’ve never snorkelled before or don’t feel confident in the water, our crew is here to help! We provide floatation devices, guided snorkel tours, and one-on-one assistance to ensure that everyone, regardless of experience, can enjoy the magic of the Reef.
Book Your Great Barrier Reef Adventure Today!
A day with Reef Experience is more than just a tour – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you’re ticking off a bucket-list experience, travelling with family, or looking for an all-inclusive, hassle-free way to see the Great Barrier Reef, this is the perfect choice.
Don’t wait – reserve your spot today and get ready for an unforgettable day on the Great Barrier Reef!
*Scuba diving is subject to medical clearance
Reef Experience is an all-inclusive Great Barrier Reef adventure, featuring a FREE introductory scuba dive*, unlimited snorkelling at two pristine outer Reef locations, and a comfortable high-speed catamaran experience—all guided by expert crew members to ensure an unforgettable day on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
07:30 – Firstly, check-in at Reef Experience boat at the Cairns Marina ‘A-Finger’
08:00 – Approximate departure and Safety Talk with snorkel briefing
08:30 – Marine Biology presentation,
09:00 – Scuba diving briefing
09:30 – Arrive at our first spectacular reef site, snorkel and/or scuba diving.
12:30 – Lunch
13:00 – Cruise to our second location to explore forests of coral, large sea fans and black coral trees in its shallow lagoons
15:00 – Depart the Great Barrier Reef
15:30 – Glass of wine, tropical fruits, cheese and biscuits
16:30 – Arrive back in Cairns
Reef Experience is Cairns’ only all-inclusive
Return transfers to Cairns Marlin Marina from your Cairns City Accommodations
Breakfast (BBQ bacon and agg roll), lunch (Buffet style BBQ lunch), wine cheese and crackers – all prepared daily by our onboard cook
Marine Biology Presentation on your way to the Reef
1 x Free Beginner and/or Certified Scuba Dive (Subject to medical clearance, minimum 12 years old, and/or holds a certification card)
Snorkeling equipment
Sunscreens
Reef levies
Second Scuba Dive
Dive Guides for already qualified ‘Certified’ scuba divers (dive guides included for beginner divers)
Underwater Digital Camera Hire
Snack Bar Purchases: Soft drinks, chocolate, chips, alcohol etc.
Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour of the reef: Snorkel with an experienced Marine Biologist and learn about the marine life you see on an educational and interactive tour
Great Barrier Reef souvenirs – T-shirts, hats etc
Prescription Mask Hire
Bus transfers from accommodations outside of the Cairns Business Area
Cash and/or credit card for purchases
Swimming Clothes
Towel
Hat
Sunglasses
Camera
Proof of qualification if you’re a Certified Diver
This is a barefoot tour. Once onboard, no one wears shoes.
Reef Experience departs from
Cairns Marina: ‘A-Finger’ View map
Boarding commences at7:30 am for check-in directly on the vessel ‘Reef Experience.’
Arrive back at Cairns Marina at approximately 4:30 pm
Where Can I Park?
Several parking stations throughout Cairns are within walking distance of the Marina. Click here to see where
Scuba diving Information
Queensland, Australia, has some of the strictest scuba diving rules globally and the safest scuba diving record. We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all regulations, including medical as is the law.
To avoid disappointment on your day of travel, we strongly recommend that all of our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire before booking as some medical conditions, age and/or medications may prevent you from scuba diving. It is always our mission to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef experience. Reef Experience Medical Questionnaire
Flying after Scuba Diving
It would be best if you did not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after a scuba dive for a single no decompression scuba dive. For multiple dives, you should not fly for 24 hours after your last dive.
If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after your dive.
We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible.
A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any changes to the booking (date, names, etc) incur a $20 administration fee.
We must notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to ensure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 30 days or more prior to departure
50% cancellation fee if within 30 days prior to departure
100% cancellation fee within 14 days prior to departure
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. No refund or compensation will be issued for unused equipment, prepaid/pre-booked courses and/or Scuba dives, or guides if you cannot complete the entire tour. Please see Scuba Diving – Important Information below.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavour to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
Check-in: If you are Making your own way (no return transfers booked), please check-in and board at 7.30 am. Reef Experience is located on A Finger, at Cairns Marlin Marina.
Terms and Conditions:
Children’s prices are from 4 to 11 years of age. If booking as a certified diver, adult rates apply.
If you have used a credit card to purchase your ticket for either Reef Experience or Reef Encounter directly from our websites, email or phone, please have this card present along with a matching valid photo ID of the cardholder at check-in. Boarding will be denied without them, or you may be asked to pay again.
Open-Dated Ticket: In certain cases, Open-Dated tickets may be issued. These tickets are valid indefinitely but are non-refundable. Any fare increase must be paid at the time of rebooking. Once a customer accepts an Open-Dated ticket, the cancellation policy applicable to the original booking date will remain in effect.
Schedules, vessels, dive locations, and itineraries are subject to change without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances, with full consideration for your safety and enjoyment. We reserve the right to adjust tours, schedules, prices, and itineraries at any time without notice. We are not liable for any changes, cancellations, or delays, and we accept no responsibility for any loss, additional expenses, or out-of-pocket costs incurred as a result, whether caused directly or indirectly.
Neither this site nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, any loss, any damage, delays, deaths or personal injury.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance that covers personal injury and the events, including but not limited to your cancellation for any reason and the cancellation or alteration to the scheduled itinerary for reasons involving weather or passenger, crew or vessel safety. Please read your insurance policy's wording carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. Please be aware that all travel insurance companies do not cover scuba diving and other in-water activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical expenses, or other expenses are the passenger's financial responsibility.
The passenger acknowledges and consents to Reef Encounter taking photographs or video recordings during the course of this activity/tour. The passenger acknowledges and consents to Reef Encounter receiving and using images of the passenger from third parties and using these images for marketing and promoting its services.
Please inform us of any special requirements 48 hours before your travel date, such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done in the ‘Booking Message’ section of your online reservation or by contacting our friendly reservations team.
Scuba Diving – Important Information:
All Certified Divers must present a valid Certification Card. Failure to present a Certification Card may result in the customer being unable to participate in scuba diving. They can enjoy snorkelling activities instead. No refunds would be offered.
The minimum age for Introductory Diving is 12 years old. The minimum age for certified diving and Open Water Courses is 10 years old. All junior divers must either be accompanied by a certified parent or guardian or must dive with a dive professional at an additional charge. If the diver is under the age of 18 years, parental or guardian consent is required for that diver to undertake a dive. The parent or guardian should sign the medical declaration as witness.
Upon arriving at our vessel and before commencing any dive activities, all passengers must complete our liability forms. All information provided must be strictly accurate. If during the tour, it becomes apparent that a form has been incorrectly completed, either by omission or false statement, we reserve the right to prevent any customer from undertaking any scuba diving or snorkelling activities while on board our vessel. Any decision made in this regard will be at the absolute discretion of the Dive Crew aboard the vessel.
The dangers and risks associated with scuba diving in an open ocean environment under variable conditions apply to our tours. We reserve the right to prevent any customer from participating in scuba diving if we determine that they are physically or medically unsuitable to do so or if it is in the best interests of our crew or other scuba divers. Our crew are trained professionals, and it is up to their sole discretion who they take diving and/or snorkelling. No refunds would apply.
Please remember you must allow 24 hours from your last dive before flying.
Medical Conditions & Medications:
Queensland, Australia has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world but also the safest scuba diving record. We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules, including medical, as is the law.
All passengers participating in any Scuba activities must complete a [hga_dive_questionaire_text text="Medical Questionnaire"]. If you’ve answered yes to any questions or take any prescribed medication, you will need further medical clearance. This must be arranged prior to your day of departure.
Medication: DO NOT presume that by taking medication is controlling your medical conditions, and you should be fine to scuba dive, as it is the medication that can be the problem when scuba diving. Particularly prescribed medication may require a medical clearance.
The medical certification should be provided in English, preferably by a medical practitioner with experience in diving medicine, within 90 days prior to the scuba dive. The certificate must state that the person is medically fit to dive.
No refunds are given for uncompleted dives due to medical conditions and/or prescribed medications or changes of mind.
Peak Season Surcharge - To be paid onboard on the day of travel:
➢ A Surcharge of $100 per person applies to 25 December 2025 & 2026 – Christmas Day
➢ A Surcharge of $50 per person applies to the following days:
• 18, 19, 20 & 21 April 2025 – Easter weekend
• 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day
• 3, 4, 5 & 6 April 2026 – Easter Weekend
• 26 December 2026 – Boxing Day
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3 Reviews for “Reef Experience”
Reef Experience
James
5
Excellent crew! My diving instructor was was absolutely amazing. So patient and helpful...Scuba diving was great!
James
5Excellent crew! My diving instructor was was absolutely amazing. So patient and helpful...Scuba diving was great!
Ivan
5the crew were friendly and exceptional. Diving and snorkelling - the best! And the sun lounge on deck was just amazing :-)
Neil
5The whole day was a perfect experience.