Description
Depart on Down Under Cruise & Dive Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Visiting two breathtaking reef locations over the course of five hours. Evolution is a big, slick, contemporary vessel. and offers an excellent ride out to the reef. Additionally, their attentive, professional, and courteous staff guarantees a fun-filled, safe experience.
With five hours spent visiting two spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef destinations, you are sure to be in for an amazing adventure.
Great Barrier Reef Departures From Cairns
- Departs: Daily
- Check-in: 7.15 a.m.–7.45 a.m. at the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns
- Evolution Departs: at 8 a.m.
- Evolution Returns: 4.30 p.m.
- $20 levy to paid on departure
Your travel itinerary
- 7:15 a.m.–7:45 a.m.: Check-in, Reef Fleet Terminal
- 8.00am: Evolution departs Cairns
- 9.45am: Arrive at reef location 1
- 11:30am: Enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard
- 1:00 p.m.: Evolution arrives at reef location 2
- 3:00 p.m.: Evolution departs for Cairns
- 4:30pm: Evolution arrives back in Cairns
Upon arrival at your first reef location, either Saxon or Norman Reef, it’s time to snorkel or dive (scuba Dive additional cost). Hop in the water with your provided equipment and check out the underwater world full of multicoloured fish, coral, and other marine life. Instruction is provided for beginners, and your knowledgeable dive crew are on hand to encourage and help you if need.
During your time on the reef, you will enjoy a BBQ Lunch prepared on board with fresh fish, steak, a variety of salads, and prawns. We also cater for special dietary requirements.
At the second reef location, North Hastings Reef, you can snorkel or dive again. If you prefer to stay dry, you can still check out the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef from above with a 10 minute scenic Helicopter flight or from below on our Semi Submersible tour (additional costs apply).
On the return cruise back to Cairns, sit back and relax with a glass of wine and afternoon tea to celebrate the end of your day tour on the Great Barrier Reef.
Great Barrier Reef Inclusions
- Cruise onboard luxury 35-metre superyacht, Evolution
- 5 hours outer reef time
- 2 unique outer reef locations
- Unlimited snorkelling with all equipment
- Delicious BBQ Lunch includes fresh fish, prawns, steak and a variety of salads (Vegan, Vegetarian, GF, DF)
- Tea, coffee and mini muffins
- FREE lycra/sun-suit hire
- FREE glass of wine and snack on return
- PADI-qualified dive instructors and Master Reef guides
- Spacious air-conditioned lounges and upper deck to relax in comfort
Additional Options
- Up to 3 Introductory or Certified Dives
- Pre-booked 1st dive: $80
- 2nd Dive: $60
- 3rd Dive: $45
- Scenic Heli Flight: $199pp pre-booked
- Marine Biologist Snorkel Tour: $35pp
- Semi-Submersible Tour $20 Adults, $10 Child
- Return transfers – Cairns City $20pp, Northern Beaches $29pp, Port Douglas $99pp (min 2) Please make own way free
- Wetsuits $10 per person onboard
Looking for more adventures check out our Cape Tribulation page
Important info before travel
- Sunscreen and Hat
- Travel voucher
- Change of Clothes
- Swimmers and a towel
- Cash or Credit Card for bar and souvenir purchases
We have 12 exclusive moorings at six reef locations. Locations are chosen each day based on weather conditions and water clarity to ensure the best experience for all activities. Generally, we travel to one of our two outer reef locations in the morning (Norman Reef or Saxon Reef), then make our way to North Hastings Reef in the afternoon to conduct helicopter flights and our semi-submersible tour.
Customers can cancel their trip up to 18 hours before travel for a full refund (2 pm the day prior to travel) or up to 24 hours prior to day 1 for multi-day package bookings. If you cancel within the 18-hour period (or 24-hour period for packages) before travel, no refund will be issued. Rebooking fees of $50 also apply.
In the event that your preferred date of travel is cancelled by us, we will rebook you on the next available date we are departing at no additional cost to you. For more information on booking changes and other options, contact our Reservations team via email: reservations@downunderdive.com.au or phone: 07 4052 8300.
Please consider the weather and wind strength before booking. The operator reserves the right to cancel the tour, change vessel type, or arrange an alternative carrier in the event of bad weather or mechanical problems. There are no refunds for voluntary, uncompleted dives.
If you booked through a third-party travel agent, please contact your agent directly regarding your refund or rebooking request first. Please read the agent’s terms and conditions carefully before booking with a third party. Their specific terms and conditions are out of our control and may differ from our terms and conditions.
COVID-19:
Please note that, as per current QLD requirements, you do not have to be vaccinated to attend one of our tours. During current COVID restrictions, passengers will be allocated seats when boarding.
Pricing:
All prices are listed and charged in Australian dollars (AUD).
Child Policy:
- Child ages for Reef (snorkel), Rainforest and Outback Tours: 4 – 16 years
- Child ages for Skyrail/Kuranda: 4–14 years
- Infants: up to 3 years FOC
- Introductory Dive: Minimum age 12
- Certified Dive: Minimum age 10 and must dive with a parent, guardian, or private guide.
- PADI Dive Course: Minimum age 12
- Passengers 18 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Safety:
Please consider weather and wind strength before booking semi-submarine tours and helicopter scenic flights, weather permitting. 130-kg helicopter flight weight restrictions apply.
Important dive information:
All divers must complete a Queensland Medical Questionnaire.
Certified divers must show an internationally recognised scuba card.
Minimum age for introductory divers and dive courses: 12+ years, and for certified divers: 10+ years.
Please keep in mind that all divers are required to complete a medical questionnaire. In our commitment to the safety of our guests, divers over 65 years old (or 45 years old for PADI dive courses) must have a medical clearance with a physician that confirms they are fit to dive. This can be provided by your own GP before you leave for your holiday.
Please be aware that certain medical conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and any prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor’s name and practice, and the clearance to dive for the specific medications or condition. Please review our Introductory and Certified Diver Medical Declaration prior to travel. The purpose of this medical declaration is to find out if you should be examined by a physician before participating in recreational diving. A positive response to a question does not necessarily disqualify you from diving. A positive response means there is a pre-existing condition that may affect your safety while diving, and you must seek the advice of a physician.
Scuba diving can be strenuous under certain conditions. Your respiratory and circulatory systems must be in good health. All body spaces must be normal and healthy. Please review our Introductory and Certified Diver Medical Declaration prior to travel.
In the interests of safety, we recommend not flying within 24 hours of the last dive. You will not be allowed to dive until you are declared medically fit to do so. For advice, please contact our office directly.
