Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise with 25-Minute Scenic Helicopter Flight, BBQ Lunch & Snorkelling
Discover a vibrant array of underwater life and coral gardens on a full-day Great Barrier Reef adventure cruise, returning to Cairns by helicopter flight. Set sail to two outer reef locations, where you’ll be invited to explore the big blue, relax on deck or relish in views of the world-famous reef. With a delicious barbeque lunch, morning and afternoon tea to fuel your adventures, why not upgrade to include an Introductory Scuba Dive or Certified Dive? As the day ends at Hastings Reef, board a helicopter flight for aerial views of the reef’s kaleidoscopic colours and pristine sand cays—the cherry on top of an extraordinary day!
Inclusions
- Valid for one person (3+)
- Snorkelling at two Outer Great Barrier Reef locations (total five hours’ swimming time)
- UPGRADE to include one intro dive (must be aged 10+) OR one certified dive (must be aged 12+) (valid diving certifications apply)
- Note: upgrade dive options are unavailable from 1 April 2025
- 25-minute (approximately) helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef and sand cays back to Cairns
- Delicious barbeque lunch including fresh fish, prawns, steak, vegetarian option and a variety of fresh salads
- Tea and coffee provided
- Glass of wine (18+ only) and a light snack on return
- Snorkelling equipment, floatation devices, lycra/sun-suit hire
- Spacious air-conditioned modern lounges and upper deck to relax in comfort
- Available every day: Departs 8am; returns 3.30pm. Check-in time: 7.15am–7.45am
- Check-in location: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina, 1 Spence Street, Cairns
- Drop-off location: Marina Point, 2 Pier Point Road, Cairns City 4870
Day Tour Sample Itinerary:
- 7.30am: Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal
- 8am Evolution departs Marlin Marina, Cairns
- 11.30am: Three hours snorkelling at first reef location and barbeque Lunch
- 1pm: Evolution arrives at second reef location for you to enjoy up to two hours snorkelling
- 2.45pm: Depart reef on helicopter flight back to Cairns
- 3.15pm: Arrive back in Cairns approx
Pricing & availability
Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal Marlin Marina 1 Spence Street, Cairns, QLD
Things to know
- After you have made your booking request, a confirmation email will be automatically sent to your nominated email address. Please note this is NOT a final confirmation, as your desired date may not be available
- Please note: Down Under Cruise and Dive will be in contact within 1–3 business days to confirm your booking and arrange a time with you directly
- 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 apply
Changes to Booking
48 hours’ notice is required to change a booking you have made
Every day
Availability:
- Available every day: Departs 8am; returns 3.30pm. Check-in time: 7.15am–7.45am
- Check-in location: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina, 1 Spence Street, Cairns
- Drop-off location: Marina Point, 2 Pier Point Road, Cairns City 4870
Important:
- Please consider weather and wind strength before booking. Semi-submarine tours and helicopter scenic flights are weather permitting
- Passengers aged 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult
- The maximum single-seat payload for the helicopter flight is 130kg
- Must be aged 18+ for alcohol consumption
- Dietary requirements can be accommodated with minimum 24 hours’ prior notice. Please advise at the time of booking
Important:
- Exclusions: Hotel transfers and additional drinks
- Please consider the weather and wind strength before booking. Helicopter scenic flights are weather permitting
- Passengers aged 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult
- Maximum passenger weight of 130kg applies for helicopter flights
Terms & Conditions:
- Must be aged 18+ for alcohol consumption and provide valid ID upon request
- 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
- Cruises are weather dependent and may be cancelled at the discretion of Down Under Cruise and Dive for passenger and crew safety
- Optional Dive Upgrade:
- All divers must complete a Queensland Medical Questionnaire onboard. Certified divers must show an internationally recognised scuba card
- Minimum age for Introductory divers and dive courses: 12+ years and Certified divers: 10+ years. Please read the important diving safety information prior to booking
- Divers over 65+ (or 45 for PADI dive courses) must have a medical clearance with a physician who 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/or prescription medication may prevent some people from diving. If you have a certain medical condition or are taking prescription medication it is imperative to review our Introductory and Certified Diver Medical Declaration prior to travel and to seek advice from your physician
- In the interests of safety, it is recommended participants do not fly within 24 hours of the last dive. You will not be allowed to dive until you are declared medically fit to dive. For advice, please contact Down Under Cruise and Dive directly
Cancellations:
- Cancellations made more than 18 hours before departure date (i.e. before 2pm the day prior to travel): no cancellation fees apply
- Cancellations within 18 hours of departure date, late arrivals and no-shows: 100% cancellation fee applies
- Rebooking fees from AUD$50 apply
Changes to Booking:
- 48 hours’ notice is required to change a booking you have made. Rebooking fees from AUD$50 apply
Please Note:
- Bookings for this offer are limited and subject to availability. Not valid with any other offer
- Entire value must be used in one visit; any unused portions will be forfeited, and cannot be used at a later date
Important:
- The destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your visit
- We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions are located on the terms and conditions page of our website
Down Under Cruise and Dive
Down Under Cruise and Dive has been a locally owned and operated company for over 30 years, offering comfortable and affordable cruises to Great Barrier Reef destinations. Join their friendly and professional boat crew for their experiences that have been rated 5-stars by hundreds of happy travellers.