Reef Encounter Stateroom Australia’s Best Liveaboard

Reef Encounter is a boutique floating hotel on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This tour is truly the best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef!

Furthermore, consistently rated ‘number one’ for scuba diving and snorkelling liveaboards by both industry professionals and independent reviewers such as Google Reviews, Reef Encounter is large enough to provide all the cruise ship comforts, yet it is small enough to access spectacular reef locations not accessible to other vessels.

Our passion is to deliver Australia’s best liveaboard, and we are proud to be a family-owned and operated business, run by scuba enthusiasts. We take extreme pride in our products, boats, crew, and, most importantly, our guests.

Staying on the Great Barrier Reef

First, guests transfer from Cairns on our sister boat, Reef Experience.  This 90-minute transfer meets up with Reef Encounter on the Outer Barrier Reef.

Once we reach the outer barrier Reef, Reef Encounter guests are transferred to Reef Encounter and welcomed on board.

First is a welcome briefing, and guests check into their rooms. After getting settled, there is a water session before a delicious lunch.

Then, guests choose to relax on a deck chair or explore the Great Barrier Reef.

Reef Encounter generally moves twice daily, once in the morning and the afternoon.

Activities onboard

Once you have decided on your accommodation style, the next thing to decide is what activities you would like to do.

Snorkelling

Our Reef locations are close to the coral reefs with a mask, snorkel and fins.  You will see marine life as soon as you enter the water.  All our Reef locations have shallow coral gardens with abundant brightly coloured Reef fish.  While you are on board, there is lots of time to snorkel.

Our crew are the best on the reef, and if you are a non-swimmer or not confident in the water, they will be delighted to get in the water and swim for you.

Scuba diving

Scuba divers are in for a treat as our reef locations offer swim-throughs exciting reef walls, and abundant marine life.  We provide 3-day dives and one night dive per full day on the reef.

Introductory Scuba diving

Even if you have never experienced scuba diving, our professional dive crew can have you breathing underwater after a quick lesson.  Introductory divers can explore the Reef under the guidance of our dive instructors.  This scuba dive is a fantastic way to see the Great Barrier Reef.

Diving lessons

Once you become a certified diver, you will be able to scuba dive in a load of beautiful places all over the World.  Reef Encounter offers a unique & also personalised open water course with a maximum of four students per class and all dives done on the Great Barrier Reef.  While doing your system, there will be turtles, fish and coral.  This dive lesson is a fantastic way to learn to dive in the crystal clear waters of the GBR.

Transfer in style

Reef Encounter has an onboard helipad, so guests arriving after our morning departure can look a transferring by a scenic helicopter ride.

Moreover, we believe that Reef Encounter is unbeatable in service and value: Stay for as many nights as you like in superbly appointed staterooms, or choose to upgrade to the Top Deck Club for that extra bit of VIP touch.

Reef Encounter is an excellent alternative to a resort-based holiday, with daily transfers from Cairns by boat or helicopter.

Reef Encounter Highlights

  • The best crew on the Great Barrier Reef!
  • The Reef Encounter team is the best in the business, winning annual personal and professional awards for outstanding customer service in the tourism industry.
  • The latest snorkelling and scuba diving equipment (wetsuits are a small additional charge)
  • Glass bottom boat tour upon request
  • Marine Biology presentation
  • Breakfast on day 1 is a barbeque bacon and egg roll and also a vegetarian option.
  • Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and a cheese and fruit platter on your return to Cairns.
  • Free luggage storage at Tourist Information Centre in Cairns.
  • Daily transfers to Reef Encounter via our sister ship Reef Experience.
  • Helicopter Transfers: Scenic Great Barrier Reef helicopter transfers to or from your liveaboard tour are optional.

 

How to book Reef Encounter

Click ‘Book’ to select your arrival and departure dates – and then choose your desired activities, such as scuba diving, snorkelling or enrol on a dive course.

Great Barrier Reef Accommodation

  • A fully air-conditioned 35-metre catamaran hotel designed for the utmost stability and comfort at sea
  • Large dining saloon
  • TV and lounge area
  • Outdoor, freshwater hot-tub
  • Spacious sundeck with sun loungers
  • Fully licenced bar
  • Large, easy-access dive and snorkel platforms
  • Helicopter pad on the roof for low-flying scenic helicopter tours over the coral Reef as your transfer to/from Reef Encounter (optional extra)
  • Reef Encounter is one of few Great Barrier Reef liveaboards with ensuite facilities.  All stateroom have their ensuite toilet and shower.

Facilities Onboard

  • Check-in time: 10 am (approximately) Check-out time: 8 am (approximately)*
  • Spacious, air-conditioned staterooms with spectacular reef views and ensuite bathrooms
  • Towels and toiletries provided (soap, shampoo and conditioner)
  • Staterooms have Australian power outlets.
  • Double-bed or twin-single-bed staterooms
  • *For late checkout times and to keep your stateroom until departure, please upgrade to our Top Deck Club

Great Barrier Reef Itinerary

Please note, this itinerary is based on a 3-day /2-night stay with Reef Encounter

First Day

Arrive

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 2 Day Dives + 1 Night

7:30am
Board the transfer vessel 'Reef Experience' at Cairns Marlin Marina for breakfast, check-in and your journey to Reef Encounter

9:30am
Arrive onboard Reef Encounter for your 'Welcome & Safety Talk' before being shown to your room to settle in and relax

10:30am
 Water Session: Time to snorkel for all guests before lunch

12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon

13.00
Water Briefings: Certified Diver Briefings / Try Scuba Diving Briefings / Snorkel Adventure Briefings

13.30
 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time

15:00

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

15:30
 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

Summer


18:00
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

18:45
Night Dive Briefings

19:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

Winter


17:30
Night Dive Briefings

18:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

19:15
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

20:00
Dessert is served in the dining saloon

Full Day

On the Reef

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 3 Day Dives + 1 Night

6:00am
Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session

6:30am
 Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

7:30am
Breakfast is served in the dining saloon

8:00am

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

8:30am
 Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

10:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon

13:30
 Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

15:00

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

15:30
 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

Summer


18:00
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

18:45
Night Dive Briefings

19:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

Winter


17:30
Night Dive Briefings

18:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

19:15
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

20:00
Dessert is served in the dining saloon

Last Day

Return

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 3 Day Dives

6:00am
Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session

6:30am
Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

7:30am
Breakfast is served in the dining saloon

8:00am

Room Checkout

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

8:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

10:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon

13:30
 Water Session: Snorkel only session available to passengers before departure

14:45
Departing passengers board the transfer vessel 'Reef Experience' for the journey back to Cairns. Complimentary wine, cheese and biscuits served on the return journey

15:00 

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

16:30
Approximate arrival time to the Cairns Marlin Marina

*Please note, this itinerary does not apply to 'Great Barrier Reef Deal' bookings.

*Stateroom Check-In time is 10.00am with Check-Out time 8.00am on the morning of departure (access to a shared transfer/baggage room with bathroom is available along with all other boat facilities)

*Top Deck Club Check-in time is 10.00am with Check-Out time 2.00pm on the day of departure>

*This itinerary may vary due to weather conditions or other circumstances.

 

Check-In: 10:00 am

Check-Out: 8:00 am

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Reef Encounter Stateroom Accommodations

Add your review for Reef Encounter Stateroom

5

19 Reviews for “Reef Encounter Stateroom”

  1. Kristi B
    5

    Our stay (my sister and I) aboard Reef Encounter was an incredible experience. The dive master, Macca, was incredibly friendly, kind when I had some issues, and made me feel confident in what was going on. Our dive guide, Dan, was also exceptional and I can't say enough about how great he was when I had some issues diving. The food was amazing, in fact for most meals there was way more food that a single person could eat. Although we did try. The rooms were more than comfortable and we found that the rocking of the boat made for a great night's sleep. The diving was beautiful even though during our time the weather was cloudy and the water was fairly choppy. I wish we had much more time.

    Reply
  2. Nathan
    5

    "Find overall experience great. No hassles and everything ran smoothly. Exceptional rooms -- Food was unreal. Bedding and showers above expectations."

    Reply
  3. Dolores
    5

    "The crew was great, very helpful with all activities. Amazing meals, the accommodation was very clean and comfy. Thank you for everything, it was my first time diving and I had a great time!"

    Reply
  4. Bill
    5

    "Fantastic crew. Michael is a great dive master guide, Marley was also excellent. Rest of crew was very accommodating, friendly and makes us feel like family. Room was very comfortable overall ship is great. Meals were excellent! You'll get 5 stars from us on Trip Advisor!"

    Reply
  5. Katie
    5

    The crew were friendly, approachable and able to provide helpful information re. locations, equipment, and the daily schedule. The meals were excellent and the room was very comfortable and clean. Lovely warm shower! I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 day stay on Reef Encounter and would definitely recommend it!

    Reply
  6. Yoganya
    5

    Very friendly & helpful. Hitomi was an absolutely awesome dive instructor- thank you! Accommodation was very comfortable and more spacious than expected - very comfy couches and beds. Meals were good, all dietary requirements met with enthusiasm. We had a wonderful time, thank you to all the crew who looked after us. It might be a few years before I'm back, but will definitely come with you guys again!

    Reply
  7. Antoinette N
    5

    The crew were excellent, nothing was too much of a bother. Super friendly and super helpful and cheery. The rooms were super comfy and the food was delicious! Was totally not expecting the standards to be that high! Will be highly recommending to my friends and family <3

    Reply
  8. Jo L
    5

    The crew were so friendly, polite, helpful! I had full confidence in the dive instructors. The meals were delicious. Perfect food for being at sea. So healthy -- great fruits and salads.

    Reply
  9. Cortney
    5

    Our stay on Reef Encounter was awesome. Everything was perfectly accomodated. Crew was fantastic, enthusiastic, helpful, and nice. I felt very comfortable and safe staying on board.

    Reply
  10. Caledonia T
    5

    Everything was great! The room was great. The food was really GOOD. The crew was great. Dives were awesome. Thanks for the positive attitudes and friendliness. It was a great time.

    Reply
  11. Madison
    5

    Glowing reviews made me book Reef Encounter. This is one amazing company, the highlight of my trip, and I will tell everyone to go on this trip. Amazing, very friendly, helpful, warm and welcoming crew. Accommodation was very comfortable and meals were delicious! I was not disappointed at all. If possible I will be back!

    Reply
  12. Gary
    5

    I heard about Reef Encounter because it's the #1 recommended on Trip Advisor. I wanted a good price with lots of opportunities to snorkel, this fit the bill. Very nice and friendly crew, personable and very helpful. Meals were excellent and the bed was very comfortable. Excellent job guys, you did everything great, all very clean and great reef sites. Thanks for providing so many opportunities to snorkel.

    Reply
  13. Yael
    5

    It was an amazing experience! I enjoyed every second of it and the crew was awesome! So nice, kind, patient, professional.

    Reply
  14. Vinay
    5

    Real friendly crew. Loved the smiles and service around. Our guide was great when in the waters. Awesome accommodation and meals. Kudos to the chef - met my vegan diet requirements beyond expectations! Keep it going. :) Will come back given a chance.

    Reply
  15. Jacqueline
    5

    I booked on a liveaboard Reef Encounter. Liked that it had proper beds (not bunks) and ensuites in every room. Crew is absolutely fantastic, especially Jade and Ollie who made the perfect pina coladas. All other crew super friendly and helpful. Accommodation was fab, spacious cabins, clean and air con good. Food outstanding, could not feet it, especially rack of lamb! Food was actually gourmet. Thanks for the best 3 days!!! Will definitely give a glowing review on trip advisor. Also the photo packages were good value (unlike other touristic tours). *****

    Reply
  16. Tiffany
    5

    All of the crew were amazing, so helpful and friendly. The meals were also amazing, great-tasting and large portions. The accommodation was cozy and great!

    Reply
  17. Nola
    5

    Amazing, super friendly and helpful and knowledgeable crew. I love how they memorised my name almost immediately and always said hello with a smile on their faces. The meals were outstanding and delicious. I was pleasantly surprised by the spread and variety. Compliments to the chefs! We loved our time on Reef Encounter! Will definitely recommend to others and come back again to learn scuba diving :)

    Reply
  18. Mairhead
    5

    There are not enough words - the crew were amazing, friendly, hard-working, fun, engaging, professional, great chef, love their jobs! Fantastic - they made the trip! The meals were excellent - HATS OFF to the chefs!! Aaron and Peter were legends. We loved diving with all the instructors! Kohler you were amazing and thank you for breakfast tea, nice touch! I will be back for sure - Thank you !

    Reply
  19. Jennifer
    5

    REALLY enjoyed this experience and will come back again. The food was amazing, like really amazing, food and accommodation both get 5-stars. The crew are always amazing and were very nice and helpful. We love Reef Encounter. It was as fantastic as always.

    Reply

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