Reef Experience – Best Value Great Barrier Reef Day Tour (Cairns)
Reef Experience Great Barrier Reef Tour Cairns’ Best-Value Great Barrier Reef Day Tour
- Two premium outer Great Barrier Reef locations (weather-dependant)
- All snorkeling equipment included
- Optional Introductory or Certified Scuba Diving
- Marine biologist presentation and guided tours
- Fresh meals, tea, coffee, and snacks included
- Family-owned and operated, safe and friendly crew.
About Reef Experience
Reef Experience is Cairns’ most inclusive and best-value Great Barrier Reef day tour, designed for visitors who want a fun, friendly, and unforgettable day on the reef. Whether you’re snorkeling for the first time, diving for the hundredth time, or simply relaxing on deck, this experience offers something for everyone.
Your day begins with a warm welcome from the friendly Reef Experience crew as you board the fast, comfortable catamaran. Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and breakfast rolls as you cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, the marine biologist team provides engaging insights into the reef’s unique marine life and ecosystems.
You’ll visit two beautiful reef locations chosen for the day’s conditions. Here, you can snorkel straight from the back of the boat, join a guided snorkel tour, or choose to try an Introductory Dive with your highly trained instructors. Certified divers will enjoy deeper explorations guided by experienced dive masters.
With all meals included, friendly crew, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere, Reef Experience is ideal for singles, couples, families, and groups who want a full-day adventure that includes everything.
Why You Will Love It
- It’s the easiest, most inclusive way to explore the Great Barrier Reef
- Stunning coral gardens, fish life, turtles, and marine species
- No hidden extras – great value for families and groups
- Safe, friendly, and supportive crew
- Perfect for first-time snorkelers and first-time divers
- A relaxing full-day experience with plenty of time in the water.
Why Book This Tour
- Best-value reef trip from Cairns with plenty of inclusions
- Family-owned and operated, warm, genuine North Queensland hospitality
- High safety standards with experienced divers and marine biologists
- Fast, comfortable catamaran, more time at the reef
- Ideal for all ages and all experience levels.
Tour Information
Duration: Full day
Departs: Cairns Marina
Check-in: 7:30am
Returns: Approximately 4:30pm
Operator: Reef Experience
Due to the current uncertainty in the world and the significant increase in fuel costs required to operate our vessels, we have had to introduce a $10 per person fuel levy for all guests travelling on Reef Experience. We truly appreciate your understanding, as this step has been necessary to help us continue delivering the high-quality Great Barrier Reef experience our guests expect.
Book Your Spot
Secure your place on this popular tour especially during school holidays and peak season.
Highlights
Tour highlights include snorkelling at two pristine Outer Reef sites, a FREE scuba dive (beginner or certified), all-inclusive meals and refreshments, Cairns City pick-ups, and engaging marine biologist presentations—making it Cairns’ best-value, all-inclusive reef adventure.
Itinerary
Reef Experience Sample itinerary
- 7:30 Check-in at Reef Experience vessel (hotel shuttle available for CBD—conditions apply).
- Tea/coffee & light breakfast on board.
- 8:00am Depart Cairns. Safety brief and marine biologist talk. Gear fitting.
- Morning reef stop: Snorkel vibrant coral gardens; certified or intro divers take their included dive with professional guides.
- BBQ lunch on board while cruising to site two (weather-dependant).
- Afternoon reef stop: Guided snorkel tour available; relax on the sundeck or jump in for more reef time.
- Return cruise: Afternoon refresher served; back to Cairns ~4:30pm.
Included
What’s Included – Everything You Need for the Perfect Day
- Breakfast on boarding – enjoy a delicious bacon & egg roll freshly made.
- All snorkelling equipment – mask, fins, snorkel, and flotation aids included for all guests.
- 1 x FREE scuba dive – choose between an introductory dive or a certified dive, with all gear and supervision provided.
- Guided snorkel tours with friendly crew to help you discover the best reef spots.
- Marine biologist presentation – learn about reef life, coral ecosystems, and conservation in a fun, interactive talk.
- Tropical BBQ buffet lunch with fresh salads, meats, and vegetarian options served on board.
- Afternoon refreshments – cheese, crackers and glass of wine for the return journey to Cairns.
- Wetsuits or lycra suits (seasonal) provided for your comfort and sun protection.
- Friendly, experienced crew offering personal assistance and safety supervision throughout the day.
- All marine park fees included in your fare
Optional Extras
➕ Optional Extras on Reef Experience
- Introductory Scuba Dive
- Certified Scuba Diving
- Underwater photography
- Soft drinks / snacks onboard
What to bring
What to Bring
A little preparation helps you make the most of your day on the Great Barrier Reef. Here’s what we recommend bringing along:
- Swimwear – wear it under your clothes for an easy start to the day.
- Towel – for drying off between snorkels or dives.
- Hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen – protect yourself from the tropical sun.
- Change of clothes – something comfortable for the return cruise to Cairns.
- Camera or GoPro – capture the incredible underwater colours and coral life.
- Reusable water bottle – refill throughout the day and help us reduce waste.
- Credit or debit card – for any onboard purchases or optional extras.
- Dive certification card – required for certified divers.
- Sense of adventure – you’re about to explore one of the world’s greatest natural wonders!
How to get there
Cairns Great Barrier Reef Tour, Reef Experience departs from
Cairns Marina: ‘A-Finger’ Number 8 View map to Cairns Marlin Marina
Boarding commences at 7:30 a.m. for check-in. The Reef Experience vessel arrived directly at Cairns Marina at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Where Can I Park?
Several parking stations throughout Cairns are within walking distance of the Marina. Click here to see where
Important Information
⚠️ Important Information
- Children under 12 may not be able to dive
- Weather and sea conditions may affect itinerary
- Medical conditions can restrict scuba diving
- Stinger suits required during stinger season.
Add your review for Reef Experience
Fleycheryl
5Staff were very attentive to the need for medication given the ride out to the reef was predicted to be rough. I took advice to take meds the night before and in the morning and was blissfully able to enjoy. Those who were ill were so well looked after that they were able to recover and enjoy the dives. The lunch was great - and nice to have us vegetarians catered for - they kept it separate so food wasn't stolen by those hungry meat eaters. I was very appreciated by all of this. Best reef experience ever!!
Kelly Harris
5Best reef cruise in Cairns!!! Lovely staff, great food, and no hidden costs. I wasn't sure about a scuba dive but after all the information given by the staff they got me so excited. As it is all inclusive I was able to give it a shot and I loved it!!
Lucy Davies
0I chose Reef Experience because of value – one all inclusive price whilst the other companies visiting the Great Barrier Reef start with a trip price and then add reef levies, bus transfers, diving, wetsuit, glass bottom boat etc and people end up paying a lot more for less. Reef Experience exceeded all my expectations! Everything is provided – even the sunscreen. Reef Experience’s crews’ passion for the reef is by far their best asset. My partner can’t swim well and the crew got in the water and assisted him see the Great Barrier Reef. The marine biologist was knowledgeable and my highlight was giving scuba diving a try! I would recommend this tour! Lucy, England.
Mariah Goecker
5"Friendly crew. Snorkelling the reef! I was the last one out of the water. This is one of the best experiences of my life"
Milly Keid
5"Really friendly crew, always helpful and informative. The snorkelling and glass bottom boat tour were the best part of the day. Thank you for an enjoyable trip"
Joshua
5"Crew were very pleasant! professional. Scuba diving was the best thing. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience"
Haley
5"very helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and professional crew. I was able to Scuba dive for the first time"
Kelly
5"fantastic crew! everyone was calm and low key reassuring and encouraging. They made everything great. I snorkelled in the reef being surrounded by fish. I only see in aquariums".
Patrick
5"Awesome and great, Fan Dabby Dosy. Learning to dive for the first time was the best part of the day"
Jolanta
5"Amazing crew especially Kera for helping me so much in the water. Snorkelling was awesome"
Andreas
5"Crew were excellent, best people, helpful, excellent job, what else?? :) Dive for first time and snorkelling. It's so fantastic! So CONTINUE best crew :D "
Sheridan
5The crew were Amazing! So friendly. Had a blast! Scuba diving was the best part of my day. Loved this experience! Thank you!"
Marlaina W
5This tour provided snorkeling, diving, food, transportation and it was reasonably priced! The crew were fantastic! They explained every aspect of the day very clearly and made us feel very welcomed. Our favorite part of the day was Scuba diving. I had never done it before and our instructor was a dream! and we were able to see several awesome animals during the dive. Thank you guys for a truly memorable day!
Lorena B
5The crew was very nice and helpful at all times. It was my firs time doing diving and the crew made it a great experience. Seeing a big turtle while snorkeling was awesome, but also diving and being so close to the Reef. Everything was perfect I would recommend this tour to anyone.
Laura
5Very friendly and helpful, as I am not a confident swimmer especially Brittany who helped me while I was snorkelling. The best part was seeing the Great Barrier Reef and being able to tick it off my bucket list. I would recommend and would love to do experience again
Kral F
5The crew were so friendly they know what to do to make us feel safe. I think that the snorkeling was the best a lot of different wildlife and lot of colors. It was like visiting another planet. It was different from anywhere else I have ever been. I always wanted to come here. Thank you for this experience.
Mark
5Booked with Reef Experience - good reviews and introductory dive and most important the Marine Biologist on board inclusions! The crew is fantastic and knowledgeable. The best part of the day was getting engaged and diving. Literally the best day of my life!
Taylor
5I booked Reef Experience because I wanted to go diving! Duh! The crew were absolutely wonderful. Incredibly friendly and very supportive through everything. The best part - can I say the whole day? I had a magnificent time on this boat. The staff were incredible and my experience would have been completely different without them. Thank you! <3
Fiona
5I booked my day reef trip with Reef Experience cause it has most options - diving, snorkelling, glass bottom boat and suitable for beginners! Crew is excellent. The best part of the day was seeing the reef up close - I felt like I was myself in the documentary. Worth definitely to book with you guys again !!!
Karolina
5It was an amazing day. The crew were friendly, the best part was the intro dive. I really enjoyed it and thanks for the wine and photos from diving!
Kate Gareth and Austin
5The food was great and we feel like we have had excellent value for money. Thank you! The crew were fantastic and hard working, caring and considerate. The best part of the day was snorkeling.
Laura C
5The crew were exceptional from the moment we stepped on the boat. We felt welcomed and felt like they knew what they were doing. Very proffesional and informative. We loved the entire day :) I was looking forward to this day the most out of our whole vacationand it was absolutley perfect. Thank you
Megan I
5Fabulous and very funny crew. We had so much fun diving and overcomming our fears. Was an overall great experience - one we will never forget!
lucile
5Super friendly, funny and helpful crew! The best part of the day was seeing reef sharks and dolphins next to the boat. Ps: Thanks so much for making vegan food for us!
Miriam
5It was amazing! Crew were so welcoming, helpful and professional. I felt safe. they were good fun too :-) Snorkelling was perfect!
Nikola
5This was one of the best organised tours I have been to! Starting with hotel pick-ups, the hand out of diving equipement and the diving coordination! The crew was super friendly, informative and helpfull and their marine biologist snorkel tour was probably the best part of the day as it showed me parts of the reef I'd otherwise wouldn't have seen. Thank you guys!
Jelena
5I went a few days ago to the reef with Reef Experience and I had the best time! The crew was amazing and really trying to give everyone the best experience on the reef! I have seen so many amazing marine animals on my dives like reef sharks, moray eels, stingrays, 2 octopus, and so many others! I highly recommend this tour!
tania
5Had the best time yesterday! The crew were so much fun and took their time to show me how to properly use the equipment. I was nervous about my scuba dive, but my guide held me by the hand the whole time. I can't wait to do it again. Will definitely be back! Thank you guys so much!