Ocean Quest 2 Day Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard
Snorkel or Dive and Spend the Night on the Great Barrier Reef
The OceanQuest 2 Day Liveaboard gives you more time to experience the outer Great Barrier Reef without committing to a longer expedition.
Travel from Cairns aboard SeaQuest, explore colourful reef locations during your first day and then transfer directly to Ocean Quest your floating accommodation on the Great Barrier Reef.
Snorkellers and certified divers are both welcome. This makes OceanQuest an excellent choice for couples, families and friends who want to experience the reef together, even when they prefer different activities.
Over two days, you can explore coral gardens, watch the reef change throughout the day, enjoy freshly prepared meals and wake to another morning surrounded by the Coral Sea.
| Tour detail | Information |
|---|
| Duration | 2 days and 1 night |
| Departs | Daily |
| Check-in | Divers Den, 319 Draper Street, Cairns |
| Reef transfer | SeaQuest from Cairns Marina |
| Reef locations | Norman, Saxon and Hastings Reefs |
| Activities | Snorkelling and certified diving |
| Accommodation | Air-conditioned ensuite cabin |
| Meals | Included onboard |
| Return | Approximately 5:00 pm on day two |
| Suitable for | Snorkellers and certified divers |
Take a Deep Breath…
Take a deep breath and experience the magic of Australia.
Every journey has the power to surprise us, connect us and leave us with memories that last a lifetime. Whether you are exploring an ancient rainforest, diving the Great Barrier Reef, discovering a quiet country town or watching the sun set over the Outback, we hope your Australian adventure is filled with wonder, kindness and unforgettable moments.
Welcome to Australia. We are honoured to be part of your journey.
Your Overnight Great Barrier Reef Experience
A day trip introduces you to the Great Barrier Reef. Staying overnight allows you to experience its changing moods.
You can explore the reef during several scheduled water sessions, relax as the day visitors return to Cairns and enjoy the special atmosphere of being surrounded by the Coral Sea.
Certified divers can experience different underwater conditions from morning through to evening. Snorkellers have repeated opportunities to explore shallow coral gardens where much of the reef’s colour and marine life can be seen close to the surface.
Between sessions, relax in your cabin, enjoy the sundeck or share your discoveries with other guests over a freshly prepared meal.
Why You’ll Love the OceanQuest 2 Day Liveaboard
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- Spend a night on the outer Great Barrier Reef.
- Choose snorkelling or certified diving.
- Travel with friends or family who prefer a different reef activity.
- Explore several reef locations over two days.
- Visit Norman, Saxon or Hastings Reef, depending on conditions.
- Stay in an air-conditioned cabin with a private ensuite.
- Enjoy freshly prepared meals onboard.
- Use supplied snorkelling or scuba equipment.
- Wake up surrounded by the Coral Sea.
- Experience the reef without the rush of a single-day visit.
Reefs You May Visit
The Captain and crew select reef sites according to weather, visibility, tides and overall conditions. A particular reef or mooring cannot be guaranteed.
Norman Reef
Norman Reef is known for expansive coral gardens, bommies, reef walls and abundant tropical fish.
Depending on the chosen mooring, visitors may see giant clams, anemonefish, turtles, reef sharks, rays and schools of colourful fusiliers.
Saxon Reef
Saxon Reef offers varied underwater terrain and sheltered locations that can suit both snorkellers and divers.
Its coral gardens provide habitat for butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, wrasse and many other reef species.
Hastings Reef
Hastings Reef is a large outer-reef system with shallow coral gardens, deeper walls and diverse marine habitats.
The selected location will depend on the day’s conditions and the experience planned by the vessel’s crew.
OceanQuest has access to numerous permanent and selected moorings across these reef systems, allowing the crew to choose locations suited to the prevailing conditions.
Snorkelling on OceanQuest
OceanQuest is an excellent option for travellers who want more than one day of Great Barrier Reef snorkelling.
You will have several scheduled opportunities to enter the water over the two-day itinerary. Snorkelling equipment and tuition are provided, including prescription masks where available.
Much of the Great Barrier Reef’s marine life can be found close to the surface. Coral gardens, giant clams, turtles and tropical fish may all be visible while snorkelling.
You should be comfortable in the water. Before participating, guests complete an assessment covering swimming ability and relevant medical information. A flotation device may be required where the crew determines that additional support is appropriate.
The crew will explain how to use the equipment and provide safety briefings before each session.
Certified Diving on OceanQuest
Certified divers can enjoy repeated dives across different outer-reef sites during the expedition.
The standard two-day itinerary schedules three dive opportunities on the first day and two on the second day. Actual participation and site selection depend on conditions, personal dive profiles and operational requirements.
Certified divers can dive with a suitable buddy. Professional guided dives are available for an additional charge.
All standard scuba equipment, air fills and dive computers are included. Divers who prefer to use their own equipment may bring it with them.
A night-diving opportunity may be available during the overnight stay. Divers without previous night-diving experience may be required to dive with a professional guide at an additional cost.
Every certified diver must present evidence of a recognised scuba qualification and complete the required medical and safety documentation.
Meet the Marine Life
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but the outer Great Barrier Reef supports extraordinary biodiversity.
During your trip, you may encounter:
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- Green sea turtles
- Hawksbill turtles
- White-tip reef sharks
- Giant trevally
- Maori wrasse
- Butterflyfish
- Angelfish
- Parrotfish
- Anemonefish
- Giant clams
- Stingrays
- Moray eels
- Nudibranchs
- Reef octopus
- Schools of fusiliers
- Hard and soft corals
Every session is different. Water conditions, season, time of day and the chosen site all influence what you may see.
OceanQuest Accommodation
OceanQuest has air-conditioned twin and double cabins with private ensuite bathrooms.
Twin cabins generally contain two single beds. Double cabins contain one double bed. Cabin selection should be made when booking and remains subject to availability.
Shared cabin arrangements may not guarantee a same-gender cabin companion. Sole occupancy may be available for an additional charge.
Cabins provide a comfortable place to rest, but storage is limited. Soft overnight bags are more practical than large suitcases.
Bedding and a cabin bath towel are supplied.
Facilities Onboard
OceanQuest is a 35-metre, three-deck catamaran purpose-built for liveaboard reef experiences.
Facilities include:
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- Air-conditioned cabins
- Private ensuite bathrooms
- Indoor lounge and dining area
- Licensed bar
- Covered and open sundecks
- Television, library and board games
- Spacious dive deck
- Hot freshwater showers
- Toilets near the dive deck
- Equipment storage
- Camera rinse facilities
- Surface swim lines
- Descent and safety-stop lines
Interior spaces are air-conditioned for comfort in Tropical North Queensland’s warm climate.
Food and Dining
Meals are freshly prepared onboard by the OceanQuest chef.
During the two-day experience, meals generally include:
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- Lunch on day one
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Cooked breakfast
- Lunch on day two
- Fresh fruit
- Chilled drinking water
- Tea and coffee
Additional snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages can be purchased from the onboard bar.
Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated when advised at the time of booking. Visitors with allergies, coeliac disease or other important dietary needs should provide clear information before travelling.
Who This Tour Is Perfect For
The OceanQuest 2 Day Liveaboard is ideal for:
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- Snorkellers who want more time at the outer reef
- Certified scuba divers
- Couples where one person dives and the other snorkels
- Friends with different reef interests
- First-time liveaboard guests
- Underwater photographers
- Solo travellers
- Families with water-confident children
- Travellers with limited time in Cairns
- Visitors who want to sleep overnight on the Great Barrier Reef
Local Tips from the Hot Getaways Team
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- Stay in Cairns the night before departure.
- Do not book a flight or Tablelands tour immediately after your liveaboard if you are diving.
- Pack in a soft overnight bag and leave large luggage in storage.
- Bring a separate reef towel because your cabin towel is intended for onboard use.
- Take seasickness medication early if you are susceptible.
- Tell the crew if you are nervous in the water—they are there to help.
- Keep your camera charged, but also spend some time experiencing the reef without looking through a screen.
- You do not have to participate in every water session. Rest when your body tells you to.
- Step onto the deck after dark and take a moment to appreciate how far you are from the lights of the mainland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the OceanQuest 2 Day Liveaboard suitable for snorkellers?
Can a snorkeller travel with a certified diver?
How many dives can certified divers complete?
How many snorkelling sessions are available?
Which reefs does OceanQuest visit?
Is scuba equipment included?
Is snorkelling equipment included?
Are certified dives guided?
Do I need to bring my certification card?
Are all cabins ensuite?
Can I book a private cabin?
Are meals included?
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
What time does the tour depart?
What time does the tour return?
Is a Cairns hotel transfer included?
Can I store my large suitcase?
What happens if the weather is poor?
Do I have to complete every snorkel or dive session?
Can I fly after the trip?
Ready to Spend the Night on the Great Barrier Reef?
The OceanQuest 2 Day Liveaboard offers something a day trip cannot: time to slow down and experience life on the outer Great Barrier Reef.
Snorkel across colourful coral gardens. Complete several certified dives. Watch the light change over the Coral Sea, share dinner with fellow travellers and wake up ready to explore the reef once more.
Whether you are travelling with another diver, a snorkeller or someone experiencing their first liveaboard, OceanQuest makes it possible to enjoy this remarkable place together.
We will be happy to help you choose the right activity and prepare for your Great Barrier Reef adventure.
Highlights
Tour Highlights
More Time on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
The greatest advantage of OceanQuest is time.
Instead of travelling from Cairns and returning on the same afternoon, you remain on the reef overnight. This provides additional opportunities to snorkel or dive and allows you to enjoy quieter moments after the day vessels have departed.
A Liveaboard for Snorkellers and Divers
OceanQuest is not exclusively for scuba divers.
Snorkellers can explore shallow reef areas from the surface while certified divers discover deeper coral formations and underwater landscapes. Mixed groups remain together throughout the journey and visit the same reef locations.
Comfortable Floating Accommodation
OceanQuest is a purpose-built, three-deck liveaboard catamaran. It has spacious outdoor decks, air-conditioned interior areas, a lounge, bar and dining area.
After your final water session, you can enjoy dinner, relax with other travellers or settle into your private ensuite cabin.
Wake Up on the Great Barrier Reef
There is something remarkable about waking up at sea.
After breakfast, the reef is waiting. The morning water sessions often feel very different from those of the previous afternoon, with changing light, marine activity and visibility creating a new experience.
Itinerary
Sample Itinerary
Times are approximate and may change because of weather, sea conditions or operational requirements.
Day One: Cairns to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
7:30–8:00 am — Check-in and Transfers
Check in at the Divers Den Dive Centre at 319 Draper Street, Cairns.
A pickup from selected Cairns city accommodation may be available when arranged in advance. After check-in, guests transfer to Cairns Marina.
Excess luggage can be stored at the Draper Street dive centre while you are at the reef.
8:30 am — Depart Cairns
Board SeaQuest for the approximately 90-minute journey to the outer Great Barrier Reef.
During the journey, the crew will organise equipment and provide the required safety and activity briefings.
10:00 am — First Reef Session
Arrive at the reef for your first scheduled snorkel or certified dive session.
12:00 pm — Lunch
Enjoy lunch as the vessel relocates to another reef site.
12:30 pm — Second Reef Session
Return to the water for another snorkel or dive opportunity.
2:30 pm — Transfer to OceanQuest
SeaQuest meets OceanQuest at the outer reef.
Transfer onboard, meet the liveaboard crew and settle into your cabin.
3:30 pm — Afternoon Reef Session
Enjoy your third scheduled snorkel or dive session of the day.
6:00 pm — Dinner
Relax and enjoy a freshly prepared evening meal.
Certified divers may have an evening or night-diving opportunity depending on their experience, selected package and operating conditions.
Snorkellers can relax on deck or in the lounge and enjoy the atmosphere of spending the night on the reef.
8:00 pm — Dessert
Finish the day with dessert and time to unwind.
10:00 pm — Bar Closes
Retire to your cabin and rest before another morning on the reef.
Day Two: Wake Up on the Reef
7:30 am — Breakfast
Begin the day with a full cooked breakfast.
8:30 am — Morning Reef Session
Enter the water for the first snorkel or dive session of the morning.
10:30 am — Final Reef Session
Enjoy one more opportunity to explore the outer Great Barrier Reef.
12:00 pm — Cabin Checkout
Pack your overnight belongings and check out of your cabin.
12:30 pm — Lunch
Enjoy a final lunch onboard.
2:30 pm — Transfer Vessel Arrives
Transfer from OceanQuest to the returning day vessel.
3:00 pm — Depart the Outer Reef
Begin the journey back to Cairns.
Approximately 5:00 pm — Return
Return to Cairns and transfer to selected city accommodation where applicable.
Included
What’s Included
Included for All Guests
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- Two-day, one-night outer Great Barrier Reef experience
- Overnight accommodation onboard OceanQuest
- Private ensuite bathroom
- All scheduled meals onboard
- Chilled drinking water
- Tea and coffee
- Snorkelling equipment
- Equipment tuition and safety briefings
- Prescription masks, subject to availability
- Transfers from selected Cairns city accommodation when arranged
- Transfer to and from OceanQuest aboard a day vessel
- BeddingCabin bath towel
- Environmental and applicable operating levies when incorporated into the booked rate
Additional Inclusions for Certified Divers
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- Standard scuba equipment
- Dive computer
- Air fills
Tanks and weights
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- Scheduled certified dives
- Buddy-diving option
- Dive briefings
Optional Extras
Optional Extras
Optional extras may include:
-
- Professional guided dives
- Fluoro night-diving experience
- Nitrox air fills
- PADI Enriched Air Nitrox course
- PADI Advanced Open Water course
- Digital underwater camera hire
- Professional photographs where available
- Soft drinks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Additional snacks
- Souvenirs
- Sole cabin occupancy
Optional activities and courses should be booked in advance where possible. Availability, eligibility and additional charges apply.
What to bring
What to Bring
Pack lightly in a soft overnight bag.
We recommend bringing:
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- Swimwear
- Reef towel
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Reef-conscious sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Comfortable casual clothing
- Warm clothing or a light jacket for the evening
- Socks for wearing inside the vessel
- Toiletries
- Personal medications
- Seasickness medication
- Phone and camera chargers
- Underwater camera or GoPro
- Certification card for certified divers
- Dive logbook, if you use one
- Personal scuba equipment, if preferred
Bedding and a cabin bath towel are supplied. Bring a separate towel for use after snorkelling or diving.
How to get there
How to Get There
Check-in Location
Check-in is at:
Divers Den Dive Centre
319 Draper Street
Cairns, Queensland
This is the primary meeting point rather than the marina.
Guests are then transferred to Cairns Marina to board SeaQuest for the journey to the outer reef.
Cairns Accommodation Transfers
Transfers from selected Cairns city accommodation are included when booked in advance.
Confirm your pickup location and time before departure. Guests staying outside the available transfer area may need to make their own way to the Draper Street dive centre.
Getting There from Cairns Airport
Cairns Airport is a short drive from the city centre. Taxi and rideshare services are available.
Do not arrange a flight arriving on the morning of departure. We recommend staying in Cairns the night before your liveaboard so delays do not cause you to miss check-in.
Parking
Visitors driving to the check-in point should confirm current parking arrangements before travel. Allow additional time to park, unload luggage and complete check-in.
Important Information
Important Information Before You Book
Certified Diver Requirements
The Spirit of Freedom 3 Day Expedition is designed for certified scuba divers.
All divers must present proof of an internationally recognised scuba certification before departure. Your certification level determines the types of dives you can participate in.
If you have not dived recently, please let our team know before booking so we can help determine whether a refresher dive is recommended.
Medical Requirements
For your safety, all divers must complete a scuba diving medical questionnaire before travelling.
Certain medical conditions, medications or previous injuries may require medical clearance from a doctor experienced in dive medicine before you can dive.
If you have asthma, heart conditions, epilepsy, diabetes, lung conditions, recent surgery or any other medical concern, please contact us before booking so we can discuss your individual circumstances.
Flying After Diving
For your safety, you should not fly for at least 24 hours after your final scuba dive.
If you are planning onward travel by aircraft, we strongly recommend staying overnight in Cairns after returning from your expedition.
This recommendation also applies to travel to high-altitude destinations after diving.
Weather and Itinerary
The Great Barrier Reef is a natural environment, and conditions can change quickly.
Your Captain continuously monitors weather forecasts, sea conditions and visibility to provide the safest and best possible experience.
Dive sites and itineraries may change without notice if required for safety or environmental reasons.
The flexibility to choose the best available dive sites is one of the advantages of travelling on a liveaboard.
Sea Conditions
Ocean conditions vary throughout the year.
Although Spirit of Freedom is a large, purpose-built liveaboard designed for offshore cruising, some movement should be expected.
If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend speaking with your pharmacist or doctor before travelling and taking preventative medication before boarding.
Dive Experience
Some dive sites may experience stronger currents than others.
The crew will always provide a detailed briefing before each dive and advise whether a particular site is suitable for your experience level.
If conditions are not suitable, alternative dive sites will be selected.
Your safety always comes first.
Night Diving
Night diving offers an exciting opportunity to experience the reef after dark.
Different marine life becomes active, including hunting reef fish, crustaceans and sleeping turtles.
Night dives are only conducted when conditions are suitable and following a comprehensive dive briefing.
Divers should feel comfortable with their buoyancy and general diving skills before participating.
Underwater Photography
Spirit of Freedom is a favourite among underwater photographers.
Exceptional visibility, healthy coral reefs and abundant marine life create outstanding photographic opportunities.
Bring your own underwater camera or enquire about equipment hire before departure.
Always secure your equipment to avoid accidental damage to the reef.
Environmental Responsibility
Spirit of Freedom operates within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is committed to responsible tourism.
Please help protect this World Heritage-listed environment by:
Never touching coral.
Avoiding contact with marine life.
Maintaining good buoyancy.
Using reef-safe sunscreen whenever possible.
Taking all rubbish back onboard.
Following all crew instructions.
Together, we can help preserve the reef for future generations.
Accessibility
Spirit of Freedom is a working liveaboard vessel.
Guests should be comfortable using stairs, boarding from the marina and moving around a vessel at sea.
If you have limited mobility or require additional assistance, please contact us before booking so we can discuss whether this expedition is suitable for your needs.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes:
Trip cancellation
Medical expenses
Emergency evacuation
Lost or delayed luggage
Scuba diving activities
Travel insurance provides valuable peace of mind, particularly for extended dive holidays.
What if I Don’t Want to Dive Every Session?
That’s perfectly fine.
Many guests choose to skip a dive and simply relax on deck, enjoy the ocean views or watch the sunset.
A liveaboard is as much about enjoying the Great Barrier Reef as it is about the diving itself.
Our Commitment to Your Experience
Our goal is to make your Spirit of Freedom expedition as enjoyable, safe and memorable as possible.
If you have questions before you travel, please ask.
Whether you need advice about certification, equipment, medical requirements or simply want help deciding if this is the right expedition for you, our team will be happy to assist.
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