Reef cruise boat at anchor among outer Great Barrier Reef coral patches
Back Highly recommendedVerified as Loop's Top 10Last reviewed October 2026

Evolution Outer Reef Cruise

from A$275
8 hours 30 mins
Cairns
All Ages (0+)
Free Cancellation (18 hours prior)

Cruise from Cairns on the 35 metre superyacht Evolution to two outer Great Barrier Reef sites, usually Norman or Saxon Reef then North Hastings Reef, for more than five hours of snorkelling. A barbecue lunch, afternoon tea and a glass of wine are included, with scuba dives and helicopter flights as extras.

  • Reef cruise boat at anchor among outer Great Barrier Reef coral patches
  • Passenger viewing yellow reef fish from a semi submersible
  • Divers posing with a Cairns sign on an outer reef dive
  • Snorkellers exploring coral gardens on an outer reef cruise from Cairns
  • Reef cruise guests lounging on the covered sun deck between snorkel sessions
  • Snorkellers waving beside the Evolution boat on the outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Reef cruise boat at anchor among outer Great Barrier Reef coral patches
  • Passenger viewing yellow reef fish from a semi submersible
  • Divers posing with a Cairns sign on an outer reef dive
  • Snorkellers exploring coral gardens on an outer reef cruise from Cairns
  • Reef cruise guests lounging on the covered sun deck between snorkel sessions
  • Snorkellers waving beside the Evolution boat on the outer Great Barrier Reef

Quick read before you book.

  • A 35 metre superyacht with room to spread out
  • Norman or Saxon Reef, then North Hastings Reef
  • Snorkel supervisors and flotation for nervous swimmers
  • Optional intro and certified dives, helicopter flights and semi sub tours
  • Wine and afternoon tea as you cruise home

What people say about this operator.

Google Reviews
4.8 Stars|2,208 reviews

What could be better?

Honestly, not much. Check what's included before you sail, and keep plans flexible in case the weather turns.

Summarised by AI, verify on Google Business Profile before booking

Included in this tour.

  • Return cruise on the superyacht Evolution from Cairns
  • Two outer Great Barrier Reef sites
  • More than five hours at the reef
  • Snorkel equipment, lycra sun suit and snorkel instruction
  • Barbecue lunch with prawns, fish, steak, salads and vegetarian and vegan options
  • Afternoon tea and a glass of wine on the return cruise

Commonly asked questions.

Check in between 7:15 and 7:45am at the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Evolution departs at 8:00am sharp and returns around 4:30pm. Our guide to getting around Cairns without a car covers how to get there.

You'll usually spend the morning at Norman Reef or Saxon Reef, then move to North Hastings Reef in the afternoon. In total you get more than five hours at the reef.

Lunch is an Aussie barbecue with prawns, fish, steak, salads and vegetarian and vegan options. Let the team know at least 48 hours ahead for gluten free, dairy free or other special requirements.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 18 hours before travel, which is 2pm the day before. Cancellations after that aren't refunded, and a $50 fee applies to rebook.

Tours are rarely cancelled, and only for guest safety and comfort. If the operator cancels for weather or mechanical issues, you'll be rebooked on the next available departure at no extra charge.

Yes. Child fares apply for ages 4 to 16, infants 0 to 3 travel free, and under 18s must be with an adult. Non swimmers can snorkel with flotation devices and snorkel supervisors in the water.

Pregnant guests can't scuba dive, but snorkelling is fine. Check with your doctor before travelling, especially for a full day at sea.

Lycra sun suits are included for everyone at no extra cost, and 3mm wetsuits can be hired on board for snorkellers for $10. Our Cairns stinger season guide explains when they matter most.

Bring what you'd take to the beach: swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen, a change of clothes and a card for extras. If you're prone to seasickness, take tablets before departure, as they work best as a preventative.

More about this tour.

Evolution is a 35 metre superyacht, and it shows in the details: room to spread out, a proper barbecue lunch with prawns and steak, and a glass of wine with afternoon tea on the cruise home. Down Under Cruise and Dive takes you from Cairns to two outer reef sites, usually Norman or Saxon Reef in the morning and North Hastings Reef in the afternoon, for more than five hours at the reef.Snorkel gear and a lycra sun suit are included, and the crew runs snorkel instruction for first timers, with flotation devices and supervisors in the water if you're not a strong swimmer. Want more? Add an introductory or certified scuba dive, a scenic 10 minute helicopter flight or a semi submersible tour on the day.Comparing reef days? Our Great Barrier Reef tour comparison lays out the options, and certified divers can book the Evolution Outer Reef Cruise and Certified Dive package.Evolution leaves the Reef Fleet Terminal at 8am and returns around 4:30pm. Pick your date and check availability.

Additional info.

Check in: 7:15 to 7:45am at the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Evolution departs at 8:00am sharp and returns around 4:30pm.Ages: Child fares apply for ages 4 to 16 and infants aged 0 to 3 travel free. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Introductory divers must be at least 12.Dietary needs: Please give at least 48 hours notice for gluten free, dairy free, vegan or other requirements.A fuel and administration charge of $20 per person applies.What to bring:
  • Swimwear, towel and a change of clothes
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Seasickness tablets if you're prone, taken before departure
  • A card for optional extras