Three people in wetsuits and snorkel gear stand on a boat above the Great Barrier Reef, posing for a photo taken by another person with a mobile phone; the ocean is visible in the background.
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Reef Adventures – Great Barrier Reef Half Day Snorkelling Tour Cairns

from A$179
4 hours
Cairns Marlin Marina
All ages (6+)
Free cancellation (24hr prior)

Spend 1.5 hours snorkelling Upolu Reef or Breaking Patches on a half day Great Barrier Reef trip from Cairns Marlin Marina, capped at 27 guests. A snorkel guide, gear, snacks, stinger suits in season and marine park fees are all included.

  • Three people in wetsuits and snorkel gear stand on a boat above the Great Barrier Reef, posing for a photo taken by another person with a mobile phone; the ocean is visible in the background.
  • Sunlight shines through clear blue water onto a vibrant coral reef with schools of small fish swimming above the corals, creating an unforgettable scene reminiscent of a Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tour. | Aussie Loop
  • A sea turtle swims above a rocky, algae-covered seabed in clear, shallow water along the Great Barrier Reef. Sunlight filters through the surface, illuminating the turtle’s shell and the vibrant underwater scene.
  • A blue and yellow speedboat with passengers moves across open ocean water near the Great Barrier Reef under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A group of people in snorkel gear swim in clear turquoise water under a blue sky, exploring the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef, with a boat floating in the distance.
  • Three people in wetsuits and snorkel gear stand on a boat above the Great Barrier Reef, posing for a photo taken by another person with a mobile phone; the ocean is visible in the background.
  • Sunlight shines through clear blue water onto a vibrant coral reef with schools of small fish swimming above the corals, creating an unforgettable scene reminiscent of a Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tour. | Aussie Loop
  • A sea turtle swims above a rocky, algae-covered seabed in clear, shallow water along the Great Barrier Reef. Sunlight filters through the surface, illuminating the turtle’s shell and the vibrant underwater scene.
  • A blue and yellow speedboat with passengers moves across open ocean water near the Great Barrier Reef under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A group of people in snorkel gear swim in clear turquoise water under a blue sky, exploring the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef, with a boat floating in the distance.

Quick read before you book.

  • Small group of no more than 27 guests
  • Reef site chosen for the best conditions on the day
  • Swim through coral gardens with a guide by your side
  • Back in about four hours, with the rest of your day free

What’s included

  • Boat transfer from Cairns Marlin Marina
  • 1.5 hours of guided snorkelling at Upolu Reef or Breaking Patches
  • Snorkel guide
  • Quality snorkelling equipment and flotation devices
  • Stinger suit, in season
  • Snacks
  • Marine park fees and GST

Commonly asked questions.

Your fare covers the fast boat transfer from Cairns Marlin Marina, 1.5 hours of guided snorkelling, quality snorkelling equipment, a snorkel guide, floatation devices, stinger suits in season, snacks including traditional lamingtons, and free GoPro photos.

Check in at the Reef Adventures office on Finger B at Cairns Marlin Marina, 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. If you're not driving, our guide to getting around Cairns without a car covers the easiest ways to reach the marina.

Guests must be between 6 and 65 years old and confident swimmers. It's not suitable for non swimmers, or anyone with heart or lung conditions, back, neck or hip injuries, recent surgery, or who is heavily pregnant. A signed waiver is required before departure.

Swimmers, a towel, a hat, sunscreen, and a card for onboard purchases.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure aren't refunded. If the tour is cancelled due to weather, you'll be offered another date or a full refund.

Stinger suits are included in season. A full wetsuit can be hired on the day for an extra $8, and prescription mask hire is available for $15.

About 1.5 hours in the water at Upolu Reef or Breaking Patches, out of a roughly 4 hour half day trip door to door.

Reef sites are chosen based on weather and tide conditions, and departure times can shift accordingly. If conditions mean the tour can't run safely, you'll be offered another date or a full refund.

Read more? Here’s the full description.

Short on time but not willing to skip the reef? This half day snorkelling tour gets you out of Cairns and onto the Great Barrier Reef with no more than 27 guests on board, spending a full 1.5 hours in the water at Upolu Reef or Breaking Patches, chosen for the conditions on the day. You'll board at Finger B, Cairns Marlin Marina and head out to the reef. Quality snorkelling gear and flotation devices are provided, a snorkel guide leads the way through the coral, and stinger suits are included in season. Snacks are on board, with drinks available to buy after your swim. Want extra warmth in the water? Wetsuits can be hired for $8, and prescription masks are available for $15. If you're visiting in the warmer months, our guide to stinger season in Cairns explains what to expect. You'll need to be aged 6 to 65 with a moderate level of fitness, as snorkelling can be strenuous. The tour isn't suitable if you have pre existing back, neck or hip injuries or are heavily pregnant. Marine park fees and GST are included, and the whole trip takes about four hours, leaving the rest of your day free. Explore the details below, then check availability for your date. This tour has multiple options;

Additional info by the operator.

  • Check in at Finger B, Cairns Marlin Marina. Departure times can shift with weather and tide conditions
  • Ages 6 to 65 only, and a moderate level of fitness is required
  • Not suitable for guests with pre existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are heavily pregnant
  • All participants sign a waiver before departure
  • Wetsuit hire available on the day for $8, and prescription mask hire for $15
  • Drinks available to purchase onboard
  • Bring swimmers, a towel, a hat, sunscreen and a card for onboard purchases
  • If the tour is cancelled due to weather, you can join another day or receive a full refund
  • Cancellation policy: no refund for cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure