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Reef Daytripper - Great Barrier Reef Small Group Sail and Snorkel Day Trip

4.7
256
Deals from $175.00 Save $45.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Sail away on Reef Daytripper as we visit the Great Barrier Reef aboard a charming catamaran! We take our small group of passengers to the picturesque Upolu Reef for fun filled day out on the Reef!

Sail away on Reef Daytripper as we visit the Great Barrier Reef aboard a charming catamaran! We take our small group of passengers to the picturesque Upolu Reef for fun filled day out on the Reef!

Highlights

  • Small group sailing tour to the Great Barrier Reef! (Max. 20 guests with 4 crew)
  • Local owned and operated
  • All snorkel gear provided and an opportunity to upgrade to Scuba Dive
  • Casual and informative reef education provided
  • Complementary guided snorkel tour provided
  • Eco-friendly tour - lowest carbon foot print of any Cairns operator

Enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere!

We aim to visit two sites around Upolu Reef and will spend just under 4 hours here - this gives you plenty of time to snorkel, dive or just relax on the boat and soak up the sun!

You are welcome to join our free guided snorkel tour. For this our dive professionals aim to enhance your snorkelling experience by pointing out and explaining the many different marine species that local the reef, along with some migratory animals such as turtles, sharks and rays.

We give the option for you to sign up for SCUBA diving on the day. All tuition, equipment and a guide are included in the dive price and, we can accommodate both certified and introductory diving. We aim to offer you unlimited time for dives, which means we won’t rush you at any point. This gives you; ample time to relax, adjust to the underwater realm and explore the wonders of the reef at your leisure.

Please note: Certified divers are required to provide proof of certification, and a medical questionnaire; must be successfully completed by all candidates prior to diving.

Certified Diving and Introductory Diving can be upgraded on board at an additional charge.

Diving can be purchased onboard the boat on the day - Spaces are limited, please contact Reef Daytripper after booking if you have any questions about diving options or to reserve your space. Contact details will be on your booking confirmation.

For snorkelers - Wetsuit and stinger suit hire available onboard for $6 rental fee. Wetsuit hire is included for divers.

Departure point: Cairns Marlin Marina - at the end of D Finger - We are situated at the very end and are the last boat on the right.

Check in time: 7.15am for 7.45am departure

Returns: Approx. 4.30pm

Adult $220.00
Child $180.00 (14 years and under)
Family $740.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children)

What's included

  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea
  • Drinking Water

Duration

  • Allow approximately 9 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • Cairns Marlin Marina - at the end of D Finger.
  • We are situated at the very end and are the last boat on the right.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Notes

  • Scuba Diving:

    SCUBA diving can present certain health risks, and ALL candidates are subject to a medical questionnaire before diving is permitted. Certified divers are required to provide proof of certification. The minimum age for diving is 12 years.

    Generally, a 12-hour wait is advisable before any pressurised flights and a 24-hour wait if a diver has done multiple dives over several days or decompression stop diving. Specific advice is usually available from the recognised dive tables selected for the dive.

    Terms and conditions:

    Please note: The company reserves the right to cancel the trip, or use another vessel due to poor weather conditions or mechanical problems. Selected reef sites visited may change with no notice.

    No refund is applicable if you fail to show up on the confirmed travel date. $15 per person marine park and passenger levy is payable by all persons travelling to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This fee is included in the price of your ticket.

Available Bookings from 10 Sep to 23 Sep 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in AUD ($)

Wed 10 Sep
Thu 11 Sep
Fri 12 Sep
Sat 13 Sep
Sun 14 Sep
Mon 15 Sep
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Mon 22 Sep
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Bookings close in 10 hours...

  • Adult$175.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$180.00
  • Family$740.00

  • Adult$175.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$180.00
  • Family$740.00

  • Adult$175.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$180.00
  • Family$740.00

  • Adult$175.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$180.00
  • Family$740.00

  • Adult$175.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$180.00
  • Family$740.00

  • Adult$175.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$180.00
  • Family$740.00

  • Adult$198.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$180.00
  • Family$740.00

  • Adult$209.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$180.00
  • Family$740.00

  • Adult$175.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$180.00
  • Family$740.00

  • Adult$175.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$180.00
  • Family$740.00

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.7

256 reviews

Showing all 256 authenticated Bookme reviews

Patricia Moulin from France wrote on 30 August 2023

Bonne expérience !

Le Tarif raisonnable nous a convaincus d essayer. La compagnie a fait de son mieux. Équipage consciencieux, adaptable, gentil, pédagogue et patient avec nous qui étions total débutants. Nous avons apprécié la nourriture (y compris le repas special sans gluten pour mon fils) Très honnête : l'un d entre nous a dû renoncé à son baptême de plongée en dernière minute et la prestation n'a pas été facturée. C est vraiment chic ! MERCI.

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Fanny G from France wrote on 29 August 2022

Belle journée au large de Cairns

Très belle excursion d'une journée : snorkeling et une plongée bouteille pour moi. Le bateau est confortable et les 3 membres d'équipage sont adorables et aux petits soins. Il y avait beaucoup de nourriture/boissons tout au long de la journée. Seul hic : le responsable qui accueille le matin les participants sur le bateau aussi aimable qu'une porte de prison. Il est TRES DESAGREABLE. Heureusement qu'il ne reste pas pour la journée sur le bateau car l'ambiance n'aurait pas été la même et ma note aurait été très mauvaise je pense. Nous sommes arrivées au rendez-vous à 7h10 : il était indiqué sur notre mail de confirmation d'arriver entre 7h15 et 7h45. Il nous a dit d'aller prendre un café. Ma copine est restée près du bateau quand moi je suis allée aux toilettes. A 7h45 j'ai posé le pied sur la jetée à 300m du bateau, à 7h47 j'étais sur le bateau. Ca faisait 10 minutes qu'il lui disait de m'appeler (ce qu'elle a fait et je lui ai dit que j'étais là dans les 3 minutes) et à 2 minutes près il faisait partir le bateau sans moi : hors de question de m'attendre 2 minutes. Il ne rigolait pas du tout ce qui est un comble puisque nous sommes revenus à la marina vers 15h30 alors qu'ils mettent un retour vers 16h30 approximativement.

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gypsyduo from Australia wrote on 31 August 2025

Fabulous!!

Been thinking about it!? Just do it!! Awesome snorkelling sites! Loads of colourful fish, coral and some beautiful turtles! Small group with attentive helpful and friendly staff. Yummy lunch and snacks. A wonderful day all around.

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Sean from Australia wrote on 28 August 2025

Pretty underwhelming

We had a nice small group, which was good, and the crew - Luke and Sandy - were helpful and nice people. The snorkelling on the reef was ok, nowhere near as much sea life as I was expecting and have experienced in other parts of Asia and the Pacific though. The boat ride out and back was very long and the boat could be more comfortable, not a single backrest to find anywhere inside or out. Lunch was not very enjoyable. The female captain unfortunately really killed any good mood, never cracked a smile in 8 hours and her only real interaction with us was suggesting I may be lying about my wife's name which was pretty bloody weird. All in all it was ok but I think we should have just gone to one of the islands where the reef may be slightly less interesting but at least we would have been more comfortable and had a more varied experience - and would have been less than half the price. Not recommended but it wasn't terrible.

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Michael VanDartel from Australia wrote on 26 August 2025

Polo reef

Great friendly and helpful crew. Nice and relaxed wat yo see the reef. Only negative would be the first dive spot. Not much there. Angel Bay made up for it. If you want a relaxed friendly day out on the inner reef, these are the team for you

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When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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