Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Cairns

This Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise is great for beginners, non-swimmers and first-time visitors to Tropical North Queensland. You can watch fish feeding, go on a snorkeling expedition, try scuba diving, see the coral and marine life on a semi-submersible submarine, and enjoy a tasty buffet lunch. Transport between Cairns and Port Douglas is included.

Agincourt Reef sits at the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef, a ribbon reef running parallel to the Continental Shelf. Clear water provides great underwater visibility and encourages rich coral growth which supports a variety of fish life, both large and small. Schools of damsel fish, solitary clown fish and small reef sharks are common visitors to this part of the reef, along with brightly-colored parrotfish and elegant angel fish.

Departing from Port Douglas, your 90-minute high speed catamaran cruise takes you directly to Agincourt Reef. The permanent pontoon moored here provides a sheltered base for your day on the reef. During the trip a snorkeling demonstration will get you ready for your adventure, and the staff will take you through your options for the day.

You'll have around 3.5 hours to enjoy the reef at your leisure. Grab a snorkel and hit the water on your own, or join an optional guided snorkeling tour with a qualified marine biologist. Snorkeling is a great way to explore the Great Barrier Reef, and there are friendly staff on hand to show you how.

Prefer to stay dry? You can explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible submarine. You'll take a leisurely cruise through colorful coral gardens, giving you a snorkeler's view of the marine life without getting wet.

For a little more adventure, try an introductory scuba dive. or a unique Ocean Walker Helmet Dive - no diving experience necessary.

See 'Itinerary' below for more details on your options, and click the 'price guide' button below to compare pricing.

We recommend you book this reef trip on your first full available day. You then have the opportunity to be flexible and change your travel date if you wish. Your booking can be changed at no additional cost directly with the operator once you are in Cairns. Prebook and secure your booking, but relax in knowing  you can make amendments at no charge.

Schedule details

Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise

Departure Dates:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

Cairns and northern beaches hotels

Departure Time:

Cruise departs from the Marina Mirage at 10:00am. Hotel pickups are between 7:30am and 9:00am.

Return Details:

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Cairns

Inclusions:

• Cruise from Port Douglas to Agincourt Reef
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Semi-submersible tour
• Buffet lunch
• Morning tea
• Afternoon tea
• Hotel pickup and drop off from Cairns and Northern Beaches
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)
• Environmental Management Charge

Exclusions:

• Drinks
  
• Gratuities (optional)
• Guided Snorkeling Tour (if option not selected)
• Introductory Dive (if option not selected)
• Ocean Walker Helmet Dive (if option not selected)
• Hire of stinger suits if required (approximately AUD $5.00 per person)

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booking within 5 days of travel. In this case, confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
• Diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended. All participants will be required to complete a health questionaire prior to diving. Some pre-existing medical conditions (eg asthma, heart conditions, etc) may prevent you from diving, please consult your doctor
• Minimum age for all diving activities is 12 years, the maximum age is 70 years
• All diving activities (Ocean Walker and Introductory Dive) for children 14 years and under must be booked directly on the day of travel. Prices listed are cruise only

Itinerary:

Included Activities:

Snorkeling at Agincourt Reef
Snorkeling is one of the best ways to view the incredible underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, and friendly staff are on hand to show you how. On your way out to Agincourt Reef you can view an instructional video on how to snorkel to teach you the right techniques.

Upon reaching the outer reef, you can obtain your snorkeling equipment from the storage containers on the platform. Easy access to the water is available from submerged platforms. Our friendly snorkeling safety officers can assist you with your snorkeling gear, and give you a few tips so that you can fully enjoy your experience.

Semi Submersible coral viewing
If you would like to stay dry, then you can explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a sub. The semi submersibles cruise slowly through the colorful coral gardens giving passengers, seated just one meter underwater, the opportunity to experience a snorkelers-eye view of the marine life without getting wet.

The semi-sub experience takes approximately 25 minutes and includes an informed commentary on the marine life observed during the journey and an overview of the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Semi-subs depart every fifteen minutes from the rear of the platform. Announcements are made to prompt you before departure.

Underwater Observatory
Watch the fish feeding from the unique viewing platform and underwater observatory. From here, you can also see the "first time" divers taking part in introductory dives. Butterfly fish, parrot fish, angel fish and elegant nudibranchs dance before your eyes and coral gardens beckon you to explore. Watch, entranced, as a clownfish snuggles into the embrace of a sea anemone.


Optional Activities (book and pay in advance):

Introductory Snorkel Tour
Led by a marine biologist, this tour provides an introduction to the Great Barrier Reef. Designed for the novice or beginner snorkeler, this tour is a great way to learn about the marine environment.

Introductory Dive
If you've never dived before, and would like to experience the magic of SCUBA, try an introductory dive with a highly qualified dive instructor. The only requirements are that you are at least 12 years of age, pass the on-board medical questionnaire and participate in a 30-minute dive brief. No experience necessary.

Ocean Walker - Helmet Diving
A unique and fun experience, see the reef up close during a helmet "dive". Breathing fresh air delivered from the surface into your helmet, you'll walk underwater on a reef platform - you can even wear your glasses if you wish! Ocean Walker is suitable for non-swimmers and persons aged over 12 years. After a short briefing and subject to medical conditions, you will be walking amongst the reef fish and corals.

All diving activities (Ocean Walker and Introductory Dive) for children 14 years and under must be booked directly on the day of travel. Prices listed are cruise only.


Optional Activities (book and pay on the day of travel):

Certified Diving
Scuba diving right at the edge of Australia's continental shelf is simply spectacular. At these unique ribbon reefs, visibility is excellent and the variety of marine life is exceptional. Certified divers must posses an internationally recognized SCUBA certificate card.

Scenic Helicopter Flight (10 minutes)
For a different and spectacular perspective of the jewel like ribbon reefs, a ten minute helicopter flight is available from platforms moored at Agincourt Reef.

Squid Squad Kid's Club
A fun Kids Club designed for children aged 5 - 12 years. There's fun and games to play with three 45-minute "Squad" sessions available each day at the Outer Reef. So while the kids are in the "Squad", mum and dad can enjoy some guilt-free time to snorkel, lunch together and relax on the sundeck.

Voucher Info:

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity. What's this?

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.