Full-day reef trips with a marine biologist aboard
Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Day
We run one boat out to the outer reef, three moorings, and a guide in the water with you the whole time. Max 18 snorkellers means fins-on space at the sites is never a scramble, and if you have never used a mask before, there is a briefing on the way out and a hand to hold until you are comfortable.
- Three outer reef sites per trip
- Snorkel gear and stinger suits provided
- Departs daily, weather permitting
The reef in one day
Three moorings, one long lunch, no rush to the next site
A lot of day boats promise the reef and deliver twenty minutes of snorkelling between crowds. We anchor at three different sites across the day, with roughly ninety minutes in the water at each, and we pick the order on the morning based on wind and visibility.
18
snorkellers per departure
3
moorings visited each day
4.5 hrs
total time spent in the water
14 yrs
operating out of Cairns
What our guides bring to the day
A marine biologist on the deck, not just in the brochure
Priya has surveyed coral cover on the outer reef for the last eight years and still dives the same three sites every fortnight, so she knows which bommie is holding the best fish life that week. She does the site briefing before each splash-in, points out what is worth looking at underwater, and will happily answer the boring questions about bleaching without sugar-coating anything.
- Site selection based on conditions that morning
- One guide per six snorkellers in the water
- Reef-safe sunscreen and stinger suits on board
You can sell a reef trip on photos. You keep people coming back by putting a person in the water who can name what they are looking at.
How the day runs
From marina check-in to the ride home
Check in at the marina
Board from 7:15 am at Cairns Marlin Marina, berth 9. Bring a towel and a light long-sleeve top for the ride out.
Safety and gear fit
The briefing runs for fifteen minutes while we clear the harbour. We fit masks and fins then, so nothing gets fumbled once we are anchored.
First mooring
Usually Norman Reef, picked for morning visibility. Ninety minutes in the water with the guide, then back on deck for fruit and tea.
Second and third sites
Lunch is served between the second and third moorings. The later sites tend to have more turtles and cleaner water on an incoming tide.
Back into Cairns
We tie up around 4:45 pm. Freshwater rinse showers and a dry bag for your phone are both available on the ride home.
Fares and options
Pick the reef day that fits you
All options include the boat, three moorings, gear, lunch and the marine biologist. Nothing is added on the day except drinks from the bar.
Snorkeller
A$265
Day trip for one, with all snorkel gear and lunch included.
- Three reef sites and four hours in the water
- Full snorkel kit plus stinger suit
- Hot lunch and afternoon fruit platter
Snorkel and intro dive
A$395
The same day, plus one guided introductory dive at the first mooring.
- Everything in the snorkeller fare
- One 20-minute intro dive with an instructor
- Underwater photos from the dive
- Loan of a 3mm wetsuit for the day
Private charter
A$2,340
The boat and crew for your own group of up to 12, on a date you choose.
- Custom site selection with Priya
- Early departure ahead of the day boats
- Catering upgrade from a Cairns kitchen
Under and above the waterline
What you will actually see out there
Reef questions
The things first-timers ask us most
Planning a reef day?
Tell us when you are in Cairns
Give us your dates and group size and we will confirm which departures still have space. If conditions look rough for your window, we will suggest a better day rather than take the booking.
- +61 7 4829 1376
- skivani@hotmail.com
- Shop 400, Westfield Chermside, Cnr Gympie & Hamilton Roads, Chermside QLD 4032