Down Under Cruise & Dive Cruise/Fly Full Day Reef Experience

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A full day on the Great Barrier Reef: cruise out from Cairns on Evolution for 4.5 hours of snorkelling at two outer reef locations, then fly back on a 25 minute scenic helicopter flight.

Days

Full day, 7:15am to about 3:15pm

Group size

Large group

Start / finish

Cairns (Reef Fleet Terminal) / Cairns (Marina Point)
Marina Point, about 3:15pm

Return

Marina Point, about 3:15pm

Transport

Evolution reef boat out, helicopter flight back to Cairns

Meals

BBQ lunch, plus arrival tea, coffee and muffins

Route

Map of Down Under Cruise & Dive Cruise/Fly Full Day Reef Experience

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Included experiences

Outer Great Barrier Reef — 3 hours snorkelling at the first reef
Hastings Reef — up to 2 hours snorkelling
Scenic helicopter flight over the reef and sand cays
Optional introductory or certified scuba dive

Down Under Cruise & Dive Cruise/Fly Full Day Reef Experience

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO THE OUTER REEF

Check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal on the Cairns waterfront between 7:15 and 7:45am, with tea, coffee and mini muffins waiting. Cairns grew up on Trinity Inlet, which Captain Cook named in 1770 because he sailed past it on Trinity Sunday. At 8am Evolution casts off. She's a 35 metre catamaran on three decks, named Australia's best tourist and dive boat at the 2016 Ausmarine awards, and she cruises at up to 30 knots, so the run to the outer reef takes about 90 minutes. Find a spot on the sundeck, or stay cool in the air-conditioned lounge while the crew runs through the day.

FIRST REEF SITE: SNORKELLING AND LUNCH

The Great Barrier Reef runs for more than 2,300 km and has been World Heritage-listed since 1981. Out on the outer reef, near the edge of the continental shelf, the water is far clearer than close to shore. You have about four and a half hours of snorkelling across two sites, with masks, fins and a free lycra suit. Look for giant clams with their bright mantles, parrotfish and the green turtles that feed on the reef flats. Want to go deeper? An introductory or certified scuba dive can be added for an extra cost. Lunch is a barbecue buffet served on board at about 11:30am, with steak, fish, prawns and tropical salads, and gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian meals catered for.

1PM: HASTINGS REEF

At 1pm Evolution reaches Hastings Reef, an outer reef north-east of Cairns and a neighbour of Saxon and Norman reefs, for up to two more hours of snorkelling. This is where the helicopter pontoon is moored, and where your ride home lands.

MID-AFTERNOON: HELICOPTER BACK TO CAIRNS

While the boat cruises home, you lift off from the pontoon in a six-seat Nautilus Aviation helicopter for a 25 minute flight back to Cairns. From the air you see the shapes of whole reefs, the blue channels between them and white sand cays, islands made of broken coral piled up by the currents. Manta rays and turtles are often spotted, and whales in winter. You land in Cairns at about 3:30pm, a good hour before the boat.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns. Check in 7:15 to 7:45am.
Departure time: 8am daily.
Finishes: Marina Point, 2 Pier Point Road, Cairns, at about 3:15pm.
Minimum age: Under 18s must be with a parent or legal guardian. Introductory divers must be 12 or over, certified divers 10 or over.
Dietary needs: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian meals are available; confirm special dietary needs at least 24 hours before travel.
Please note: The weight limit for the helicopter is 130 kg. Diving within 24 hours before the flight isn't permitted. Divers must complete a medical questionnaire; divers over 65, and anyone with conditions such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes or on prescription medication, need a doctor's clearance. Certified divers need proof of certification. Languages on board: English, German, Japanese and Mandarin.

What to bring

Change of clothes
Swimwear
Towel
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Camera

What is included

Reef cruise on Evolution
4.5 hours snorkelling at the Outer Great Barrier Reef, with all equipment
25 minute scenic helicopter flight back to Cairns
Lycra sun-suit hire
BBQ lunch with fish, prawns, steak and salads
Arrival tea, coffee and mini muffins
Dive instructors on board

Not included

Scuba diving, $90 (optional)
Hotel transfers (extra cost)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

I got seasick on the way out despite tablets, and Reuben and Elvis stayed with me until I felt better. Dive masters took my friend, who can't swim, out on the reef, lunch of steak, fish and prawns was tasty, and Edwin and Briony got us ready for the flight back. It was my friend's birthday and the crew made it special.

Natalie Pakiam Verified· Travelled 31st May 2026

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