1 Day Reef Sailing & Snorkel Tour
from
AUD
215
82
Sail to the Great Barrier on our amazing Catamaran: Swim with thousands of fish, soak up the Aussie sun and explore vividly colourful reefs full of life!
We'll visit 2 incredble reefs with up to 4 hours in the water. You choose freely between snorkelling, diving, or just relaxing on our bownets. We also offer introductory diving.
Includes
- Up to 4 hours snorkelling
- Two spectacular locations
- Experienced & Helpful Crew
- Snorkel Equipment hire & Tuition
- Fresh fruit platters when boarding
- A fantastic tropical buffet style lunch
- Guided snorkel & dive tours
- Assistance for non confident swimmers
- An Enchanting Catamaran
- Glass of Wine, Cheese & Fruit
- Complimentary Tea & Coffee
- All Reef Taxes and Levies
- Trip length: 1 Day
- Group size: Max 20
- Start: Cairns
- End: Cairns
- Vehicle: Sailing Catamaran
- Sleep: Non Applicable
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Physical Demand:
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Comfortlevel:
Tour Highlights
Pictures / Videos
Itinerary
See MapAvoid the crowds and experience The Great Barrier Reef the way nature intended. No other operator in this category can offer you this superb personalised service, which is normally only available on a privately owned yacht. Join us and our fun loving crew for your trip to The Great Barrier Reef and even make a few new friends.
Our destination Upolu Reef is a very beautiful location which lies at the very edge of the Outer Barrier Reef and is teeming with a large variety of interesting marine life and a beautiful array of corals. In the relatively sheltered lagoon you will see a multitude of giant clams, turtles, sea stars and reef fish. This offers a perfect snorkelling or diving experience in warm clear protected waters. A snorkel guide is available at the first site which offers a fun, informative and interactive introduction to the days exploration
Our great strength is our personalised service due to the small numbers. Being OWNER OPERATED means we take an active interest in the safety and well being of our customers and our awesome crew are considered a part of our family delivering enthusiastic, friendly hospitality to our guests. We will visit two sites (weather permitting), allowing plenty of time to snorkel, scuba dive or just simply relax in the bow nets on the boat.
- Small passenger numbers (20 max)
- All snorkelling equipment & safety tuition
- Reef education & guided tours
- PADI scuba demonstrations (introductory divers)
- Scuba skills update (certified divers)
- Fantastic tropical buffet lunch
- Complementary wine cheese & fruit platter
Extras:
Introductory Scuba Dive $75 per person
Certified Scuba Dive $65 per person
what to bring
CLOTHING
- Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun
- Shorts and T Shirts
- Comfortable shoes or sandles
- Swimwear and Towel
- Hat and sunglasses
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
- Cash or credit card for purchases
- Suncream, hat & towel, swimming clothes
- Proof of certification if you are a certified scuba diver
What is included
During the day the following is included:
- Morning tea & coffe
- All snorkelling equipment
- Extra help & instruction for beginners
- A fun and informative reef introduction & education
- Guided snorkel & dive tours from beginner to advanced
- A fantastic tropical buffet style lunch
- An enchanting catamaran with plenty of room and shade
- Complementary wine & cheese, tropical fruit platter on our return journey
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
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 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.
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 will carry an first aid box and our guides are all certified in First Aid.
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.
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.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
If your looking for a private tour based of one of our 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.
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.
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 we generally say 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.
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 this tour for me?
Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 49, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture. Our tours are for those wanting to really explore and share the experience with likeminded travellers. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on group experience. The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food - this is a group adventure. However, there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings. As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
Cost and Fees
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.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. Its handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Do I need to tip our guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary and is not at all expected.
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.
Whilst on tour
Where do I meet the tour?
For pick up times and locations, please check out the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary. Here we list everywhere we can pick up from and their respective times.There is a lot of information here to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review careful as these can vary from tour to 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.
Can you cater of special diets?
We can certain cater for most dietary needs. Please advise us at the time of your booking so arrangements can be made. For travellers with more extreme diets we may ask that you bring along additional snacks.
82
Reviews
“A Fantastic day out”
Travelled 27th October 2019
(5/5)
We had an incredible day out in the ocean, under the sun, snorkelling and sailing. Very good value for money. High recommend
- Michael
“Best trip for Great Barrier Reef”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
Best trip of our life, most helpful people I have ever met in the world, everything was perfect, the crew, the location, the food, the equipment and most of all the scuba dive. Personalised attention for both Snorkelling and scuba diving, helped my mother and daughter who dint know how to swim.
- Gutts7
“Slice of paradise”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
Friendly crew on a small vessel where you can enjoy lying out in the sun to the beautiful reefs. Perfect place to do a dive, even if you aren't certified. Lunch was delicious and filling and on the way back there was a good fruit platter. During the snorkelling one of the crew comes with you and points out interesting fish and tells you about the reef.
- Claire B.
“Magical day”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
I would highly recommend this day trip. The small group was definitely an advantage. Food was great and plenty for every one. The captain and crew were lovely adding that personal touch. It helps that the weather was perfect so that made the day magical.
- Kerrie J.
“Bucket list experience.”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
Great experience, staff were friendly and provided a unique experience. Small group size meant that there was enough staff to guide while in the water and small numbers meant you had freedom and space to explore in the knowledge that you were accounted for. Plenty of wildlife to spot, stingrays, barracuda, clown fish, corals, an array of marine fish (some large triggers and angels were my personal highlight). Highly recommended, will try to come back one day.
- Jason S.
“What a fabulous day!”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
My partner and I had a wonderful day with Captain Paul and his crew. Friendly and knowledgeable staff who were able to point out all the great things to see on the reef whilst snorkelling, as well as have a chat on the trip out/back. The reef was fantastic, we saw all kinds of fish, giant clams, a barracuda, a turtle and even a shark! Smaller boat with only 18 guests so it felt nice and personalised - not crammed with people! Great lunch provided as well as wine and cheese on the journey back to shore. And to top it all off, perfect weather! Highly recommend.
- Laura M.
“Highly recommended”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
We had a really great day with two beautiful snorkeling sites at the Upolu Reef. The group size was perfect. The crew was amazing and very helpful on pointing out some highlights while snorkeling. Would definitely recommend!!!
- Thehnke
“Fun Adventure”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
A great fun adventure on a small boat - so much more personal than on a giant boat with hundreds of others. Really enjoyed the trip and the small crew and crowd, and the lovely snorkelling site. Attentive, professional and friendly.
- Aello
“Excellent”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
Well organised, very professional and very helpful and knowledgeable crew Lovely trip out although a bit rough and wet at times but that added to the adventure Only suggestion is to do safety briefing before engine starts as it was hard to hear
- Suzie M.
“Great day out”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
We had a lovely day out, and the boat and crew were great. Cheese and wine on the way home. Good value through Bookme.
We were just disappointed by the reef itself when snorkelling, as we were hoping that going out to the outer reef would mean we would see the brightly coloured coral that is hard to come by these days, but that wasn't the case. Lots of fish to see, and a few other interesting things, but not really anything that we haven't seen before. However, my husband did a dive at the second site and said it was way better than the snorkelling, much more like what he remembered the reef to be like when he was younger.
Also if you get cold easily like me (we went in August) you may want to consider renting a full length wetsuit on shore as they offered us shorties to hire. I didn't do the second snorkel site as it took me too long to warm up again after the first site. I did however get to see the resident barracuda by dunking my head in the water from the boat steps, and many of the snorkellers missed out on that barracuda, so all was not lost!
We also saw some whales breaching way out on the horizon, so if you are lucky you might get to see some closer up.
- Abbie M.
“A fantastic way to see the Barrier Reef”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
Paul and his team at Reef Daytripper provided a great day snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. It was great experiencing the reef on a smaller boat which gave plenty of room to explore and the opportunity to meet some great fellow travellers. Would highly recommend.
- Laura M.
“Fun day snorkelling on the reef in a small group!”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
Great small tour boat heading out to the great barrier reef for a day of snorkelling and scuba diving. Makes it more relaxing than the big tour boats.
Friendly crew, and very personal service, especially for inexperienced snorkelers, the crew come with you into the water as a guide and help you along to identify sea creatures and coral. They were very knowledgeable and passionate about the reef and marine environment.
Since it was a sailboat catamaran, we sailed back on the return journey as it was a windy afternoon.
- Christian P.
“Best Snorkeling Trip!!”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
I thoroughly recommend the Reef Day Tripper!! I have been on a large boat that went to the outer pontoon and would 100% recommend these guys over the other. I am a very inexperienced snorkeler and the staff (who are in the water at all times with the group) are great teachers, helpful and always there if you need any help. I had the best snorkelong experience ever and just relaxed (for once) and enjoyed the sights on the reef because I felt so safe. They supplied a lovely lunch, all equipment and being in a small group was the best!! Paul and his staff were fantastic!!
- HJ D.
“Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
The crew were helpful and attentive from the minute we got onto the boat.
They were organised and informative and there was lots of interaction with our small group (this made it a more personalised tour - as opposed to the large cattle truck tours available)
Plenty of coral and beautiful coloured fish to see, even turtles on their reef locations.
I cannot thank the guys enough.
Would definitely go to the Reef with them again.
- Sylvia A.
“Had a really relax and fun day”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
I was really happy that I had chosen Reef Day Tripper, instead of the bigger boats. Staff was really friendly and helpful and it felt like they had time for everyone, because it was only a small group. They gave a lot information about the reef, fish etc. 2 staff members went into the water with a float, so you could hold yourself if your not a confident swimmer. We had plenty of time to snorkel or dive. Good food too, also for vegetarians or vegans.
Great experience!
- Malou
“Amazing experience!”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
Awesome spots in the reef, small groups and therefore personalised. Friendly crew and incredible sailing experience. One of my best adventures in Cairns! :)
- Cami F.
“Excellent”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
We went on the trip on Friday. We only had five people on board so it felt like a private charter. Great snorkeling. Very friendly & helpful staff. Good food. So much better than a big boat with 100 people on board. We highly recommend this trip.
- Eithne M
“Such a great company!”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
We book with the owner over the phone. He recommended a good day for us to go given the wind/weather. I told him we had a kid that was a less than confident swimmer. The crew made sure he still had a great time, while allowing us time to explore on our own as well. Just an all around great experience. Small boat and less people make this company better than may others in the area.
- Minolip
“Incredible Experience with a Great Crew”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
This was such an awesome tour. Great spots to visit and a really relaxing day on a beautiful boat. The crew was fantastic, and the whole experience was great. Couldn't recommend it enough.
- Joe S.
“Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
Here we go: if you enjoy Diesel engines, being next to 350 people, mass tourism, and long, crowded bus rides, then Reef Daytripper is NOT for you!!
However, if you enjoy sailing, low-impact tourism, and warm, friendly and sincere conversations, and up-close and personal attention--and a chance to see the Great Barrier Reef with 20 (as opposed to 350) people, then sign up now for Reef Daytripper!
Will remember this trip with our daughter til the day I die, and she will pass on these stories to her grandchildren some day.
Amazing experience!
5-star crew!
- Michael M.
“Excellent first time trip to GBR”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
The crew was excellent - explained everything well and went in water with us and acted as guides. It was so nice being a small group on the catamaran. The lunch was well laid out and delicious with some wine fruit and cheese on the way home. It was truly a great day. I read someone’s reviews about taking gravol - I would do that next time before the trip as it can get wavy but felt very safe. Would do it again.
- Marina
“Awesome day on the reff”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
Having a small group gives the feeling that you have the reef all to yourself can't recommend this day on the reef enough
- Darren S.
“BEST DAY TRIP IN CAIRNS”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
Hands down the best day trip out to the reef I have experienced, they make the trip personalised by no more than 20 people on the boat, friendly staff and are amazing with non English speakers. Greeted with coffee and biscuits to follow on with an amazing lunch to them end the day off with fruit and cheese platters.
They take you to other parts of the reef that bigger boats cannot access and they have a person take you snorkeling and supervising the whole time but still give you freedom for a free acvitity. I chose to do the scuba dive (this is my 3rd dive) and felt safe and secure and was shown the most amazing places at the reef. Snorkeling was amazing, seen turtles, sharks, nemos and many other amazing fish! Would 100% recommend this tour to family’s, solo travellers, teenagers as they accommodate to all kinds and still makes the day so fun.. thanks again for the best day!
- Randy
“Great Crew and definitely a great spot”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
My partner and I decided to book a small tour to get away from the large crowds and were glad we came across this one.
We booked through Travstar and they confirmed our booking quite quickly. We arrived at the wharf and were greeted by the friendly crew and offered tea and coffee.
The catamaran had heaps of room for the amount of people on board and they also had a toilet. We arrived at Uplou Reef and saw Turtles, Reef Sharks and and a few clown fish families. This tour was one of our highlights compared to the bigger tours. The food ordered by the crew was sooo nice a few vego options like a Mediterranean pasta salad and sweet potato pasta and they also prepared sandwiches for the vegetarians. For the meat eaters there were chicken drumstick and cold meats. On the way home for afternoon tea We had cheese (Camembert, Blue Cheese and Tasty) , crackers and fresh fruit. Fresh water was provided on the boat. Definitely a must pick tour!
- B M.
“Fantastic experience”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
This was our second time on the Day Reeftripper. Only 15 passengers on board so plenty of room and great staff. We had mixed weather but the reef didn’t disappoint. Would recommend for anyone wanting a more intimate experience but be prepared to get wet and take plenty of sunscreen!
- Samantha M.
“Enjoyable day”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
We have an enjoyable day on this boat. Only 15 people on board; for us this was a bonus. Staff were helpful and knowledgeable. Thanks for a great day
- Hum
“Fantastic Crew!”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
I just got off the boat from a great trip. This trip was made even better by the fantastic staff. The Captain and crew were 5 stars.
- Adrienne
“A tick off our bucket list”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
We booked this trip, and we were not disappointed only takes 20 on this catamaran Fabulous helpful crew,very friendly and could not do enough to help very good instructions ,on the use of snorkel’s ect. Excellent lunch
- Patricia F.
“Awesome trip to the Barrier Reef”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
I would do it again with the same outfit. Biggest benefit is that it is small group and very personal attention. Crew very friendly and knowledgeable.
- Walter L.
“Terrific small group day on the reef”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
Reef Day Tripper was a terrific small group experience all round, great staff, comfortable catamaran, delectable lunch, and we were only fourteen tourists to four staff (they limit groups to twenty). We spent almost four hours at two diving/snorkelling sites on the Upolu Reef with reserved mooring for this company (meaning no crowds). One snorkelling instructor per four participants guaranteed that each individual felt safe, informed, and assisted in whatever way necessary to enjoy the day. One novice diver expressed great appreciation for the personal assistance she received in a brief moment of panic; her instructor was immediatey at hand to guide her safely through the remainder of the dive. Great, congenial crew from Australia, Finnland, France and the US, and we enjoyed getting to know the others from around the world over morning coffee or tea, during travel time at sea, over a delectable lunch of coldcuts, grilled chicken legs, pasta salad, mixed green salad. By the time we completed the afternoon snorkeling or diving, the groups coalesced into one large, friendly party over a glass of wine with lots of hydrating fresh fruit and cheeses. It is well worth the price for an all-day outing including coffee, lunch, late afternoon refreshments, and instruction. Only the recommended wet suits were an additional cost of $8 AUD. Highly recommend.
- Terry M.
“Snorkeling and scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
Had an amazing day on the water with the reef daytripper crew. Coffee, lunch and wine and cheese plus snorkeling (and the option of scuba) the great barrier reef with a small group is definitely worth it. We tried scuba for the first time and we were not disappointed with the experience. The crew was very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a really great day on the reef and definitely would do it again!
- Marcel B.
“Pick this reef trip!”
Travelled 1st November 2019
(5/5)
We took this reef trip yesterday after my boyfriends sister in law found it online.
It’s one of the best value trips we found and had less than 20 people on board with 5 members of staff. Needless to say the service and support was amazing.
The trip takes a bit longer than other trips however the boat was very comfortable and had plenty of space so actually made the experience.
The lunch was very tasty and we got one wine, cheese, fruit, tea and coffee included which is great value.
My boyfriend and I did two certified dives after over a year and a half without diving but Seamus and Harriet put us at ease and we had a guide to ourself for each dive we did. Both clearly very experienced. Paul the skipper also helped us in and out of our equipment and gave us lots of diving advice. Also helped us fill in our logbooks.
Can’t recommend reef day tripper more.
- Sophia A.
“Fantastic day out”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
Amazing day out. Great boat, fantastic crew, great food. Even though the weather made for rough seas and I normally get sea sick- the captain steered in such a way that I didn’t get sick at all. Very informative with the snorkeling. Definitely do the snorkeling tour
- Oaklyn C
“Don’t miss it!”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
This was by far the best trip. Staff had plenty of time to help anyone else but needed it. It really did feel personal. There was heaps of food. Thanks everyone.
- Zakai A
“Amazing day!”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
Loved it! The snorkeling and scuba Diving was so good and the crew was amazing. Loved that it was a small group. I would 100% recommend!
- Finley H
“A great day, with a crew who enjoy their jobs.”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
A great day out. I enjoyed the snorkelling. My wife has never snorkelled before and doesn’t like putting her head in the water, although she is a good swimmer. She was happy just to sit on the boat. The skipper gently encouraged her along with one of the scuba instructed, to give it a try. She is so glad that she did, thank you for that.
- Omari P
“A great, affordable sailing excursion with friends!”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
An absolute blast of an excursion. The weather was a little uncooperative, but we had no problem sailing out and back. Overall great food, drink, and snorkeling service. Worth it!
- Fernanda P
“Perfection”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
Hands down the best snorkelling trip I have been on. The reef is full of life which mirrors the crew onboard. All of the staff were excellent, great humour and expert knowledge. I didn’t scuba dive, but have done once before. The safety briefing for the dive was so comprehensive I wish I had these instructors for my previous one! A particular highlight was the small group (max20) compared to larger trips (120). This made the experience much more personal, each crew member made genuine conversations with us onboard. Thanks to everyone for the brilliant day out, would recommend to anyone coming to Cairns. Slán go fóill, we will be back!
- Jad B
“Get away from crowds, and sail with Day Tripper”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
Great crew, small group and fun experience.
The reef was beautiful, and we would go back again for sure. Food was good and crew was very knowledgeable.
- Layne G
“Family Fun at the Great Barrier Reef”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
What an awesome trip. I loved the intimacy of the smaller tour. Much more personal attention. The crew and the diving and snorkeling guides were great. Overall, a memorable experience.
- Isaiah B
“Green Island Ferry & Snorkelling Reef Safari”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
Took the Big Green Cat over to Green Island and went on the Glass Bottom boat… a must! Also upgraded to the Reef Safari which was snorkelling further out on the reef via a boat with a guide from a Marine Biologist, Glenn - fantastic and would do this every day if I could - saw so much and snorkelled for over an hour in a small group. WOW
Green Island itself is rather tired and would benefit with an update of facilities, and investment
- Noemi V
“Excellent trip to the Great Barrier Reef!”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
Excellent boattrip with a small number of guests (max 20) and 4 crew-members. The crew-members did an amazing job giving us a wonderfull day at the reef with guided snorkle tours and guided scuba diving. The service was high, and the catering onboard was really nice. We did the tour with our 2 kids (8 and 13 years of age), and we can definitely recommend it.
- Jamari M
“Great choice - book now!”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
Brilliant tour. Great crew, incredible coral, and relaxed happy holiday vibes. You won’t find better. We’ll be back!!
- Carly H
“Great reef experience”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
I picked this tour given the smaller numbers, and glad I did.
There were 8 of us in total on the day, making it a more intimate experience.
I found the crew to be friendly and answered any questions that we had.
On both reef sights we visited, a crew member came out to snorkel with us and pointed out things of interest, we have otherwise missed. We were lucky enough to see some large rays, lots on fish and I even spotted a reef shark swim past.
My 14 year old daughter did a dive for the first time and had an instructor to herself, due to low interest in diving. She was very well looked after and absolutely loved the experience, stating it is the highlight of her holiday.
If you want to beat the crowds and travel at a more leisurely pace, this is definitely a tour to consider!
- Beau L
“Don’t miss it!”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
Beautiful day in the barrier reef, amazing guide for snorkeling all around the corals and reef wildlife (an Australian guy)
Small group so even better and compared to the other companies they make a good price.
Only negative note is an Argentinian guy that was part of the crew who has been a little too much sarcastic and treated us a bit disrespectfully (didn’t like that).
All the rest was good.
Even good food during the lunch stop
- Harley H
“ Had a great day, thank you!”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
We chose this day trip as you can avoid all the commercial crowds (as it’s a max of 20 people) and they take you to a different reef and not to the touristy one. Also we chose them because it’s the most eco friendly reef tour operating in the region and that was important to us. Friendly crew, safe, and experienced. Safety was their number one priority. They have dive/snorkel instructors that will go out with you snorkelling and show you all the wonderful wildlife there on the guided snorkel tours (or you can swim by yourself). We saw nemo, lots of colourful fish, giant clams, starfish, and a 2.5m reef shark, which swam away. Felt completely safe for the whole thing with instructor. Very nice lunch with veg and meat options. It was pouring down with rain in Cairns, but was super sunny and clear out in the reef so don’t let that put you off. Also was able to get some amazing shots with the drone. (Need permission from skipper) overall I would recommend this family run tour company to friends and family.
- Sylas M
“Day well spent”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
Most amazing experience. These guys were amazing. The best Crew we could have asked for. They were friendly, professional and always looking after everyone. Very impressive. We managed to see pretty much every fish in Nemo including turtles and a reef shark. Thanks again guys you all rock. If you want to have a unforgettable experience go with these guys.
- Faith C
“Very satisfying”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
I went on a trip to the Great Barrier Reef with this company with a group of friends. The behavior of the staff, especially the instructors, was very friendly and professional. The boat - catamaran was older, not completely clean and smelled in the areas around the entrance to the toilet. The biggest problem on the ship was its captain. It was about a young lady, basically a teenager around twenty-five years old, who behaved arrogantly and contemptuously from the beginning. After the first dive, he accused his wife of touching a turtle in the sea, which was not true, and the instructor, who swam 0.5 m from her, could easily testify, it did not happen. We got into a heated argument when I accused her of unprofessionalism and lying. However, I did not receive the requested apology until the end of the cruise. My wife, who used to dive actively, was prevented from entering the sea again. My wife and I are 65 years old. We have traveled to many places in the world, we do not consider ourselves to be quarrelsome, rather very tolerant people, but this experience spoiled the whole first week of our first residence in Australia. Unfortunately, due to this fact, we do not recommend this company, presented by this pseudo captain, for a trip by sea.
- Fabian G
“Comprehensive tour!”
Travelled 12th May 2024
(5/5)
Amazing day trip with reef daytripper. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Kit provided was spot on and the reef we went to was so quiet away from other boats. Highly recommend.
- Aya G
“Great experience”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
Great experience travelling 2hrs out to sea while motoring and under sail to dive on a colorful reef with plenty of marine life.
- Russell
“Fun day to see great barrier reef”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
A fun way to explore great barrier reef. We used a catamaran boat, the crews were super helpful and informative. Luke and Thomas as our diving/snorkling master guided us very well.
The lunch and snack/fruits which were provided are delicious enough for us who were hungry from activity
- Bradley
“Great Day Out”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
Perfect day. Small group (only 17 people) plus 3 crew. Safety was excellent. Friendly service. Visited 2 outer reef spots. Have snorkelled a lot and wasn't disappointed. We were lucky with the weather. Snacks on arrival and in the arvo. Lunch was simple but fresh. Can buy alcohol on board but cannot enter the water after drinking. Would definitely recommend
- Caleb
“Great experience!!”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
This trip was so much fun! Two snorkeling spots with plenty of wildlife and delicious food at lunch. The crew was extremely kind, and always gave clear, easy to understand instructions, which made the whole day enjoyable. Would recommend this trip with the Reef Daytripper crew to everyone!
- Bobby
“Great experience”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
We had a lovely day on the Reef Daytripper. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable. The snorkeling was a ton of fun and we saw some beautiful fish, coral, turtles, and a small nurse shark. My only recommendation would be to have them post the pickup point is on Finger D in the marina since that was a little unclear from the webpage instructions.
- Roy
“Great barrier reef trip”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
Our trip to the Great Barrier Reef was good. The staff were helpful when asked, but more interested in talking to the younger females on board rather than the other passengers.
We were a bit disappointed with the barrier reef snorkelling as was very similar to Fiji/Rarotonga/Samoa.
- Liam
“Solo”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
Crew were very welcoming and personal. A perfect snorkeling trip for a solo, middle aged traveler. 5 star. Would do it again!
- Vincent
“Amazing!! 10/10!”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
If you're looking for a fun and caring service, you've found it! They are very attentive to every detail, since the boarding until we left the boat. The fact the tour can hold up to 20 people makes a huge difference as well. Everything was perfect and the Great Barrier Reef was wonderful (the snorkeling instructor also goes with you through the barrier reef pointing the sea animals like turtles, dolphins, sharks etc). The crew is very friendly too. I was travelling solo and they made me feel very welcomed, always talking to me and making the whole tour way more fun. I highly recommend it!
- Mason
“Great once in a lifetime experience!”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
Took our motion sickness pills as we got on the boat. The boat ride was rough and the waves were crazy high, bit it was an adventure. We got to see whales up close even before we started snorkeling! The water was rough but as soon as you looked under the water it was a whole different, beautiful scene. There were so many fish of all colors and sizes, the reef was so alive. We saw a green sea turtle and floated right next to it as it surfaced. Soup after was perfect because it was cold and breezy. Lunch was great!
- Randy
“enjoyed”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
i enjoyed the whole experience. Great people, great snorkelling, great crew, great day.
- Wayne
“Small Group and Heaps of Fun - Highly Recommend”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
Absolutely incredible reef tour. Small group makes it authentic and fun. Guides were fantastic and we were given heaps of snorkel time. Bonus: we saw three turtles!
- Albert
“Fantastic experience”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
Fantastic experience, great guides, yummy food. The small number of people made it comfortable. We could ask questions and chat. Lovely day!
- Willie
“great experience!”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
Great trip! Nice boat, small numbers, crew were great. Lots of time in the water in 2 separate places. Highly recommend!
- Elijah
“The guided snorkel and personal interaction made a WORLD of diff”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
We chose a smaller Owner/Operator and are so glad we did. It was a smaller group (15) and we had two guides in the water with us helping. As my wife and daughter are a bit worried about the sea, our guides Tuey and Julian were amazing. Tuey made sure we found Nemo the clown fish as well! We also saw many many other fish. But the big advantage was how comfortable they made my wife and daughter in the ocean. It made the whole snorkel amazing.
- Juan
“Best small group snorkeling”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
Crew was super helpful and informative, and the snorkeling was excellent. Dive instructor was very patient with my son, who ended up having an amazing first dive. What sets this apart is probably that the group was less than 20 people. The other boats all seemed to have several hundred people.
- Alan
“magical experience”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
Would recommend to everybody!! Loved every second was a magical experience. Crew were brilliant as was the atmosphere. Crew were also very knowledgable on areas of the reef with great wildlife. Loved it.
- molly
“awesome”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
What an awesome trip! sure ill go back!
- janno
“The best day!”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
Hey we had a lovely time with captain mikhaila, dive instructor Luke and Julian.
- poe
“Great tour”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
Booked with Reef Daytripper based on other reviews. As a group of 4, we had an excellent day visiting the outer reef. The boat is a catamaran and there were 17 in the group on the day we went, hence it felt perfect in terms of numbers. Diving costs (140aud for 2 dives we felt were good value). Crew were very professional and friendly, safety is taken very seriously (important for us when diving). The diving & snorkelling on the reef was excellent, we visited 2 reefs and were surprised how healthy the coral appeared and the abundance of marine life. Unfortunately for us we didn’t see our favourite underwater fish - sharks and manta rays - maybe next time! We would highly recommend this operator.
- edgar
“enjoyable”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
The Reef Daytripper was an unreal experience! From the boat to the crew everything was professional yet fun and enjoyable! Special mention to Mikaela who skippered the boat and was full of knowledge about the reef and made us all feel safe! Also Tomas who guided me one on one for my first scuba dive, so professional and constantly checking in! An amazing and unforgettable experience if you want to experience the reef without the crowds and enjoy something a little more intimate!
- summer
“Great tour”
Travelled 25th November 2024
(5/5)
Highly recommended!!
- marc
“Just perfect!”
Travelled 23rd April 2025
(5/5)
Good trip, the boat crew are friendly, organised and very experienced and you feel in very good hands. I would advise wearing swimmers and taking a change of clothes and a towel as you get very wet on the boat!
- Taylor Todd
“Fantastic Tour! `”
Travelled 23rd April 2025
(5/5)
Really nice experience! We traveled in a small group, which gave us more space for snorkeling. The team was super friendly. Big thanks to Luke for showing us the best spots on the reef!
- Zeke Byrd
“Amazing Tour! Great Experience!”
Travelled 23rd April 2025
(5/5)
Amazing experience, crew 100%. Really nice snorkeling tour and the provided good quality food and snacks. I would 100% recommended also for the « small group » excursion concept.
- Blakely Cain
“Fantastic Tour! Lovely Day!”
Travelled 23rd April 2025
(5/5)
This was by far the best snorkeling experience of my life. To see sharks, giant clam shells, beautiful fish and coral - was incredible. However, the staff only added to my wonderful experience. Truly worth going.
- Maximus Serrano
“Fantastic Tour!”
Travelled 23rd April 2025
(5/5)
My wife and I had an amazing trip today to the Great Barrier Reef it was a very small group with only 6 passengers and 3 crew. The crew Sophie, Luke, and captain Makayla were incredibly helpful, kind, accommodating, insightful, and accommodating. They allowed me to sign up for an intro-dive last minute while we were underway and I had a 1 on 1 lesson for my first ever dive with Sophie, she worked with me and guided me even though I had some issues quite a bit were brought on by fear and by the end of it even though she basically dragged me through the water on a tour through the reef because I was still struggling to orientate myself, it turned out to be a ton of fun!
- Skyla Khan
“Fantastic Tour! Lovely Day!”
Travelled 23rd April 2025
(5/5)
Fun trip! Prescription snorkel masks and stinger suits were provided. Small group sizes. On the day of our tour the weather was a little choppy, but the crew were very patient and caring, allowing those who were nervous to hang on to a life ring attached by rope to the guide. Saw lots of fish, giant clams, and a turtle! However, it was clear that some of the crew disliked another crew member, and were treating her quite disrespectfully in front of the passengers. Also, though warning us to not touch the coral, the guide led us over some very shallow parts of the reef, making contact inevitable.
- Reid Lucero
“Great Experience!!!”
Travelled 23rd April 2025
(5/5)
Excellent excursion!! Instructor Julian a genius explaining everything to dive. He gave me a lot of security, and speaking Spanish was a great help. Everyone in the crew very friendly, rich food and the dream landscape, being few people makes everything simpler and faster, we were 11 tourists. Super recommended!
- Keyla Zuniga
“Amazing Tour! Great Experience!”
Travelled 23rd April 2025
(5/5)
A lovely day on the reef with brs diving. Small group on a smaller boat which meant that there was an opportunity to get to know the group. It created a familiar atmosphere on board. The crew was both knowledgeable and informative about what to expect about the activity.
- Elijah Gallegos
“Amazing Tour! Great Experience!”
Travelled 23rd April 2025
(5/5)
This is exactly the trip you should go on if either a first- timer or someone who has snorkeled since a child. The crew is friendly and knowledgeable. Despite being 66 years old with no previous experience, I felt very secure. The scenery is spectacular and you can either swim around on your own or latch on to a life ring for your tour. Thank you so much!
- Laila Espinoza
“Amazing Tour! Great Experience!”
Travelled 23rd April 2025
(5/5)
The trip was an interesting experience with the snorkeling being the real highlight. The crew were helpful. The food could have been better and handing out cheese and fruit into the hand could have been better organized. Overall hygiene on board is a bit of concern!!
- Boone Rivers
“Amazing Tour! Great Experience! ”
Travelled 23rd April 2025
(5/5)
What an awesome way to spend a day! The team was prepared, knowledgeable and so much fun! All equipment (snorkel and diving) was well maintained and provided. And some easy breakfast snacks and lunch meals were provided throughout the day too....there was even champagne provided on the way back into Cairns to end off a wonderful day. I highly recommend the Reef Daytripper team. The group size is small and easier to access the reefs, joining in on a guided snorkel tour is enjoyable and you see so much reef life. And when you're tired you can just head back to the boat and rest catamaran style!! I also recommend the team themselves as they are professional but easygoing! I'll definitely be back! The experience was wonderful!
- Virginia Thornton
“Fantastic Tour! Great day!”
Travelled 23rd April 2025
(5/5)
Definitely an experience that I would recommend without thinking about it. A crew of 10 in every way, very friendly and make you want to come back on board the next day. If you are looking for a quieter and less crowded experience this is the place for you. The rest of the fleets that leave from Cairns are the typical crowded boat where you don't have a minute to enjoy the great barrier reef by yourself, nothing to do with this boat. It only remains for me to thank each and every one of the crew for this day.
- Van Costa
