Down Under Cruise & Dive Evolution Outer Reef Cruise + Cert Dive

Map View Full Details Reviews

A full day on the outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns on Evolution, a fast 35 metre catamaran that gives you five hours at two reef sites, with one certified dive included and unlimited snorkelling either side of it. A BBQ lunch with prawns and steak, and a glass of wine on the way home, are part of the day.

Days

Full day, 7:15am to 4:30pm

Age

10 and over for certified divers

Group size

Shared reef cruise

Start / finish

Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns / outer Great Barrier Reef / Reef Fleet Terminal
Cairns, around 4:30pm

Return

Cairns, around 4:30pm

Transport

Evolution, a 35 metre high-speed catamaran

Meals

Arrival tea and muffins, BBQ buffet lunch, wine and cheese on the return

Route

Map of Down Under Cruise & Dive Evolution Outer Reef Cruise + Cert Dive

View map

Included experiences

Outer Great Barrier Reef — five hours at two reef sites
Certified dive — up to 40 minutes and 18 metres, with a buddy or a Dive Master
Snorkelling — unlimited, with supervisors in the water
BBQ lunch — fish, prawns, steak and tropical salads on board

Down Under Cruise & Dive Evolution Outer Reef Cruise + Cert Dive

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 muffins waiting. Have your certification card ready, and fill in the dive medical form. At 8am Evolution casts off from Trinity Inlet. She's a 35 metre catamaran on three decks, named Australia's best tourist and dive boat at the 2016 Ausmarine awards, and the run to the outer reef takes about 90 minutes.

FIRST REEF SITE: YOUR CERTIFIED DIVE

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. Each day the crew picks two of its 12 outer reef dive sites, among them Saxon Reef, a 1.9 square km reef between Norman and Hastings reefs that few other boats visit. You arrive at about 9:45am. One certified dive is included: up to 40 minutes, to a maximum of 18 metres, with your own buddy or one the crew pairs you with. For an extra fee paid on board, you can follow a PADI Dive Master instead.

MIDDAY: LUNCH AND THE SECOND REEF SITE

Lunch is a barbecue buffet served on board at about 11:30am, with steak, fish, prawns and tropical salads, and vegetarian and gluten-free meals catered for. At 1pm Evolution reaches the second site. Add a second or third dive for an extra cost, or snorkel with supervisors in the water. On the bommies, look for giant clams, moray eels tucked into the coral and the green turtles that feed on the reef flats. If you'd like to see the reef from above instead, a helicopter flight from the boat's own pontoon is an extra (no flying within 24 hours of your last dive, so check the timing with the crew).

MID-AFTERNOON: BACK TO CAIRNS

Evolution leaves the reef at 3pm. On the way back you get a glass of wine with cheese and biscuits, and time on the sundeck to log your dives. You're back in Cairns at about 4:30pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Check in between 7:15 and 7:45am.
Departure time: 8am.
Finishes: Back at the Reef Fleet Terminal at about 4:30pm.
Minimum age: 10 for certified divers, with a parent, guardian or private guide. Under 18s must have an adult with them.
Fitness: You must hold an internationally recognised dive certification and be in good respiratory and circulatory health. Divers over 65, or anyone with a medical condition or on prescription medicine, need a doctor's letter clearing them to dive.
Dietary needs: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free meals with at least 48 hours notice. Halal meals are not available, but you may bring your own food.
Please note: Bring your certification card: without it you may not be able to dive. Don't fly within 24 hours of your last dive. Evolution is a catamaran, steadier than a single hull, and seasickness tablets are sold on board; take them before you leave.

What to bring

Your dive certification card
Swimwear, towel and a change of clothes
Hat and sunscreen
A doctor's letter if you are over 65 or have a medical condition
Card or cash for the bar

What is included

Full day outer reef cruise on Evolution with five hours at two sites
One certified dive with all scuba gear
Wetsuit for divers and lycra sun-suit
Unlimited snorkelling with all snorkel gear
Arrival tea, coffee and muffins
BBQ buffet lunch with fish, prawns, steak and salads
Glass of wine with cheese and biscuits on the return trip

Not included

Second and third dives (can be pre-booked or bought on board)
Guided dive with a Dive Master, paid on board
Return transfers from Cairns city, the beaches and Palm Cove
Helicopter scenic flight
Drinks from the bar

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 2 reviews

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)

As a solo traveller I did three certified dives and each one was brilliant. My dive master Indi was calm and knowledgeable, and even with around 150 people aboard the crew remembered our names and made everyone feel welcome.

Hannah Denning Verified· Travelled 4th September 2026

Read original ↗

(5/5)

We were on the Evolution, a comfortable, well laid out boat with a professional crew and a delicious buffet of steak, prawns and fish. I love diving but I'm not a strong diver, and our dive master Amber worked with me all day so my dives were really enjoyable.

Benet Press Verified· Travelled 20th April 2026

Read original ↗