All Inclusive Great Barrier Reef Cruise w optional Scuba Diving

Traveling to Australia’s tropical north wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the Great Barrier Reef. The All-Inclusive Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Reef Experience offers a full day of marine adventure, combining stunning coral gardens, vibrant marine life, and onboard comforts. It’s a popular choice for travelers seeking convenience, value, and a variety of activities in one package.

What we love about this tour are the well-organized snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities and the generous onboard meals, which significantly enhance the day’s enjoyment. The friendly, knowledgeable crew also makes the experience feel personal and accessible—especially for first-timers. However, a potential consideration is that weather conditions, like rough seas, can impact the comfort of the boat ride, which some reviews noted as a downside on less calm days.

This tour is best suited for those looking for a comprehensive day trip that combines adventure with good value. Whether you’re eager to snorkel, try an introductory dive, or simply relax with a glass of wine while taking in the reef views, this experience offers something for all. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who appreciate organized, all-in-one packages with meals included and are comfortable with moderate physical activity.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with meals, snacks, and equipment provided
• Two reef locations offering optimal snorkeling and scuba opportunities
• Comfortable boat ride with the possibility of experiencing rough seas
• Expert guidance and marine biologist talks enrich your understanding of the reef
• Affordable price point compared to similar reef tours
• Flexible options for certified and introductory scuba dives

An Overview of the Tour Experience

The journey begins early in the morning at Cairns Marlin Marina, where you’ll board the vessel around 7:30 am. The boarding process is straightforward—just head to A Finger at the Cairns Marlin Marina—and the crew is ready to start your day with a hearty breakfast of bacon and egg rolls, veggie options, and fresh fruit. This is a nice touch, especially since many travelers appreciate starting the day with a substantial meal before heading onto the reef.

The boat departs promptly at 8 am, and after a brief safety briefing and a marine biology presentation, you’ll set off on a roughly 1.5-hour cruise to the outer reef. The travel time might seem long, but it’s a small price for reaching some of the most vibrant coral patches in the world. The vessel also acts as a transfer to the Reef Encounter overnight liveaboard, which some travelers might find convenient if they’re planning to extend their reef adventure.

The first stop is at Hastings, Saxon, or Norman Reef—depending on weather conditions—giving you the chance to explore the reef’s surface or prepare for your underwater exploration. Once there, travelers are encouraged to snorkel or participate in up to 2 hours of scuba diving. The included 20-minute introductory or 40-minute certified dive provides a real highlight, letting even non-swimmers or inexperienced divers experience the vibrant coral and marine life close-up.

Many reviews praise the quality of the reef locations, with one guest noting, “The reef locations were the best out of other tours I tried.” The marine environment is indeed breathtaking, filled with colorful coral gardens and exotic fish, and having two different reef stops maximizes your chances to see diverse underwater scenes.

The Snorkeling and Diving Experience

Snorkeling is made easy with onboard equipment, and the guided marine biologist presentations add educational value to the experience. Several guests mentioned their amazement at the marine life, with one saying, “The snorkelling was really cool,” and another praising the instructors for making their first dive memorable.

The introductory scuba dive is a highlight, even for nervous first-timers. One reviewer shared, “I don’t know how to swim but the crew was so friendly and the female instructor was so good,” illustrating how supportive the crew is. The included scuba dives are a perfect way to get a taste of diving without committing to a full certification course.

The second reef stop at Norman Reef offers a different environment to explore, with another 1.5 hours dedicated to snorkeling and diving. After your underwater adventures, a delicious BBQ lunch awaits, prepared fresh onboard by the dedicated cook. Expect salads, grilled meats, and hearty sides—many guests comment on how tasty and satisfying the meal is, making the long day more enjoyable.

The Return Journey and Relaxation

After spending the afternoon exploring the reef, the boat heads back to Cairns. The return trip takes about 1.5 hours, during which you can relax with crackers, cheese, and a glass of white wine. This calming end to a busy day allows travelers to unwind, chat about their experiences, and enjoy the scenic ride back.

The tour concludes at the Cairns Marlin Marina, typically around 5 pm, leaving plenty of time to explore the city or relax in your accommodation.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Many travelers praise the value for money—for around $190 AUD, you get an all-day adventure that includes meals, equipment, two reef stops, and the chance to try scuba diving. The small group feeling during the diving portions—thanks to guides taking just three divers at a time—also elevates the experience for those who want more personalized attention.

The knowledgeable guides and marine biologists are another highlight, providing insights that deepen your appreciation of the reef’s delicate ecosystem. While some reviews pointed out that rough seas can make the boat ride unpleasant, this is a common risk with day trips to open waters, so travelers with sensitive stomachs should be prepared.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, especially for snorkelers and divers.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions, particularly if the weather forecast predicts rough seas.
• The meals are made onboard, so expect a hearty breakfast before departure and a satisfying BBQ lunch with salads.
• The included equipment makes it easy to participate without additional costs, but you can also opt for extras like guided snorkel tours for $40 AUD.
• The tour’s timing is designed to maximize reef time, but remember the journey is part of the experience—relax and enjoy the scenic cruise.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

William R., who described the trip as “fantastic,” particularly appreciated the small group diving with guide Gabriel, calling the experience “highly recommend[ed]” for scuba enthusiasts. Conversely, some reviews highlighted less pleasant days with rough seas and less friendly staff, reminding us that weather and crew attitude can impact your overall experience.

One reviewer mentioned their disappointment about the organization, citing staff seeming flustered at times. This suggests that while the core experience is strong, some logistical hiccups can occur, especially if the crew is overwhelmed or weather is uncooperative.

This all-inclusive reef trip offers a great balance of value, adventure, and comfort. If you’re keen on seeing the reef with the option to snorkel or scuba dive, the two reef stops ensure you get ample underwater time. The onboard meals and the friendly crew make the long day more comfortable, especially for first-timers.

While it isn’t perfect—weather-related discomfort and occasional staffing concerns do pop up—the overall experience is highly praised, particularly for the quality of reef locations and the guided scuba options. This tour is ideal for families, solo travelers, or couples looking for a well-organized, enjoyable day that delivers memorable marine encounters without breaking the bank.

If your priority is to combine relaxation with immersive reef exploration and good value, this trip from Cairns is certainly worth considering.

Is lunch included in the tour?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch with salads served onboard, along with snacks like crackers, cheese, and fruit to keep you energized.

Can I do multiple dives or snorkel at both locations?
The tour includes one 20-minute introductory or 40-minute certified dive and time at two reef locations for snorkeling and diving. Extra dives and guided snorkel tours are available at additional costs.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), a towel, and waterproof camera if desired. The boat provides snorkel equipment, so you don’t need to pack your own unless you prefer.

How long is the boat ride?
The trip to the reef takes about 1.5 hours each way. Weather conditions may influence comfort, so consider seasickness remedies if needed.

Is this suitable for non-swimmers?
While non-swimmers can enjoy snorkeling with the provided equipment or simply relax on the boat, the scuba diving component requires comfort in water, especially for the introductory dive.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund. Rough seas may impact the boat ride, so check the forecast.

This reef tour from Cairns offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day for those eager to see the reef’s splendors with good value and friendly guidance. Just be prepared for the possibility of choppy waters and bring your sense of adventure.