About The Tour
This 1 Day Great Barrier Reef Tour shows you the best spots at one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders. Throughout the day, you’ll have the chance to explore the underwater world, the reef’s mesmerising marine life, and the spectacular islands that dot this part of the ocean.
For adventure-seekers, there will be plenty of opportunities to try scuba diving and snorkelling, as well as fast-paced boom netting.
Tour Details
Operates: Daily
Departs: 7:30am
Returns: Approx. 5:00pm
Adults: $115
Children: $95 (4 – 14 years)
Please note: various factors may impact your ability to dive including if you are flying within 24 hours of the cruise and some medical conditions. All divers are required to fill out a questionnaire before they are cleared to dive. Please view the questionnaire here and discuss with us anything that may prevent you from diving before you book.
The below upgrades are available for purchase from the staff on board the boat on the morning of your tour, and cannot be pre-booked.
Upgrade 1 – Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $15 per person (weather permitting)
Upgrade 2 – Wetsuit Hire: $5 per person
Upgrade 3 – Certified Dives: 1 dive $55 per person or 2 Dives $100 per person
Upgrade 4 – Beginner Dives (no experience necessary): 1 Dive $65 per person or 2 Dives $115 per person
Date changes are permitted up to 48 hours prior to departure (availability dependent). Please see our full cancellation policy.
Itinerary
The day begins in Cairns, where you’ll hop aboard your boat for the day at the Marlin Jetty. After that, we’ll head out into the ocean, where you can marvel at the surreal turquoise colours and soak up the endless views of colourful reefs, islands, and vibrant marine life.
By 10:15 am, we’ll have arrived at our first outer reef destination, where you can try your hand at scuba diving. You’ll learn the ropes of exploring underwater, and you’ll have the chance to learn more about the habitats of the creatures and their behaviour.
If you don’t fancy dipping below the water’s surface, you can take a swim, snorkel, or simply kick back and relax on the deck.
For lunch, we’ll tuck into a delicious tropical buffet served by a local chef as we make our way to the next destination. At 1 pm, we’ll arrive at our next stop where you can do some more scuba diving, take a swim, enjoy the views, or relax in the afternoon sunshine.
On the way home, you can try your hand at boom netting, a fun and exhilarating way to discover the reef before we tuck into some wine, cheese, and a selection of tropical fruits as we make our way back to Cairns.
The day comes to a close at 5 pm as we arrive back at the Marlin Jetty.
Related article: How to Explore the Great Barrier Reef
Pickup Locations
Please make your way to Berth 18 at the Marlin Jetty and locate the Compass Cruises boat for boarding. The address is 1 Spence Street Cairns.
We can arrange bus transfers from most hotels and hostels in Cairns and Northern Beaches. If you cannot see your hotel as an option for pickup when making your booking, please contact us and we can advise you on your nearest pickup location. We cannot pickup from residential addresses.
Please note that bus transfers from Cairns ($12 per person) and Northern Beaches ($22 per person) are payable in cash on board.
Return transport from Port Douglas can also be arranged for an additional $70 per person (minimum $140, pay on board). Please speak to our staff directly if you wish to add pickup from Port Douglas.
