4.7 (875) · Cairns & the Tropical North · By Reef Magic ▶ Watch the videoFree cancellation
Embark on an 8-hour journey from Cairns to an activity platform on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day exploring this natural wonder through various activities.
Reef Magic's chosen location boasts exceptional water clarity, high-quality coral, and abundant marine life. Discover it through snorkeling or guided tours on a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible vessel.
Gain insights from onboard marine biologists and opt for additional activities like scuba diving or a helicopter ride (at an extra cost). This tour is suitable for all ages and swimming abilities. A buffet lunch, along with morning and afternoon tea, is included.
✓ A delicious hot and cold buffet lunch.✓ Full snorkeling equipment, including mask, fins, and a wetsuit or lycra suit.✓ Engaging presentations delivered by marine biologists.✓ Complimentary morning and afternoon tea, featuring coffee, tea, and filtered water.✓ All applicable taxes and fees.✓ Access to the glass-bottom boat and the underwater observatory.✕ Transportation from Cairns and the Northern Beaches.✕ Optional activities such as scuba diving, helmet diving, and helicopter flights.✕ Prescription masks for snorkeling or diving are available for rent.✕ A helicopter fuel levy, payable directly to the helicopter operator, if you select the scenic heli option.Activity Schedule
8 h
Depart Cairns aboard a fast catamaran for a smooth 1.5-hour journey to the outer Great Barrier Reef.
Upon arrival at the pontoon, begin your exploration of the reef, a rich ecosystem supporting over 1,500 fish species, 400 coral types, 200 bird species, and 20 reptile species.
Snorkel in the protected coral lagoon, try scuba diving with a certified or introductory session (no prior experience needed), or join the onboard marine biologist for a guided snorkeling safari (diving and guided snorkeling incur an additional charge).
Our marine biologists lead presentations in the reef's unique science lab. You can also attend a session with a marine biologist to learn about resident fish, such as "Wally," the Maori wrasse.
Alternatively, stay dry and observe marine life from the semi-submersible reef viewer, glass-bottom boat, or underwater observatory.
Optional activities (at your own expense) include a helmet dive for a scuba-like experience up to 3 meters deep, or a scenic helicopter flight for a breathtaking aerial view of the reef.
Or, simply relax and soak up the tropical atmosphere on the sundeck.
Reef Magic Cruises Great Barrier Reef
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Please proceed directly to the vessel to complete your check-in.
Please proceed directly to the vessel to complete your check-in.
The tour departs within easy walking distance of the cruise port.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Infants and young children can be accommodated in a pram or stroller. Public transportation services are conveniently located nearby. This tour is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels. Remember to bring your swimsuit, hat, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and either cash or a credit card for any onboard purchases. All diving activities are contingent upon the successful completion of an onboard medical questionnaire. Certain pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure) and medications may prevent participation in diving. The minimum age for diving is 12 years; parental or guardian permission is required for individuals under 18. Certified divers must present their certification cards. Following dives, it is recommended to allow a 12-24 hour interval before flying in any aircraft, depending on dive depth and total accumulated dive time. Helicopter flights are subject to weather conditions, air traffic control, aircraft availability, and the pilot's final decision regarding the route and aircraft type. A maximum of one infant is permitted per flight. Weight restrictions for combined passengers also apply. Cruise & Snorkel Safari Snorkeling experience is required for this option. Cruise & Snorkelling Cruise & Introductory Diving Includes 1 Introductory Dive: No prior experience is necessary to scuba dive from the Reef Magic pontoon. Minimum age is 12 years. Cruise & Scenic Heli Includes 10-minute Scenic Heli Flight: Depart from the Reef Magic platform for a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight offering views of the reef from above. Cruise & Coral Gardens Snorkel Includes Coral Gardens Snorkel Tour: No prior snorkeling experience is needed, making it ideal for beginners. Cruise & Certified Diving Includes 1 Certified Dive: Explore the Great Barrier Reef with a certified dive from the Reef Magic pontoon. Minimum age is 12 years. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to fully enjoy your day. Consider bringing cash or a credit card for optional purchases or activities onboard. Inform the crew of any medical conditions that might affect diving. Check the recommended post-dive intervals before flying. Be prepared for a full day of exploration and relaxation on the reef. Listen to the marine biologists' presentations to enhance your understanding of the reef ecosystem. To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 22448P1
Activity offered by Reef Magic via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Couples Solo travelers Adventure seekers Nature enthusiasts Scuba divers Snorkelers Explore the magnificent outer Great Barrier Reef. Multiple ways to experience the underwater world: snorkeling, diving, glass-bottom boat, semi-submersible. Educational insights from onboard marine biologists. Optional thrilling activities like helicopter flights. Suitable for all ages and swimming abilities. Convenient 8-hour tour duration from Cairns.
Currency Australian dollar
Official language English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 000
Capital city Canberra Average temperatures 25° Jan 25° Feb 24° Mar 22° Apr 21° May 19° Jun 19° Jul 19° Aug 21° Sept 23° Oct 24° Nov 25° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is included in the tour? + The tour includes a hot/cold buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit/lycra), marine biologist presentations, morning and afternoon tea, taxes and fees, and access to the glass-bottom boat and underwater observatory.
Are there any optional activities available? + Yes, optional activities include scuba diving (introductory or certified), helmet diving, and scenic helicopter flights, which are available at an additional cost.
What should I bring for the tour? + You should bring a swimsuit, hat, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cash or a credit card for onboard purchases.
Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers? + Yes, the tour is suitable for all swimming abilities. You can view marine life from the semi-submersible reef viewer, glass-bottom boat, or underwater observatory without swimming.
What is the cancellation policy? + For a full refund, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Are there any age restrictions for diving? + The minimum age to dive is 12 years. Parental/guardian permission is required for those under 18. Certain medical conditions may exclude individuals from diving.
★★★★★ Viator review
Exceptional
Louise_V, October 2026
What a great experience, can not fault any part! The service from the crew was excellent they were attentive and knowledgeable with very high safety standard's. Lunch was surprisingly good and snacks and drinks through the day was a nice touch.
Snorkelling, observation deck, glass bottom boat and semi sub were well organised and a real treat.
Highly recommend this experience.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
An wonderful experience of mother nature
Compass813725, September 2026
Magic time incredible experience staff couldn't be be helpful
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fun times on the GBR!
530dorianc, September 2026
The staff was quite impressive. They were all friendly and informative plus there were plenty. Farron was a great guide as well as taking time out to talk to us about his indigenous ancestry. The platoon is very nice with all the things needed for a fun day on the reef!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A fantastic day out on the reef...
RippeyCambNZ, August 2026
A very well-organised tour from start to finish, with excellent communication both before and during the trip. The staff were professional, friendly and clearly committed to the highest standards of health and safety, while also making sure everyone had a memorable experience.
Once we arrived at the pontoon, the day was very relaxed and enjoyable. The equipment was good quality, and the lunch was delicious. The highlight for us was definitely the snorkelling, which was fantastic.
A real bonus was the captain taking the time to slow down and allow us to do some whale spotting on the way out. It was a wonderful addition to an already excellent day.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Would go again 10/10
Magnhild Oust T, August 2026
We did two tours with Reef Magic: To the pontoon and to Fitzroy Island. Both were great, and customer service was five
stars. On the morning of the Fitzroy Island tour, one in our party was sick, and I had to call in and cancel. Per their conditions it was too late to cancel, but they booked us on the next day instead (I called 45 minutes before departure).
The pontoon was really good, the reef was amazing. Be prepared for a 90-minute boat ride in somewhat rough seas to get there, take medication in advance if you are prone to getting sea sick. They do sell it on board, but it’s probably too late for full effect if you take it at the time of departure. There were some waves out in the reef during snorkeling as well, so I would probably not do it with small children who have never snorkeled before. Our 9yo who has snorkeled before was fine.
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