Compass Cruises

Tour Overview

  • *TOUR NOT AVAILABLE AT THE MOMENT*
  • Tour: All day on vessel Compass
  • Departure location: Cairns
  • Ideal for snorkelling & diving
  • Suitable for backpackers
  • Number of passengers: 100
  • Reef locations (permit areas): Hastings Reefs, Breaking Patches & Jorgensen Patch
  • Number of reef sites visited: 2 sites
  • Tour duration: 08:00am – 5:30pm
  • Travelling time to the reef: 2hrs
  • Time exploring the reef: 5hrs
  • Vessel type and size: Motor Catamaran / 25 meters with 2 levels
  • Great dive prices

Compass Cruises

Have a great day on the Great Barrier Reef for a budget price with Compass Cruises in Cairns.

Compass take passengers to two outer reef locations daily. The reef sites visited are: Hastings Reefs, Breaking Patches & Jorgensen Patch. The Captain will check the weather and the visibility of the water and choose the best 2 reef sites for the day.

It takes approximately 2 hours to get to the first location from the Cairns Marina so passengers can relax on their big sundeck while enjoying the beautiful ocean view.

Compass offers something really fun that other boats don't have: Boomnetting. Boomnetting is a giant net that tow it behind the boat with passengers in it. It is great fun for participants and also spectators.

Once on the reef passengers can choose to go on a glass bottom boat, snorkel around the area or try a scuba dive. For visitors who have never tried diving before they still can get in the water and try an Introductory dive. The introductory dive is done with the assistance and help of an experienced dive instructor, so first time divers can experience diving without any worries.

Extra activities include:

  • Introductory diving (for clients who have never dived before)
  • Certified diving (for experienced divers)
  • Glass bottom boat tour (coral viewing tour)

This is a budget tour and perfect for backpackers who want to see the reef but doesn't want to spend big.

Product UNAVAILABLE at the moment. Please send us an inquiry for further information.

What's included in the main price

  • Return cruise to the outer reef on a catamaran
  • Unlimited snorkeling at 2 outer barrier reef locations
  • All snorkel equipment with the exception of wet suit
  • Snorkeling instruction
  • Scuba diving demonstration
  • Boomnetting activity – weather permitting
  • BBQ and salads lunch prepared daily at the reef
  • Fresh fruit platters
  • Tea & coffee all day (while vessel is stationary)
  • Glass of wine, cheese & crackers on return journey
  • Introductory dive
  • Certified dive
  • Glass bottom boat tour
  • Wetsuit or Stinger suit ($5)
  • Digital underwater camera ($59)
  • Hotel coach transfers

Tour Itinerary

Time Description
07:30 Check-in directly to the Compass vessel located at A finger, Cairns Marina
08:00 Boat departs Cairns Marina
Travel time is 2 hours from Cairns to the outer reef
10:00 Boat arrives at the outer reef
Enjoy around 5 hours exploring the Great Barrier Reef
12:30 Lunch is served
15:00 Boomnetting
15:30 Boat departs the reef
17:00 Boat arrives back in Cairns
  • Beach clothes and accessories such as swimmers, towel, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
  • Dry change of clothes for the trip home
  • Extra cash or a credit card for any onboard purchases
  • Motion sickness tablet to take around 30 minutes prior to the boat departing.
  • Dive card and log book for certified divers

Please Note:
All Divers: In accordance with the Australian diving law, ALL DIVERS must complete a medical questionnaire on board, before diving.
Flying after diving: If only one dive is undertaken then a minimum of 12 hours is recommended before flying. If more than one dive is conducted in the day, an interval of 24 hours is recommended. This is not applicable for low helicopter flights over the reef.
Introductory Divers - NOTE: Certain medical conditions may prevent you from diving (e.g. Asthma, Heart Disease), please contact our office. Min. age to dive is 12 years.

Age: Adult age: 15 yrs + / Child age: 4-14 years inclusive.
Family Price: 2 Adults & 2 Children.
Reef Tax: $10.00 is levied for all adults and children entering the Great Barrier Reef. This charge and other levies are INCLUDED in the cruise fares.

Booking fees: Tourism Cairns do not charge any booking fees.

Deposit and final payment: At Tourism Cairns clients are required to pay a deposit only at the time of booking. Final payment is to be completed 48 hours prior to departure or on the day of travel, depending on each tour operator's policy.

Cancellation by the traveller: If the tour is cancelled by the client up to 7 days prior to departure, a full refund is applicable. If the tour is cancelled by the client 7 days prior to departure, the deposit amount might be retained. If the tour is cancelled by the client 48 hours prior to departure, 100% cancellation fee may apply.

Booking amendments: If the date of a tour needs to be changed, Tourism Cairns must be notified in writing by the client up to 48 hours prior to the tour date.

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