Reef Daytripper Sailing Tour

Starting from: $AU200.00

Tour Overview

  • Tour: All day on vessel
  • Departure location: Cairns
  • Ideal for snorkelling
  • Suitable for backpackers
  • Number of passengers: 20
  • Reef locations (permit areas): Upolu Reef
  • Number of reef sites visited: 2 sites
  • Tour duration: 7:45am – 4:30pm
  • Travelling time to the reef: 2 hours
  • Time exploring the reef: approx. 4hrs
  • Vessel type and size: Motor catamaram & sailing / 20 meters
  • Free Guided Snorkel Tour

Reef Daytripper Sailing Tour

Reef Daytripper is a locally owned and operated company that offers a personalised trip to the Great Barrier Reef.

Reef Daytripper takes a maximum of 20 people on board (smallest group from Cairns and Port Douglas) and they have 1 crew member for every 5 passengers so travellers don’t feel like they are just a number.

Reef Daytripper has a motor sailing catamaran and travels to Upolu Reef, a beautiful reef system located about 2 hours from Cairns marina. Travellers spend up to 4 hours at the reef and visit 2 sites in a day so everyone has plenty of space to snorkel, dive or just relax on the boat.

For those who want to snorkel, Reef Daytripper offers a free guided snorkel tour with a dive professional. The guide will make sure everyone knows how to snorkel, giving good tips and assistance when needed. The guide will also point out all the great stuff underwater such as corals, turtles, stingrays, fish etc.

For those who would like to dive, Reef Daytripper offers introductory diving (those without a dive licence) and certified diving (experienced divers).

For travellers after a small group and personalised trip to the Great Barrier Reef, Reef daytripper will definitely be the ideal tour.

What's included in the main price

  • Enchanting catamaran with plenty of room and shade
  • Coffee or tea on arrival
  • Snorkelling & equipment rental (fins, mask, snorkel & floatation)
  • Prescription masks at no extra cost if required
  • Hands on sailing
  • Tropical style buffet lunch
  • Extra assistance & instruction for beginners
  • A dive professional for all divers
  • A fun and informative reef introduction & education
  • Guided snorkel tour
  • Complimentary fruit platter selection of cheeses, crackers & wine
  • Certified dive
  • Introductory dive

Tour Itinerary

Time Description
07:30 - 07:45 Check-in directly to the Reef Daytriper vessel located at D finger, Cairns Marina
07:45 Boat departs Cairns Marina
Travel time is around 2 hours direct from Cairns to the reef - Time to relax on the bow nets
10:00 Boat arrives at the reef
Enjoy around 4 hours exploring the reef
12:00 Lunch is served
14:00 Boat departs the reef
16:30 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 is recommended 30 minutes prior to the boat departing
  • Diving 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.

Tour Prices

Rates & Tariffs

Season: 2024 - 2025 Rates Dates: 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025 Action
Main Tour (Snorkelling) $200.00 per adult
$160.00 per child
$670.00 per family
Additional Extras Dates: 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025
Introductory Dive $70.00 per adult / $70.00 per child
Certified Dive $65.00 per adult / $65.00 per child

Age: Adult age: 15 yrs + / Child age: 4-14 years inclusive.
Family Price: 2 Adults & 2 Children.
Reef Tax: $15.00 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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