Have a Great Day on The Reef with Evolution and AABH
Departing daily from Cairns, travel in style and comfort onboard Evolution, the regions ultimate Great Barrier Reef day-cruise vessel.
Under the guidance of a fun and experienced crew, enjoy 5 hours, split across 2 premium outer reef locations chosen for their water
clarity, diversity and sheer abundance of marine life.Upgrade your day to include a SCUBA dive (no experience necessary),semi-submersible tour or join an exhilarating reef-scenic helicopter flight for a unique aerial perspective of this incredible natural wonder.
Take time out to relax on Evolutions spacious outer decks, enjoy a freshly prepared BBQ lunch, as well as complimentary cheese,
crackers and glass of wine on the cruise home.The quality, affordability and range of experiences on offer places Evolution in a class of its own.
Award-winning Full Day Reef Tour from Cairns
Cruise onboard Cairns’ fastest, most luxurious super-yacht, Evolution, to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for an affordable and comfortable reef tour from Cairns.
The 35-metre superyacht, Evolution, departs Cairns for the outer reef, with 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day. Experience the adventure of snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. Dial-up the adventure and add a scuba dive for only $80.
Keen to see the reef, but want to stay dry? Add a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef or join one of our Semi-Submersible Tours (additional costs apply), the perfect reef activities for non-swimmers.
Join us for a personalised day on the Great Barrier Reef with our friendly and professional crew. As a locally owned and operated company for over 30 years, Down Under Cruise and Dive provides an unforgettable Cairns reef tour with the perfect mix of professionalism, service and fun!
Day Tour Itinerary
7:15am – 7:45am: Check-in, Reef Fleet Terminal
8.00am: Evolution departs Cairns
9.45am: Arrive at reef location 1
11:30am: Enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard
1:00pm: Evolution arrives at reef location 2
3:00pm: Evolution departs for Cairns
4:30pm: Evolution arrives back in Cairns
Your day on the Great Barrier Reef
Your Great Barrier Reef day tour begins by boarding the award-winning superyacht Evolution and being met by our professional and expert dive crew who will make sure you are comfortable and ready for an adventure-filled day.
Relax onboard your 35-metre luxury superyacht for the day, as you cruise from Cairns to two exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef sites. Guests enjoy a total of five hours on the outer reef visiting two stunning and diverse reefs such as Norman, Saxon and Hastings. These locations are chosen for their exceptional coral density and prolific marine life.
Upon arrival at your first reef location, either Saxon or Norman Reef, it’s time to snorkel and dive (scuba dive at additional cost). Hop in the water with your provided equipment and check out the underwater world full of multicoloured fish, coral, and other marine life. Instruction is provided for beginners, and your knowledgeable dive crew are on hand to encourage and help you if need.
During your time on the reef, you will enjoy a BBQ Lunch prepared on board with fresh fish, steak, a variety of salads, and prawns. We also cater for special dietary requirements.
At the second reef location, North Hastings Reef, you can snorkel or dive again. If you prefer to stay dry, you can still check out the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef from above with a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight or from below on our Semi-Submersible Tour (additional costs apply).
On the return cruise back to Cairns, sit back and relax with a glass of wine and afternoon tea to celebrate the end of your day tour on the Great Barrier Reef.
Great time on The Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef – see the reef from above and below!
Cruise onboard the luxury superyacht, EVOLUTION, to the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Over 5 hours of reef time, you will visit two exclusive reef sites, providing plenty of time to snorkel, relax and sunbathe on one of Evolution’s three spacious deck levels.
Snorkelling is included in our base price however you can dial up the adventure and add an Introductory dive or Certified Scuba Dive. You can add up to 3 scuba dives at check-out for the full Great Barrier Reef Tour Experience!
At the second reef location, it is time to take to the sky from our exclusive helicopter pontoon at Hastings Reef and enjoy a spectacular reef scenic flight onboard one of Nautilus Aviation’s luxury helicopters. Experience the sheer size and beauty of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and gain a true appreciation of one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Sightings of manta rays, turtles and other marine life are not uncommon on scenic flights and if you’re flying with us in the winter months there is even a chance of spotting whales.
With your feet back on the boat, you can squeeze in another snorkel or kick back on a beanbag and relax. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and a snack as well as our bar facilities onboard as we cruise back to Cairns.
Day Tour Itinerary:
7:15am – 7.45am: Check-in at the Reef Fleet Terminal – 1 Spence St, Cairns
8.00am: Evolution departs Cairns for the first reef location
11:30am: Enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard
1:00pm: Evolution arrives at the second reef location where you will take to the sky for your scenic helicopter flight
3:00pm: Evolution departs for Cairns
4:30pm: Evolution arrives back in Cairns
Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
Scuba diving in the outer Great Barrier Reef is one of the top things to do in Cairns. Discover the marine wonderland of the outer reef, with colourful fish, turtles, an array of coral and more!
Catering to both dive beginners and certified divers, our scuba diving package includes our full day reef cruise, snorkelling, up to 3 introductory or certified scuba dives, full dive & safety briefing, specialised top-rated dive gear, and a fully qualified dive instructor.
Day Tour Itinerary
7:15 – 7:45am: Check-in, Reef Fleet Terminal
8.00am: Evolution departs Cairns
9.45am: Arrive at reef location 1
11:30am: Enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard
1:00pm: Evolution arrives at reef location 2
3:00pm: Evolution departs for Cairns
4:30pm: Evolution arrives back in Cairns
Introductory Diving
Introductory dives are for those who are not certified and want to experience scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. After an in-depth briefing from our expert dive staff, we gear you up and jump in the water for the thrill of a lifetime as we guide you through this amazing wonderland.
During your introductory scuba dive, you will learn the basic skills required to dive down to a depth of up to 12 metres while accompanied by one of our experienced PADI qualified dive instructors. The scuba dive experience lasts up to 20 minutes giving you time to feel comfortable and begin to enjoy your first dive on the Great Barrier Reef. The minimum age for introductory diving is 12 years old.
Certified Diving
Certified Diving means you hold a certified diving qualification and are competent to dive in a group guided by a Dive Master. Certified Scuba Divers can either buddy up with a friend for the scuba dive or upgrade to include a PADI dive guide as we plunge into the abundance of marine life and check out the amazing ecology of the reef. The minimum age for certified diving is 10 years old.
How many scuba dives can I do?
Three scuba dives can be completed during our Full Day Reef Cruise. Pre-book your first dive for a discount. Your second scuba dive and third scuba dive can be purchased onboard, however, we highly recommend pre-booking during busy seasons to avoid any disappointment.
Important Diving Information and FAQs:
All Divers: divers over 65 years must have medical clearance from a doctor confirming they are fit to dive. For advice please contact our office directly.
We recommend not flying within 24 hours of your last dive.
Introductory Divers: Certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and ANY prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctors name and practice and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition. Please review our Medical Questionnaire and Terms & Conditions prior to travel.
Scuba diving can be strenuous under certain conditions. Your respiratory and circulatory systems must be in good health. All body spaces must be normal and healthy. You will not be allowed to dive until you are declared medically fit to dive.
Certified divers must show an internationally recognised scuba card.
Minimum age for Introductory divers and dive courses: 12+ years and Certified divers: 10+ years.
