Tour Overview
AquaQuest by Divers Den is a full-day Great Barrier Reef adventure designed to suit snorkellers, first-time divers, and certified divers alike. Departing Cairns aboard a purpose-built dive vessel, this experience takes you to the outer reef for a relaxed yet immersive day exploring some of the region’s most vibrant marine environments.
After a comfortable 90-minute cruise, you’ll spend around five hours at two carefully selected reef sites on Norman, Saxon or Hastings Reef. These sites are chosen on the day to provide the best possible conditions, offering colourful coral gardens and the chance to see turtles, stingrays, clownfish and giant Maori wrasse. Guests can snorkel, try introductory scuba diving with full instruction, or complete up to three certified dives.
Onboard, AquaQuest offers spacious sun decks, air-conditioned indoor areas, easy water access via a sunken platform, and hot freshwater showers. With meals, equipment and expert guidance included, AquaQuest is ideal for travellers wanting a high-quality reef experience with plenty of time in the water.
Tour Highlights
- Full-day outer Great Barrier Reef experience from Cairns
- Approximately five hours at the reef across two exclusive sites
- Snorkelling, introductory diving, or certified diving options
- Purpose-built AquaQuest vessel with easy water access
- Up to three dives or snorkel sessions available
- Guided snorkel tours with experienced crew
- Spacious sun decks and air-conditioned indoor areas
- Freshwater hot showers onboard
- Reef sites selected daily for best conditions and visibility
Perfect For
- First-time snorkellers wanting guided support
- Certified divers looking for multiple outer reef dives
- Families with children aged 4 and over
- Couples and groups wanting a premium reef day trip
- Travellers short on time but wanting maximum reef exposure
- Mixed groups of snorkellers and divers travelling together
Inclusions
Minimum Age
- Suitable for ages 4+
Included
- Five hours at the outer Great Barrier Reef
- Visits to two exclusive reef sites
- Up to three snorkel or dive sessions
- Snorkelling and scuba diving equipment
- Air fills, tuition and safety briefings
- Wetsuits or lycra suits
- Free prescription masks (subject to availability)
- Guided snorkel tours
- Pre-packed picnic lunch
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Fresh chilled drinking water
- Tea and coffee
- Hot freshwater showers onboard
Optional Add-Ons
- Introductory scuba dive
- Shared dive guide (8:1 ratio) – additional cost per dive
- Nitrox fills
- Digital camera hire
- Professional photos for purchase
- Soft drinks, alcohol and snacks
- Souvenirs
Itinerary
8:00am – Check-in at Cairns Marlin Marina (B Finger) and board AquaQuest
8:30am – Depart Cairns; safety briefings during the cruise to the outer reef
10:00am – Arrive at first reef site for snorkelling and diving
12:45pm – Move to second reef site and enjoy lunch
1:30pm – Continue snorkelling and diving activities
3:00pm – Depart the reef
4:30pm – Arrive back in Cairns
What to Bring
- Swimsuit (wear under clothing if preferred)
- Towel
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Reef-safe sunscreen recommended
- Reusable water bottle
- Certification card and logbook (for certified divers)
- Light jacket or jumper for the boat journey
All snorkelling and diving equipment, wetsuits, meals and drinks are provided.
Safety Information
Safety is a priority on AquaQuest, with experienced crew providing clear briefings and supervision throughout the day. Guided snorkel tours are available, and all diving activities are conducted with qualified instructors following established safety procedures.
All introductory and certified scuba participants must complete a medical questionnaire. Certain medical conditions or medications may restrict diving participation, so reviewing requirements before booking is strongly recommended. Shared dive guides are available for additional supervision if required.
Queensland diving regulations advise waiting at least 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive before flying or travelling to altitude, and 24 hours after multiple dives. Altitude includes locations above 300 metres, such as the Atherton Tablelands. Cancellations or rescheduling are permitted up to 48 hours before departure without penalty.