Ocean Free

Family Owned

Ocean Freedom

CAIRNS PREMIER GREAT BARRIER REEF & ISLAND TOURSOperating Two Exclusive Reef Tours "Ocean Free" & "Ocean Freedom"

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Cairns Premier Great Barrier Reef and Island Tours represent “Ocean Freedom” and “Ocean Free”, two highly guest-focussed, small group, eco-accredited snorkel and SCUBA dive reef tours locally owned and passionately operated by Perry Jones and Taryn Agius and their wonderful team. For domestic or international travellers we are only 10 minutes from the Cairns airport! We would sincerely  love the opportunity to give you a great day on the Great Barrier Reef!

Perry has been in the dive industry in Cairns and managing dive operations on 4 vessels since 1988, including Ocean Free since 1992, when he met Taryn. Since 1992 they both worked the boats and purchased Ocean Free (a 16.5m schooner) in 1996. Having many years of experience in the industry, Ocean Free quickly became a well-established and respected company amongst local agents and the marine industry.

They then bought their second vessel Ocean Freedom in 2005 and after a year’s total refurbishment, the luxury 20m cruiser was launched in mid 2006. Ocean Freedom underwent another million-dollar refurbishment in February 2008, changing from the previous jet engines to props, re-spraying, extending the teak snorkel and dive deck by 3m, making it the most spacious snorkel back deck in Cairns. The new look, faster Ocean Freedom receives great reviews in the industry. Ocean Freedom now cruises at 23 knots and arrives at the reef in an hour, giving guests 6 hours on the reef.

With the operation of two vessels it was necessary to re-brand the products to encompass the two vessels under one trading name. This, plus the company’s commitment to running very personalised, low guest number tours with excellent customer service, lead to their new company name Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours.

In 2014 both boats underwent major, million-dollar refurbishments, with new engines, decking, seating, bulkheads and on Ocean Free new mast rigging and sails. In mid 2023 Ocean Free was fitted with a new propeller and Ocean Freedom had another  major refurbishment with 2 new engines, new electrics, new ladder, cushions, and carpet.

Both boats undergo annual cosmetic refits to ensure they look their best at all times.

Today, Perry and Taryn continue to have a great love for the sea and reef and are passionate about ensuring all their guests have an unforgettable reef experience and all round “feel good” day! They look forward to welcoming you aboard one of their Cairns’ Premier Reef & Island Tours and becoming part of the ever-growing “Ocean Free” and  “Ocean Freedom”  Family !

Dear all, we are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to have you visit our beautiful Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region! Once you visit the Great Barrier Reef - it casts a spell on you and the more you visit and learn about this amazing World Heritage Icon the more you want to return....and we also love to have you back! Both Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom follow all legislative and WPH&S requirements for recreational snorkelling and diving, are ATEC accredited for travel safety, and follow all Industry State and Federal requirements of the present time. If you have any queries please let us know on info@oceanfree.com.au or phone +61 7 40521111 – we are here to help! We would sincerely love the opportunity to give you all a great day on the Great Barrier Reef. Much love Taryn, Perry, Jazz and the Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom family.

Why Travel with Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours
Sail Ocean Free Cruise Ocean Freedom

Personalised Tours

We value our guests and are committed to providing very personalised, caring tours on both boats, where you’re a name not a number.

Exclusive Sailing Trip

Ocean Free has an exclusive mooring 1km off Green Island offering international visitors and locals a sail, reef and island experience.

More Reef Time

Ocean Freedom gives guests 6 unrushed hours to explore 2 stunning reef destinations, Upolu Cay Reef and Outer Edge Upolu Reef.

The Best Crew

Crew members are hand-picked to provide unsurpassed service, professionalism, reef knowledge and a high respect for safety.

Fantastic Snorkelling

Step straight off our boats to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, no deep, dark water!  The coral outcrops come up to just 1M under the surface for easy viewing. We provide guided tours, and our crew share their knowledge and passion  for the reef.

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Scuba Diving

We have the highest ratio of dive instructors to divers (2:1) for our Non-Certified (intro) diving and small group Certified diving with complimentary guide to ensure you see the best parts of the reef. We take your safety very seriously.

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Environment

Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours are proud to announce that both their personal Great Barrier Reef Tours have been  Advanced Eco Certified tours for over 10 years, earning the Ecotourism  title of Green Travel Leader

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Value for Money

Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom are both priced the same and offer great value for money, with lots of inclusions including all snorkel equipment and tuition, snorkel tours, food served throughout the day  and plenty of time at your reef destinations.

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Testimonials

Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom - Cairns Premier Great Barrier Reef & Island Tours
Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom - Cairns Premier Great Barrier Reef & Island Tours
4.8
Based on 1019 reviews
See all reviewsWrite a review
The Australian best . The trip to Great Barrier Reef is for everyone: experienced or inexperienced divers or snorkels or even swimmers. Very well organized, friendly staff and delicious food
RAFAL W
RAFAL W
1737616399
A bit more expensive than the other but definitely worth it. Few people, amazing staff. Food all the time. Love it
Lilian M.
Lilian M.
1737440704
We had an amazing experience with my son ,The team were exceptional, making us feel very welcomed and comfortable from the moment we arrived. Special thanks to each and every member of the team , specially “Tom” our instructor who made our diving experience one to remember for a long time , overall outstanding hospitality and for such a memorable experience 💫💫💫💫💫
carlos B.
carlos B.
1737105626
We had a wonderful day on 5th January 2025 despite the windy weather. As someone English who is not used to sea swimming, I was reassured by the staff's presence in the water as the sea was very choppy! I was disappointed by not seeing the reef proper but this was because of the weather, not the crew. The lunch was fantastic and the crew so positive and upbeat. I would definitely choose to come with them again. Big shout out for T, Paul, Lucy and Mike, you made our trip very special.
Karine D.
Karine D.
1737066436
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Ocean Freedom Cruise with my family, and it truly was a memorable adventure. One of the highlights was undoubtedly the snorkeling experience at the Great Barrier Reef, which offered breathtaking views and an up-close encounter with the vibrant marine life.The crew on board was exceptional—very accommodating, friendly, and well-organized. They ensured that every guest felt welcome and supported throughout the trip, making our experience enjoyable despite the weather conditions. It’s clear that they are passionate about what they do, and their professionalism stood out.Unfortunately, we faced some challenges due to the weather. It was rainy, and the waters were choppy, which certainly affected the experience. However, as they say, “weather you cannot change,” and we all tried to make the most of the situation.Overall, the Ocean Freedom Cruise is undoubtedly the best choice for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. If you're lucky enough to have good weather, my family can only imagine how incredible the experience would be. We wholeheartedly recommend this cruise for anyone looking to explore the reef, and we look forward to returning in better conditions!
Andy K.
Andy K.
1736598580
Our family of 12, age range from 3 to 77, had the most amazing day with Ocean Free! Incredible snorkeling & scuba diving, super knowledgeable & friendly crew, great vibe - not overcrowded. Great food too! I would highly recommend Ocean Free to anyone looking for a day out on the reef…great for all ages & degrees of experience in the water.
Lesley C.
Lesley C.
1736501316
Once in a lifetime experience!Friendly and welcoming crew made a memorable day. Smaller group, guided snorkeling and great atmosphere enhanced the whole experience. 😊
Sandra G.
Sandra G.
1736501128
Best day on Ocean Freedom today! 20/20. Highly recommend this to anyone wanting an awesome day out on the reefs. Such helpful staff.Massive thanks to this legend who took fabulous care of my husband and son on their 1st ever dives! They had such a memorable day and are now addicted 😆 🙏🏻
G & S
G & S
1736499754
If I could give more stars I would. I had not scuba dived and my wife doesn't know swimming. The instructors were patient, friendly and even kind enough to show us around with us just tugging along for the ride. It also helped that we went on an absolutely beautiful day with only 3 knots.
Anand G.
Anand G.
1736489714
What a unbelievable experience, the staff are excellent. Giving individual attention and being your buddy and best friend while out at sea. A special mention to ya ya for giving the irish couple great attention and helping us out and helping us to enjoy such an unbelievable experience. We would highly recommend Ocean freedom for the reef experience with small numbers and great attention. The lunch and refreshments on board were great.Thank you Ocean freedom staff.
Margaret C.
Margaret C.
1736411665
Here’s a detailed review for Ocean Freedom:A Snorkeling and Scuba Adventure Beyond Expectations!Ocean Freedom delivered an absolutely unforgettable experience that surpassed all of our expectations. From start to finish, everything about our day on the water was exceptional.The crew was nothing short of amazing. Their professionalism, enthusiasm, and knowledge made us feel welcome and completely at ease. Whether you were a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, they catered to everyone with such care and attention. Safety was clearly a top priority, and their briefings were thorough yet engaging. The crew’s passion for the ocean was contagious—they shared fascinating insights about the reef and marine life, adding an educational element to the adventure.The snorkeling and scuba diving were phenomenal. The Great Barrier Reef locations we visited were pristine, with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, and an abundance of marine life. We saw everything from schools of colorful fish to graceful rays and even a friendly sea turtle! The crew ensured everyone had the best possible experience, offering guidance and support in the water.The boat itself was spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped, with everything you might need for a day out at sea. The food provided was delicious and plentiful—fresh, varied, and perfect after a morning in the water.What truly set Ocean Freedom apart was the crew’s dedication to creating a personal and memorable experience. They took the time to get to know everyone onboard and made us feel like part of the Ocean Freedom family.If you’re looking for a snorkeling and scuba adventure in Cairns, Ocean Freedom is the way to go. It’s not just a trip to the reef—it’s a day filled with excitement, discovery, and genuine hospitality. Thank you to the incredible crew for an experience we’ll treasure forever!Experienced on 06.01.25
Danny P.
Danny P.
1736153251
Amazing day out with Ocean Free! We went with them for a dive / snorkel and excursion to Green Island. I did the intro dive and my boyfriend did a beginner’s snorkel, and the crew were friendly, attentive and made us both feel so comfortable with trying our new activities. Ocean Free is also an awesome sailboat and on our way back we had our sails up and did some sailing with no engines, which was also a super unique experience. I’d recommend it to anyone - don’t hesitate to book!
Sabrina L.
Sabrina L.
1736145014
Everything was amazing and the crew even accommodated my ankle injury. Thanks to them, I still managed to do snorkelling at the reef and had one of the best experiences ever. Recommend this company to everyone who wants to see the reef. 🤩
Melis D.
Melis D.
1735979591
Did a reef snorkel for a day. Staff were exceptionally friendly and helpfull.Food was top notch and safety taken seriously.I will highly recommend this business 😀
Pieter N.
Pieter N.
1735971851
We were very glad to have chosen Ocean Freedom for our reef tour. It’s a smaller group and the staff were fun, attentive and very passionate about the ocean and the reef. We went in early Nov so it’s the beginning of the jelly fish season but we didn’t see any. We got to see sea turtles, sea snake, sting ray, clown fish, and so many many more. All thanks to a crew member that was kindly showed us around the reef. It was a far better experience than the larger tour we went with the last time we were in Cairns. Highly recommend.
Cam N
Cam N
1735646953
Très bon accueil et très grand professionnalisme
Claude R.
Claude R.
1735068311
Highly recommend this tour. It’s a smaller and more intimate group than the other larger boats/cruises. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff and you can tell they are all very passionate about the reef. The instructors easily cater to all swimming experiences. All snorkel gear are sanitized and clean.Food is great as well. It comes with the cost and they provide lunch as well as afternoon snacks like fruits and mini cakes.First reef snorkel spot is my favourite out of the 2 locations they take you. We were very lucky with the weather and visibility during wet season in early December.
Vera F.
Vera F.
1735046844
Agree with all the other reviews - I snorkeled, and it was a great day. Having two snorkel spots which offered distinct types of coral and fish was very cool, they took care of everything, and the lunch was quite good.The glass bottom boat was a nice way to get information about the reef, but the views were worse compared to the snorkeling, which I think is to be expected.Also, I didn't get to tell them in person but whoever was in charge of the music on the 24th was playing some good stuff 👌👌
Jason K.
Jason K.
1735041779
I had an unforgettable experience at the Great Barrier Reef, and I just have to share how amazing the staff was! Molly, Amber, Tom, Shae, and Mike, the diving instructor, were all fantastic—so knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. And Bobby, the most welcoming face, really made me feel at home.A special shoutout to Maddy, who sang "Three Little Birds" and shared her incredible knowledge of the reef. It was such a peaceful and educational moment!I had so much fun snorkeling, and even though I didn’t go scuba diving this time (I panicked a bit), I’ll be back with a stronger will to try again. Keep doing what you're doing; your passion and hospitality make this place truly special.Ps: Sorry if I miss someone : crew is great
Muhammad B.
Muhammad B.
1734884402
It has been a lifelong dream of mine to see the Great Barrier Reef, and I’m thrilled to say that, with the help of OceanFreedom, I fulfilled that wish in ways I never could’ve imagined! The two introductory scuba dives and the snorkeling were absolutely otherworldly. The crew were the nicest people ever! Great communication prior to departure as well and for glass wearers they have prescription diving goggles! My instructor, Tom, was top notch — I couldn’t have wished for a better guide to introduce me to the world of diving. I’d 100% book with them again and again, and if I wasn’t leaving Cairns so soon I’d book another dive right now. No exaggeration, what a f*ing trip! 12/10... minus 1 for almost forgetting my weightbelt Tom 😜 = 11/10
Clemens R.
Clemens R.
1734764836
We had such an amazing day snorkelling and scuba diving with the Ocean Freedom crew today! The staff were super friendly and knowledgeable and made sure everyone felt comfortable in and out of the water. Foodwas delicious and would absolutely dive with them again. 10/10 🙌🏼🌊🐠
victoria R.
victoria R.
1734340054
I would highly recommend choosing them as they have the best crew in the business, and their diving and snokling spot is also really great .Loved the experience 🤙🏻
Jatin M.
Jatin M.
1733969137
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Google Rating
4.8
Based on 1019 reviews
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