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. Both boats undergo annual 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 !
We value our guests and are committed to providing very personalised, caring tours on both boats, where you’re a name not a number.
Ocean Free has an exclusive mooring 1km off Green Island offering international visitors and locals a sail, reef and island experience.
Ocean Freedom gives guests 6 unrushed hours to explore 2 stunning reef destinations, Upolu Cay Reef and Outer Edge Upolu Reef.
Crew members are hand-picked to provide unsurpassed service, professionalism, reef knowledge and a high respect for safety.
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.
More InfoWe 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.
More InfoCairns 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
More InfoOcean 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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