Cairns Premier Great Barrier Reef & Island Tours "Ocean Free" and "Ocean Freedom" TWO SMALL GROUP, GREAT BARRIER REEF AND ISLAND / CAY TOURS

Whether travelling up or down the beautiful eastern coast of Queensland, one of your highlights will be snorkelling and maybe even SCUBA diving the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, truly one of the greatest natural wonders of the world!

The Great Barrier Reef started to form 2 million years ago. It stretches over 2,300km, running from just north of Bundaberg to the top of Cape York Peninsula. It is actually made up of over 2,900 reefs, 300 coral cays and 618 continental islands, now you can see why it got its name. Here you’ll find 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, 4,000 species of molluscs, 6 species of turtles (some on the endangered list) and some of the largest populations of dugong in the world.

There are numerous  reef tours to chose from in Cairns , but where the Cairns Premier Great Barrier Reef and Island Tours’ team stand out is their passion  to not only offer a snorkel and dive reef tour, but a total “feel good” day from the minute you board to the minute you depart – a truly unforgettable experience! Both of their day reef snorkel tours from Cairns , “Ocean Free” and “Ocean Freedom” offer  uniquely different  Great Barrier Reef and Island / Cay experiences so some guests chose to do both! Both these day reef  tours  depart from the Cairns marina.

Sail to Great Barrier Reef & Green Island on OCEAN FREE - only 25 guests!

Ocean Free is a true sailing tour where the engines really do get switched off (wind prevailing). Surveyed to carry 52, but Ocean Free limits its daily passenger numbers to just 25, ensuring a truly personalised and unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experience. This is Cairns’ only small guest number sailing tour to offer a Great Barrier Reef and tropical Green Island destination, in one day. You have over 4.5 hours to experience and explore these two great locations, and the amount of time spent between the reef and island is completely up to you!

Find out what makes Ocean Free Different.

Cruise to 2 Great Barrier Reef Destinations on OCEAN FREEDOM - 6hrs of reef time!

Ocean Freedom is a luxury motor boat, providing personalised tours to 2 unique locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Travelling at 23 knots, Ocean Freedom’s guests arrive at their first Great Barrier Reef destination, ‘Wonder Wall’ on the outer edge of Upolu Reef, in just over 1 hour. During lunch, cruise to the 2nd site at Upolu Cay Reef in just 10 minutes. The order of these 2 sites may change to suit the conditions on the day and ensure maximum enjoyment! With 6 hours to snorkel and dive these 2 very different reef destinations you are immersed in all that is the Great Barrier Reef, and still have time to relax and take in the true beauty of each destination above and below the surface! The tour price includes an informative and engaging  Glass Bottom Boat tour and Adventure Drift snorkel tour with a Master Reef guide or Marine Interpreter and all snorkelling equipment and tuition, wetsuit, seafood lunch, morning and afternoon tea. Small numbers ensure you are a name not a number.

Find out what makes Ocean Freedom Great!

Ocean Free Tour Prices ~ Green Island Sailing and Snorkeling Tour -Current until 30th June 2024

Tour Price Price Levy Total
Adult $269 $20* $289
Children $205 $20* $225
*$20 “Reef Levy” : Comprising of Environment Management Charge $8.00 / Port $1.43/$2.07 RAM/ $8.50 admin per person. Prices are current until 31st March 2026
Intro Dive Prices Price
First Dive $105 (Includes all tuition and equipment)
Second Dive $65 (Includes all tuition and equipment)
All divers whether Certified or Non-Certified (Introductory) will be required to fill out a diving medical form on board on day of travel to ensure there are no contra-indications to diving. If you have any medical issues (past or present) or taking any medication (apart from the contraceptive pill) please let us know on info@oceanfree.com.au so that we can advise what medical clearance from a diving doctor is required. Please enquire if unsure to avoid any disappointment on the day.
Certified Dive Prices Price
First Dive $80 (Includes all top equipment & complimentary dive guide)
Second Dive $55 (Includes all top equipment & complimentary dive guide)
All divers whether Certified or Non-Certified (Introductory) will be required to fill out a diving medical form on board on day of travel to ensure there are no contra-indications to diving. If you have any medical issues (past or present) or taking any medication (apart from the contraceptive pill) please let us know on info@oceanfree.com.au so that we can advise what medical clearance from a diving doctor is required. Please enquire if unsure to avoid any disappointment on the day.
Optional Island Activities Price
Glass Bottom Boat Adult $33
Glass Bottom Boat Child $23
Semi-Sub Adult $45
Semi-Sub Child $25
Please inform the skipper on boarding if you may be interested in these options / Pay direct to island
Transfers Price
Return Inner city Cairns $26
Return Northern Beaches as far as Palm Cove $38
Transfers must be pre-booked with minimum 24hrs notice, transfer cost is per person.
Notice
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.
Cancellation Policy
The company reserves the right to cancel the trip due to poor weather conditions or mechanical problems or, on rare occasions, to use another vessel or select the sites used. On very rare occasions, there may be a cancellation to a scheduled day due to low numbers. We will reschedule or endeavour to pick the other best reef options for that day to suit your preferences. If tour has been cancelled by the company a full refund given. No refund if tour cancelled or amended by customer within 24 hrs.

Ocean Freedom Tour Prices ~ Cruise to Outer Edge of Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay Reef - Prices on table current to 31st March 2027

Tour Price Price Levy Total
Adult (15 Years +) $269 $20 $289
Children (4 -14 Years) $187 $20* $207
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) $813 $80* $893
*$20 “Reef Levy” : Comprising of Environment Management Charge $7.00 / Port $2.83 / $10.17 admin per person.
Intro Dive Prices ** Price
First Dive $105 (Includes all tuition and equipment)
Second Dive $65 (Includes all tuition and equipment)
All divers whether Certified or Non-Certified (Introductory) will be required to fill out a diving medical form on board on day of travel to ensure there are no contra-indications to diving. If you have any medical issues (past or present) or taking any medication (apart from the contraceptive pill) please let us know on info@oceanfree.com.au so that we can advise what medical clearance from a diving doctor is required. Please enquire if unsure to avoid any disappointment on the day.
Certified Dive Prices Price
First Dive $80 (Includes all top equipment & complimentary dive guide)
Second Dive $55 (Includes all top equipment & complimentary dive guide)
All divers whether Certified or Non-Certified (Introductory) will be required to fill out a diving medical form on board on day of travel to ensure there are no contra-indications to diving. If you have any medical issues (past or present) or taking any medication (apart from the contraceptive pill) please let us know on info@oceanfree.com.au so that we can advise what medical clearance from a diving doctor is required. Please enquire if unsure to avoid any disappointment on the day.
Transfers Price
Return Inner city Cairns $26
Return Northern Beaches as far as Palm Cove $38
Transfers must be pre-booked with minimum 24hrs notice, transfer cost is per person.
Notice
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.
Cancellation Policy
The company reserves the right to cancel the trip due to poor weather conditions or mechanical problems or, on rare occasions, to use another vessel or select the sites used. On very rare occasions, there may be a cancellation to a scheduled day due to low guest numbers. We will reschedule or endeavour to pick the other best reef options for that day to suit your preferences. If tour has been cancelled by the company a full refund given. No refund if tour cancelled or amended by customer within 24 hrs.

Testimonials

Absolutely fabulous day. Staff are fantastic. Would definitely recommend.
Jeanette Arkins J.
Jeanette Arkins J.
1777371853
Ich hatte einen wundervollen Tag im Great Barrier Reef. Die Crew machte einen super Job, ich habe mich sehr sicher und wohl gefühlt. Vielen Dank!
Eveline B.
Eveline B.
1777283622
Super. Bardzo miło. Widoki ekstra. Opieka i jedzonko na najwyższym poziomie. Miły młody zgrany zespół. Widzieliśmy dużo ryb ,rekiny i żółwie
Paulina G.
Paulina G.
1777167357
Booked the Ocean freedom experience and absolutely loved it.I and my wife had no diving experience and we are not confident swimmers as well but we were taken care of during the scuba dive and snorkeling.The team on board was really helpful and friendly.A special shout out to our diving instructor Paul, who made the experience really amazing for us !
mridul C.
mridul C.
1776939927
Amazing snorkelling experience - spotted such great biodiversity and even a turtle surfacing to breathe right in front of us 🐢!!Super friendly staff sharing a lot on marine knowledge & great glass-bottom boat rideHighly recommended if ur after an adventure at Greater Barrier Reef 🪸
Gish
Gish
1776924608
Fantastic experience all around!!! Staff was friendly, well informed, eager to engage, and made sure we were well looked after. No matter if you were there for snorkeling, diving, the glass bottom boat, or just a beautiful day out at sea with a couple beers, you were welcomed and well attended to. My friend and I had a fantastic first encounter with the Great Barrier Reef thanks to the wonderful staff. Thanks!!!! Look forward to next time.
Jen K.
Jen K.
1776888492
Unreal day out to Upolu reef snorkelling. Highly recommend to anyone staying in cairns looking to go snorkeling!
Aaron F.
Aaron F.
1776681029
I had the absolute BEST time on the boat tour! Archie, Marie and Ryan were all amazing- so kind, knowledgable and had the best vibe ever!! I could not recommend this touring company enough! The whole experience was unlike anything I have ever experienced before. This was the best birthday ever, thank you for making it so special! Thanks for a great day!!!
Olivia M.
Olivia M.
1776549385
We had a wonderful time with Ocean Freedom. The team was great and helped us have a great snorkeling experience.We went on 16/04/2026 it had a bit of not so ideal weather but as the team said "fishes doesn't care about a bit of rain" . The weather got better and so did our experience.I would definitely recommend them for your Reef ExperienceThanks team for all the care and guidance during the experience 👍🖖
dhriti basu M.
dhriti basu M.
1776372663
C'était une journée magnifique avec l'équipe. La barrière de corail une merveille. Le repas étais très bon aussi y'a n'a pour tout le monde
Alexis R.
Alexis R.
1776136616
We had an incredible experience on Ocean Freedom today! Would highly recommend! The crew were wonderful and it was such an awesome day trip
Lucy W.
Lucy W.
1776064534
We had an amazing day!! Our group loved the mix of snorkelling and/or scuba diving, and the crew were all friendly, passionate, and very helpful. The boat wasn't too crowded. The food was great. A special shoutout to Archie who was super knowledgeable, took my friend diving, and even got some great GoPro footage for us, thank you!! Such a lovely experience from start to finish-we didn't want to leave!!
Ana W.
Ana W.
1775998388
We absolutely loved our experience on Ocean Free! Our children were thoroughly delighted whenever we were aboard the boat. The crew, who all seemed genuinely happy to be there, were full of knowledge about the reef and the boat, and chatted happily to the children. Your kindness and generosity made our day (and big thanks for the efforts to make sure a birthday was extra special today! Shout out to Matt, Amber, Ollie & Mia!!)The catering was simple and tasty, with care taken to meet dietary needs. The snorkelling experiences were fantastic - the small group with generous crew:guest ratios meant my youngest daughter was spoilt with a personal guide who showed her countless coral wonders and giant clams, while we milled about freely with our snorkels. We saw reef sharks and turtles and everything in between. We would strongly recommend for a more personal experience - with a touch of sailing. The crew:passenger ratio was perfect. Core memories.
Elizabeth M.
Elizabeth M.
1775987467
Totally awesome tour, we went on late March to ocean freedom first and enjoyed so much we booked again with ocean free. Both with great crews and provided great supports such as floatation vest and floating ring to hold on with the crew pulling us along since I am not really a swimmer and do not like water that is deeper than my height!! With those tours i felt relaxed and safe Snorkelling around - my husband was able to borrow a ring and pull me around at the end since he is a confident swimmer. Ocean freedom go to the outer reefs here we had a turtle swim next to us and a Reef shark swim below us, ocean free go to a reef near green island and provide tranfer to green island here we found giant clams, squad of squids. Both locations are full of colorful fishes and corals and away from other tour groups. And we truly spend a long time Snorkelling at the Reef. Nice lunch, fresh fruits, biscuits and cakes we were well looked after! On way back with ocean free we were lucly enough to get some wind and Captain kiwi sail the yacht for a good period of time for us 😁. Will definitely return if we are lucky enough to visit Cairns again!! Thank you!
Chiu-i C.
Chiu-i C.
1775976431
Toller Touranbieter für Tauchen und Schnorcheln am Reef!
Alice H.
Alice H.
1775947739
Although the conditions and weather were not the best off (rainy and windy] the sun came out at times and we had a great day, Unfortunately the glass bottom boat did not operate due to the winds and the seas were a bit rough and the current was strong BUT the excellent crew made sure we had a great day in the reef and saw lots of coral and a turtle. the turtle swam underneath me a few metres down - it was amazing, My sons were fine on their own but I needed some assistance being 70 and not uber confident in the water but the staff could not have been more helpful and when others needing assistance wanted to go in and I wanted to stay snorkelling they found someone else to assist me, The food was also quite good for a group of about 70 - fresh salads and lots of fruit in the morning and afternoon. I highly recommend Ocean Freedom.
Deborah O.
Deborah O.
1775875673
Best magical experience. Worth the money and the staff were like friends, very kind and helpful and extremely confident snorkeler and divers. One of the top 3 experiences of my life!!
Riston D.
Riston D.
1775789880
Magnificent and unforgetable!!!! I went on 3 boat tours in Australia and this was BY FAR the very best bout tour I ever experienced! The girl called "Te" is like a living Moana! She pulls ropes, climes up the poles, dives, swims ... laughes...A-MA-ZING! Olli was my diving instructor. He will provide you with knowledge and security without scaring you! The captain is a hoot! Ask him about his anecdotes and you will have an amazing time!! Food great! Everything bwtter than expected! I will keep this experience in my heart forever to warm me up in the cold German winter days.. hugs!!!
María A.
María A.
1775776464
We had an absolutely amazing experience with this team during our Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns!The entire staff was extremely well trained, professional, and very polite. The atmosphere on the boat felt warm and welcoming, like a family. You can truly see that they love what they do and care about every detail.The food was excellent: we had breakfast, a very diverse and delicious lunch, as well as snacks throughout the day, everything was fresh and well organized.We had two fairly long stops (around 2 hours each), and we did snorkeling at both locations. Our package also included scuba diving. My husband initially felt a bit uncomfortable, but the team was incredible: they encouraged him, stayed with him, and supported him the entire time. In the end, he managed to do it and enjoy the experience. We felt completely safe both during scuba diving and snorkeling.The marine life was absolutely stunning, we saw an incredible variety of fish, from Nemo to stingrays and turtles as well as beautiful corals. The team was always attentive, guiding us, showing us where to look, and explaining what we were seeing.We highly recommend this experience – it was truly unforgettable!
Ozana H.
Ozana H.
1775764522
Amazing tour, the guides are excellent and can answer all your questions, no doubt the best tour in Cairns
Carolina B.
Carolina B.
1775500295
Maddie and Mia were awesome, made me feel welcomed as a solo traveler, definitely recommend the snorkeling aspect as I saw some of the most beautiful sea views I have ever and will ever see!
Vincent S
Vincent S
1774479784
별 10개 줄만한 가치가 있는 서비스 였습니다. A 10 STAR COMPANY! ⭐️The tour guides were EXCEPTIONALLY knowledgeable. We felt so safe swimming in the reef with an almost personal tour guide pointing out coral, fish, sharks, stingrays, and Nemo! Equipment included very good snorkeling and diving equipment, wetsuits, and great lifejackets in all sizes.Lunch and several snack services throughout the trip with good quality. From seafood to fresh fruit and continuous coffee, tea, and water service. They also had plenty of space for dining, lounging, and a top deck area too.This company has a focus of conservation and protecting the reef! At the same time, they want to share the exquisite beauty of the reef with you in the safest way possible. Two BEAUTIFUL snorkel/dive spots, an included glass bottom boat tour, and the BEST tour guides in all of Cairns!
S K C
S K C
1773483268
Great place to book all your trips
Susan W.
Susan W.
1773384842
We had an absolute amazing trip to GBR with the ocean freedom crew. Great big lunch, stringer suits for the whole family. We felt very safe both onboard & in the sea. My children loved the crew, T was a special favourite ❤️ I would highly recommend to friends & family
Jade D.
Jade D.
1773304000
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Google Rating
4.9
Based on 1406 reviews
Facebook Rating
5.0
Based on 438 reviews
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Google Rating
4.9
Based on 1406 reviews
Facebook Rating
5.0
Based on 438 reviews
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