- Telephone
- Email
For almost 30 years, Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom have shared unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experiences while embracing the responsibility of caring for this remarkable natural wonder.
“Positive experiences create positive feelings, and positive feelings inspire positive change.”
For almost 30 years, our family has had the privilege of sharing the Great Barrier Reef with guests from around the world.
Protecting this remarkable environment has never simply been part of our business. To us, it is like protecting part of our family.
At Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom, we have quietly embraced the responsibility of caring for the Reef through sustainable practices, education and stewardship. It has always been of utmost priority that all our crew also share this family company philosophy.
By helping guests form meaningful connections with the marine environment, we hope they too will be inspired to protect this extraordinary World Heritage area for future generations.
Listen TO and learn FROM the Reef, empowering us to nurture and protect it.
To then enlighten, impassion, connect, respectfully immerse and inform our guests on all aspects of the magic of the Great Barrier Reef.
“By deeply connecting people with the Reef, we hope they too will form a connection with, and desire to protect, this extraordinary natural wonder.”
Sustainability is not a destination. It is an ongoing journey of stewardship, learning and continuous improvement.
Certified since 2009, recognising our long-term commitment to responsible reef tourism.
Recognised following more than 10 years of continuous ecotourism certification.
QTIC Sustainable Tourism Accredited Business recognition.
Proud recipient of Best of Queensland Experience Gold recognition.
Enjoyable, Immersive Reef Experiences Delivered in a Sustainable and Responsible Way
For almost 30 years, Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom have believed that creating meaningful connections with the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most powerful ways to inspire appreciation, understanding and positive change.
Through Master Reef Guides, Eye on the Reef Marine Interpreters, Marine Biologists and decades of our own site-specific knowledge, we strive to bring the magic and biodiversity of our reef sites to life.
Immersive experiences such as interpretive snorkel tours (Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom) and Adventure Drift Snorkel Tours (Ocean Freedom) allow guests to experience the reef from a unique perspective and foster a deeper connection with the marine environment.
Our Glass Bottom Boat tour (Ocean Freedom – subject to sea conditions on any day) offers another window into the underwater world, enabling guests of all ages and abilities to appreciate the reef and its incredible biodiversity.
Our reef books, maps, fish identification posters and onboard interpretive material have been collected, refined and updated across decades of reef visits.
This material helps guests better understand the biodiversity of our reef sites, with contributions from long-standing reef experts and ongoing updates from Master Reef Guides.
Guests who wish to delve deeper can also learn about reef surveys, stewardship initiatives and the Coral Nurture Program.
“We believe people protect what they understand, and understand what they have truly connected with.”
Thirty years of small actions making a big difference.
Through pre-tour briefings, in-water guidance and interpretive snorkel tours, our crew help guests enjoy the Reef responsibly.
Our small-group philosophy allows guests to experience the Reef at their own pace with personalised attention from our crew.
Since 1996, we have embraced reusable alternatives and continue to look for ways to reduce waste.
We support reef health and resilience through stewardship, collaboration and reef protection initiatives.
All reef sites visited are managed in accordance with GBRMPA regulations and located within highly protected Green Zones.
We continue to review and improve our operations, guest experience and environmental practices over time.
In 2019, Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom were proud to be among a small group of Cairns and Port Douglas tourism operators participating in the pioneering Coral Nurture Programme.
Led by Professor David Suggett and the University of Technology Sydney, the program brought together scientists and tourism operators to support coral resilience and assist natural recovery processes. We are now in our 7th year of our Coral Nurture Programme.
We believe caring for the Reef is not about changing ecosystems, but about nurturing nature and supporting the remarkable capacity of coral reefs to recover and thrive.
“Many small positive actions, undertaken consistently over time, can collectively contribute to meaningful positive change.”
Protecting the Great Barrier Reef extends beyond the experiences we provide each day.
Long-term support of reef stewardship initiatives, collaborative monitoring and corallivore control on our permitted reef sites.
Support for wildlife rehabilitation initiatives and respectful interactions with marine life, including turtle rehabilitation efforts.
Recognition of the connection between reef and rainforest, including support for Daintree regeneration projects.
Ongoing improvements in vessel efficiency and past investment in carbon offsets to reduce environmental impact.
As High Standard Tourism Operators, Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom have long believed that tourism operators have an important role to play in caring for the places that sustain our industry.
Originally launched in 2021 as the federally funded Tourism Industry Activation and Reef Protection Initiative, the program evolved into today’s Tourism Reef Protection Initiative.
For Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom, participation in TRPI reflects our belief that tourism and conservation can work hand in hand for the benefit of future generations.
“Tourism and conservation can work hand in hand, ensuring the Great Barrier Reef remains a place of wonder, connection and inspiration for generations to come.”
Thoughtful design, responsible operation and continuous improvement.
Ocean Free’s open-air design naturally reduces the need for air conditioning, while sailing harnesses the power of the wind whenever conditions allow.
Permanent moorings remove the need for anchoring and help protect sensitive reef habitats.
Ocean Freedom combines spacious open decks with limited air-conditioned areas to reduce energy consumption.
Efficient engines, preventative maintenance and low-emission fuel used in tenders help minimise environmental impacts.
Both vessels undergo regular maintenance and ongoing upgrades to improve efficiency and reduce resource consumption.
For almost 30 years, Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom have embraced a philosophy of continuous improvement. Looking to the future, this journey continues with the development of a next-generation electric-hybrid vessel. From concept in 2022 to start of main build in 2025, this innovative first for the Great Barrier Reef has overcome many challenging delays due to being the first to utilise this new technology. This 24m ECO Electric-Hybrid motor Catamaran launches in early 2027 offering an enhanced and premium Great Barrier Reef experience.
The new vessel represents the next chapter in our commitment to sustainable tourism, innovation and environmental stewardship.
Sustainability is a journey rather than a destination. Through innovation, collaboration and continual improvement, we hope to contribute to a brighter future for the Great Barrier Reef and those who visit it.
“Protecting the Reef is not achieved through one big decision, but through many small improvements made over time.”
In a world that often feels busy and overwhelming, we invite you to slow down, breathe deeply and immerse yourself in one of nature’s greatest wonders.
For a few precious hours, leave the pressures and distractions behind. Feel the warmth of the sun, the rhythm of the ocean and the joy of simply being present in the moment.
Marvel at vibrant coral gardens, swim alongside marine life and reconnect with the natural world in a way that only the Great Barrier Reef can inspire.
By choosing to travel with Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom, you are supporting a local family business committed to caring for the Great Barrier Reef and helping nurture its future.
Positive Experiences – Positive Feelings – Positive Change