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 $259 $20* $279
Children $200 $20* $220
*$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 $24
Return Northern Beaches as far as Palm Cove $35
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 2026

Tour Price Price Levy Total
Adult (15 Years +) $259 $20* $279
Children (4 -14 Years) $180 $20* $200
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) $790 $80* $870
*$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 $24
Return Northern Beaches as far as Palm Cove $35
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

Eine sehr schöne Tour mit sehr netten Leuten. Wir konnten ziemlich alles sehen, was es so am Reef gibt.
Lukas N.
Lukas N.
1765075051
Ocean FreeWow, I went to Cairns with pretty high expectations after hearing about friends great experiences. Me and friends arrived at our port number and were greeted by a really pleasant enthusiastic crew. Throughout our 2 hour boat journey to Green Island Blair and his crew couldn’t not of been any more attentive or informative to us all. After our briefing I got in the sea and was given some help by Paul as I’d never done any snorkelling and me and others were helped so much. Paul is unbelievable he could not have been any more reassuring in the water.Once we finished with Green Island we got back to the boat and the customer service was amazing again. The whole crew were ten out of ten.The whole experience was incredible and made even more amazing by Blair and his crew. I will definitely be back and I will specifically book with Ocean Free again. I have flown over from the UK and i am overjoyed with my trip in Cairns.Thank you so much to Blair, Paul, Kelly & Oli.
christjames1
christjames1
1764984029
This team turned a not so great day weatherwise into an enjoyable and insightful experience. On arriving at the reef with strong winds, high tide and poor visibility in the water we thought our day was over. The very experienced and professional team went out of their way to ensure that all passengers had the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
Emma M
Emma M
1764975914
Absolutely recommend Ocean Freedom if you are looking for a snorkel/diving trip at the great barrier reef.Everything worked so well with this operator and their staff was really friendly and looked after us so well.The ocean was pretty rough when we went on the trip but the crew gave their best to still show us a lot of fishes and sea turtles.Big thank you for this amazing crew and experience.
Franziska L.
Franziska L.
1764846063
The trip started with pastries in the lower deck and ended with cakes being served right at where we sat, mix in between exploring and enjoying the Great Barrier Reef, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World!The crew pays attention to the needs of people, from guiding non-swimmer to enjoy the reef to leading strong swimmers to more exciting locations, one thing we can all feel, was the care of safety of everyone and the surrounding environment.It’s a smaller boat, which means that the crew member to the passengers ratio is greater! Good news to all of us😆!The Wonder Wall of the Upolu Reef was fun and the waters are calm, which means you can really enjoy the snorkeling experience.On the way back, it was one surprise after another, started out with the fruits, then the cheese and crackers and finally a the cakes.Did I mention the lunch?Anyway, you are here for the reef experience, which is awesome, and all these food are just cherry on the top!Great job Ocean Freedom!And BTW, Happy Birthday to our Captain, Ryan, on the day we participated!Only downside, a group of people who are not considerate and occupied the stern as if they own it!Everything else was great!
Sean
Sean
1764793958
nice tour~!!從上船開始細心講解,而且全程有人照顧住,女友不懂游泳/潛水也完全沒問題。見到海龜,鯊魚,超好玩的說!!船員很nice 😆 大家完全很好人的小缺點就是午餐都是冰的,煙三文魚+蝦子 好吃,但其他的就🙈🙈
cloud W.
cloud W.
1764771036
W experience great guides they are very friendly and supportive.Give archie a raise
Brian C.
Brian C.
1764742614
Great experience with Ocean Freedom. The Upolu reef was stunning and filled with a lot of diverse fish and coral. The glass bottom boat was led us to see some sea turtles and sharks. The crew was knowledgeable and very sweet. Kelly especially helped us with our first dive and made us feel comfortable (highly recommend diving!!). They treated us to a good lunch and lots of snacks.
Nagu S.
Nagu S.
1764650938
We had a full day on the water going to Upolu reef, snorkeling. Staff were excellent and made the trip fun for myself and my older teenagers. Saw tons of corals and fish and three sea turtles including one that swam within inches of my daughter. All in all, a great trip.
Theresa C.
Theresa C.
1764479562
Amazing trip on the Ocean Free who made our day at Cairns very memorable. Great crew, service and food. Very friendly and helpful.
lyllianp
lyllianp
1764399139
What a fantastic day put on the reef with an amazing crew. They were full of knowledge and fun and made it a great experience. And what an amazing feast we had with tons of snacks. Don't even bother looking anywhere else for snorkeling or dive tours. Your journey stops here but begins on the boat.
I B
I B
1764397599
Wonderful wonderful experience.Thanks for Ollie and Tori and also all the crews to make our anniversary special.Thank you very much and you guys are awesome.
Niraj A.
Niraj A.
1764317151
We had an amazing experience with Ocean Freedom! The staff were absolutely awesome—so friendly, supportive, and professional. A special thanks to Miss Tori and Mr. Oli for guiding us so well throughout the trip and making sure we felt safe and comfortable at all times. We truly appreciated your patience and encouragement!Also, thank you for the complementary drink—it was such a nice surprise and made the experience even better.(Apologies if I have spelled your names incorrectly!)
sadiksha R.
sadiksha R.
1764313281
Agradecer a toda la tripulación de jóvenes de esta compañía el trabajo, organización y el cuidado que nos ofrecieron durante el trayecto, fue una experiencia muy bonita, disfrutamos mucho del snorkel y de la belleza de esta zona.
Esperanza G.
Esperanza G.
1764135076
Where do I even begin! I was honestly a bit nervous for this day because of my fear of the ocean and my tendency to get seasick but I was definitely not prepared for what was coming. This day ended up becoming the highlight of my trip with my husband and the most beautiful, special experience of my life, all thanks to the incredible Ocean Freedom team. We took this tour on the 2nd of November and every single member was so involved in making sure everyone had the best experience. Honestly, the most amazing crew ever.A special shoutout to Reece — for someone like me who can’t even dip her face into a 3-ft deep pool, he somehow made me feel calm, safe, and confident enough to snorkel in the middle of the ocean. Because of him, I got to experience a world I never thought I’d be brave enough to see. I’ll always be grateful for that.I 100% recommend booking with Ocean Freedom to experience the Great Barrier Reef in the best way. Thank you, team, for making my trip so special.
Divya R.
Divya R.
1764076756
Abbiamo fatto con loro una stupenda escursione sulla grande barriera corallina di un intera giornata. Partenza ore 8:00 e rientro ore 16:30. I ragazzi sono attenti e preparati. Le escursioni sono ben gestite e sicure per tutti i livelli. Forniscono loro tutta l'attrezzatura necessaria come mute pinne e maschere. Oltre lo snorkeling e possibile anche fare anche diving ma meglio prenotarlo prima. Durante il giorno vengono serviti pranzo ed altri spuntini. Bella esperienza
Graziano B.
Graziano B.
1764018618
This tour is top notch. Good people treating their customers as guests. True hosts - such a rarity. I’ve snorkeled a bunch and this was the best, most informative tour I’ve done.
Danielle N.
Danielle N.
1763886892
Excellent crew, and excellent adventure, best time yet in Australia!
Thomas B.
Thomas B.
1763882800
Awesome trip to the reef and first time scuba diving! Great staff, decent food for a day trip, and just an unbeatable scenery.10/10 would recommend and do again. Thank you, team!
Wyatt C.
Wyatt C.
1763683558
Best experience with the team. Can’t express more gratitude towards the team. Their knowledge, kindness, humbleness, and service was exceptional.Thank you so much from my team ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Rebika R.
Rebika R.
1763542250
Das Team war super freundlich und tat alles dafür, uns einen schönen Tag zu bereiten. Dank der aufmerksamen Betreuung fühlten wir uns jederzeit sicher – es waren immer mehrere Augen auf die Taucher und Schnorchler gerichtet. Neben dem Mittagessen gab es immer wieder kleine Snacks wie Obst, Cracker und Kuchen. Die Ausrüstung war sauber und gepflegt. Insgesamt hatten wir einen großartigen Tag!
Senem B.
Senem B.
1763360370
Amazingly organized tour, the best I've experienced!The staff were incredibly friendly, energetic, and knowledgeable, ensuring everyone felt cared for and enjoyed the trip safely.The food was delicious with plenty of variety, and all equipment was well-maintained, sterilized, and hygienic.The reef was stunning, with crystal-clear water, vibrant corals, giant clams, a green turtle, stingrays, sea cucumbers, and countless colorful fish!
Tess T.
Tess T.
1763292292
The crew are very nice and energetic. Love their energy and vibeHad 2 intro dive sessions with my guide Ambrose, it’s my first time doing scuba diving, and Ambrose takes really good care of me, super attentive and checked in with me constantly, feel very safe with him.And I saw stingray, giant clam, yellow puffer fish, clown fish, and a lot of different color fish and coralA really great tour and highly recommend!
Rono C.
Rono C.
1763292147
Had the best day scuba diving and spending a day on the Ocean Freedom! The crew was super friendly and hospitable. Special shoutout to Archie who was the best first-time scuba guide I could ask for. He was patient and helpful and reassuring the whole time and took all the anxiety out of scuba diving for the first time. Highly recommend!
David M.
David M.
1763276904
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Google Rating
4.9
Based on 1325 reviews
Facebook Rating
5.0
Based on 437 reviews
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Google Rating
4.9
Based on 1325 reviews
Facebook Rating
5.0
Based on 437 reviews
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