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

Absolute Amazing serviceMyself and my family’s first time visiting australia and also first time snorkeling and the guys where just fantastic👏👏👏From the moment we stepped onto the boat they made everyone feel like a family.They where so helpful and guided us through all we needed to know ,We got to snorkel in 2 fabulous spots and saw plenty of the great barrier reef 🪸A huge thank you to Amber, Matt, Tom, Molly & Arthur👏They where absolutely amazing at what they done
Lily M.
Lily M.
1747373726
AMAZING EXPERIENCEit was my first scuba Diving, it was so good !! All the staff and the skipper are very friendly and helpfull ! The boat is very confortable, the food was so good and generous !! If you want to spend all your day into the water to see some fish you can !!I totally recommand this boat !!!
Adelaide T.
Adelaide T.
1747205620
Are you looking to spend an unforgettable day on the reef ?Lucky you, you found the best place !The ocean freedom will offer you comfort, good food, really friendly staff and amazing snorkeling/scuba diving experienceStop looking for a « possible better touring company » you won’t find anything like Ocean FreedomDon’t hesitate, book it, you won’t regret it
Simon D.
Simon D.
1747205027
There is no better crew than the Ocean Freedom crew. From Captain Mike to all the staff we had the absolute best time and are so glad we chose to go with their company. The weather wasn't playing ball on the day with strong winds and lots of rain, but we were always in super capable hands and still had a blast. Can't recommend highly enough.
Dan
Dan
1747031476
Believe the reviews! My trip on Ocean Freedom was during some very challenging weather and the crew worked so well to help those feeling the effects of the weather as well as working out how we can still make the most of our time on the reef.The small group size helped feel a lot more comfortable and made sure everyone got the best out of their trip.
Bryce R.
Bryce R.
1746929040
Awesome experience. The crew was fantastic.I did the dive as well and the instructor was very knowledgeable, and helped me get over the apprehension of breathing with the tank. Buffet was also good! 👍
Armando G
Armando G
1746791353
Had a great experience today with the team at Ocean Freedom.Paul is an unreal dive instructor and was the only reason we got to experience what we did, made my partner and I extremely comfortable throughout the whole process.Such a good crew and awesome set up.Thanks Team 🙏🏻
Daniel J.
Daniel J.
1746608156
Their lunch buffet have smoked salmon.
Ching W.
Ching W.
1746357005
Best experience of my life. Friendly members and Matt, you are the best! No need to worry about when you got Matt by your side. Must try!
Parshan P.
Parshan P.
1746168544
You guys are awesome, fantastic service provided throughout the day.
Shweta K.
Shweta K.
1746012702
What a great day.The whole team made sure you had a great time and got out to the reef.Big shout out to Blair,T ,Yiayia, Tom and Tommy for looking out .Cannot recommend these guys enough.
Theo P.
Theo P.
1745908001
First time going to the Great Barrier Reef and so glad we went with Ocean Free, rather than one of the bigger tours! The crew really looked after us and it was a fantastic day out. I was a little nervous for my first time diving, but Tommy was such a patient and supportive guide, it helped me push out of my comfort zone and have an amazing, memorable experience. Highly recommend!
Alannah D.
Alannah D.
1745841987
Went with ocean freedom. Amazing service by Ben and the crew. As a non swimmer, I was taken care of and the crew ensured that I had a good time in the water. They have food and drinks on board and a big thank you to the team!!Highly recommended for swimmers and non swimmers alike!
Aman S.
Aman S.
1745819861
Excellent trip out to the reef. The Ocean Freedom crew is superb! Clear instructions, great food, and the glass bottom boat tour was a fun perk. Highly recommend!
Neely P.
Neely P.
1745747109
Wonderful people, very friendly team.
Annamalai S
Annamalai S
1745672647
Be a crime not to leave them a good review after such a wonderful experience at the Great Barrier Reef. Tour was very personalised and they made the most out of a beautiful weather to view and enjoy the reefs. Crew were wonderfully friendly and provided snorkelling tours and glass boat tours. Only thing perhaps it can get a bit packed in the snorkel tours, so you can get other person's flippers in your face sometimes. Upolu Cay did not disappoint with several turtle sightings.
HZ T.
HZ T.
1745667385
very pleasent experience we had so much fun with highly professional and friendly staff and captin, Highly RECCOMENDED
Bashaar H.
Bashaar H.
1745651088
This has been by far one of the best experiences i have ever had in Australia. The crew did everything they could to make the experience better. It is worth every penny you spend. The reef was amazing and the crew made extra efforts during scuba and snorkel to spot and make us experience the marine life. Shout out to yahya, tee, Sara and rest of the team.
Sairam J.
Sairam J.
1745650478
I had an unforgettable experience on the Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise! The entire crew was incredibly helpful, warm, and professional. Their hospitality was top-notch, and they made everyone feel welcome and cared for. As someone who doesn’t know how to swim, I truly appreciated the extra attention and reassurance they gave me, helping me enjoy the reef experience with confidence and ease. The food on board was excellent as well—fresh, delicious, and served with a smile. A big thank you to the amazing team for making this such a safe, enjoyable, and memorable adventure!
Sriram B.
Sriram B.
1745648649
Wir haben die Tour leider nicht machen können, da wir es uns viel zu kurzfristig überlegt hatten (12 Stunden vorher) und natürlich alles ausgebucht war. Aber der Kontakt mit den Mitarbeitern, insbesondere Esme, war so toll und unterstützend, dass man eine Ahnung davon bekommt, wie der Umgang miteinander ist. Das nächste Mal buchen wir rechtzeitig, denn das kann nur eine wunderbare Tour werden. Vielen Dank noch mal für alles.
Burkhard N.
Burkhard N.
1745559506
We sailed last week to the reef near Green Island. If you want to avoid the big boats the Ocean Free is quite perfect!! 😊The Crew (Blair, Luke, Pascal and Paul) were AWESOME. Very chill people who clearly care a lot about the ocean.Reef itself was beautiful. Turtles, reef sharks, sea cucumbers, giant clams, many many fish… definitely beats my usual snorkelling trips in Melbourne…
Emma C.
Emma C.
1745477241
My partner and I had the most beautiful experience diving for the first time and snorkeling for the second, with Ocean Freedom. Can't express how amazing the crew is! They are all super hosts and are highly committed to ensure everyone enjoys their experience at sea whether snorkeling, diving or just chilling on the boat. I was so scared to do my first dive and wasn't willing to let go of the boat to dive deeper but Tom eased me into it to enjoy it more than fear it. When I snorkelled for the first time, we were left behind by the crew ( coz we are not good swimmers) and were scared to go again. At Ocean Freedom, they offer guided snorkeling tours with one professional not taking more than 4 people at once. We were able to experience the beauty of the reef and could spot so many fish, turtles, stingray and Nemo! Thanks to the expertise of our amazing guides - Luke, T and Brooks. All of them are great guides and wholeheartedly impart the immense knowledge they possess of different creatures we saw at the reef and the conservation measures being taken thereat by marine biologists and scientists. The experience felt very personal and not at all a commercial undertaking unlike big boat adventures where they don't attend to you if you're sick or uncomfortable. Highly recommended if you are looking for a personalized snorkeling and scuba diving experience at the Great Barrier Reef!
Anjali M.
Anjali M.
1745472023
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