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.
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.
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!
Tour Price | Price | Levy | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Adult | $245 | $20* | $265 |
Children | $200 | $20* | $220 |
*$20 “Reef Levy” : Comprising of Environment Management Charge $7.00 / Port $1.43 /$2.07 RAM/ $9.50 admin per person. Prices are current until 31st March 2025 | |||
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 | $32 | ||
Glass Bottom Boat Child | $22 | ||
Semi-Sub Adult | $35 | ||
Semi-Sub Child | $20 | ||
Please inform the skipper on boarding if you may be interested in these options / Pay direct to island | |||
Transfers | Price | ||
Return Inner city Cairns | $23 | ||
Return Northern Beaches as far as Palm Cove | $34 | ||
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. | |||
Tour Price | Price | Levy | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Adult (15 Years +) | $245 | $20* | $265 |
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 | $23 | ||
Return Northern Beaches as far as Palm Cove | $34 | ||
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. | |||