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 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

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
Ik wilde graag een keer met een zeilschip het rif op. Wind is dan wel erg gemakkelijk en gelukkig is het schip dan ook uitgerust met een dieselmotor. Voordeel van weinig tot geen wind is dat je wel prima omstandigheden hebt om te snorkelen. Ik had de tour geboekt op een nogal rustige dag waardoor de boot nog niet voor de helft bezet was. Dit maakte het eigenlijk alleen maar beter. De gidsen hadden hierdoor extra veel tijd om veel uit te leggen en wat meer persoonlijke aandacht te geven aan iemand die het nodig had voor het snorkelen of duiken. Green Island was eigenlijk het minste van de tocht. Gelukkig werd de mogelijkheid geboden om hier maar kort te blijven om wat extra tijd snorkelend door te brengen. Hele vriendelijke gidsen met veel kennis wat de dag tot een succes maakte. De snorkel locatie is namelijk niet de meest interessante aangezien je met de zeilboot niet heel ver het rif op kan. Door de expertise van de gidsen werd het wel degelijk de moeite waard en ik ga zeker nog een keer mee.
Dwight Van C.
Dwight Van C.
1772971094
WOW, awesome trip. On Ocean Free, the sailing boat. Reef dive was excellent and island fun. Fantastic boat and crew. They were helpful, friendly, and cared. Captain was great. Food was great and you can drink all day if want.Definitely would do again and highly recommend.
jon M.
jon M.
1772410885
We did this tour with the Ocean Freedom team, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. They are incredibly professional and attentive. The entire crew paid close attention to our needs throughout the trip.As someone who isn’t a confident swimmer, I was quite nervous about scuba diving. However, my instructor Ambrose guided me patiently, stayed by my side, and made sure I felt completely comfortable in the water. Thanks to him, I had an amazing experience.We also went snorkeling and saw sharks, turtles, and many other beautiful marine species. I was absolutely thrilled by the end of the trip. My friends and I loved every moment of it. They also thoughtfully accommodated my vegetarian meal request, which I really appreciated.
Shivani B.
Shivani B.
1772259934
Ocean Free Reef TourWe enjoyed a day-long trip to the inner reef near Green Island aboard the “Ocean Free” motor-sailer with Matt, Ryan, and Marie. The boat was comfortable, the food was excellent, and the crew was delightful. There were 2 opportunities to snorkel with a well-informed guide above part of the inner reef, and we had some free time to explore the national park on Green Island. There was lots to see under the water, including giant clams, parrot fish, a moray eel, and a sleek black-tipped reef shark, which to our relief proved to be quite timid. Two thumbs up for this outing!
Carol H.
Carol H.
1771837072
We had an absolutely amazing experience with Ocean Freedom! My wife and I were so impressed with everything, the crew, the food, the boat, and even the weather was perfect. Everything was truly 10 out of 10.The team was professional, friendly, and made the whole day unforgettable. You can really tell they care about delivering a top-quality experience.Thank you to the whole crew for such a wonderful day. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for an incredible adventure!
Leo C.
Leo C.
1771805286
Great snorkeling tour. Was an overcast day but it didn't slow anything down. Had a glass bottom tour first off and that was a great suggestion on their part. Wonderful talk about the reef, it's inhabitants and protection of the area. Then we did a guided snorkel followed by a snorkel in a marked area. The lunch was fantastic and the snacks plentiful.... you need it with the swimming! Everyone was friendly and knowledgeable - was a great fun and relaxing day!
Kelly K.
Kelly K.
1771431388
Super Ausflug, tolle Organisation. Ein unvergesslicher Tag am Great Barrier Reef!! Danke an die Crew, für den tollen Tag!
A.D.A
A.D.A
1771401977
Captain Mike and crew were fantastic and made the day fun. Easy ride to the reef and great info provided about the reef on the glass bottom boat tour. Enjoyed the snorkeling and felt very safe based on the instructions provided. Fresh food and drink really hit the spot at lunch and the snack on the way back was perfect! Definitely recommend this experience!!
Don T.
Don T.
1771395312
We had the cruise today and enjoyed it very much. The snorkeling was fantastic the weather was more than fair, and above all the team of Matt, Marie & Paul were fantastic, focused, attentive to every request, generous and helpful when needed, the hospitality and the food were great.Thank you guys for a fantastic experience !!
Moshe S.
Moshe S.
1771144919
What a mind blowing experience curated by an amazing, brilliant, wonderful crew who made us feel truly valued, safe and looked after. How do we go about properly thanking such a cool team ie where do you hang out on a Thursday night in Cairns!?!?
Ed & Sophie T.
Ed & Sophie T.
1770812560
What a fantastic experience on the Ocean Free. The crew Matt, Shea and Storm couldn’t have done more for us. They were knowledgeable, kind, friendly and genuinely seemed to love what they do. Matt skippered the boat combining sail and motor for a unique reef experience. Shea guided me through my first ever Scuba dive and wow, it was amazing. She led me to giant clams, a turtle, heaps of amazing reef and fish and even a reef shark! I am really not confident in deep water but she made it so safe and calming for me. Unfortunately, my husband developed an eardrum issue whilst in the water and the crew were so kind and helpful to him. Thank you so much Ocean Free x
Eileen B.
Eileen B.
1770411717
Highly recommend choosing Ocean Free for your Great Barrier Reef tour. The guides and team were helpful, kind (to us and each other!), thoughtfully inclusive (aka safe & fun, regardless of comfort in the water!).I'm not a very confident swimmer & am afraid of being in open ocean/water - they were reassuring & also set us up with water guides towing a bouy for me & my mom to swim so we could enjoy the snorkeling while also feeling safe within our comfort zones. Many others dove solo/in pairs within the designated area and had a fabulous time as well. The food and refreshments were also wonderful throughout.Highly recommend choosing this team for your trip!
Nikki R.
Nikki R.
1770140647
We went out on the Ocean Freedom today and it was an absolutely amazing experience. From start to finish everything was enjoyable, beautiful, and extremely well run. The crew was professional, friendly, and made the entire day feel relaxed and seamless.The scenery was stunning and the food truly exceeded expectations. It was some of the best food I have ever had on an excursion like this, which really stood out.You can tell the team genuinely cares about delivering a world class experience. I would highly recommend Ocean Freedom to anyone visiting Cairns and wanting an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experience.
Gabriel C.
Gabriel C.
1770099480
Phenomenal service and spectacular way to get out to the reef for a day trip. We were looking for a way to see the barrier trip in a more intimate way with a smaller crowd and a fun crew. Oceans free delivered! Great food fun crew and same like minded folks choose this tour. 10/10 would recommend these guys.The dive site it self was a bit more limited but still wonderful. Got to see a mako shark, a sea turtle, and giant clams.
Christie C.
Christie C.
1769805440
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Google Rating
4.9
Based on 1392 reviews
Facebook Rating
5.0
Based on 438 reviews
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Google Rating
4.9
Based on 1392 reviews
Facebook Rating
5.0
Based on 438 reviews
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