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

Amazing experience, we had such a lovely cruise!! The crew is amazing, they are so tentative, always looking to ensure we had the best experience possible. They would give you pointers on what to do, when to do it and answer any question. The entire experience is very flexible, we were able to book diving on the spot, and they also had a glass bottom boat for prople that did not want to enter the water as well as any of the scuba/snorkeling people if they wished to join. They prioritize everyone getting back safely, while sharing their love and apreciation for the marine life.
Emanuela Alexandra N.
Emanuela Alexandra N.
1761207294
Incredible, very worth the money, especially the diving. We had a mechanical failure on the day we had booked for ocean freedom, and were essentially given a second day out for free due to the wasted time.Great people working there, very nice, very helpful instructors for intro dives. I was able to enjoy the second dive on day 2 much more after growing pains on the first dive so I recommend doing 2. The instructor for both was great though, book here.Also good snacks/food.
Bryan A.
Bryan A.
1761202915
We chose Ocean Freedom for our reef experience and we were really happy with our choice. The atmosphere on the boat was great, food was delicious and the crew did everything to help. We were lucky enough to have a beautiful september day (just a little bit cloudy at some point) especially on the second reef stop so there was a lot of snorkeling ...
Alida B
Alida B
1761078384
Excelleny experiance
namruth K.
namruth K.
1761019947
Fantastisk søde og imødekommende guides som gjorde dagen uforglemmelig! Virkelig en skøn tur med smukke omgivelser😁 En klar anbefaling!
Mathilde Bisgaard F.
Mathilde Bisgaard F.
1760934345
We joined the Ocean Freedom full-day cruise and spent an unforgettable day out on the reef. The weather was perfect and the ocean was absolutely stunning. Even for our friend who was snorkeling for the first time, the instructor was incredibly patient and attentive, which made it easy to relax and enjoy.The only thing I’d say is that the lunch itself probably wouldn’t taste particularly special on land—but somehow, eating it out on the beautiful turquoise sea made it feel surprisingly good.Unlike other snorkeling tours I’ve joined in different countries, where you’re rushed out of the water after 30 minutes, this trip really lets you enjoy snorkeling for as long as you want. We were lucky enough to see a sea turtle that swam right up close—almost close enough to touch!All the crew members were cheerful, caring, and made the entire day so much fun. The whole experience exceeded my expectations. I’ll definitely choose Ocean Freedom again next time I’m in Cairns.
T M
T M
1760780936
Muy buena experiencia con el equipo de Ocean Freedom haciendo snorkel en la barrera de coral. Equipo joven, atento y muy motivado que te hace pasar un día fantástico. Lo recomiendo 100% y no dudaría en volver a hacerlo con ellos. Gracias!!
Rafa E.
Rafa E.
1760079314
Fabulous time with Blair, Dan and Annie! Superstar team that provide us all with a great time.We had a slightly dull weather day but the team was far from dull!! They were informative, caring, humourous and welcoming. I felt very safe on my trip, especially with Dan doing my intro dive (Thank you so much!!)The food provided was fab and the overall experience was excellent.They spoke highly of their work and experience with the company, which was so nice to hear.Big shout out to the crew ❤️ hopefully catch you all next time, and if not, good luck on all future endeavours.Big love, Eve and Oscar x
Eve H.
Eve H.
1760011795
The entire team was incredibly friendly, attentive and extremely well organised. A very special thank you to Poul and Luke, our diving instructors!With his calm, competent and humorous manner, Poul made sure that we felt completely safe and relaxed while diving. Luke also provided lots of exciting information.The boat, the food and the atmosphere on board were also excellent – everything was perfect for an unforgettable day! And as it was a slightly cloudy day, there weren't many guests on board, so we had plenty of space and time to enjoy ourselves.
Tina R.
Tina R.
1760007213
Booked on the sailboat ocean free. Had a great time. We sailed with Skipper, Ana and Stormy. Everyone was knowledgeable and professional. Ana lead us on a scuba tour and her knowledge of the reef and and locations to see the local wildlife was outstanding! Best snorkel trip of my life. Sailing back home with some charcuterie was a great capstone for the experience. I highly recommend ocean free to anyone else looking for great barrier reef snorkel tour. Again, thank you Stormy, Ana, and skipper for the unforgettable experience. 10/10 would drink all their beers again and pump up the jam again!
David M.
David M.
1759995084
10/10 experience☺️ I was originally planning to dive but decided not to for personal reasons (nothing related to the staff). My boyfriend dived twice and absolutely loved it! The staff were so supportive and kind, which made the whole experience even better. They never pressured me and only supported me☺️ We had the best day! Thank you all for being so patient and understanding, and for making our experience so amazing😍
Lilli H.
Lilli H.
1759925010
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5A Wonderful Family Experience with Ocean Freedom – Cairns, Great Barrier ReefWe joined Ocean Freedom for a snorkeling trip to the Great Barrier Reef, and it was absolutely fantastic! The crew were incredibly friendly, helpful, and full of energy — such a lovely team of young, kind, and beautiful people. As someone who has lived in Australia for years as a migrant, I was truly happy to see such amazing, welcoming Australians showing the best of this country’s spirit.This was only my second time snorkeling (the first was in Thailand), and even as a beginner I felt completely supported and safe. The team explained everything clearly, provided all the gear (wetsuits, fins, masks, life jackets), and helped everyone feel comfortable in the water.Here are a few tips for beginners or families like mine:• They provide plenty of food — a delicious lunch and afternoon tea with cheese, crackers, fruit, and cake — but if you’re bringing small children (like my four-year-old son), it’s a good idea to pack some extra snacks or drinks they like.• There’s space on board to keep your backpack dry, so bring your own water, sunscreen, and maybe a light jacket.• Bring a spare towel and even a small blanket if you have little ones — they might get chilly or fall asleep on the way back.• If you’re worried about the sun, you can wear a full-body swimsuit or onesie; otherwise, a bikini (for women) or swim shorts (for men) under your wetsuit works fine.• If you’re prone to sea sickness, take your medication before getting on board, and keep an extra dose with you in case you need it later. The crew provide hyoscine tablets on board, but if another medication works better for you (for example, ondansetron), it’s best to buy it beforehand and bring it with you.• They offer two snorkeling spots — at the first one I felt a bit cold and used a life jacket and a floating ring, and one of the guides kindly pulled me over to see a big turtle! The second spot was shallower and warmer, and I felt confident enough to swim on my own.Overall, this was a truly memorable experience — not only for the beauty of the reef but also because of the warmth and professionalism of the Ocean Freedom crew. I’ll definitely go with them again next time I’m in Cairns, and I highly recommend this tour to anyone, especially families and beginner snorkelers
Zahra M.
Zahra M.
1759825074
Such a fantastic experience! I cannot fault the crew, the day, the boat, the planning or the food! Everything was meticulously planned and delivered. Every individual crew member was fantastic, super kind and helpful, very knowledgeable and would go out of their way to ensure participants were enjoying themselves. It was very noticeable that safety was paramount, and staff articulately delivered safety information and gave pointers along the way tk keep all out of trouble. The dive/snorkel spots were second to none, such a great use of time to visit 2 very different spots on the one trip.I would recommend this company to all who wish to experience as much of the reef as possible as safely as possible.
Tash W.
Tash W.
1759733941
Absolutely incredible day! The crew was fantastic, attentive and knowledgeable. They made sure everyone from novice to experienced had a great time. Highly recommend this tour. The reef was incredible to see and made better by the professionalism of the crew.Good for groups, couples and solo travelers.
Jessica J.
Jessica J.
1759649532
Oktober 2025. Voor de 2x meegeweest. Nu met de zeilboot. Terug super vriendelijke medewerkers. Lunch was top. Zie foto's. Meegaan met zeilboot is een beetje meer uitdaging maar zr worden pilletje voor zeeziekte gratis aangeboden. Augustus 2025.SUPER vriendelijke staf. Leuk georganiseerd. Wel druk op de boot. Bijna permanent fruit, middag lunch en nadien ook nog wat versnaperingen. En ik heb persoonlijk 2x gedoken. Redelijk veel vissen gezien en ook mooi koraal. De dag gaat vlot. Als deze info een meerwaarde was altijd om een te duimpje of hartje krijgen. Veel plezier.
Stefaan D.
Stefaan D.
1759617126
Just came back from a double dive and my wife did some snorkelling. Great experience and even better staff aboard this vessel. My wife wanted to try the introductory dive, but because she was on some meds they said she couldn’t go. While disappointed, she understood and watching the checks and balances they used for the entire trip. It is a very well run and safe experience.We highly recommend this experienceSteve and LeeAnnCanada
Steve C.
Steve C.
1759484096
Highly recommended. All the crew members were very helpful and accommodating. The dive instructor we had was awesome and helped me to overcome the initial glitch. Overall has a very good time and thanks for the crew members that made it happen 😊.
kk K.
kk K.
1759443370
My son Milo and I had an incredible day today with the team. We were welcome like one of the family from our first interaction to our last with the crew. We felt safe , the boat was excellent as was the food.Milo did an introductory dive and the Diver team were all fantastic.Seriously I would rate today’s one of the best days I have had in the water. If you don’t use these guys , you will miss out. We will be sending our family . Thank you so much.
John C.
John C.
1759399646
Absolutely outstanding experience. 5 stars without hesitation. Booking was easy, price was good and the service was stellar. We did the 2 stop snorkel day trip. The many guides were awesome: easily approachable, friendly, helpful, quick, knowledgeable, fun. They swim with you and point out many cool sights as well as share a lot of knowledge. You get more than enough time and freedom in the water, too. Besides the many varieties of fish and coral we saw sea turtles, giant clams, a reef shark and some terns. They served lots of hearty food and snacks, water, coffee, tea (all included), and have other drinks and such for sale at reasonable prices. They also have a variety of prescription masks. They've thought of everything. You can't go wrong here.
Wes H.
Wes H.
1759222975
Great day, very educational for all. Great fun.
Jay G.
Jay G.
1759221863
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Google Rating
4.8
Based on 1273 reviews
Facebook Rating
5.0
Based on 437 reviews
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Google Rating
4.8
Based on 1273 reviews
Facebook Rating
5.0
Based on 437 reviews
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