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Yes the company are longstanding specialists of this style of Great barrier Reef Tours . Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom’s boutique-style Great Barrier reef tours were borne from a personal passion of husband and wife duo Perry and Taryn from their own personal reef experiences.
Ocean Free carries a maximum of just 25 guests and Ocean Freedom takes only 75 guests. Both tours focus on small groups so you enjoy personal attention, spacious decks, and a relaxed, uncrowded reef experience.
Taryn & Perry worked on both their boats, creating the style of tours that make guests feel like they are on tour with family and friends but with professionalism, safety and responsible tourism as core ingredients. They have “hand-picked” their crew to ensure this philosophy stays ingrained in all their crew who must have a love of the reef and also a passion for looking after all guests. They view their crew as their best asset – this style of small group Great Barrier Reef Tours has been consistently maintained as shown by the similarities of content from the hand written thank you notes they received in the 1990’s and the present online reviews – importantly showing brand consistency over nearly 30 years of operating.
Both our Ocean Free Sail , Dive, Snorkel Reef & Green Island Tour and our Ocean Freedom Cruise , snorkel , dive 2 reef sites have attained and maintained Advanced Eco Accreditation from Ecotourism Australia for over 13 years. This demonstrates Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom’s longstanding and ongoing commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism. Due to the longevity of these Eco standards both have also been given Green Travel Leader status.
We were also part of a team of 5 operators who partook in the pilot project “Coral Nurture programme” since 2019 started by David Suggett and his team (UTS – University of Technology Sydney) . After the success of this pilot programme – both our tours have continued to be part of this programme with ongoing research with the “Coral Nurture Group”
We also work closely with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) since onset of business in the Eye on the Reef programme and more recently over the last 4 years with the very successful Federal Government funded Tourism Reef Protection Initiatives (TRPI) collecting reef survey data on our High Value Tourism reef sites to enable GBRMPA to make informed decisions on best reef management practices to help protect and monitor the reef while offering responsible tourism experiences
Both our tours Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom operate every day apart from Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Occasionally we do private charters, so please check with our friendly reservations team to ensure the day you want is available.
On rare occasions we may have to cancel due to adverse weather conditions .
We also may have time where we are due for refit or unplanned maintenance but always have one of our vessels operating during these times and we will always do our very best to accommodate you.
Our company Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours offers both styles of reef tours with the same boutique-style guest-focussed attention !
Ocean Freedom is our 20M high speed motor catamaran which takes just 1.25 hrs to arrive at the first reef destination and then just 10-15 mins to the 2nd reef site – offering 6 hrs of actual reef time – the most reef time offered on any Great Barrier Reef tour . You get to experience 2 uniquely different reef experiences “Wonder Wall” on the Outer Edge of Upolu and “Aquarium” with its turquoise clear blue waters at Upolu Cay Reef and also enjoy complimentary Adventure Drift Snorkel and Glass Bottom Boat Tours. This 6hrs of reef time is certainly seen as a luxury reef experience as there is no rush in the day so plenty to time to enjoy all the in water activities and also have a long relaxing lunch and take in all that nature has to offer in this beautiful environment!
Ocean Free is Cairns only 16M classic sailing schooner that combines not only an authentic sailing experience but also an exclusive reef site for its maximum 25 guests. You have 4 and 1/2 hours to spend snorkelling and diving this exclusive reef site and also spend some time relaxing or exploring tropical Green Island.
Guests can assist crew with hoisting the sails and also take the helm under the watchful eye of the skippers!
Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine on the sail home (engines do get switched off wind prevailing of course!) while crew come around and serve a delicious cheese platter.
Absolutely! We have had numerous families enjoy quality time together on both of our Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom reef tours- many having their first family snorkel experience on our tours.
We love to create those special family holiday moments that remain in their memories for a lifetime! We feel a responsibility to connect our younger generations to the wonders of nature and the environment. We believe this not only stirs an interest in behaving responsibly in our beautiful marine environment but also a connection to nature we believe to be imperative for good health and happiness!
Being a small group reef tour experience all guests also become a part of the ever growing family-owned and operated “Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom” family!
We have had many youth travellers who have experienced our reef tours in the 1990’s and having kept these fond memories, then returned to do it all again with their young families in tow – the next generation of family reef explorers! From youth experience to family experience a decade later – we love hearing these stories.
Whether choosing Sail Ocean Free or Cruise Ocean Freedom depends on personal choice . Our tours offer such uniquely different experiences that some guests even choose to do both tours!
They certainly do!! You will be well fed on both our cruising and sailing reef tours!
On both Cruise Ocean Freedom and Sail Ocean Free we pride ourselves on serving top quality food. In the morning you are greeted to Danish Pastries, fresh fruit and tea and coffee. For lunch you will be served a large smorgasbord with prawns, smoked salmon, chicken and mixed meat platter, 3 different salads and a selection of breads. During the afternoon, tropical fruit, cheese and crackers, a selection of cakes.
On our Ocean Free sailing tour you will also be offered a glass of wine as we sail home!
Chilled water and tea and coffee also supplied throughout the day.
If you have any dietary concerns or preferences let us know you can order Vegan, Vegetarian, Lactose free, Gluten free for no extra cost – but you must pre-order at least 24 hours prior (can make choice on online booking).
Also if you have any allergy concerns please also advise us.
Please note if you have any severe allergic reactions please ensure you carry your epipen – whilst all care is taken we cannot control all guests on board.
Yes to most hotels, at an additional cost as we use a separate bus company for this service. The cost is $24 from the Cairns City area and $35 from the Outer Suburbs and Northern Beaches. This is a return transfer and needs to be pre-booked.
The bus also picks up for other tour operators so it is imperative you are at your allocated pick up spot in good time – at least 5 minutes early – the bus will not wait for late guests as it has to operate to a schedule
We are located at the Marlin Marina Cairns with check-in at the Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal.
In this particular area, the closest parking areas, with just a few minutes’ walk to the Reef Fleet Terminal are
We prefer not to have a specific photographer on board to respect all our guests preferences and many guests we find now have their own preferred cameras and mobile phone water casing for their personal use on board.
However if you do want to hire a specific camera there is a Camera Hire in the Reef Fleet terminal building which is where you checkin for our tours in the morning . This is open for business at checkin so a very easy and practical to do in the morning! If you would like a photo or video clip taken of your experience on board or in the water – our friendly crew will always accommodate when they can!
Ocean Free welcomes all guests. Youth, families, couples, solo travellers and adventurous middle aged and fit mobile retirees willing to give it a go.
Anyone wanting an extremely personalised Great Barrier Reef tour with very small numbers, unsurpassed service and awesome sailing should choose Ocean Free. We are also the only sail ,reef and island tour catering for very small (25) guest numbers.
Honeymooners and all couples love the small group Great Barrier Reef experience that Ocean Free truly delivers on!
Active retirees looking to immerse themselves in nature and have a little bit of adventure also return with big smiles on their face …and feel 10 years younger after the experience!!
In terms of very young children it is more about whether parents are comfortable on board the boats and also what experience the young kids may have had on boats. Though the crew are always willing to give a helping hand with all in-water activities all children must be under direct adult supervision at all times!
Teenage kids absolutely love the experience and adventure and it is a great way for parents and teenagers to connect as they all share the amazing experience of being immersed in all that is nature.
In terms of comfort and safety guests need to be mobile and steady on their feet . It is an authentic mono hull sail boat so can lean a little (perfectly safe of course!) and the sail in lighter winds can be very relaxing and with high winds sometimes a little exhilarating!
In terms of enjoying the full day, guests are also required to get in and out of a dinghy from the main vessel and on to the beach at Green Island, so they need to be mobile and steady on their feet to do the transfer.
Getting in and out of the water is via step ladder and also getting down into the forecabin where the toilet is located is down a ladder. If you are unsure of the suitability you can always phone our friendly staff on +61 7 40521111 or email info@oceanfree.com.au – they love to chat!
Ocean Free is a 16M monohull sailing boat so no access in terms of pushchair / wheelchair access. If travelling with a toddler and a small, light carry-on travel folding pushchair then this may be possible to bring (please enquire) – would be able to be used on the island but not on the boat.
In regard to infants – it is more on how comfortable parents are on a sailing boat. The infant has to be in parental care at all times. Crew will certainly assist all guests with in-water activities including young children with their parents but they must also be constantly under parental supervision throughout the day.
For any older clientele, they must be mobile and stable enough to move around a moving sailing vessel and be able to transfer from the main vessel into the tender and from the tender onto the beach and back and have a sense of soft adventure!
Also going into the fore cabin (where the toilet is located) and entering and exiting the water are via step ladders
Check-in is from 7.15am at the Reef Fleet Terminal, no 1 Spence St Cairns. You will be given a boarding card. Please read the back of the boarding card to refresh the snorkelling advice (previously also given on our online snorkel waiver) before handing it to the skipper on boarding
If using the bus pick-up service the bus will drop you just outside the terminal and direct you to the Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom checkin desk.
After check-in make your way to Ocean Free which is located on A Finger, No 4 at the Marlin Marina, Cairns. Boarding starts from 7.30 am – you will be met by our friendly skippers and crew eager to meet you!
The boat departs the dock at 8.00am
(Please also note the online snorkel advice waiver is part of the check-in process . This is sent to you either on confirmation or the morning prior to day of travel. If this can be filled in prior to check-in it makes your morning check-in smoother and quicker!)
If there is any reason you were unable to fill in – don’t worry as it can still be done at check-in.
This waiver gives advice on snorkelling safety and this is reiterated on the back of your boarding cards on day of travel and also by crew on the day. Any questions you may have please note that our skipper, snorkel and dive supervisors are there to assist on the day!
Ocean Free gets to Pinnacle Reef, just 1 km offshore from Green Island, in two (2) hours.
You have over 4 ½ hours to snorkel and dive the reef and explore or relax on the island.
Ocean Free returns at around 5pm, but as she sails for most of the journey home, this time can vary by 10-15 minutes each day.
Ocean Free prides itself in giving you a great sailing experience. You can even assist with the hoisting of the sails and the steering of the boat! We motor sail out to Green Island, simply because we have to run to a schedule to ensure you experience a full 4 ½ hours on the reef. On the way home we are more flexible with the return time and turn engines off to truly sail home – Bliss!
Yes, the whole aft section is under a canopy and in the summer a small forward canopy is also put up. There is also plenty of shaded area on the island.
A Great Barrier Reef and Green Island day tour with Ocean Free. Morning tea and coffee and Danish pastries on boarding, all snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins and snorkel vest), lycra or wetsuits depending on season, prescription masks (if required), snorkel tuition and tour; tender transfers to and from Green Island, large smorgasbord lunch including seafood, tropical fruit platter, cheese and crackers, selection of cakes and a glass of wine on the sail home.
SCUBA diving is an optional extra – Certified (includes complimentary guide, small group and all top SCUBA equipment) Non-Certified Diving (includes 2 divers to one instructor – the only operator to promise this) Also prescription mask (if needed). Guests can do one or two dives in the day (subject to clear dive medical on board ) Click for more information Certified and introductory diving;
Refreshments; semi-submersible tour (on Green Island); wine and beer; glass bottom boat tour (on Green Island); underwater cameras; Marineland Melanesia (on Green Island).
If wanting to do any of the Green Island optional activities, please inform the skipper on boarding Ocean Free in the morning
Refreshments (soft drinks and alcohol) from the licensed bar; merchandise (t-shirts, sun shirts, jumpers and coolers).
Bus transfers to and from you accommodation can be booked (must be pre-booked minimum 24 hrs) – ph +61 7 40521111 / em: info@oceanfree.com.au
We pride ourselves on serving top quality food. In the morning you are greeted to Danish Pastries, fresh fruit and tea and coffee. For lunch you will be served a large smorgasbord with prawns, smoked salmon, chicken and mixed meat platter, 3 different salads and a selection of breads. During the afternoon, tropical fruit, cheese and crackers, a selection of cakes and a glass of wine will be served, all inclusive in tour price.
Chilled water and tea and coffee also supplied throughout the day.
If you have any dietary concerns or preferences let us know you can order Vegan, Vegetarian, Lactose free, Gluten free for no extra cost – but you must pre-order at least 24 hours prior (can make choice on online booking).
Also if you have any allergy concerns please also advise us.
Please note if you have any severe allergic reactions please ensure you carry your epipen – whilst all care is taken we cannot control all guests on board.
Yes we do. We have three different types of salads and breads, but will order a vegetarian meal for you on request. Please let our reservations team / or order option online . Always make us aware of any dietary needs when you book, as it has to be pre-booked minimum 24 hours prior to date of travel.
Chilled water and tea and coffee available throughout the day – hot drinks when moored
We have the usual soft drinks (Coke / Diet Coke / Lemonade/ Fanta) and water. We also have wine and beer and champagne.
Please note we are a licensed venue and subject to all RSA controls.
Alcohol can be served when lunch is served but it is highly recommended to not drink until all in-water activities are ceased.
Ocean Free is berthed at A Finger, no 4 at the Marlin Marina, Cairns. Check-in is at 7.15am at the Reef Fleet Terminal. Boarding after check-in from 7.30am A Finger no 5 Marlin Marina Cairns. We depart at 8am and arrive at Pinnacle Reef at Green Island at 10am. All morning snorkel and dive (optional extra) at Pinnacle Reef, where you can explore a beautiful coral garden home to lots of different colours of staghorn, boulder coral and soft corals, as well as many species of reef fish, sea-cucumbers and giant clams. Turtles and black-tipped reef sharks (totally harmless and very timid!) are also a common sight. Lunch, a self-serve buffet, is available from 12.15pm and after this, the Ocean Free tender goes across to Green Island. Stay on the island the whole afternoon, or for just an hour if you prefer to return to main vessel and do more snorkelling off the boat – the choice is yours. Ocean Free departs Green Island at 3pm for an awesome sail home. During the trip you will be treated to platters of fruit, cheese and crackers and selected cakes, while sipping on a glass of wine. Expect to be back in Cairns around 5-5.15pm, depending on the wind. Please note: you can spend the whole day on the island or the whole day on the boat, just inform the skipper in the morning if you want to go across to the island straight away. Most people prefer the experience of the boat and island but the choice is yours.
Ocean Freedom welcomes all guests from youth, families, couples, solo travellers, active retirees – anyone wanting a personal experience.
In terms of safety and comfort all guests must be mobile and stable enough to move around a moving vessel and are required to transfer from the main vessel to the Glass Bottom Boat and on days when conditions allow from the main vessel into a dinghy and out of a dinghy onto the Cay.
We cater for anyone wanting a 5-star Great Barrier Reef day tour. It’s very personalised, with small numbers and unsurpassed service from a very attentive, experienced crew. It is great for those guests who want to spend maximum in water time on the Great Barrier Reef as it is the only tour in the region offering a full 6hrs of actual reef time!! So lots of time for all activities and also a relaxed lunch!
Ocean Freedom is a 20M twin hull motor cruiser with saloon / back snorkel + dive deck on first boarding level with stairs up to upper deck and “ladder stairs” up to flybridge so no deck/saloon space for access in terms of pushchair / wheelchair access.
In regard to older clientele or mobility issues, for safety and enjoyment of this tour guests need to be mobile and stable enough to move around a moving vessel, and to be able to transfer from the main vessel into the tender and then tender to the Glass Bottom Boat and back – and have a sense of soft adventure!
There is a small “lip” to step over from the back deck into the saloon
In regard to travelling infants – it is more on how comfortable parents are on a boat. The infant has to be with parental care at all times. Small children can enjoy the tour and crew will look after everyone and assist parents with all in-water activities if required but , as with any day tour, they must be under constant parental supervision throughout the journey and the day.
To move between lower and upper decks guests need to be able to walk up down “stairs”
In order to get into / out of the water guests need to be able to climb up and down a ladder which goes into the water – so can put foot on under the water and grab rails and climb up.
Crew will do a “Safety Brief” once on the boat which includes how to safely move around the moving vessel, how to enter into and out of the water
The owners (Perry and Taryn) have been running reef tours locally for nearly 30 years. The crew is “hand-picked” for unsurpassed service, professionalism and a high respect for safety. They are the operation’s greatest asset. Price wise, it is extremely comparable in its range with many “add-ons” included in the tour price, including snorkel jackets, all snorkel equipment and tours, glass bottom boat tour, adventure drift snorkel tour, coffee and tea and large smorgasbord lunch with seafood. Ocean Freedom is the only luxury cruise boat to Upolu Cay Reef area and arrives there before any other operator. Guests therefore experience this beautiful area uninterrupted! Due to its travel speed, the Ocean Freedom has a full 6 hours of actual time to spend on two uniquely different reef sites – Wonder Wall on Outer Edge Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay reef so guests have plenty of time to do all reef activities and still have a leisurely lunch and relax time. This tour looks after SCUBA divers and snorkellers equally. The locally family owned and operated Ocean Freedom has a well known reputation for looking after all guests and making the tour feel more like a family outing than an organized tour. The Ocean Freedom has been given a million dollar refurbishment and is a truly luxury vessel being made to resemble a “stylish private boat” rather than a commercial tour boat.
We limit our daily guest numbers to 75, we are surveyed to carry 105. Most clients prefer the more personal, smaller tour. We are one of only a few choices in this price bracket offering this. All areas from air -conditioned saloon , bow deck, aft deck , upper deck and fly bridge are accessible to guests so guests are free to move around to all areas. On occasion the flybridge and bow may be closed during times of inclement weather .
Ocean Freedom has two stunning sites, one close to Upolu Cay and the other on the outer edge of Upolu Reef. Upolu Cay is a naturally formed coral cay situated 30 kilometers from Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. Its protected shallow waters make it the perfect location from which to explore the reef, for both snorkelers and certified and introductory scuba divers. As it is a natural pontoon, the cay size and visibility is subject to conditions on the day but the clear shallow blue waters surrounding the cay (whether visible or not) are always there! In this area you can view pretty patches of reef, surrounded by shallow crystal clear turquoise waters. On occasions, the water may be shallow enough to allow landing on the Cay itself, on other days you can sometimes stand in ankle to knee deep water and get photos of you apparently standing in the middle of the ocean! On other days, the cay may be totally submerged but still have the beautiful crystal clear shallow waters to snorkel in. At our second reef site, guests are stunned by the amazing “Wonder Wall” streaming with sea life. Crew comment that they have never seen so many different “nemo” species on one site! Guests are treated to an adventure drift snorkel tour with our marine naturalist, under the watchful eye of our look outs.
We operate every day apart from Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Occasionally, we do private charters so please check with our friendly reservations team to ensure the day you want is available.
On rare occasions we may have to cancel due to adverse weather conditions and on rare occasions due to low numbers as we rebuild tourism following the opening of all Domestic and International borders. Please refer to Cancellation Policy for more details
Yes, at an additional cost as we use a separate bus company for this service. The cost is $24 from the Cairns City area and $35 from the Outer Suburbs and Northern Beaches. This is a return transfer and needs to be pre-booked at least 24 hours prior to date of travel
The bus also picks up for other tour operators so it is imperative you are at your allocated pick up spot in good time – at least 5 minutes early – the bus will not wait for late guests as it has to operate to a schedule
Check-in is from 7.15am at the Reef Fleet Terminal, no 1 Spence St Cairns. You will be given a boarding card. Please read the back of the boarding card to refresh the snorkelling advice (previously also given on our online snorkel waiver) before handing it to the skipper on boarding
If using the bus pick-up service the bus will drop you just outside the terminal and direct you to the Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom checkin desk.
After check-in make your way to Ocean Free which is located on A Finger, No 4 at the Marlin Marina, Cairns. Boarding starts from 7.30 am – you will be met by our friendly skippers and crew eager to meet you!
The boat departs the dock at 8.00am
(Please also note the online snorkel advice waiver is part of the check-in process . This is sent to you either on confirmation or the morning prior to day of travel. If this can be filled in prior to check-in it makes your morning check-in smoother and quicker!)
If there is any reason you were unable to fill in – don’t worry as it can still be done at check-in.
This waiver gives advice on snorkelling safety and this is reiterated on the back of your boarding cards on day of travel and also by crew on the day. Any questions you may have please note that our skipper, snorkel and dive supervisors are there to assist on the day!
We are located at the Marlin Marina Cairns with check-in at the Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal.
In this particular area, the closest parking areas, with just a few minutes’ walk to the Reef Fleet Terminal are
Ocean Freedom gets to Upolu Reef in just over an hour and there is 20 minutes between the first and second reef site
We have six (6) hours to experience the Reef and Cay area, so there is absolutely no rush in the day!
Ocean Freedom returns to Cairns around 4pm – 4.15pm.
Yes, the whole aft lower section and the upper deck is under a canopy. There is also a spacious, lightly air conditioned, saloon. However, please remember that even though shaded areas offer coolness and some UV protection, you can still get some rays through reflection off sand and decks, so you still need to apply sunscreen regularly and cover up if you are prone to burning.
A Great Barrier Reef day to Upolu Cay Reef and Outer Edge Upolu Reef with Ocean Freedom: travel with speed, style and comfort on our luxury cruiser with plenty of space to be pampered by our exceptional crew. Enjoy Danish pastries and fresh fruit on boarding, a buffet lunch including seafood, afternoon tea (tropical fruit, cheese and cracker platter, selection of cakes), tea and coffee all day, wetsuit or stinger suit (depending on the season), informative talk by our marine naturalists and Master Reef Guides , top quality snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, snorkel vest), snorkel tuition and adventure drift guided snorkel tour with marine naturalist / Master Reef Guide and a glass bottom boat tour (subject to sea conditions on the day) also conducted by marine naturalist / Master Reef guide
Certified and non-certifed diving (includes guide); refreshments from the licensed bar; memorabilia merchandise (t-shirts, sun shirts, jumpers and coolers).
We pride ourselves on serving top quality food. In the morning you are greeted to Danish Pastries, fresh fruit and tea and coffee. For lunch you will be served a large smorgasbord with prawns, smoked salmon, chicken and mixed meat platter, 3 different salads and a selection of breads. During the afternoon, tropical fruit, cheese and crackers, a selection of cakes , all inclusive in tour price.
Chilled water and tea and coffee also supplied throughout the day.
If you have any dietary concerns or preferences let us know you can order Vegan, Vegetarian, Lactose free, Gluten free for no extra cost – but you must pre-order at least 24 hours prior (can make choice on online booking).
Also if you have any allergy concerns please also advise us.
Please note if you have any severe allergic reactions please ensure you carry your epipen – whilst all care is taken we cannot control all guests on board.
Yes we do. We have three different types of salads and breads, but will order a vegetarian meal for you on request. Please let our reservations team / or order option online . Always make us aware of any dietary needs when you book, as it has to be pre-booked minimum 24 hours prior to date of travel.
Chilled water and tea and coffee available throughout the day – hot drinks when moored
We have the usual soft drinks (Coke / Diet Coke / Lemonade/ Fanta) and water. We also have wine and beer and champagne.
Please note we are a licensed venue and subject to all RSA controls.
Alcohol can be served when lunch is served but it is highly recommended to not drink until all in-water activities are ceased.
Check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal at Cairns’ Marlin Marina from 7.15am, boarding commences at 7:30am with an 8am departure. On boarding be greeted by our friendly crew and help yourself to coffee or tea and Danish pastries and fresh fruit. Your bags and shoes can be stored in cubby holes on the upper deck, our crew will direct you. Once all guests are boarded, the skipper will do a head count to ensure all are on board and the boat will depart. As you sit on the comfy cushioned seats, our friendly crew will welcome you, introduce themselves and give the safety brief. Depending on the conditions on the day, the skippers will decide which of our two sites to visit first, but regardless of that, arrival at the reef will be around 9.15am – only just over an hour travel time on our fast vessel! On arrival at the reef you will be given a “Snorkel Brief”, covering how and where to snorkel and when the Glass Bottom Boat (subject to sea conditions on the day) tours and Snorkel tours will be happening throughout the day. At our outer edge Upolu Reef site you will be introduced to “Wonder Wall”. Here, many different types of hard and soft coral festoon the wall, in addition to fans, giant clams and turtles. There is a huge diversity and bountiful abundance of reef fish of all sizes, nemos everywhere! Snorkel and dive here. We conduct guided drift snorkel tours along the breathtaking wall. A self serve buffet lunch is presented at approximately 11:30am and while you dine, Ocean Freedom cruises to its second site (10 mins). At our second destination Upolu Cay Reef you can swim, snorkel or dive the beautiful turquoise shallow waters surrounding the cay. Look out for turtles and stingrays feeding on the bottom amongst the pretty coral formations. How much cay is visible on the day will depend on the conditions of the day. Throughout the day guests can experience a Glass Bottom Boat Tour (subject to sea conditions on the day) and an Adventure Drift Snorkel Tour. If you are not a strong or confident swimmer let the crew know and they will guide you around in a small personal snorkel group with a snorkel jacket and a ring to hold onto. Ocean Freedom departs at 3pm after 6 hrs of fun and relaxation for the cruise back to Cairns. On the way back, enjoy afternoon tea, a sumptuous selection of tropical fruit followed by mouth-watering cheese + crackers. Lastly, a decadent cake platter: an ultimate way to wind down after a magical day on the one and only Great Barrier Reef.
Ocean Free is very fortunate to have the only reef mooring at Green Island (just under 1km away from the island) known as Pinnacle Reef. Therefore, guests on our boat have an exclusive dive and snorkel site to experience the best snorkeling there is in the area. Guests are taken to and from Green Island in our tender. Guests have the option of a full day on the island, full day on the boat, or part time on the island and part time on the boat, the choice is yours. Most guests enjoy both the reef and the island.
Green Island is a vegetated coral cay. You can walk around the island (tide permitting) or walk across the island on an interpretative boardwalk through lush vegetation. It is common to see sea-birds diving into the sea. Visit crocs and turtles in captivity at Marineland Melanesia. Swim in the crystal clear azure waters. Laze on the stunning beach. There is a resort on 1/3 of the island and you can visit the resort shops or have drink at the bar, if you prefer to socialise. If you prefer to have a relaxed tropical beach experience when landing on the beach, take a left to the quieter spots. Please remember though, if you do want to pop in for a dip in the sea we suggest doing this in the lifeguard area to ensure your safety.
Don’t worry if you wake up in the morning and it’s raining. The rain in Cairns tends to stick to the mountainous areas and it can normally be much clearer offshore. In fact, when it is raining in Cairns, it is quite often sunny at Green Island, Upolu Cay and Upolu Reef; look out at the horizon for a lighter “strip” indicating sunlight on the sea. Also, it is the tropics and the weather can change rapidly, sometimes it will rain heavily first thing in the morning and be glorious sunshine in the afternoon. Many guests have still enjoyed their day out, even if conditions are not perfect, our crew will endeavour to give you the best day possible in all conditions. The fish and coral are always there!
With wind 20 knots and below it’s considered to be beautiful. 25-30 knot winds are stronger but don’t let the wind put you off, particularly if you are limited to the amount of days you have to spend in Cairns. You can still dive and snorkel the reef and our crew will ensure that you have the best possible experience, even getting in the water with you if necessary. Sea-sickness and being cold are the only two reasons a guest may not enjoy the experience. If it is a little windy or raining, please ensure you take some warm clothing for when you finish your water activities.
Guests come from many countries and many only have a small opportunity to visit the reef. The vessel will operate in all weather conditions (apart from gale force and severe weather warnings) and has extra procedures to make the day the best possible.
If you are concerned about the weather, please visit www.bom.gov.au cairns coastal report. 10-20 knots is a normal good day. Date of travel can be changed subject to availability and full refund if cancelling with minimum 24 hrs notice. Our vessels are open air with good boat movement so less likely to suffer seasickness than some other vessels however, if prone to motion sickness we recommend taking travel sickness tablets 20 minutes before boarding the vessel.
Yes, you can get sunburnt. You must apply sunscreen (factor 15 +) every 2 hours and if prone to burning it is wise to wear a light long sleeved T-shirt, particularly when snorkeling. For your protection and convenience, we do sell sun tops on the boat; please enquire on boarding if required on the day. Do not ruin your day by getting burnt! Ensure you bring a hat and sunglasses.
Yes, Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom are both well known for offering extremely safe and fun diving for certified divers and first timers, who are wishing to try an introductory scuba dive.
We specialise in first time divers, offering a very exclusive one instructor to 2 diver experience and even 1:1 for those requiring extra attention!
Our certified divers are in small groups, with a complimentary guide to ensure maximum enjoyment.
All divers (certified or non-certified) will be required to fill out a dive medial onboard on day of travel to ensure no contraindications to safe diving.
If diving is important to you please let is know via e-mail info@oceanfree.com.au whether you have any medical conditions ( past or present) or taking any medication as you may be required to get medical clearance prior to diving – this avoids any disappointments on the day,
Guests are able to do 2 dives in the day on both Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom
Ocean Freedom visits 2 different reef sites with a selection of SCUBA diving trails on the first site – best one on any day is picked
There are certain conditions that preclude one from diving, such as asthma, diabetes, heart conditions and epilepsy. All divers are required to fill out a diving medical questionnaire on board the boat to ensure that they have no medical condition (past or present) or taking any medication that could be detrimental to diving. It is absolutely imperative that you are honest when filling in this form as diving has some special requirements due to pressure changes. Some clients may need a diving medical from a diving doctor in order to dive. Should you have any questions regarding diving and dive medicals, please phone us on our booking number +61 7 40521111 or em: info@oceanfree.com.au and we will gladly assist you. This will avoid any disappointment on the day. Please remember our staff are not allowed to make any medical or medication decisions on the day – these must be cleared by a diving doctor prior to date of travel
Top Tip: QLD has the highest safety standards in the world; you can be assured of the very highest standard of care.
Yes, in order to do an introductory dive you must be 12 yrs old. The upper age is only limited by the fitness and medical condition of the individual. All divers, regardless of age, will need to fill out a dive medical on board . If you are keen to dive and have any medical issues – past or present – or taking any medication please let us know ( info@oceanfree.com.au / +61 7 40521111) so that we may advise if any diving medical clearance may be required by a QLD diving doctor. This avoids any disappointment on the day!
Yes, all of our certified divers are assessed for their ability and provided with a guide free of charge (dive master or instructor); therefore, you can feel confident that you will be looked after, even if you are a little “rusty”. If the instructor assesses you to need more attention, they may suggest doing an intro dive as your first dive.
All divers ( introductory & Certified ), regardless of age, will need to fill out a dive medical on board . If you are keen to dive and have any medical issues – past or present – or taking any medication please let us know ( info@oceanfree.com.au / +61 7 40521111) so that we may advise if any diving medical clearance may be required by a QLD diving doctor. This avoids any disappointment on the day!
You should try to contact your certifying agency, to get them to fax you a copy of your dive certification (you can have it faxed to our office, if you wish). Bring your log book if you have it. If you can’t get any proof of certification, you will still be able to dive but you will need to dive with an instructor as long as you have no medical problems. However, most certifications can now be checked online. If you send through your details, our office staff may be able to find it online prior to your day of travel.
All divers ( introductory & Certified ), regardless of age, will need to fill out a dive medical on board . If you are keen to dive and have any medical issues – past or present – or taking any medication please let us know ( info@oceanfree.com.au / +61 7 40521111) so that we may advise if any diving medical clearance may be required by a QLD diving doctor. This avoids any disappointment on the day!
Cairns Premier Reef and Island Tours dive and snorkel sites are protected under ‘Marine Park’ regulations. What is a Marine Park? The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is the largest, most complex and diverse coral reef system in the world. It is made up of coral reefs, coral cays and islands, stretching along the Queensland coast from Cape York to Bundaberg. The Marine Park also includes seagrass, mangroves, sand, algal and sponge gardens, inter-reefal communities and other habitats, and many rare and endangered species. It is a multiple use area managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Tourism is the largest commercial activity in the Marine Park, generating over $5 billion each year and contributing significantly to local and national economies. The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage Area that attracts about 1.9 million visitors to Cairns each year, making it one of Australia’s most internationally-renowned tourism attractions. Reference: taken from Fact sheet no 2 May 2006 GBRMPA.
Who visits the Marine Park? Tourists to the Marine Park range from locals and interstate visitors to international backpackers and luxury tourists. About half of all the tourists to the Marine Park are from overseas, and about one-third are from interstate. Reference: Fact Sheet no 2 GBRMPA.
Although all of our certified dives are guided, it’s important to watch where you are going during the dive. This is for your comfort and that of your dive buddys. Always be mindful of where your fins are, so you don’t kick the reef or your fellow diver. Swim around ‘bommies’ (coral outcrops) not over the tops, especially if they are shallow. Don’t ever put your legs down and stand on the reef! Follow your guide and stay close to your buddy. At Cairns Premier Reef and Island Tours, we’ll take care of you at all times.
Yes please. This is an important and protected marine environment. We ask that you respect the reef and its marine life during your dive. Please note the below points:
Do not worry if you are not an experienced diver as you will be assessed by our very competent dive crew who will assist you in making your dive enjoyable, safe and respectful to the beautiful underwater world!
Yes! Anybody who is in general good health can experience an introductory scuba dive; you don’t even need to be able to swim! In fact, diving is easier than snorkelling when taken by our experienced instructors. There are certain medical conditions that can preclude you from diving, such as asthma, epilepsy and heart conditions. All divers (including certified divers) must complete a dive medical questionnaire aboard the boat. Call our reservations team if you have any queries regarding this. Our team is renowned for giving people an unforgettable experience for their first time dive, as we are passionate about giving others the opportunity to experience the joys of the underwater world! We offer a guaranteed 1:2 ratio of dive instructor to diver and even 1:1 for those needing extra attention. Most boats offer 1:4.
All divers ( Non-Certified & Certified ), regardless of age, will need to fill out a dive medical on board . If you are keen to dive and have any medical issues – past or present – or taking any medication please let us know ( info@oceanfree.com.au / +61 7 40521111) so that we may advise if any diving medical clearance may be required by a QLD diving doctor. This avoids any disappointment on the day!
Ever felt what it is like to be “flying under water”? Have you ever been “neutrally buoyant” where you feel weightless – gliding through the water not ascending and not descending – it is a great feeling! Now getting this right (neutral buoyancy) does require some skill that you do learn when doing a diving course and you perfect as you become more experienced. However, if it is your first dive your instructor will be doing this for you – all you have to do is breathe and equalise your ears (you will be taught this). With diving you are under the surface, so on those days where the water might be a little choppy on the surface this disappears and all becomes calm down under! When you are under the surface you are also very much part of the environment – the fish life seems to surround you – you are not an “object” on the surface, but part of the underwater team – one of them! Why not give it a go? If you have any queries drop us an e-mail info@oceanfree.com.au
All divers ( introductory & Certified ), regardless of age, will need to fill out a dive medical on board . If you are keen to dive and have any medical issues – past or present – or taking any medication please let us know ( info@oceanfree.com.au / +61 7 40521111) so that we may advise if any diving medical clearance may be required by a QLD diving doctor. This avoids any disappointment on the day!
On the way out you will fill out a diving medical questionnaire, to ensure you have no medical conditions contrary to diving (please e-mail us if you have any concerns, just in case you need medical clearance to dive). You are then questioned on your swimming / snorkelling ability – but no previous experience is necessary. Once the medical is checked and clear the group is briefed on: the equipment / how to equalise ears and lungs / how to hold your body position and how to clear your mask / a few signs needed to communicate / and the rest is done by us! The dive is about 5-6M deep (great so you can see the top and the bottom!) – the most life and colour on the GBR is in the first 10M – so great depth for your first dive! The dive instructor will “kit” you up in your SCUBA gear (it will feel like a backpack). You are shown and taught a couple of skills. You can walk or jump into the water (either way – your instructor will “catch” you) and once comfortable put you holding on a bar on the surface looking down and practicing your breathing and repeating your skills. You will then be taken down slowly holding onto a bar and the instructor will then take your hand and guide you around the amazing Great Barrier Reef! The dive is 25-30 minutes long.
IF YOU ARE UNSURE AND TRY IT AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF BEING IN THE WATER FIND IT ISN’T FOR YOU – YOU CAN COME STRAIGHT BACK OUT AND NOT PAY A CENT! YOU ONLY PAY FOR THE DIVE IF YOU DO IT! YOUR INSTRUCTOR WILL GUIDE YOU TO ENSURE YOU DO NOT HIT THE REEF THEREBY PROTECTING OUR BEAUTIFUL REEF.
Yes, you can. We have top of the range buoyancy vests and aids available for your use (for children as well), and we have snorkel stations in the water for you to hold on to when you need to. If you are still in need of assistance, we will put a crew member in the water with you until you feel more confident. We have a crew member on watch at all times keeping an eye on all snorkelers, swimmers and divers ready to offer help if necessary.
If you are prone to seasickness, please take a preventative medication 20 mins before you travel, as you will have a much more enjoyable day! The crew will look after you at all times. You can also be taken across to Green Island (Ocean Free) and Upolu Cay (Ocean Freedom) if the tide is low where you will immediately feel better.
Sitting out in the fresh air and looking at the horizon also assists .
Yes, we have a range of prescription masks on board the boat for hire. Please check with us in advance on availability and sizes and pre-book if necessary. Please note: If you have contact lenses and you feel comfortable, you can wear them while snorkeling and diving as long as they are soft, disposable lenses (you cannot wear hard contact lenses whilst scuba diving). However, we obviously cannot say that you will definitely not lose them when snorkeling or diving and cannot be held responsible for this.
The stinger season runs from October to April. Out on the reef there is only a very small probability of being stung, so regarding safety, it is the same wherever you decide to go. The dangerous “box jellyfish” is not found out on the reef but along the coastal areas, so it is unwise to swim on the beaches unless enclosed by a “stinger net”. Other stingers possible are the blue bottle (a little painful but not deadly) and the Irukandji. These can both occur on the reef. The Irukandji is a small jellyfish which until recently hadn’t caused any deaths. In 2002 there were 2 deaths where both the people stung had an underlying medical problem. One has to remember that there are more deaths from bee stings! No one can honestly say that it is impossible to be stung, however looking at the thousands of snorkelers and divers that visit the region each year it is a rare occurrence. We have been snorkeling and diving off our site for 25 years and had only one suspected Irukandji sting on our site. You can wear a stinger suit which covers most of your body if you are concerned. It is recommended that anyone who has a known medical condition or is over 40 yrs and may have an unknown medical condition, wear one during stinger season. These are provided free of charge and also great for sun protection
There are black and white tipped reef sharks on the reef, but they are normally smaller than people and are very shy. They pose absolutely no threat to humans and we count ourselves very lucky if we are able to see them!!
Absolutely, our boats have always been a very popular option for private charters. Charters can run as per the normal day or can be customised to clients’ requests. Prices vary depending on the season. Enquire by e-mailing us Reservations and Enquiries Number: (07)4052 1111 or Email: info@oceanfree.com.au