Blog - Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours % %C %C

Experience award - best small group reef tour

Local Family Operated Small group sustainable Great Barrier Reef Tours

Ocean Freedom Forever making special reef moments!

Eye on the Reef programme with Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

“EYES” on the Great Barrier Reef

Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom continuing to keep an “Eye on the Reef” !!

Stewardship on Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom

Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom keeping an “Eye on the Reef” !

Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours “greening” the Great Barrier Reef

Electric-Hybrid Eco Catamaran – Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours next generation Great Barrier Reef Tour

Climate Care with Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom

A journey of the sum of little steps to a greener future

Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom supporting community

A journey of the sum of little actions to a brighter future

Travel Returning… we are ready!

Already the start of JUNE 2022!

OCEAN FREEDOM wins AWARD 2022

OCEAN FREEDOM Recognised among BEST in Australia / New Zealand 2022

Marine Biologist Experience Optional Extra

Marine Biologist Experience Tour

OCEAN FREE & OCEAN FREEDOM SNORKEL GREAT BARRIER REEF

25 YEARS OF OPERATIONS

Taryn ,Perry, Jazz and Miah (the dog!) and the Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom family celebrate their 25th year of operations!

GREEN TRAVEL LEADER 2021

OCEAN Free & OCEAN FREEDOM recognised as Green Travel Leaders 2021

Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2021

A Big Thank you to all our Travellers! Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom once again a winner due to you!

Ocean Free Exclusive Charter August Special

Dreaming of a personal Great Barrier Reef tour where you can truly immerse yourself in nature?

Hope you are all well as can be, as we continue to ride this seemingly never ending bumpy road. A big thank you to all our guests who supported us during the Easter break – we loved having you all on board and hope to see you again in the future!

Great Barrier Reef Education Experience

Schools invited to engage in (GBR) Education Experience Programme”

Personalised Cairns Great Barrier Reef Trip

Operational Update February 2021

Hope all had a much needed relaxing Christmas and New Year – we are working towards a better 2021 – let’s all bring it on!!

Operational Update – November 2020

Well as we continue with this roller coaster of a year, with ever changing parameters domestically and internationally, we are personally even more determined to come out of this stronger and more resilient than ever.

Ocean Freedom Cairns Great Barrier Reef Upolu Cay Tour

We’re Back :) ! Covid Update JULY 3rd 2020

We are very excited to say we are now COVID-safe and operational, having our first day back today Friday 2nd July 2020 – Yay !!

Covid -19 Update JUNE 3rd 2020

Further to our last communications – we have had some welcome news this week, with the lifting of some border restrictions – a little earlier than originally expected – GREAT news that we can now welcome all our QLD neighbours – thank you collectively to all QLD for all your efforts and to the Premier for doing this.

Google Rating

4.9

Based on 1309 reviews

Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom - Cairns Premier Great Barrier Reef & Island Tours

4.9

Graziano Baldacchini

1764018618

Abbiamo fatto con loro una stupenda escursione sulla grande barriera corallina di un intera giornata. Partenza ore 8:00 e rientro ore 16:30. I ragazzi sono attenti e preparati. Le escursioni sono ben gestite e sicure per tutti i livelli. Forniscono loro tutta l'attrezzatura necessaria come mute pinne e maschere. Oltre lo snorkeling e possibile anche fare anche diving ma meglio prenotarlo prima. Durante il giorno vengono serviti pranzo ed altri spuntini. Bella esperienza

Danielle Nelson

1763886892

This tour is top notch. Good people treating their customers as guests. True hosts - such a rarity. I’ve snorkeled a bunch and this was the best, most informative tour I’ve done.

Thomas Burns

1763882800

Excellent crew, and excellent adventure, best time yet in Australia!

Wyatt C.

1763683558

Awesome trip to the reef and first time scuba diving! Great staff, decent food for a day trip, and just an unbeatable scenery.10/10 would recommend and do again. Thank you, team!

Rebika Rijal

1763542250

Best experience with the team. Can’t express more gratitude towards the team. Their knowledge, kindness, humbleness, and service was exceptional.Thank you so much from my team ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Senem Born

1763360370

Das Team war super freundlich und tat alles dafür, uns einen schönen Tag zu bereiten. Dank der aufmerksamen Betreuung fühlten wir uns jederzeit sicher – es waren immer mehrere Augen auf die Taucher und Schnorchler gerichtet. Neben dem Mittagessen gab es immer wieder kleine Snacks wie Obst, Cracker und Kuchen. Die Ausrüstung war sauber und gepflegt. Insgesamt hatten wir einen großartigen Tag!

Tess Taz

1763292292

Amazingly organized tour, the best I've experienced!The staff were incredibly friendly, energetic, and knowledgeable, ensuring everyone felt cared for and enjoyed the trip safely.The food was delicious with plenty of variety, and all equipment was well-maintained, sterilized, and hygienic.The reef was stunning, with crystal-clear water, vibrant corals, giant clams, a green turtle, stingrays, sea cucumbers, and countless colorful fish!

Rono Cheung

1763292147

The crew are very nice and energetic. Love their energy and vibeHad 2 intro dive sessions with my guide Ambrose, it’s my first time doing scuba diving, and Ambrose takes really good care of me, super attentive and checked in with me constantly, feel very safe with him.And I saw stingray, giant clam, yellow puffer fish, clown fish, and a lot of different color fish and coralA really great tour and highly recommend!

David Miller

1763276904

Had the best day scuba diving and spending a day on the Ocean Freedom! The crew was super friendly and hospitable. Special shoutout to Archie who was the best first-time scuba guide I could ask for. He was patient and helpful and reassuring the whole time and took all the anxiety out of scuba diving for the first time. Highly recommend!

Cyril Sanouillet

1763242656

Wonderful reef tour operation with an absolutely professional team that perfectly balance safety, respect for the reef, and fantastic fun. Everything between check in to walking back on the dock was smooth operating. We got to see lots of fishies and even a few turtles. Thank you very much to the team, you are exemplars to your profession.

Gonzalo López

1763191738

Super recomdable! Para hacer buceo snorkel o disfrutar del viaje por la barrera de coral (te dan todo lo necesario). Te enseñan zonas que tienen bien estudiadas para ver tortugas, mantas, muchísimos peces de colores y diferentes corales. El personal muy atento y divertido, buena gente!. Además dan comida y se pueden comprar cervezas!

paul kerr

1763151625

We had the most amazing trip with Ocean Freedom 13.11.25. All the crew were great, really friendly, helpful and made you feel very safe in the water. Snorkeling was fantastic, we were supplied with all equipment ( wetsuit, snorkel and flippers). Glass bottom boat was good and then we seen turtles and reef sharks. Food was great too. Would highly recommend as we have made memories for life. Thank you ocean freedom.

Emily Graham

1763106661

John

1763065319

Great experience. Staff is fantastic, especially Archie our scuba guide. Boat, equipment, food, drinks and snacks all excellent. Beautiful sites in the GBR visited. We loved the music mix on the ship. Highly recommended!

Millie Brogden

1762855041

Can’t recommend this company enough! We had an amazing day on the Great Barrier Reef and Green island. I brought my parents visiting from London and the crew were so lovely and accommodating. We last minute decided to go scuba diving on the reef and it was a great experience. We saw so many reef sharks, giant trevelly, giant clams. The team were very friendly and professional. Green island was also absolutely beautiful, lunch was great and we had a fabulous day. Worth every penny!

Tim Steinlein

1762831996

We went diving with Amber, Julien and Matt, and it was an amazing experience! They took plenty of time to explain everything about the underwater world and created such a genuinely nice vibe. Highly recommend!

Robert Mitchell

1762695433

Good & informative briefings. We felt safe at all times. The weaker swimmers were given the appropriate attention. Morning & afternoon snacks were just as advertised. Lunch was peal & eat shrimp, chicken legs, salad. Glass bottom boat talk was informative, we finally saw the turtle that we had missed while snorkeling. I will recommend to all the snorkel tour. I don't think the scuba divers got anything more that couldn't be done by snorkel.

Jane Colley

1762669199

We sailed on the Ocean Free on November 8th and had the most incredible day! The crew — Kelly, Archie and Ollie, skippered by Blair — were outstanding: professional, friendly, funny and clearly focused on safety.I was nervous about snorkelling as it had been years, but Blair and Kelly were so reassuring that I decided to give it a go — and I’m so glad I did. The reef was stunning, and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.Lunch was delicious, Green Island was beautiful (we even visited the Croc Park!), and the return sail with cheese, biscuits, cake and wine was the perfect finish.A wonderful day with a wonderful crew — thank you Ocean Free! Couldn’t recommend them more highly.

Carla Hood

1762556324

We had an absolutely incredible day exploring the Great Barrier Reef with Ocean Freedom! The tour was well-organized from start to finish, and the crew truly made the experience unforgettable. They were friendly, professional, and full of energy — always ready to help, answer questions, and make sure everyone felt comfortable in and out of the water.The reef itself was absolutely amazing, and the crew’s enthusiasm for marine life made it that much better. The snorkeling spots offered clear waters and an amazing variety of coral and fish.

Donna Roser

1762497697

It was a great day. The staff went above and beyond to make the day fantastic. Thank you

Joshua Mederos

1762376929

Had an amazing time with the crew of Ocean Free (Mike, Amber, and Archie). Everyone was very kind and knowledgeable. We especially had a great time with Archie who took us scuba diving for the first time which was an unforgettable experience! This truly felt like a premium experience you can’t get anywhere else, thank you for everything!

Rob Pelletier

1762271182

Good dive operations. A great way to see the great barrier reef.

Tim Balderstone

1761957960

What a great day! The whole team on Ocean Freedom did all they could to give us the best experience. Dive Instructors were really helpful and guides for snorkeling were knowledgeable and a great help for those less confident in the water. To have seen a big Manta and Green Turtle at the site was amazing. The drift snorkle found more giant clams and different fish again. A quality buffet lunch was followed by a second reef site, different to the first and even more fish varieties. The team took safety really seriously and provided a guide rope for snorklers as there were more waves and quicker current. To have snorkeling guides in the water with you was a great feature. Loved the fruit, cheese and biscuits and cake on the way back in, a nice touch for a fantastic value day. As a family owned business Ocean Freedom punches well about it's weight, many thanks to Skipper Ryan and the whole crew, a brilliant advert for this experience.

György Dr. Berényi

1761887432

See all reviews Write a review

Facebook Rating

5.0

Based on 438 reviews

Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom - Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours

5.0

Becky Kerr

1763074664

Robin Taddeo Wallace

1763009042

Wow! What an amazing crew and Captain Ben. Luke Archie Maddy Andros(sp?) Dan and so many more!! Every crew member was fabulous to work with. Had the best diving experience two days in a row and coming back for more. I see something new each time. Such a professional operation. I scuba dive but they also have a glass bottom boat and tons of snorkeling (their specialty) I highly recommend if you want a great experience exploring the Great Barrier Reef this is the team to choose. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Thank you Ocean Freedom for an amazing experience!!!

Danuta Kopieniak

1748391484

🌊
I had the absolute best experience on May 22nd with Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom! From start to finish, everything was flawless — the crew was beyond amazing, warm, professional, and full of energy. Their passion for the reef, the ocean, and for ensuring every guest has a magical time was clear in every interaction.

The snorkeling was incredible, the visibility was perfect, and we got up close with so much marine life. The crew made us feel safe, informed, and completely spoiled the entire day — the food was delicious, and the service was top-notch.

Huge shoutout to the entire crew — you made this the highlight of my trip. Thank you for the memories. Love Danuta and Slav

Lance Schneider

1748374032

While the water wasn’t the best conditions, the crew was top notch and personable. Can’t wait to come back to Cairns and dive with them again!

Enobong Bassey Etteh

1747258001

What a tour, did 1st dive. Well constructed experience, no stone left unturned by the genius who runs this. Music, food, fresh air, interest g company. What’s not to like.

Davina Phillips

1741840268

Hands Down the best reef trip out of Cairns. Best crew, food, attention to detail. Small numbers, beautiful reef, walk in a tropical island early arvo, I literally cannot recommend this gorgeous sailing boat enough. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Karen Harrop

1736714438

Thanks to the whole team for a truly memorable day, my first time snorkeling but the team gave me the confidence ( and the safety ring ) to experience the reef - thank you 😊

Fionnuala Murphy

1730004175

What a trip! The hospitality was first class, the boat spotless and the food, well we were fed all day long.
I'm a decent enough swimmer but never go out of my depth and to have Mike and Molly guide me when snorkeling whilst keeping me safe and given me the confidence all day, I had the trip of a lifetime! The reef was spectacular, the teams knowledge and expertise was second to none. Never mind seeing so many fish, star fish and the turtle. Would recommend this trip with Ocean Freedom without hesitation. Thank you so much Mike and Molly.

Ariel Quintos

1724744929

We have a wonderful time in snorkling. Very nice service and the snorkling buddys were great also! They always check on you if you're ok during the boat ride. I will definitely recommend to friends and family that will visit Cairns, Australia! Captain Mike and the crews you're the best!

Rohan Whatley

1719133246

yes, strongly recommended

went to Upolu reef with ocean freedom, 23/6/2024. only my 3rd time snorkeling and 1st time scuba diving. Very helpful and caring instructors. very well kept boat.

scuba dive was worth it, plenty of fish including Nemo you won't see snorkelling

Mark Grogan

1704614533

I recently did a Reef tour down at Hamilton Island as my first on the GBR and had a great time.

A trip to Cairns (Palm Cove) meant another trip was due!

Ocean Freedom was recommended to us due to the smaller capacity and attention to detail by people at Palm Cove.

It was an amazing day out. A very full day, 2 reefs, well fed and normally I’d just do my own thing in the water, but opted for the glass bottom boat tour and guided snorkel while there and it was great. As little or as much time as you can handle in the water. Excellent reefs, Green Sea Turtles and Manta Rays were spotted by our family.

Highly recommended for your trip to the reef. Very kid friendly also and all provided equipment was top notch.

Loved it!

Chris Hales

1687043270

We had a wonderful experience sailing on the Ocean Free boat to Great Barrier Reef where we snorkelled and our daughter had her first experience diving. The diving instructor gave great instruction and had a genuine care for his clients and the skipper and crew were focused on giving us the best experience possible.
would highly recommend.

Terry McGrath

1684272821

We had the best day. The crew on board were fantastic. The spot they moored off Green Island was so close to the reef you could almost stand on it. Snorkeling and diving was brilliant. Lunch on board is very impressive. We met some lovely people from all over the world. Sailing back at under full sail with a lovely glass of wine was exhilarating and exciting. Thanks to all the staff and crew. You made the day for us so easy from booking to leaving. We didn’t want to leave.

Sue Bailey Thomson

1680595403

We went on this reef cruise today and it was fantastic! The guides were incredible and the food was great- and there was loads of it! We went on a different snorkeling trip yesterday to Green Island and it was nothing compared to Ocean Freedom. The guides were in the water with us showing us all the fish and marine life. Definitely skip Green Island and go with Ocean Freedom!!!!

Elaine Kelly

1678969131

What a perfect day! The crew was so pleasant and helpful, catering to our every need, even a glass bottom boat for those wanting a break from snorkeling. Good equipment, great food - and awesome to see all we saw while snorkeling!

Campbell Mill

1675898986

My wife, daughter and myself went out on Ocean Freedom on Wednesday 8 Feb 2023. A great day - the Captain and crew were unbelievably helpful and polite. Nothing was to much trouble. Once at the reef a guided glass bottom boat trip then onto with the snorkelling or SCUBA if you wanted. The food was high quality and heaps for everyone. When you thought it was over out came the cheese and biscuits followed by cake. I’ve been on a number of boat tours around the world and this is by far the best. It is highly recommend. Lastly a shout out to crewman Tom who was very patience with my wife and helped her snorkelling experience.

Dan Boon

1671434033

Perfect day out visiting two of the nearby reefs.
The crew are extremely warm, welcoming and a great laugh helping you be at ease wether if it’s your first time snorkelling/diving or somebody used to the ocean.
I did my first (and 2nd) ever scuba dive guided by these guys today and it couldn’t have been any better!
Will definitely go with these guys again next time I find myself in Cairns. Thank you!

Kgothatso Mohale

1665275230

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Mark DiFelice

1662359648

Great crew and a great day out. More food than you could possibly ask for and great attention to detail.
Special shout out to Mike, Liam, Jazz and Jayden who really made the day special. A few people feeding the fish due to bad weather but the crew handled it beautifully.
Thanks all.

Amy Whiteman

1661940602

Great day had by our family of 5. Mike the Skipper was awesome and lead an amazing crew. Food was great and plentiful. Would definitely recommend this company to anyone. The only fault was the weather

Jane Daniels

1656121964

I had a lovely experience on this tour. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the food was great. Met some lovely people on the tour from overseas and other parts of Australia. Snorkelling was amazing and I learnt a little about the Great Barrier Reef on the Glass Bottom Boat tour. Hope to do this tour again and hopefully try diving next time.

Brad Warren Simpson

1655888788

Awesome day was had ,great hosts and got to see all you could on the reef

Sarah Domet

1655761618

My partner and I went out diving for the day. He’d never dived and I hadn’t been for years. We were so well looked after and all the friendly, happy staff showed such patience!
Fantastic day out highly recommend this business ⭐️

Susan Greentree

1654034054

I loved the whole experience, from the friendly lady in the booking office, who was the main reason we chose Ocean Freedom, to all the friendly helpful staff once we were on the cruise. I had a very memorable 67th birthday in a beautiful location ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Ocean Freedom!

Tony Takla

1653638361

The tour run by Ocean Free was absolutely fantastic and surpassed all expectation! The program itself ran very smoothly and was an excellent balance between guided activities and relaxing free time. The crew was also brilliant — so friendly, fun and helpful throughout the day. All in all, a very worthwhile experience that any visitor to Cairns should consider 👌

See all reviews Write a review

Google Rating

4.9

Based on 1309 reviews

Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom - Cairns Premier Great Barrier Reef & Island Tours

4.9

Graziano Baldacchini

1764018618

Danielle Nelson

1763886892

This tour is top notch. Good people treating their customers as guests. True hosts - such a rarity. I’ve snorkeled a bunch and this was the best, most informative tour I’ve done.

Thomas Burns

1763882800

Excellent crew, and excellent adventure, best time yet in Australia!

Wyatt C.

1763683558

Awesome trip to the reef and first time scuba diving! Great staff, decent food for a day trip, and just an unbeatable scenery.10/10 would recommend and do again. Thank you, team!

1763542250

1763360370

1763292292

1763292147

1763276904

1763242656

1763191738

1763151625

1763106661

1763065319

1762855041

1762831996

1762695433

1762669199

1762556324

1762497697

It was a great day. The staff went above and beyond to make the day fantastic. Thank you

Joshua Mederos

1762376929

Rob Pelletier

1762271182

Good dive operations. A great way to see the great barrier reef.

Tim Balderstone

1761957960

György Dr. Berényi

1761887432

See all reviews Write a review

Facebook Rating

5.0

Based on 438 reviews

Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom - Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours

5.0

1763074664

1763009042

1748391484

1748374032

While the water wasn’t the best conditions, the crew was top notch and personable. Can’t wait to come back to Cairns and dive with them again!

Enobong Bassey Etteh

1747258001

What a tour, did 1st dive. Well constructed experience, no stone left unturned by the genius who runs this. Music, food, fresh air, interest g company. What’s not to like.

Davina Phillips

1741840268

Karen Harrop

1736714438

Thanks to the whole team for a truly memorable day, my first time snorkeling but the team gave me the confidence ( and the safety ring ) to experience the reef - thank you 😊

1730004175

1724744929

1719133246

1704614533

1687043270

1684272821