Great Barrier Reef Full Day Adventure
From $295 PP
Departing either Port of Airlie, Daydream or Hamilton Island, cruise through the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands to our permanently moored pontoon, located 39 nautical miles from shore at Hardy Reef. Jump right in with a snorkel and explore the reef, or if you’d prefer to stay dry, head to the underwater observatory or take a guided semi-submarine tour. Complete your experience with a delicious buffet lunch and, as the day fades into sunset, you’ll head home with lifelong memories of one of the world’s natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef.
| Adult | From $295 |
| Senior | From $269 |
| Child (4-14) | From $145 |
| Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) | From $809 |
| Adult | $13.00 |
| Child (4 - 14) | $7.00 |
| Introductory Scuba Dive | $175 |
| Second Intro Dive | $85 |
| Certified Scuba Dive | $135 |
| Second Cert Dive | $85 |
| Snorkel Safari (Adult) | $85 |
| Snorkel Safari (Child) | $49 |
| Snorkel Safari Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) | $188 |
| Daily | Departs | Returns |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Airlie | 8:00am | 6:10pm |
| Daydream Island | 7:35am | 6:00pm |
| Hamilton Island | 9:00am | 5:00pm |
Your Great Barrier Reef experience includes a scenic return cruise through the Whitsunday Islands, time at Hardy Reef, snorkelling equipment, wetsuits and stinger suits, access to the underwater observatory, a guided semi-submarine tour, and morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
No. The Great Barrier Reef Adventure is suitable for both swimmers and non-swimmers. Guests who prefer to stay dry can still enjoy the underwater observatory and guided semi-submarine tour.
Yes. Introductory and certified scuba diving are available at additional cost, subject to medical requirements, availability and operator conditions.
Yes, this tour is family friendly and suitable for children.
However, participation in water activities such as snorkelling should always be considered based on a child’s age, confidence, and comfort in marine environments.
Tours to the Great Barrier Reef operate in all weather conditions, including rain. Light rain does not usually affect the experience, and scheduled activities continue as normal unless conditions are deemed unsafe.
We recommend checking the local weather forecast 72 hours prior to your departure, so you know what conditions to expect and have the flexibility to amend your booking if required.
The Great Barrier Reef is a protected World Heritage Area, and we ask all guests to help preserve its natural beauty and marine life.
To protect the reef, please:
By following these simple guidelines, you’re helping protect the reef for future generations to enjoy.
Yes, flotation aids such as lifejackets and pool noodles are available free of charge for all guests. For safety, if a crew member advises you to use a flotation aid, this instruction must be followed.
Prescription masks are also available for hire onboard. A valid photo ID or credit card is required at the time of hire, which will be returned when the mask is returned in good condition. If a credit card is not available, a refundable deposit is required. Please note that charges may apply for any loss or damage.
As the journey to the Great Barrier Reef involves open ocean travel, some guests may experience motion sickness.
If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking preventative medication before your trip, which can be purchased from most chemists. Seasickness tablets are also available onboard if required.
Conditions on the day vary depending on wind strength. As a general guide:
Our crew are always available to assist and help make your trip as comfortable as possible.
Travel time is approximately 3 hours from Airlie Beach and around 2 hours from Hamilton Island on our large, motorised catamaran, depending on sea and weather conditions.
Guests spend approximately 4 hours at Hardy Reef, free to explore at their own pace.
Many guests choose to snorkel at their own comfort level; however all guests should be confident entering the water safely and must follow crew instructions. If you are unsure, speak with crew on the day.
Yes. Morning tea, a delicious buffet lunch, and afternoon tea are all included.
Yes, stinger suits are provided free of charge for all guests year-round.
These lightweight, full-body suits are worn while swimming to help protect against marine stingers such as box jellyfish and Irukandji. They also offer sun protection and minor protection from coral or other marine irritants.
Your skipper will advise onboard if stinger suits are mandatory on the day; however, they are always recommended and typically required during the warmer months or when stinger activity is present
Phone reception is only available intermittently at the start of the journey before being lost as the vessel travels further offshore.
There is no WiFi available on board Cruise Whitsundays vessels, allowing guests to disconnect and fully enjoy their time on the Great Barrier Reef.
The onboard bar opens at 8:00am for snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, with alcoholic beverages available from 10:00am, remaining available for the duration of the tour.
For safety reasons, guests are asked to consume alcohol responsibly, particularly before entering the water. Crew may restrict water activities if a guest is considered unfit or intoxicated, to ensure the safety of all passengers.
Optional extras may include scuba diving, guided snorkel safari experiences, and scenic helicopter flights, depending on availability.
All tours require a certain level of fitness and mobility, with specific requirements varying depending on the experience. Further information is provided below.
We understand that everyone’s accessibility needs are different. Guests with mobility concerns or additional support requirements are encouraged to contact our Reservations team before booking to discuss their individual needs and confirm whether the experience is suitable.
Great Barrier Reef Full Day Adventure tour:
The Great Barrier Reef Adventure is suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. However, guests should be comfortable boarding and disembarking vessels, navigating stairs, and moving around a marine environment where surfaces may be wet or uneven.
Some activities may require additional mobility. Guests who require physical assistance are welcome to travel with a companion or carer who can provide the support they need, as our crew are unable to provide personal care, lifting, or physical mobility assistance.
A medical declaration must be completed prior to travel. Guests participating in snorkelling or diving may be subject to additional safety requirements based on their individual circumstances. For safety reasons, our crew may restrict or refuse participation in water-based activities where it is considered unsafe to participate.
