Great Barrier Reef Family Tour
An unforgettable experience for your family. Reef Experience is a family-owned and operated company.
Reef Experience Family Tour is Cairns’ only ALL inclusive tour to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
The day is packed with family-friendly activities so that the whole family can enjoy their time on the Great Barrier Reef.
Our Great Barrier Reef family tour has snorkel noodles, a marine biologist presentation, activities for the children on the way to and from the Great Barrier Reef, glass-bottom boat tour wetsuits and more all included in our great price.
A Great Family Outing at an Unbeatable Price!
Great Barrier Reef family tour package is for two adults and two children (age 4-11 years).
You may add additional adults or children. Three years old and under travel for free.
- 07:30 – Board Reef Experience boat at the Cairns Marina ‘A-Finger’ for check-in
- 08:00 – Approximate departure & Safety Talk with snorkel briefing
- 08:30 – Marine Biology presentation, followed by a detailed scuba dive briefing for those participating
- 09:30 – Arrive at our first spectacular reef site, snorkel & dive with thousands of colourful tropical fish, giant clams and more
- 10:30 – Glass Bottom Boat Tour (approximately 20 minutes)
- 12:30 – Lunch
- 13:00 – Cruise to our second location
- 15:00 – Depart the Great Barrier Reef
- 15:30 – Glass of wine, tropical fruits, cheese & biscuits
- 16:30 – Arrive back in Cairns
- Up to 6 hours at two pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour locations
- Unlimited snorkelling
- All equipment including wetsuit hire and flotation aids
- FREE Scuba Dive (Certified Dive qualified OR Resort Dive no-experience necessary at the first reef location for everyone over age 12 and medically fit to scuba) Medical Conditions apply – please see important information below
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour
- Return transfers from Cairns city accommodation
- Marine Biology Presentation
- Breakfast: BBQ bacon & egg roll, coffee, tea and fruit platters
- Delicious Buffet BBQ lunch with an assortment of fresh salads
- Cheese & fruit platter plus a complimentary wine on the return journey
- The crew are happy to help first-time snorkelers and non-swimmers
- Large sun deck with padded lounges and air-conditioned indoor areas
- Reef tax, fuel levy & national park fees.
- No hidden costs
- Underwater Digital Camera Hire
- Snack Bar Purchases: Soft drinks, chocolate, chips, alcohol etc.
- Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour of the reef: Snorkel with an experienced Marine Biologist and learn about the marine life you see on an educational and interactive tour
- Great Barrier Reef souvenirs – T-shirts, hats etc
- Dive Guides for certified scuba divers (instructors included for beginner divers)
- Prescription mask hire if you require lenses to see (contact lenses can be worn in most circumstances)
- Bus transfers from accommodation outside of the Cairns business area
- Second scuba dive at the afternoon reef site
- Cash and/or credit card for purchases
- Swimming Clothes, Towel, Hat, Sunglasses, Sun Cream
- Proof of qualification if you’re a certified diver
Reef Experience departs from
Cairns Marina: ‘A-Finger’ View map to Cairns Marlin Marina
Boarding commences at 7:30 am for check-in, directly on the vessel ‘Reef Experience.’
Arrive back to Cairns Marina at approximately 4:30 pm
Where Can I Park?
There are several parking stations throughout Cairns in walking distance of the Marina. Click here to see where
Important Information for Scuba Diving
We have a passion for showing you Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, so please make sure you understand the scuba diving laws.
Queensland, Australia has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world but also the safest scuba diving record. We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all regulations, including medical as is the law.
To avoid disappointment on your day of travel, we strongly recommend that all of our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire before booking as some medical conditions, age and / or medications may prevent you from scuba diving. It is always our mission to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef experience.
Reef Experience Medical Questionnaire
We are happy to help you with any questions you may have. Please contact our office on 07 4037 2700 or email us
Alternatively, you may like to consult your Doctor for a Dive Medical using the Australian Standard Forms’ AS.4005.1
Flying after Scuba Diving
For a single no decompression scuba dive, you should not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after a scuba dive. For multiple dives, you should not fly for 24 hours after your last dive.
If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning you must wait 24 hours after your dive.
We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible
Add your review for Great Barrier Reef Family Tour
Sarah M
5A fantastic day for the entire family. The crew are all knowledgeable, friendly, entertaining and great with kids. The marine biology tour with Alex is a must - saw white tip reef shark! Food was delicious and the reef was spectacular. Recommnd buying the red lens on board for your GoPro.
Reviewed on: Reef ExperiencePaul Epton
5My son and grandchildren had a wonderful time as I did. The staff were cheerful and friendly and the meal was very good. I have told everyone about my trip to the reef with Reef Experience and recommend it to everyone
Reviewed on: Reef ExperienceAngela
5Thank you everyone, we had an amazing time. The crew were excellent! informative, great energy and welcoming! the 2nd reef we visited was huge and full of unique fish! Absolutely beautiful. We will definitely book with you again in the future! <3
Reviewed on: Cairns on a BudgetPatti J.
5I am a certified diver and waited years for this experience. The crew were FANTASTIC! as well as the food, the diving with all different types of fish and coral. I would specially thank Terry for the best dives I have ever had. Thank you ever so much to all the crew. Hard to top this!!
Reviewed on: Reef TripAlan
5I booked one day reef tour to the Outer Great Barrier Reef with boat called Reef Experience, I like fish. Amazing crew! Mackensea was brilliant. She was just great, so thank you! I love all my day! Just want to say thanks for an amazing experience, had an amazing day. So thanks.
Reviewed on: Reef TripNatalie F.
5We first saw the Reef Experience add online and the great experience and opportunity to scuba dive. The crew were truly amazing, very friendly and made me feel confident and safe on my dives, and also my favourite part of the day. Keep up the great work and thank you for an experience of a lifetime!
Reviewed on: Hot GetawaysKeith H
5The crew was outstanding! I loved getting to go scuba diving. The whole experience was first rate, excellent, value. I definitely recommend!
Reviewed on: Hot GetawaysChris C
5The crew was amazing. Very friendly and knowledgeable and ensured we got the most out of the day. The best part of the day is snorkelling. This tour is amazing - please keep doing what you're doing. You've made this an unforgettable experience!
Reviewed on: Reef TripBillie
5Great!!! Crew were very helpful for our nine year old. Food and snorkel were fantastic!!!
Reviewed on: Hot GetawaysMieneke Bron
5The BRON family had an awesome Day on the Reef. We recommend everybody to experience this great event in so great nature with super specialised people. Scuba diving, snorkling, learning, enjoying, food and drinks ... All wonderfull. Thank You!
Reviewed on: Reef Experience