The friendly local crew has taken our guests to the Great Barrier Reef for over 30 years.
Snorkelling on Cairns Great Barrier Reef tour
Silverswift Cairns has access to stunning remote reef locations, including Milln, Flynn and Thetford Reefs.
You will visit three uniquely different sites that the captain will choose on the morning of departure.
With a guided snorkel tour during your day, you’ll get to explore the magic of the reef in complete safety. Our friendly crew will help you use the snorkelling equipment if you’ve never snorkelled.
Next, to make the most of your day with Silverswift Cairns, join the guided snorkeling tour.
Your guide will lead you to the shallow coral gardens to learn more about the marine life around you.
Your marine interpreter will point out Great Barrier Reef animals, corals, and areas of interest along the way.
Scuba diving with Silverswift Cairns
We cater to both certified and introductory scuba divers. As a certified diver, you can experience up to three dive sites.
Our scuba diving instructors accompany all dives at no extra charge.
They have vast local knowledge of all the locations and know all the best drift and dive walls, bommies and pinnacles, coral reef gardens, and swim-throughs. Certified dives can last up to 40 minutes or more.
As an introductory diver
Silverswift Cairns instructors will be by your side throughout the whole experience. On your way to the reef, you will fill out a medical questionnaire, and the crew will assess your medical fitness to dive.
The Silverswift Cairns crew will teach you the necessary skills, and once you’re comfortable, you can take the plunge! All equipment, including wetsuits and prescription masks (if needed), is included in the introductory dive price.
Introductory divers can complete up to two dives, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. You can reach a maximum depth of 12 metres.
7:30 am – Check in at the counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal for your boarding passes.
8:15 am – Vessel boarding. Complimentary morning tea/breakfast is served.
8:30 am – Depart Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal for the Outer Reef. On the journey, certified and introductory dive briefings begin.
9:50 am – Arrive at the first Reef location. Divers will gear up while the snorkelers’ site briefing begins.
11:15 am – We depart for the second Reef location. Option for introductory and certified divers to do a second dive. Snorkelers site briefing.
12:30 pm – Tropical hot and cold buffet lunch served in the air-conditioned cabin.
1:40 pm – We depart for the third location. Snorkelers are once again briefed on the areas best to snorkel and guided snorkel tour—an option for certified divers to do a third or second introductory dive.
2:15 pm – Afternoon tea served.
3:00 pm – All passengers board vessel for the final passenger count.
Cash for drinks at the bar, credit card for additional dives.
Please note, there is a small reef levy (Government Environmental Management Charge) to pay upon check-in.
Silverswift Cairns departs daily from the Cairns Marina.
First, guests are required to check in with the Quicksilver team inside the Reef Fleet Terminal.
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 globally and 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.
We recommend that all of our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire before booking, as some medical conditions, age, and medications may prevent you from scuba diving.
It would be best if you did not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after a scuba dive for a single no decompression 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.
A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any date and/or name change will incur a $20 administration fee.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 24 hours or more before departure
100% cancellation fee within 24 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather, etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavor to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
Please call to confirm your trip 48 hours in advance at +61 7 4037 2700
Children: 4-14 years, prices as shown, 3 years and under cruise free of charge.
Family Fare is 2 adults and 2 children of the same family.
We are not liable for changes to tours, pricing, or itineraries; all of which are subject to change without notice.
Surcharge: Due to potential significant volatility in supply & operational costs a surcharge may be applied due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, any charge will be collected on departure.
Neither this site nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of personal belongings, property damage, delay, or personal injury.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger. Please be aware that scuba diving and other in-water activities are not covered by all travel insurance companies.
Please inform us of any special requirements before your date of travel; such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done in the 'Booking Message' section of your online reservation or by contacting our friendly reservations team
