Pure Snorkelling: Cairns’ Ultimate Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Adventure
Pure Snorkelling
Fast and Fun Half-Day Adventure. Enjoy a quick and thrilling ride to the Great Barrier Reef on a high-speed vessel, giving you more time snorkelling and less time travelling.
Exclusive, Crowd-Free Reef Locations. Snorkel at handpicked, pristine reef sites like Briggs, Sudbury, Moore, and Thetford, offering vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life.
Expert Guides & Marine Education. Learn from Master Reef Guides and Marine Naturalists who share their knowledge about the reef’s incredible ecosystem.
Over Two Hours of Snorkelling. Plenty of time to explore breathtaking coral reefs, swim with colourful fish, turtles, and maybe even a reef shark!
All Gear Included – We provide snorkel equipment, wetsuits, and stinger suits to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. Prescription masks are available too!
Small Group Experience – With a maximum of 40 guests, enjoy a relaxed, personalised tour without the crowds.
Locally Built, Brand New Boat – Travel in style and comfort on a purpose-built snorkelling vessel, designed for speed, stability, and an unforgettable day on the reef.
Discovering Pure Snorkelling
Short on time but still want to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef? Pure Snorkelling’s half-day afternoon tour is the perfect way to explore world-class coral reefs in just a few hours. Our high-speed vessel gets you to the reef faster, so you can spend more time snorkelling and travelling less.
Join our expert team of Master Reef Guides and Marine Naturalists as we take you to exclusive, crowd-free reef locations like Briggs, Sudbury, Moore, and Thetford Reefs. With over two hours of snorkelling in pristine waters, this tour is designed for those who want a premium reef experience without the full-day commitment.
Why Choose Pure Snorkelling?
Exclusive reef moorings ensure a crowd-free snorkelling experience
High-speed vessel for less travel time, more reef time
A brand new, purpose-built boat designed for speed, comfort, and excitement
Small group sizes (max 40 guests) for a personalised experience
All snorkelling gear provided, including seasonal wetsuits and stinger suits
Expert guides on board to enhance your experience with marine life insights
Fresh, locally sourced afternoon snacks included
Tour Details
📍 Departure Point: D Finger, Marlin Marina, Cairns 🕛 Time: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Check-in from 11:15 am) 🚤 Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour each way 🌊 Snorkelling Time: Over 2 hours at one of 15 exclusive reef sites 👨👩👦 Age Requirement: Suitable for guests aged 6 years and older 👥 Group Size:Maximum 40 guests
Frequently Asked Questions – Pure Snorkelling Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Tour
How long do we spend at the reef?
You’ll have over two hours of snorkelling at one of our exclusive, handpicked reef locations. Our high-speed vessel ensures you get to the reef quickly, so you spend more time exploring and travelling less.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel?
Not at all! Our tour suits all experience levels, and our friendly crew is always there to assist. We provide floatation devices, and our guides are happy to offer tips to help you feel confident in the water.
What is included in the tour?
Your tour includes all snorkelling gear, seasonal wetsuits and stinger suits, prescription masks, a marine life presentation by our expert guides, and fresh, locally sourced afternoon snacks. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board.
What marine life can I expect to see?
Every trip is unique, but you’ll likely encounter vibrant coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, giant clams, and maybe even a friendly green sea turtle or a majestic Māori wrasse! Our Master Reef Guides will help you spot and learn about the incredible marine life.
Where does the tour depart from, and what time does it start?
We depart from D Finger at Marlin Marina, Cairns. Check-in opens at 11:15 am, and the boat departs at noon, returning at approximately 5:00 pm. It’s the perfect afternoon adventure for those looking to make the most of their time in Cairns!
Book Today!
Pure Snorkelling is the perfect choice if you’re looking for an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experience without committing to a full day. With exclusive reef locations, small groups, expert guides, and a high-speed vessel, this half-day snorkelling tour is designed to give you maximum reef time with minimum travel. Whether you’re swimming alongside a graceful sea turtle, spotting vibrant clownfish, or simply soaking in the beauty of the coral gardens, every moment is truly magical.
Don’t miss out on this premium snorkelling adventure—book your Pure Snorkelling tour today and experience the Great Barrier Reef like never before! 🐠🌊☀️
High-speed half-day snorkelling adventure to the Great Barrier Reef with over two hours of underwater exploration.
11:45-12:15: Check-in and meet the team
12:30: Departure from Cairns – adventure begins!
13:30-14:45: Snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef with guided site introduction
14:45-15:00: Snack break & marine life presentation
15:00-16:15: More snorkelling and underwater exploration
16:15: Return to the vessel & depart the reef (bar opens!)
17:15-17:30: Arrive back in Cairns
All snorkelling equipment, including seasonal wetsuits and stinger suits
Prescription masks
Marine life presentation with our Master Reef Guides and Marine Interpreters
High-speed transfer to the Reef – less travel, more fun!
Over 2 hours of snorkelling at an amazing exclusive Reef location
Fresh, locally sourced afternoon snacks
Hotel transfers
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages from the bar
Swimmers, towel, and sunscreen
Hat, sunglasses, and protective gear
A card for onboard purchases
Check-in directly at the vessel, located on D Finger at Cairns Marlin Marina
For safety and comfort, all participants must be in good physical health and able to swim. The tour operates in various weather conditions, and the ride can get bumpy, adding to the thrill! Please note that the boat isn’t suitable for individuals with back or spinal injuries.
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.
Children: 6-14 years, prices as shown. Please note the minimum age to participate in this tour is 6 years old.
For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, guests must be in good physical health and be able to swim to join our snorkelling tour. It is essential that passengers are free from any medical conditions that may hinder their ability to safely participate. The boat will operate in various weather conditions, and it may be a bumpy and exhilarating ride. The boat is not suitable for people who suffer from back/spinal injuries, are pregnant, for children or adults who cannot swim.
We are not liable for changes to tours, pricing, or itineraries; all of which are subject to change without notice.
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
