Looking for a more personal Great Barrier Reef scuba diving and snorkelling cruise? Allow us to welcome you aboard our sail dive and snorkel liveaboard, Coral Sea Dreaming.
Coral Sea Dreaming Sail Dive and Snorkel Liveaboard
Coral Sea Dreaming
Intimate Sailing Experience: Enjoy a personalized, small-group adventure aboard our cozy sailing boat, designed for just 12 guests and a dedicated crew of 3. ⛵️
Overnight Reef Tours: Experience the magic of spending the night on board while exploring the stunning Great Barrier Reef from Cairns.
Exclusive Access: Benefit from our unique itinerary that takes you to over 25 of the best dive and snorkel sites, ensuring incredible reef diversity daily.
Expert Guidance: All dives are led by experienced instructors who know the reef inside out, ensuring a safe and enriching underwater journey.
Unparalleled Marine Encounters: Encounter vibrant tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and even reef sharks in pristine, untouched locations.
Intimate Guest-to-Crew Ratio: With a maximum of 12 guests, our small crew guarantees personalized attention and a truly tailored experience.
Eco-Friendly Approach: Embrace a sustainable, low-impact way to explore the Reef, where every tour is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Coral Sea.
Discover Coral Sea Dreaming Overnight Great Barrier Reef tours.
Coral Sea Dreaming Sailing liveaboard is a popular way to explore the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The Coral Sea Dreaming is a luxury catamaran that offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding area.
The liveaboard experience includes sailing from one spectacular Cairns reef location to another and exploring the Great Barrier Reef’s pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life. Guests can scuba dive, snorkel, and engage in other water activities during the trip while enjoying the comfort and luxury of the Coral Sea Dreaming.
The Coral Sea Dreaming sailing liveaboard offers guests the chance to stay on board for a one-night stay, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Accommodations on the boat are spacious and comfortable, with private cabins, en suite bathrooms, and air conditioning.
Overall, the Coral Sea Dreaming Sailing Liveaboard is an excellent option for those exploring the Great Barrier Reef in style and comfort while enjoying a unique and immersive experience of natural wonder.
Onboard Coral Sea Dreaming
Welcome aboard the Coral Sea Dreaming Sail Dive and Snorkel Liveaboard. This tour enjoys a small group and access to 30 moorings on nine spectacular Great Barrier Reef sites. A crew of passionate instructors are ready to take you on an underwater treasure hunt through pristine outer reefs full of vibrant coral and marine life.
This two-day, one-night liveaboard sailing tour departs from Cairns Marlin Marina every Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Coral Sea Dreaming offers low passenger numbers, with a maximum of 12 guests. Guests arrive as strangers and depart as friends. Enjoy our uncrowded dive and snorkel sites to get up close and friendly with marine life. After your thrilling night dive, enjoy a drink and a yarn with fellow travellers and crew at night. Visitors feel like part of our Coral Sea Dreaming family.
Explore the Wonders of the Coral Sea Dreaming in Cairns
If you’re planning a trip to Cairns and considering the Coral Sea Dreaming experience, you probably have some questions. Here, we’ll answer frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your adventure.
Coral Sea Dreaming Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What is Coral Sea Dreaming?
Coral Sea Dreaming is not just a tour; it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. It offers a unique opportunity to explore this natural wonder up close.
Where does the tour depart from?
The adventure begins at Cairns’ Marlin Wharf, conveniently located in the city’s heart. From there, you’ll set sail to discover the wonders of the reef.
How long is the tour?
Coral Sea Dreaming offers both day and overnight experiences. The day tour typically lasts around 9 hours, while the overnight adventure lasts two days and one night. Choose the option that suits your schedule and preferences.
What activities are included?
During your Coral Sea Dreaming adventure, you’ll have the chance to snorkel, scuba dive, and even try introductory diving if you’re new to the underwater world. You can also enjoy guided snorkelling tours, marine life education sessions, and stargazing at night.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Coral Sea Dreaming caters to all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned divers. The crew provides thorough briefings and guidance to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe.
Conclusion
A trip with Coral Sea Dreaming is more than just a reef tour—it’s an unforgettable adventure that lets you truly connect with the Great Barrier Reef. From incredible snorkelling and diving at pristine reef sites to spectacular sunsets and starlit nights on the water, this intimate overnight experience offers something truly special. With a small group, expert crew, and access to untouched reef locations, you’ll enjoy a relaxed and immersive journey unlike any day trip. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeller, waking up to the reef’s beauty is an experience you’ll treasure forever. Book your Coral Sea Dreaming adventure today and get ready to sail, explore, and fall in love with one of the world’s greatest natural wonders!
Board Coral Sea Dreaming at 0745, at the Cairns Marina finger A, berth 2, Marlin Jetty, for morning tea and greet the crew.
We will motor sail to Cairns’s outer reefs. Along the way, we conduct introductory and certified dive briefings and a marine naturalist brief.
Next, we arrive at our first Outer Reef location (possibly Flynn Reef). This site will suit our passengers’ range of in-water experiences. Depths will range from 5 to 28 meters giving divers a wide range of options. For the snorkeler, you’ll experience extensive coral gardens with an unbelievable amount of marine life. Expect to encounter turtles, small Reef sharks and schools of fish. After in-water activities, enjoy lunch and afternoon tea.
One of our Sail Dive and Snorkel Liveaboard staff will offer a guided snorkel tour for those interested in learning more about the Reef. In the afternoon, the boat moves to its second location—possibly Milln Reef, home to the Three Sisters and The Whale. The Sisters is one of Cairns’ most famous dive sites and offers unsurpassed night and early morning dives. Depths range from 6 to 36 meters. Preparations for nightfall follow an afternoon dive or snorkel opportunity. After a brief, passengers undertake a night dive. Now it’s time to relax on deck and enjoy dinner.
Day 2
Watch the sunrise over the Coral Sea. This is the perfect time to snorkel or scuba dive, as early morning is a fantastic time to see Reef sharks, turtles and cruising fish. Enjoy breakfast on the deck.
Then Coral Sea Dreaming departs for its following Reef location. Generally, this location will offer the more experienced diver the chance to have a great drift dive (if at The Edge). Otherwise, expect a range of bommies and coral gardens at Hastings Reef or Michaelmas Reef—time for morning tea.
After mid-morning, the boat will move to another site or Reef. If the weather suits you, we commonly go to 5 ways – at Moore Reef. This is Cairns’s best swim-through dive. If to the north, we may visit Pretty Patches or Upolu Cay and Reef.
Where the protection from stronger winds makes it easier to dive and snorkel, these are shallower reefs with lots of soft coral and isolated bommies. If you are “activity-out”, this is also an excellent time to catch up on some sun tanning or relax, read a book and take in the stunning views. Enjoy lunch before departure.
Upon leaving our anchorage, we hoist the sails. It’s common to have dolphins surf the bow wave and, during winter, see humpback whales. The emphasis on the journey home is to relax and enjoy the company of new-found friends. Enjoy the spectacular view as we approach one of Australia’s most scenic harbours.
The general Coral Sea Dreaming itinerary allows four days of certified, one-night, and three-day intro dives with an optional night intro (conditions apply) or a fourth-day introduction. Snorkelling is available at all times except at night.
Included in the Coral Sea Dreaming trips
Air-conditioned overnight accommodation
Bath towel and hot shower
Stinger or Wetsuit
Snorkeling equipment
Diviing equipment for divers
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinnner
Certified dives
Introductory dives
Night dive
Advanced course
Referral course
One small overnight bag (no large backpacks)
Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and camera
Warm clothes during the cooler months
Cert card/logbook for certified divers
Coral Sea Dreaming Departure details
To get to Coral Sea Dreaming Boat for your incredible marine adventure, you have a few convenient options:
By Car: If you’re arriving by taxi or Uber, provide the driver with the following address: Cairns Marlin Marina, 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870
Ask your driver to drop you off in front of the Marina, specifically at Gate A, located next to the Reef Fleet Terminal and Blue Marlin Bistro. From there, proceed through the smaller gates (Gate A) and follow the pathway to berth 3. You’ll easily spot the Coral Sea Dreaming Boat on the left-hand side.
Should you choose to drive yourself and need parking options, consider these two:
Underground Sheraton Car Park: This option costs approximately A$30 daily and provides secure parking.
Lake Street Car Park: Located in front of Hemingways Brewery, this option is more budget-friendly at approximately A$6 per day.
On Foot: If you prefer to arrive on foot, use the same address for navigation: Cairns Marlin Marina, 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870
Upon reaching the marina, look for Finger A, conveniently located in front of the Reef Terminal and Blue Marlin Bistro. Pass through the smaller two gates, also known as Finger A, and follow the path towards berth 3. Coral Sea Dreaming Boat will be situated on your left.
Enjoy your adventure in the Coral Sea, and make the most of your visit to this beautiful part of Australia!
Safety when Scuba Diving on Coral Sea Dreaming
Our mission is always to provide our passengers with the best Great Barrier Reef experience.
Queensland, Australia, has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world. It also has the safest scuba diving record. The Queensland Government Code of Practice regulates us and complies with all regulations, including medical, as is the law.
To avoid disappointment on your day of travel, we strongly recommend that you complete our dive medical questionnaire before booking.
Some medical conditions, age and/or medications may prevent you from scuba diving.
We are happy to help you with any questions you may have. Please contact our office on 07 4051 5777 or email us.
Alternatively, you may like to consult your Doctor for a Dive Medical using the Australian Standard Forms ‘AS.4005.1
Flying and Scuba Diving
For a single no-decompression scuba dive, you should not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours. You should not fly for 24 hours after your last dive for multiple dives.
If you are Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after diving.
We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible.
Important Information
Coral Sea Dreaming is an adventure tour suitable for those who can swim, snorkel, dive or wish to dive.
While we always try to do some sailing, due to the prevailing South Easterly winds, this usually occurs on the return part of the trip.
We like to think that a small sailboat is always a more intimate experience than a motorboat, but it is important to note there are no activities on the boat that will suit the non-swimmer or very young children.
There is an environmental management charge which you can pay once on board.
There is a small extra charge to cater for dietary requirements.
Please check with us for availability before booking. Contact our friendly reservations team on (07) 4037 2700 or email us.
A minimum of 31 days' 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 30 days or more before departure
55% cancellation fee within 30 days and 7 days before departure
100% cancellation fee within 7 days 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.
Operator Cancellations:
While we aim to run all trips, sometimes we need to cancel for reasons out of our control, including:
Strong winds
Cyclone warnings
Mechanical issues with the boat or equipment
Staff unavailability
When this happens, we will offer to either move your booking to a different date depending on trip availability, or a full refund if the alternatives don't work for you.
Please note we are unable to cover your additional expenses such as accommodation, flights and others that might be affected by our trip cancellation.
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.
This booking is on request. We will get back to you with the availability. Full payment will be required to confirm your booking.
The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, kids under 4 years old and people with reduced level of mobility.
All scuba diving are to be booked and paid onboard (introductory diving and certieif diving available)
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.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority requires all visitors to pay an Environmental Management Charge of $8.00 per day (max 3 days) spent on the Great Barrier Reef. This amount will be added to your onboard bar bill.
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
Important Information:
Some medical conditions will prevent you from diving. You’ll be required to complete a statement about your current health and fitness to dive on board the vessel prior to any diving taking place.
Please note that if you are certified diving, you will be required to show proof of a PADI Open Water certification, or equivalent from another dive organization.
All passengers will also be required to complete and sign a legal Waiver Release & Indemnity Deed once on board the vessel.
We recommend you do not fly within 24 hours of your final dive.
