FAQ about Great Barrier Reef Tours


Where do you pick up from?


The tour begins its journey from the Marlin Marina (1 Spence Street, Cairns) with all guests meeting here in the morning. However, we also offer Hotel Pickups for an additional cost from most accommodation providers in Cairns, Northern Beaches, and Port Douglas. If you require a hotel pickup, please select your accommodation location from the drop-down menu when you book. Please check your confirmation email once you book for more details on which boat you will be travelling on and where you need to check in.


What is the difference between your Great Barrier Reef Tours?


Each of our Great Barrier Reef tours is different in boat size, inclusions, and activities. We have tours just for snorkelling, deluxe tours which offer both snorkelling and scuba diving, or multi-day tours which gives you day and night adventures! Check each tour’s itinerary and inclusions to see which tour suits you!


Are you allowed to snorkel if you are pregnant?


Yes! Snorkelling is allowed for any stage of pregnancy, with floating devices available on board if need be. However, please note that the boat remains on the reef for the entire day, so you are not able to return to land earlier due to sea sickness.


How many people are on the tour?


Our Great Barrier Reef day tours are held on boats carrying a maximum of 80 – 140 passengers, depending on the tour. The Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard tours carry a maximum of 45 travellers. The Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Adventure carries a maximum of 340 travellers on the state-of-the-art pontoon on the outer reef.


What is included in the tour?


Reef taxes, meals and snorkelling equipment are included on all our Great Barrier Reef tours, but other activities and inclusions differ for each tour. Simply check the ‘What’s Included?’ tab in each tour’s information page or chat to our friendly staff for more information.


Are there any extra costs on the tour?


Most of our tours have optional extras on offer! Optional activities include beginner or certified dives, glass-bottom boat tours, accommodation pickup, guided snorkel tours and more. Check the Upgrade Options section in the Tour Details tab on the tour page for more information about booking these optional extras. Reef taxes are not included in the Liveaboard tours ($15 per person per day), which will need to be paid to the crew on the day of the tour.


Can children go on the tours?


Children of all ages are welcome on our tours! We offer discounted ticket rates for children and infants travel free (please check the tour’s information page for our age confines).


How do I pay for my tour?


To book, simply click the ‘BOOK NOW’ button on our webpage, or alternatively, you can call our office on 1300 661 225 to book. You need to pay at the time of booking in full, with either a Visa or MasterCard.


What should I bring for my tour?


Although snorkelling and scuba diving equipment is included in the tour, you must bring your own swimmers to wear. We suggest bringing a day pack with spare clothes, water bottle, thongs, a towel, and any other essentials.


What reefs do you visit on the tour?


All our Great Barrier Reef tours visit outer reef sites. Each boat visits different sites, which may vary on the day depending on the conditions on the day. Check the tour page for more information or chat to our friendly staff.


I am not a good swimmer, can I still go diving?


Yes. Our diving instructors give all divers a safety and instruction lesson before conducting the dive and will be with you the entire time you are in the water. However, if you are not a confident swimmer, another activity such as snorkelling, boom netting or sea walking may be more enjoyable for you.


I can’t swim, can I go snorkelling?


Yes! All our snorkelling tours provide life vests and flotation devices so that even inexperienced swimmers can participate.


What is the policy for cancellations or refunds due to weather?


We only cancel our tours due to bad weather if it will cause unsafe conditions. We will not cancel the tour due to simple rain or winds. If we cancel the tour due to unsafe conditions, we will call you immediately and offer you a change of date or a full refund. If you cancel or change of date, our policy is as follows. 25% cancellation fee 30 days or more prior to departure. 50% cancellation fee 29 – 15 days prior to departure. 100% cancellation fee 14 days prior to departure. Pre-paid diving packages on liveaboard tours will not be refunded if unused or cancelled within 48 hours of departure, including when the passenger has not been cleared to dive due to medical reasons. Full cancellation policy on our Terms and Conditions page here.