Outer Barrier Reef Full Day Snorkelling Trip

Ready for a sun-soaked, fun-filled, action-packed, snorkelling adventure visiting the Outer Great Barrier Reef? Flawless service and superb sights are guaranteed to leave you sated and full of admiration for this exciting, pristine underwater wonderland, after a relaxing cup of coffee, visit one of the best snorkelling sites the reef has to offer.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef
Get up close & personal with all the underwater life
Avoid crowds, small group of no more than 30
Experience the liberating feel of snorkelling
Cross another item off your bucket list

Hop aboard the MV Sun-Kist, which departs from Marlin Marina - E Finger at  7:30 am for a 8:00 am departure, for a day of fun. Cruising on the 18-metre mono hull, we transport you to the reef, via Fitzroy Island. Wetsuits and safety vests are available for the uneasy or first time snorkeler. Supervised by our dedicated, professional crew who have been selected for their extensive local knowledge and there absolute love of Cairns and its oceans.

Taking only one and a half hours and situated 40 nautical miles (70 kilometres) from the coast of Cairns, you will visit a choice of four reefs, chosen depending on tidal and weather conditions. Milln Reef is a Marine National Park green zone, whereas Briggs Reef is a planar (two-dimensional) reef covering an area of 90 hectares. Thetford Reef incorporates some enchanting wall dives and swim throughs and Moore reef has an amazing viewing platform. Arriving at the first reef site at 9:45 am, your first snorkel session starts at 10:00 am, lunch at 12 noon. Off to your second reef at 12:30 pm and you second snorkel experience is at 12:45 pm.

Glide effortlessly through the watery wonders of this beautiful region. Hard rainbow-coloured corals stand majestically interspersed with the exquisite soft corals swaying gently in the watery breeze. All the while, finger-like tentacles feast on the tiny algae and tiny organic material in a never-ending smorgasbord of delicacies. Snorkel over impressive staghorn and plate corals on snowy white sand that gently slopes to a depth of 22m. Damselfish, Wrasse, Emperor, Butterflyfish, and Surgeonfish, turtles, giant clams, plus the white tipped shark are common sightings, and are only a very small sample of what you will discover in this feast for senses, underwater wonderland. Keep your eyes peeled for the tiny clownfish as they dart in and out of colourful anemones. Jump for joy as rays and other extremely well camouflaged residents buried in the sand or hiding in rock crevices pop up unexpectedly to say hello.

With scrumptious lunch and afternoon tea all catered for and included in the price, you can kick back, relax and soak up the sun and ambiance while watching the antics of our salt water friends. You will depart and head back to Cairns at 2:30 pm, again via Fitzroy Island and arriving back at the Marlin Marina at 5:00 pm.