Reef Encounter - Great Barrier Reef 2 Day / 1 Night Liveaboard Diving & Snorkelling Excursion

Experience the Great Barrier Reef at its best, spend a night on it in absolute comfort. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world & Reef Encounter offers an outstanding opportunity to spend one or many nights on the Great Barrier Reef. There simply is no better way to see the Great Barrier Reef than onboard Reef Encounter. 

Experience the Great Barrier Reef at its best, spend a night on it in absolute comfort. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world & Reef Encounter offers an outstanding opportunity to spend one or many nights on the Great Barrier Reef. There simply is no better way to see the Great Barrier Reef than on-board Reef Encounter.

Reef Encounter is a 35 metre luxury catamaran designed for the utmost stability & comfort at sea. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout & features spacious decks as well as roomy dining & recreation areas to dine and relax in.

The large easy access water platform allows hassle free scuba diving and snorkelling. The vessel also features comfortable and spacious Staterooms that offer Double or Twin beds, all with private ensuite bathrooms. There are also Multi Share Cabins located on the vessel's lower decks, with Twin or Triple Berth accommodation, again each cabin offers an ensuite bathroom. Multi Share Cabins are ideal for the budget conscious traveller.

All of these features, combined with friendly and experienced dive crew makes Reef Encounter the ultimate Scuba Diving and Snorkelling adventure vessel. There is even an on-board spa!

Our overnight Liveaboard Dive and Snorkel packages all include chef prepared gourmet meals, on-board accommodation in Double or Twin Stateroom accommodation or Multi Share Cabin accommodation, linen, towels and hot fresh water showers.  Not to mention included Scuba Diving for Certified Divers, the option to try Introductory Diving for Non Licenced Divers, as well as Learn to Dive Courses for those who wish to gain their Open Water Dive licence. Of course you may choose to Snorkel without diving, the Coral Gardens as well as the many jewel coloured Reef Fish and Marine Life including Sea Turtles as well as small Reef Sharks, are all visible to snorkelers and not just the domain of divers!

Depending on how long you stay aboard Reef Encounter, your time will be spent scuba diving or snorkelling at the many different reefs and locations on the Great Barrier Reef that the vessel travels to and from.

Reef Encounter offers daily departures to the Great Barrier Reef on-board the fast, stable catamaran, The Reef Experience. Boarding is easy, return coach transfers are available from Cairns City, Palm Cove and Cairns Northern Beaches based accommodation. There is even the option to take deluxe Helicopter transfers from the mainland to the vessel!

• Saxon Reef- a perfect introduction to the outer reef, hard corals, moray eels, lion fish, Maori wrasse, beautiful coral gardens. Excellent shallow snorkelling over the bommie tops. Swim throughs and gullies are scattered throughout the reef.
• Norman Reef - The very Outer Reef 70 kms from Cairns, on the Continental Shelf, yielding incredible visibility. Many canyons, swim throughs, and prolific large fish life. A must to see, the best location for 'Night Diving'
• Hastings Reef- 58 kms off the coast of Cairns, lies 10 square kilometres of colourful coral gardens. Famous for its tame, friendly Reef Sharks, the Giant Maori Wrasse, and thousands of tropical reef fish.
• Michaelmas Reef - Located 40 kms off Cairns, offers shallow coral reefs, and a dazzling array of exotic marine life including Giant Clams over 100 years old

Please Note: Locations visited are determined by the vessel's Captain according to prevailing weather & tidal conditions 

• All Chef Prepared Gourmet Meals
• Coffee & Tea
• Snorkel Equipment & Instruction
• Scuba Diving Demonstration & Instruction
• Glass Bottom Boat & Marine Life Commentary
• Reef Video Presentation
• Overnight Multi Share, Twin / Double Share Stateroom or Sole Use Cabin accommodation

Day 1
07.30 Board the transfer vessel ‘Reef Experience’ at Cairns Marlin Marina for breakfast, check-in & your journey to Reef Encounter
09.30 Arrive onboard Reef Encounter for your ‘Welcome & Safety Talk’ before being shown to your room to settle in and relax
10.30 Water Session, time to snorkel for all guests before lunch
12.00 Lunch is served in the dining saloon
13.00 Water Briefings: Certified Diver Briefings / Try Scuba Diving Briefings / Snorkel Adventure Briefings
13.30 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time
15:30 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time - Glass bottom boat tour available upon request
18.00 Dinner is served in the dining saloon
19:00 Night Dive Briefings
19:30 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving
20:00 Desert is served in the dining saloon

Day 2 
06.00 Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session
06:30 Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request
07:30 Breakfast is served in the dining saloon
08:30 Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
10:30 Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
12:00 Lunch is served in the dining saloon
13:30 Water Session: Snorkel only session available to passengers before departure
14:45 Departing passengers board the transfer vessel ‘Reef Experience’ for the journey back to Cairns. Complimentary wine, cheese & biscuits served before the return journey
16:30 Approximate arrival time to the Cairns Marlin Marina

*Itinerary & locations may change due to weather conditions.
Rates - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023Rates - SnorkellersTwin / Double Stateroom Rates – Per Person - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023

• 2 Days / 1 Night AU$460.00 + AU$30.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
• Additional Nights AU$230.00 per person, per night + AU$15.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy.

Sole Occupancy Rates – Per Person - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023

• 2 Days / 1 Night AU$920.00  + AU$30.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
• Additional Nights AU$460.00 per night + AU$15.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy.

Please Note: For the Period from the 23rd of December 2022 through to and including the 31st of December 2022 - The Operator of Reef Encounter will impose an AU$100.00 per person - per trip Peak Period Surcharge on Reef Encounter. Please contact Reservations if you require more detail or assistance with liveaboard pricing.

Important Booking Notes:
On making a reservation please use Comments Box in Booking Form to indicate whether you wish to travel as Snorkellers, Certified Divers, No School Scuba Introductory Divers as well as your preferred Cabin Type / Configuration e.g. Stateroom - Double Cabin / Twin Cabin/ Sole Use with Private Ensuite or Multi Share Cabin with Twin, Double or Triple Share Beds with Private Ensuite.

As well as indicating desired trip length / duration e.g. 2 Day / 1 Night excursion / or if any additional nights onboard are required and any other important information you can think to offer to help ensure that you are well catered for (e.g. Special Dietary requirements).

Government Reef Tax: Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy is charged at AU$15.00 per person per day for a maximum of 3 days. If staying longer than 3 days, the Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy will be capped at AU$45.00 per person.
Rates - Certified DiversTwin / Double Stateroom Rates – Per Person - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023

• 2 Day / 1 Night Scuba Diving AU$555.00 (includes 5 Day Dives & 1 Night Dive for Certified Divers)  + AU$30.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
• Additional Nights AU$280.00 per person, per night + AU$15.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy.

Sole Occupancy Rates – Per Person - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023

• 2 Days / 1 Night Scuba Diving AU$1015.00 (includes 5 Day Dives & 1 Night Dive) + AU$30.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
• Additional Nights AU$510.00 per night + AU$15.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy.

Please Note: For the Period from the 23rd of December 2022 through to and including the 31st of December 2022 - The Operator of Reef Encounter will impose an AU$100.00 per person - per trip Peak Period Surcharge on Reef Encounter. Please contact Reservations if you require more detail or assistance with liveaboard pricing.

Important Booking Notes:
On making a reservation please use Comments Box in Booking Form to indicate whether you wish to travel as Snorkellers, Certified Divers, No School Scuba Introductory Divers as well as your preferred Cabin Type / Configuration e.g. Stateroom - Double Cabin / Twin Cabin/ Sole Use with Private Ensuite or Multi Share Cabin with Twin, Double or Triple Share Beds with Private Ensuite.

As well as desired trip length / duration e.g. 2 Day / 1 Night excursion / or if any additional nights onboard are required and any other important information you can think to offer to help ensure that you are well catered for (e.g. Special Dietary requirements).

Government Reef Tax: Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy is charged at AU$15.00 per person per day for a maximum of 3 days. If staying longer than 3 days, the Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy will be capped at AU$45.00 per person.
Rates - Introductory Scuba Dive Adventure - Includes 5 Introductory DivesTwin / Double Stateroom Rates – Per Person - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023

• 2 Days / 1 Night AU$690.00 (includes 5 Dives- No testing, No license) + AU$30.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
• Additional Nights AU$380.00 per person, per night + AU$15.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy.

Sole Occupancy Rates – Per Person - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023

• 2 Days / 1 Night AU$1150.00 (includes 5 Dives- No testing, No license) + AU$30.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
• Additional Nights AU$610.00 per night + AU$15.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy.

Please Note: For the Period from the 23rd of December 2022 through to and including the 31st of December 2022 - The Operator of Reef Encounter will impose an AU$100.00 per person - per trip Peak Period Surcharge on Reef Encounter. Please contact Reservations if you require more detail or assistance with liveaboard pricing.

Important Booking Notes:
On making a reservation please use Comments Box in Booking Form to indicate whether you wish to travel as Snorkellers, Certified Divers, No School Scuba Introductory Divers as well as your preferred Cabin Type / Configuration e.g. Stateroom - Double Cabin / Twin Cabin/ Sole Use with Private Ensuite or Multi Share Cabin with Twin, Double or Triple Share Beds with Private Ensuite.

As well as desired trip length / duration e.g. 2 Day / 1 Night excursion / or if any additional nights onboard are required and any other important information you can think to offer to help ensure that you are well catered for (e.g. Special Dietary requirements).

Government Reef Tax: Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy is charged at AU$15.00 per person per day for a maximum of 3 days. If staying longer than 3 days, the Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy will be capped at AU$45.00 per person.
Rates - Top Deck Club - Snorkel AdventuresTwin / Double Stateroom Rates – Per Person - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31 March 2023

• 2 Days / 1 Night AU$805.00 + AU$30.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
• Additional Nights AU$415.00 per person, per night + AU$15.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy.

Sole Occupancy Rates – Per Person - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023

• 2 Days / 1 Night AU$1265.00 + AU$30.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
• Additional Nights AU$830.00 per night + AU$15.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy.

Please Note: For the Period from the 23rd of December 2022 through to and including the 31st of December 2022 - The Operator of Reef Encounter will impose an AU$100.00 per person - per trip Peak Period Surcharge on Reef Encounter. Please contact Reservations if you require more detail or assistance with liveaboard pricing.

Important Booking Notes:
On making a reservation please use Comments Box in Booking Form to indicate whether you wish to travel as Snorkellers, Certified Divers, No School Scuba Introductory Divers as well as your preferred Cabin Type / Configuration e.g. Stateroom - Double Cabin / Twin Cabin/ Sole Use with Private Ensuite or Multi Share Cabin with Twin, Double or Triple Share Beds with Private Ensuite.

As well as desired trip length / duration e.g. 2 Day / 1 Night excursion / or if any additional nights onboard are required and any other important information you can think to offer to help ensure that you are well catered for (e.g. Special Dietary requirements).

Government Reef Tax: Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy is charged at AU$15.00 per person per day for a maximum of 3 days. If staying longer than 3 days, the Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy will be capped at AU$45.00 per person.
Rates - Top Deck Club - Certified Diving ExpeditionsTwin / Double Stateroom Rates – Per Person - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023

• 2 Days / 1 Night Scuba Diving AU$895.00 (includes 5 Day Dives & 1 Night Dives for Certified Divers) + AU$30.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
• Additional Nights AU$485.00 per person, per night + AU$15.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy.

Sole Occupancy Rates – Per Person - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023

• 2 Days / 1 Night Scuba Diving AU$1355.00 (includes 5 Day Dives & 1 Night Dive for Certified Divers) + AU$30.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
• Additional Nights AU$715.00 per night + AU$15.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy.

Please Note: For the Period from the 23rd of December 2022 through to and including the 31st of December 2022 - The Operator of Reef Encounter will impose an AU$100.00 per person - per trip Peak Period Surcharge on Reef Encounter. Please contact Reservations if you require more detail or assistance with liveaboard pricing.

Important Booking Notes:
On making a reservation please use Comments Box in Booking Form to indicate whether you wish to travel as Snorkellers, Certified Divers, No School Scuba Introductory Divers as well as your preferred Cabin Type / Configuration e.g. Stateroom - Double Cabin / Twin Cabin/ Sole Use with Private Ensuite or Multi Share Cabin with Twin, Double or Triple Share Beds with Private Ensuite.

As well as desired trip length / duration e.g. 2 Day / 1 Night excursion / or if any additional nights onboard are required and any other important information you can think to offer to help ensure that you are well catered for (e.g. Special Dietary requirements).

Government Reef Tax: Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy is charged at AU$15.00 per person per day for a maximum of 3 days. If staying longer than 3 days, the Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy will be capped at AU$45.00 per person.
Rates - Top Deck Club - No School Scuba - Introductory Scuba Dive AdventureTwin / Double Stateroom Rates – Per Person - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023

• 2 Days / 1 Night AU$1035.00 (includes 5 Dives- No testing, No license) + AU$30.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
• Additional Nights AU$580.00 per person, per night + AU$15.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy.

Sole Occupancy Rates – Per Person - Valid 01st of April 2022 to 31st of March 2023

• 2 Days / 1 Night AU$1495.00 (includes 5 Dives- No testing, No license) + AU$30.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
• Additional Nights AU$810.00 per night + AU$15.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy.

Please Note: For the Period from the 23rd of December 2021 through to and including the 31st of December 2021 - The Operator of Reef Encounter will impose an AU$100.00 per person - per trip Peak Period Surcharge on Reef Encounter. Please contact Reservations if you require more detail or assistance with liveaboard pricing.

Important Booking Notes:
On making a reservation please use Comments Box in Booking Form to indicate whether you wish to travel as Snorkellers, Certified Divers, No School Scuba Introductory Divers as well as your preferred Cabin Type / Configuration e.g. Stateroom - Double Cabin / Twin Cabin/ Sole Use with Private Ensuite or Multi Share Cabin with Twin, Double or Triple Share Beds with Private Ensuite.

As well as desired trip length / duration e.g. 2 Day / 1 Night excursion / or if any additional nights onboard are required and any other important information you can think to offer to help ensure that you are well catered for (e.g. Special Dietary requirements).

Government Reef Tax: Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy is charged at AU$15.00 per person per day for a maximum of 3 days. If staying longer than 3 days, the Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy will be capped at AU$45.00 per person.
Optional Hotel Accommodation Transfers

• From Cairns City Accommodation - AU$12.00 per person (return)
• From Cairns Outer Suburbs & Northern Beaches Accommodation - AU$25.00 per person (return)
• From Port Douglas Accommodation - AU$35.00 per person (one way) - AU$70.00 per person (return) - Minimum 2 Persons

Optional Helicopter Transfers from Cairns to Reef Encounter - One Way or ReturnHelicopter transfers offer a great bird's eye perspective of the Great Barrier Reef. Why not consider a flight out to the vessel from Cairns or flight back from the vessel to Cairns? For those who wish to avoid boat travel altogether, there is even the option of foregoing travelling via catamaran and fly out and back both ways? No matter what your preference, we can assist in combining your liveaboard Outer Barrier Reef excursion with stunning, scenic helicopter transfers!

Please Note: Helicopter transfers require a minimum of 2 persons to operate

• One Way Helicopter transfer to or from Reef Encounter - From AU$710.00 per person - minimum 2 persons * helicopter prices subject to change without notice 
• Return Helicopter transfer to and from Reef Encounter - From AU$1420.00 per person - minimum 2 person * helicopter prices subject to change without notice