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Reef Quest - Outer Barrier Reef Tour

Destination: 2 Outer Barrier Reef Locations (17 moorings to choose from)
Duration: Full Day Tour

Departs: Cairns Daily from 8.30am
Returns: Cairns Daily from 4.30pm

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Reef Quest - Outer Barrier Reef Tour
  • Reef Quest - Outer Barrier Reef Tour
  • Reef Quest - Outer Barrier Reef Tour
  • Reef Quest - Outer Barrier Reef Tour
  • Reef Quest - Outer Barrier Reef Tour
  • Reef Quest - Outer Barrier Reef Tour
  • Reef Quest - Outer Barrier Reef Tour
The TourReef Quest is a brand new luxury vessel that was introduced to the Great Barrier Reef in November 2015 and as such, is one of the newest additions to the Cairns ‘Reef Fleet’! Purpose built for diving and snorkelling day tours to the Great Barrier Reef, the vessel is fully equipped with modern state of the art facilities. Passengers are provided with unrivalled comfort as the vessel visits some of the best dive and snorkel locations to be had out over the Outer Great Barrier Reef at Norman, Saxon and Hastings Reefs. These reefs are on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef and lay approximately 70km off shore. These unique Great Barrier Reef sites offer superb coral formations and an abundance of coral and marine life!

The vessel departs from the Cairns Marinas at 8.30am on a daily basis. The day tour aims to carry participants out to two different Outer Barrier Reef locations, offering passengers the opportunity to swim amongst the ‘underwater locals’, including inquisitive Clown Fish aka ‘Nemos’, Turtles, Stingrays and Wally the friendly Maori Wrasse. Reef Quest allows over five hours for guests to explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef, offering quality diving and snorkelling experiences and most importantly incredible memories that will last a lifetime!

With the passengers number limited to 80, you will be provided with excellent customer service from the vessel’s friendly crew along with a fast, comfortable and stable vessel by which to access some of the best Outer Barrier Reef dive and snorkel sites on offer!
Your day will also include a buffet lunch served ‘tropical buffet style’ of cold cuts, salads and fruits. Complimentary tea, coffee and chilled water are available throughout the day as well as snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages being available to purchase from the vessel’s bar (optional extra).

The Reef Quest Outer Barrier Reef Day Tour caters for snorkellers, certified divers and introductory divers alike! The Discover Scuba Diving program for Introductory Divers offers a perfect introduction to the reef with pre-dive tuition teaching you all you have to know about the diving skills, equipment, communication under water and the marine wildlife before your exciting first dive! Close underwater supervision, dive recognition card and certificate included. Certified divers can explore the Great Barrier Reef on up to three spectacular dives in one day with quality gear hire inclusion and dive briefings from friendly, professional dive instructors. Snorkellers are offered crew assisted, guided snorkelling tours with full gear hire including buoyancy vests and flotation aids.

The vessel have 17 exclusive moorings to choose from on the Outer Great Barrier Reef at Norman, Saxon and Hastings reefs. The vessel visits a wide variety of these locations in a rotating fashion to ensure a minimal environmental impact to the pristine coral formations visited.

Dive sites are frequented by a myriad of tropical and Palegic Fish, Rays, Turtles, (friendly) Sharks and the ever popular diver friendly Maori Wrasse. There are swim throughs, wall and drift dives that will appeal to every level of diver experience. The dive sites are chosen on a daily basis by the vessel Captains for the best variety and visibility according to the weather conditions.

At the end of a fun filled day exploring the best of the Outer Barrier Reef locations visited, enjoy a fast 90 minute transfer onboard Reef Quest to arrive back into the Cairns Marina at approximately 4.30pm in the afternoon.
Tour Includes
  • Fast, comfortable, spacious, luxury, state of the art catamaran
  • Two Outer Barrier Reef Sites on the Outer Barrier Reef visited each day
  • Quality Dive & Snorkel equipment for Snorkelling & Diving 
  • Guided Snorkelling Tours with the vessel's Professional Crew 
  • Qualified Safety Officers on hand through out the day to keep watch on participants 
  • A Tropical Buffet styled Lunch with a selection of fresh Salads, Fruits & Bread Rolls   
  • Fresh chilled water with Tea & Coffee served through out the day
  • Prescription Masks available on-board (deposit required)

Rates - Valid From 01st of April 2024 to 31st of March 2025

Snorkelling - Valid 01st Apr 2024 to 31st Mar 2025
  • Adult AU$255.00 (includes Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount)
  • Child (4 – 14 years of age) AU$170.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount)
  • Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children aged 4 - 14 years of age) AU$680.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount)

Important Booking Notes  Tell us what you want! In making a reservation please use the in Comments Box in the Booking Form to indicate if any Optional Diving is required e.g. Introductory Diving or Certified Diving, specifying type of diving, the number of participants and required number of dives.

Please also advise if you have any special dietary requirements so that we can ensure you are well catered for onboard.
Introductory Diving Packages - Valid 01st Apr 2024 to 31st Mar 2025
  • Trip + 1 Intro Dive (Includes Cruise, Guide, Dive Equipment & Instruction) AU$335.00 - Includes AU$20.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
  • Trip + 2 Intro Dives (Includes Cruise, Guide, Dive Equipment & Instruction) AU$365.00 - Includes AU$20.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
  • Trip + 3 Intro Dives (Includes Cruise, Guide, Dive Equipment & Instruction) AU$415.00 - Includes AU$20.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount

Important Information for Introductory Diving
Each diver is required by law to complete a statutory medical declaration form before partaking in any in-water activities. Diving is available to Introductory Divers on successful completion of a Dive Medical Questionnaire.

Some medical conditions or medications may prevent you from scuba diving unless a current Queensland Diving Medical Certificate can be shown to the Dive Instructor. For example: heart disease, asthma, epilepsy or diabetes can preclude safe diving.
Certified Diving Packages - Including Full Gear Hire - Valid 01st Apr 2024 to 31st Mar 2025
  • Trip + 2 Certified Dives (Includes Cruise & All Dive Equipment Supplied) AU$335.00 - Includes AU$20.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
  • Trip + 3 Certified Dives (Includes Cruise & All Dive Equipment Supplied) AU$385.00 - Includes AU$20.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy amount
Under Water Dive Guide - Valid 01st Apr 2024 to 31st Mar 2025If you hold and Open Water Dive Certification and have not dived for a while, there is the option to book a Guided Dive with one our knowledgeable Dive Instructors. ** Can be upgraded to onboard **
  • Guided Dive AU$20.00 per dive (maximum 8 divers per group)

Optional Extras

  • Soft drinks, beer, wine etc.
  • Underwater camera hire
  • Prescription masks hire deposit


Important Booking Notes  On making a reservation please include in Comments Box if any Optional Activities are required e.g. Snorkelling, Introductory Diving or Certified Diving with Full Gear or with Own Gear, as well as indicating the number of participants and required number of dives. Please also advise if you have any special dietary requirements so that we can ensure you are well catered for onboard.

Important Information for Diving Certain medications and medical conditions (eg. a history of asthma, diabetes, and pregnancy) may exclude you from Scuba Diving. Certified Divers should bring Dive Certification Card or Diver's Log Book as proof of certification. In the interest of safety we recommend you do not fly within a 24 hour period after diving.

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