Tours/Cairns and the Tropical North/Half Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour
Viator · group up to 40 pax

Half Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour

4.9(350)Cairns and the Tropical North1 hour
VIATOR5.0(151)TRIPADVISOR4.9(199)

Description

Pure Snorkelling offers a half day tip to the Great Barrier Reef. It is the fastest boat in Cairns allowing you to spend more time snorkelling and less time travelling. Newly launched in Cairns by two established operators, Pure Snorkelling offers experienced local knowledge coupled with a fast modern vessell taking you to one of the best Great Barrier Reef locations chosen from a selection of over 15! Pure Snorkelling is also the only boat to offer a Marine Life Presentation before you get in the water! Join our Marine Biologists at 1030am before your trip to learn about our unique eco system!

Tour Options

Half Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour

Highlights

Perscription Masks
Free Marine Bio Presentation before Departure!
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Wet Suits or Sun Suits (seasonal)
Mask & Fins

What's included

Included
Perscription Masks
Free Marine Bio Presentation before Departure!
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Wet Suits or Sun Suits (seasonal)
Mask & Fins
Not included
Hotel return transfers

Traveller Ratings

4.9
350 reviews
5
338
4
8
3
1
2
1
1
2

Important Information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Not Recommended for children under the age of 6 years of age

Reviews(350)

M
merrileeb173
August 18, 2026
Fantastic experience!

I had an amazing day out on the reef with the team from Pure Snorkelling. Very professional, friendly, and extremely focused on the safety of their customers. The conditions were quite choppy but they found us a sheltered position to snorkel which was abundant with fish and coral. A few of the group also saw a turtle and juvenile reef shark (harmless). The crew members were just incredible. They were all friendly, competent and 3 of them were marine biologists so they could answer every question I had. I carelessly slipped on the gang plank asi was getting in the water and they were just so caring and attentive, checking in with me every 30 mins to ask if I was ok. Highly recommend.

J
Jeni_B
August 18, 2026
A half day safety-focused way to view the reef!

Loved the safety-first vibe of this family owned and operated reef guide cruise. The building to check in is part of the floating dock (left of the main building). Arrive by 11:30 to complete the form (e tired the online form though it was a bit finicky with any extra spaces), check-in, get your fins/goggles/wet suit. They sell sea sickness tablets for $4 (for 2 tablets). Take half (if you are a smaller female) or full tablet (for larger adult males) The seas were a bit rough for us, and they seated us towards the middle to back of the small 50 person boat. No shoes permitted on board. There are two toilets, and yes there was enough room to change in there, though tight and suggest you wear your suit there. Upon boarding, they will survey you on your swimming skills, and divide up the group with 3 staff in the water narrating items along the reef - also those who want to hold onto a life saving ring with a guide have the option, or a pool noodle, or on your own. Additionally there is a life guard on the top of the boat ensuring safety oversight once we were in the water, which was still warm even mid-August in 70 degree weather. All were given a small yellow float assist that snapped around the waist which also helped. A small snack was served afterwards. Two hours felt like plenty of time. Bonus, we saw 4 humpback whales halfway on our way to the reef! Tip: If you wear prescription glasses, know your prescription as they offer prescription goggles! Would need both your eyes to be of a similar script. And bring a towel :)

J
Jenelle_D
August 14, 2026
It was indubitably...

It was indubitably fantastic. Observing the wildlife in their natural surroundings was not only fascinating, but an incredibly educational and engaging experience.

E
Emily_E
August 14, 2026
Great experience!

The crew was knowledgeable and fun and interactive. As a group of 7, from 11yrs old to 75yrs old, we felt 100% safe. We would absolutely recommend this company and this experience. We snorkeled in August and were lucky enough to see whales and dolphins too! We especially appreciated our guide Lauren!

S
Sharon_J
August 13, 2026
Great 1/2 day snorkelling

I went to the talk on the reef before the snorkelling activity...excellent information!. The tour was very professional and relaxed with a speedy journey to the reef (seeing whales and dolphins!!) The snorkelling area had lots of fish/coral and the marine biologist/s were excellent...Thanks and would highly recommend

J
JJ_Q
August 12, 2026
Best snorkel experience

Best snorkel experience ever! The visibility was very good on the day! Lots of colourful tropical fish. Next time I will go for a full day tour!

B
Barbara_B
August 11, 2026
Must do!

Top notch from start to finish! The staff was so friendly, helpful & knowledgeable and made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience!

4
437shaikm
August 11, 2026
Great snorkeling experience.

Nice and very friendly staff, and worth the money. Staff took care of us throughout the snorkeling session. I highly recommend them.

C
charlottemotogp
August 10, 2026
Fabulous

This trip was so good! Great crew on the boat, excellent intro information from Bailey, felt like swimming in a tropical fish tank! Added bonus that we saw whales and the boat slowed so we could get plenty of photos Thanks for a fabulous trip!!

T
The_NLarsen
August 5, 2026
Great experience with Pure Snorkling!

Great setup with dedicated smiling staff. Informative half hour presentation of the reef in nice pontoon, Cairns Marina. Well done Seb! Nice new gear that all fitted well. Good safety instruction. The way back and forth was bumpy, since there were some wind, boat is not that big. But is was safe. We went to very nice reef, as good af Lady Musgrave. Instructors in water gives a good start around the reef wall, points out e.g. anemonefish, and gives safety to others with ring in the water. Skilled crew worked hard - while smiling - all tour! Advice: Take the 1-2 sea sick pills they provide. Bring warm sweatshirt for the way back. Don't go when windy if you can't swim.

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4.9(350)
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