Great Adventures Cairns – Reef Pontoon
Great Adventures Cairns Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Cairns day tour takes you to an activity platform permanently stationed on the Outer Great Barrier Reef – an ideal base for any visitor to the GBR.
During three hours at the pontoon, you can enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, scuba doo, an underwater observatory, a semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour, and a guided eco reef talk. This pontoon tour has heaps to do for those who don’t want to get their hair wet and still offers a range of underwater activities as well!
Great Adventures Cairns Itinerary
Our day begins at 9:30 when check-in commences at the Great Adventures Reservations Counter inside the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
At 10:30, our vessel departs. We enjoy a selection of cakes while heading for the Outer Great Barrier Reef via Green Island and watch a presentation of the Reef on the vessel’s monitors. A snorkelling demonstration by the crew gets our underwater explorers ready to jump in the water upon arrival.
At 12:30, we arrive at the activity platform, the pontoon! From here, our reef activities commence. Passengers can enjoy a range of underwater and above-water activities: snorkelling directly from the platform. This semi-submersible coral viewing tour departs every 30 minutes and visits the underwater observatory for coral and fish viewing. Optional, additional-cost activities also commence, such as introductory or certified scuba diving, guided snorkel tours, Scuba-Doo, or scenic helicopter flights.
From 13:00-14:30, a yummy hot and cold buffet lunch is available for passengers to fill up before returning to more Reef activities. Otherwise, relax on the sundeck and take in the views!
A blast of the ship’s horn at 16:30 signals it’s time to return to the vessel before departing to Cairns via Green Island. Enjoy complimentary cheese and biscuits before arriving at the Cairns Marina at 17:30.
Next, see more fantastic Great Barrier Reef tours
Highlights
The stable reef activity platform is the perfect base for swimmers and non-swimmers to explore to wonders of the Great Barrier Reef
Itinerary
Cairns Great Barrier Reef tour itinerary
- 9.30 am First check-in at Great Adventures Reservations Counter inside the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
- 10:10 am Next, board the vessel.
- Complimentary morning tea/coffee served.
- 10:30 am Journey to the Outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon.
- 11:20 am During the day, watch the Reef Presentation shown on the vessel’s monitors.
- Snorkelling demonstration by the crew.
- 12:30 pm Arrive at the Outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon.
- 1:00-2:30 pm Time for hot and cold buffet lunch.
- Enjoy more reef activities or relax on the sundeck and take in the views!
- Tea and coffee are available while at the platform.
- 3:45 pm Departure to Cairns via Green Island.
- Complimentary cheese and biscuits served on the homeward journey.
- 5:30 pm Arrive at Marlin Marina, Cairns.
Included
Return air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise
Tea and coffee served until departure from Cairns
Cake selection served for morning tea
Three (3) hours at Outer Reef Activity Platform
Snorkelling equipment
Use of buoyancy vests & lycra/stinger suits
Reef education presentation
Hot and cold buffet lunch with fresh prawns
Semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour
Underwater Observatory
Guided Eco Reef Talk in the underwater observatory
Afternoon tea and coffee available whilst at the platform
Cheese and crackers served on the return journey.
Optional Extras
- Coach transfers
- Scuba Diving
- Scuba Doo
- Helicopter tour
What to bring
What to Bring:
– Hat and shirt for sun protection. We recommend marine-friendly sunscreen.
– Swimwear and towel.
– Camera.
– Professional photo service on board (additional cost).
– Cash or credit card for option activities or onboard purchases.
How to get there
Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Cairns check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns from 09:30 am.
Where Can I Park?
There are several parking stations throughout Cairns in walking distance of the Marina. Click here to see where
Important Information
Important Scuba Diving Information for Cairns Great Barrier Reef tour
It is always our mission to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef experience.
Queensland, Australia, has some of the world’s strictest scuba diving rules and the safest scuba diving record. We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all regulations, including medical as is the law.
Would you like to try scuba diving?
To avoid disappointment on your day of travel, we strongly recommend that all of our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire before booking, as some medical conditions, age, and medications may prevent you from scuba diving.
We are happy to help you with any questions you may have. Please get in touch with our office on 07 4037 2700 or email us at [email protected],
Alternatively, you may like to consult your Doctor for a Dive Medical using the Australian Standard Forms’ AS.4005.1
Flying after Scuba Diving
For a single no decompression scuba dive, you should not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after diving. For multiple dives, you should not fly for 24 hours after your last dive. If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after your dive. We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible
