Evolution Snorkel & Dive – Cruise/Fly

from A$630

7 hours 30 mins

Great Barrier Reef

All Ages

Cruise to the Reef and Helicopter back to Cairns. Experience a Great Barrier Reef day trip from Cairns combining a luxury cruise, snorkelling at two outer reef locations, a BBQ lunch, optional scuba diving, and a 25 minute scenic helicopter.

Key Highlights

Full day experience exploring the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
Travel aboard the 35 metre superyacht Evolution
Visit two exclusive outer reef locations with 4.5 hours of reef time
Snorkel, relax, and sunbathe across three deck levels
Optional introductory or certified scuba dives available
Specialised dive deck for comfortable water entry
Enjoy a 25 minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef and sand cays
Chance to spot manta rays, turtles, and seasonal whales

What’s included

Snorkelling at two outer reef locations
Use of the Evolution superyacht facilities
Scenic 25 minute helicopter flight from Hastings Reef to Cairns
Specialised dive deck with optional scuba dives (add at checkout)
4.5 hours of total reef time
BBQ lunch during first reef stop

Overview

Embark on a full day Great Barrier Reef adventure from Cairns featuring marine and aerial exploration. Board the 35 metre Evolution superyacht at Marlin Marina and cruise to two exclusive outer reef sites, with only 80 minutes to the first stop for a relaxed and unhurried day.

Enjoy up to 4.5 hours at the reef, where you can snorkel vibrant coral gardens, relax, or sunbathe across three spacious deck levels. Enhance your reef visit with optional introductory or certified scuba dives using the dedicated dive deck designed for easy water entry.

A BBQ lunch is served during the first reef stop, providing a delicious break between aquatic activities. The crew is on hand to ensure you are comfortable and well looked after throughout your journey.

The adventure continues with a 25 minute scenic helicopter flight departing Hastings Reef. Soak in breathtaking views of the reef and sand cays from above, with opportunities to spot manta rays, turtles, and, during winter, passing whales. This itinerary seamlessly combines cruising, snorkelling, and a memorable aerial perspective of the Great Barrier Reef.

Commonly asked questions.

The tour includes a cruise to two Outer Great Barrier Reef locations, approximately 4.5 hours of reef time, snorkelling equipment, lycra/sun-suit hire, BBQ lunch and a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight back to Cairns.

You travel out to the Great Barrier Reef aboard the 35-metre Evolution superyacht and spend the day snorkelling and relaxing at two reef locations. In the afternoon, you board a six-seat helicopter at Hastings Reef for a scenic flight back to Cairns.

The tour visits two Outer Great Barrier Reef locations, with the exact locations selected according to weather, sea conditions and reef conditions on the day.

You have approximately 4.5 hours of reef time, allowing plenty of opportunity for snorkelling, swimming, relaxing and enjoying the Great Barrier Reef.

Yes. The tour caters for non-swimmers as well as confident swimmers. Flotation equipment and assistance are available, and guests can also enjoy the reef from the boat if they prefer not to enter the water.

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, featuring fresh fish, prawns, steak and a selection of salads. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options are available if advised when booking.

Yes. Introductory and certified scuba diving can be added to the tour. Introductory divers must be at least 12 years old, while certified divers must be at least 10 and provide an internationally recognised scuba certification card.

Yes. You can relax on the boat, enjoy the reef scenery and sunbathe across the vessel's three deck levels. The helicopter flight also provides a spectacular way to experience the reef without entering the water.

Yes. The helicopter has a 130kg passenger weight restriction. Passenger weights are important for aircraft weight and balance and should be provided accurately when booking.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and spare clothes. You should also bring a camera and a credit card or cash for any additional purchases.

Additional info by the operator.

Day Tour Itinerary

07:30: Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal
08:00: Evolution departs Marlin Marina, Cairns
11:30: 3 hours snorkelling at the first reef location and BBQ Lunch
13:00: Evolution arrives at the second reef location with up to 2 hours snorkelling
14:45: Depart the reef on a helicopter flight back to Cairns
15:15: Arrive back in Cairns