Looking for a Campervan?Get a Quote Now!

Evolution Reef Cruise

4.9 (38 Reviews)

FROM

$249

150

Select Date and Passengers

Selected Date

Adult (17+)

Infant (0-3 years)

Family (2A+2C)

Adult - Semi Submarine Add On

Additional Child with Family Package

Child (4-16 years)

Child (12-16 years) + 1 Intro OR Cert Dive

Adult + 1 Introductory Dive

Adult + 1 Certified Dive

Adult + 2 Introductory Dives

Adult + 2 Certified Dives

Inclusions

Snorkel + Diving Gear

Drinks

Drinks Available To Purchase

Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Highlights

Snorkelling

Unlimited Snorkelling

Marine Life

See Tropical Marine Life

Scuba Dive

Intro + Certified Dives

Locations

Exclusive Outer Reef Sites

Meals

Lunch + Snacks Provided

Overview

Experience the best of the Outer Great Barrier Reef onboard Evolution's Reef Cruise! The high-speed modern superyacht is the perfect way to cruise to the reef from Cairns. Spend 5 hours diving the depths of the deep blue, brushing shoulders with soft and hard corals, and coming face-to-face with the unique marine life. Look out for green sea turtles, friendly reef sharks, clown fish, giant clams and more! Try out scuba diving if you haven't already or snorkel for hours in two exclusive reef locations.

Visit exclusive locations on the outer Great Barrier Reef
Relax onboard a modern and stylish air-conditioned three-level vessel
5 hours of snorkel time with opportunities for scuba diving
See an abundance of marine life including tropical fish, giant clams and bright corals
The perfect day for groups, families, friends or solo!

Your Sample Itinerary

What's Included?

Visit 2 exclusive snorkel and dive locations on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
5 hours of water time
Snorkelling equipment
Delicious lunch
Tea, coffee, and refreshments
Sun-suit hire
Free glass of wine and snack upon return
PADI qualified dive instructors and Master Reef Guide
Spacious air-conditioned lounges and an upper deck to relax on
Reef levy fee

What's Extra?

Scenic Heli Flight $199 pre-booked
Introductory Dive: 1st dive $80, 2nd dive $60, 3rd dive $45
Certified Dive: 1st dive $80, 2nd dive $60, 3rd dive $45
Marine Biologist Snorkel Tour $25
Semi-Submersible Tour $20 Adults, $10 Child
Return Transfers starting from $10pp
Wetsuit hire $10pp
10 Minute Helicopter Flight - $199pp
Underwater Camera Hire - $60

Terms and Conditions

Please read through our Terms and Conditions before booking your tour.

FAQs

Where does the boat depart from and what time?

Check in starts from 7:15am at the Down Under Dive counter located inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. The Evolution yacht is located at A Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina and departs at 8am sharp.

How many hours do we spend out on the reef?

Enjoy over 5 hours at the reef snorkelling, diving and relaxing at 2 outer reef sites.

What reef sites do Evolution visit?

Evolution has access to 12 exclusive moorings at six different reef spots. The locations you go to are chosen each day depending on weather conditions and water clarity to ensure the best experience for all activities. Generally, Evolution will travel to one of the two outer reef locations in the morning (Norman Reef or Saxon Reef), then travel to North Hastings Reef in the afternoon where they also conduct Helicopter Flights and the Semi-Submersible tour.

What if I get sea sick?

If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s advisable to take something around 20 minutes prior to boarding the boat. As Evolution is a catamaran, it is a more stable vessel in choppy weather compared to monohulls. You can purchase seasickness pills on the boat, but please note that tablets are a preventative and will not help if you are already feeling nauseous.

Are special dietary requirements catered for?

Evolution provides a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch including prawns, fish, steak, vegetarian option, vegan option and tropical salads. They can cater to guests with vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free diets - but you must advise reservations of your special dietary requirement at least 48 hours prior to travel. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks for morning and afternoon tea if you have any concerns regarding the options provided.

Are there sharks on the reef?

There are sharks in every ocean, but the ones you are most likely to encounter on the Great Barrier Reef are black and white tipped reef sharks. They are super timid creatures and pose no threat to humans. You should count yourself very lucky if you get to see one! Sightings of a reef shark is considered a good indication of a healthy reef and underwater ecosystem.

Is the Evolution boat wheelchair friendly, and is there disability access?

Evolution can accommodate guests with limited mobility, but it is advised to speak to staff when inquiring to ensure if the crew can meet your specific needs.

Where does the scenic helicopter fly?

The 10-minute scenic helicopter flight departs from Hastings Reef private helicopter pontoon. You’ll fly over Hastings Reef and surrounding areas before arriving back to the pontoon where the Evolution crew will transfer you back to the yacht.

Does Evolution visit an island or pontoon?

No, it doesn’t. Evolution is a beautiful 3 story luxury catamaran that moors on the outer reef while you enjoy the delights of the Great Barrier Reef.

How long does it take to get to the outer reef?

The journey takes about 90 minutes to reach the Outer Reef location from Cairns. Evolution is one of the fastest boat trips to the Outer Reef giving you 5 hours of snorkelling and scuba diving at 2 Outer Reef Sites.

Customer Reviews

Wayne Sorrenson

Mar, 26 2025

Had the best day ever, swimming with the fish all day on a great boat was so much fun. Great value for money

Ashley Mellor

Mar, 21 2025

Had a really nice time in the water and relaxing on the sundeck. Saw loads of fish snorkelling and got out to sunbathe only to miss a turtle! A great day and great boat.

Lilli Lengemann

Mar, 19 2025

I was looking for a tour where you could dive AND snorkel as I preferred to go for a snorkel but my girlfriend is a keen diver. The Evolution Reef Cruise was recommended to us and we were excited to see what awaited us. Our expectations were exceeded! The boat was gigantic and the crew members were super nice. The reef was mega beautiful, they really took care to show us the most beautiful spots. My highlight was also the helicopter flight and the submarine tour that we had booked with them. I can recommend this trip to anyone who wants to have an unforgettable day!

Jordan

Mar, 12 2025

Did 2 dives, and absolutely loved it. Crew were heaps of fun. Lots of food for lunch, you don't leave hungry thats for sure

Beth & Guy

Mar, 04 2025

I loved it, this day was just perfect and the food was delicious

Fred Gardiner

Feb, 15 2025

Loved the snorkelling, loved the semi submersible, loved my scuba dive. Boat was a little crowded though.

Jack

Feb, 10 2025

Stoked we decided to go out on evolution! We had heaps of fun diving, the crew were super helpful throughout the whole trip, not to mention the abundance of food for lunch. So good.

Marc Medley

Feb, 01 2025

easy way of transportation, very convenient

Grace Oliver

Nov, 17 2024

Amazing day out on the reef! At Saxon reef I saw a reef shark, turtles, rays and hundreds of fish! Honestly the best snorkel I have had in a long time. The food was good and they catered to my dietary requirements well. Boat very comfortable and plenty of deck space. Thanks team!

Calum Burgess-Wylie

Nov, 15 2024

Great boat, lovely crew, great food! SCUBA dove on both Saxon and Hastings and they were both great in different ways. On Saxon we saw a fantastic selection of coral and fish, including multiple pufferfish, and a shoal of great barracuda. A large hawksbill turtle hung around eating off the coral without caring about us, and while we stayed with it we could hear whalesong. Awesome time!

Marta D.

Nov, 06 2024

We had a great day with our family on this comfortable big boat. Plenty of time to snorkel and the diving was excellent as well. The Great Barrier Reef really is special!

James Arena

Nov, 02 2024

10/10 a great time. Took the family and they had a great time using the floaties and sitting in the submarine boat.

Alexandria Ramona Moore

Oct, 19 2024

Amazing! The whole trip from start to finish was so relaxing and peaceful. I truly loved every second! Sam and Joe were both incredible and so nice, both made it even more enjoyable. I easily could have spent another week out there sailing around with them!

Julia Eder

Sep, 22 2024

loved it - the best days i had so far in australia- its such a unique experience and i made friends super easy. also love going back to the roots for a few days without signal and just living in the moment.

Sebastian P.

Sep, 02 2024

pretty good, bit hard to socialize since we had two big groups

East Coast Tours acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners of Country and recognises their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.

Version: 3.0.63-dev