Experience a Full Day on the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s greatest wonders! While this day trip is specific to the tour I booked, there should be many similarities even if you choose a different provider. You simply cannot miss this if visiting Cairns!

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on the planet, stretching more than 2,300 kilometres along Queensland’s northeast coast in the Coral Sea. Made up of over 2,900 reefs and around 900 islands, it covers an incredible 344,400 square kilometres. It’s so massive that it’s the world’s largest living structure and can even be seen from space.

This is also the home of Nemo!

Unless you’re a multi-millionaire or have friends with yachts, I’d recommend taking a tour! I booked mine with Down Under Cruise and Dive and loved it!

Just a note: our helicopter ride was cancelled due to the poor weather in Cairns. The helicopter could not take off for safety reasons. We did get a full refund for that portion of the excursion.

Even if you don’t want to actually snorkel, that’s the option you’ll pick just to get on the boat. Anyone can snorkel without a certification. If you don’t know what it is, this is the activity where you float above the water, keeping a breathing tube above the water’s surface while breathing only through your mouth, with your face looking down. Like breathing underwater, but cheating.

If you’re not a strong swimmer or just don’t want to work too hard, they do have noodles and life vests.

Prefer to scuba dive? This does cost more, but there are two options: an intro dive or a cert dive. The difference is that the intro dive means you don’t have a scuba diving certification and will go with a leader and group, while the cert dive means you can go off on your own. You do need to prove your certification, though, because you won’t be allowed to dive alone without it. Both scuba options also include snorkelling.

If you complete the intro dive, you also get a document at the end confirming you did, if you’d like to work towards your certification.

As the main way to get out here is by boat, you might want to consider bringing some seasickness medicine. They do sell it onboard for $3 AUD, but it’s only two pills. One for there and back. You can always grab a bigger batch from a chemist/pharmacy if you’ll be doing a few boat activities while in Cairns. I got pretty sick on the way out because I took the first pill too late (you’re welcome, fish!). The boat moves fairly quickly, and it gets bumpy.

The staff will give you a full rundown of the day’s itinerary, safety measures, what to do in case of seasickness (aka in a bag or over the side of the ship), etc. They also recommend not wearing shoes onboard, and most of the staff are not doing so.

Before reaching the first reef, you’ll need to be fitted for fins and get a snorkel mask. Even if you chose scuba diving, you can snorkel after your dive! These will then go in the cubby with the number you received at the check-in desk.

Our first reef was Norman Reef, also known as Playground Dive Site. It’s known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral formations, and diverse marine life.

It has a mix of dive sites including swim-throughs, bommies, coral canyons, and coral walls. Snorkelling over these corals was insane. I actively had to be careful with my mouthpiece because I said “oh my god” so much and didn’t want to accidentally swallow saltwater. I saw so many cool fish and got so close to the reef! Of course you don’t actually want to touch it.

This reef has quite the “drop off”, so I’m convinced it was the inspiration for the one in Finding Nemo. Even if it’s not, I’m just going to say I’ve now been to where Nemo was caught.

In between reef stops, they serve an awesome Australian BBQ lunch! There’s an array of steak, fish, chilled prawns, bread, and various salads.

Personally, the steak was overcooked but still edible (I like it rare to medium-rare, while they cooked it well-done to jerky). The fish was so tough I thought it was chicken breast, but the prawns…..oh lordy. I think I ate 20. The only critique is that there wasn’t any lemon for them.

There is also consistent access to complimentary water, tea, and coffee. Other drinks are available for a fee at the bar.

On the way back to Cairns, you do get a complimentary glass of red or white wine, and they serve cheese and crackers!

The second spot and preferred location for many corals since it’s far from the coast and the currents of surrounding rivers and streams. It’s right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, but this is where the Great Barrier Reef’s marine life thrives most. Here you’ll find the most eclectic selection of sea creatures. Personally, I saw some amazingly bright and beautiful fish, but overheard some people say they saw a shark!

I do believe I preferred Norman Reef to Hastings, but it’s entirely subjective.

DO NOT FORGET MOTION SICKNESS MEDS IF YOU’RE PRONE! I was not even close to the only person who got sick, but you better believe I took my second pill on time. Still a bit nauseous on the way back, but I did not give the fish any more food.

Make sure you pack a towel to dry off if you’re going to swim, as towels are not included.

If you want to take your own photos underwater, you can bring a special case for your phone. They do sell these on the ship, and also have an underwater photographer. I made sure she got my picture and bought two because I didn’t have a case and don’t do underwater activities enough to justify carrying one.

Also, don’t forget your sunscreen! Make sure it’s reef-safe, but they do have it onboard. You’re pretty exposed in a bathing suit, and the Aussie sun does not play.

Long story short, the Great Barrier Reef was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done in my life, and I would absolutely do this again. Next time I’ll take my motion sickness meds early and opt for scuba diving.