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Dreamtime – Snorkel & Dive

from A$275
8 hours
Great Barrier Reef
All Ages

Experience the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel. Explore two premium reef sites, join Indigenous Cultural guides for Dreamtime stories, and enjoy a buffet lunch by Ochre Restaurant & Tropic Spirit Catering. Includes snorkel gear and cultural demonstrations.

Key Highlights

  • Experience two premium outer reef sites on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Engage with Indigenous Cultural guides sharing Dreamtime stories
  • Participate in live demonstrations of traditional dances and didgeridoo music
  • Interact with original clap sticks and fire poles
  • Enjoy a buffet lunch prepared by Ochre Restaurant and Tropic Spirit Catering
  • Morning and afternoon tea served onboard
  • Complimentary snorkel gear provided
  • Five hours to explore reef sites and Indigenous heritage
  • Introductory & Certified Scuba Diving available.

What’s included

  • Indigenous welcome and cultural demonstration
  • Use of snorkel, fins, life jacket, and lycra suits
  • Morning tea and afternoon tea
  • Buffet lunch by Ochre Restaurant and Tropic Spirit Catering

Overview

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel invites you to discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, combining marine exploration with rich Indigenous culture. Board at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at 08:15, with final boarding by 08:45, then depart from Marlin Jetty at 09:00. Enjoy a warm welcome and acknowledgment from Cultural guides, followed by the Great Barrier Reef creation story and morning tea as you travel towards the outer reef.

Begin in-water activities at 10:30 at the first pristine coral reef site. Explore the vibrant marine life and learn about the diverse ecosystem directly from knowledgeable guides. Traditional Owners share Dreamtime stories, enhancing your understanding of Indigenous heritage.

At 12:30, recharge with a buffet lunch prepared fresh by Ochre Restaurant and Tropic Spirit Catering. After lunch, visit the second reef site for more snorkelling adventures and cultural activities including demonstrations of traditional dances and the didgeridoo, plus opportunities to engage with original clap sticks and fire poles.

Snorkel gear is returned by 15:30 before relaxing with afternoon tea and more interaction with Cultural guides. The tour concludes with arrival back in Cairns at 17:00, after a unique day of cultural enrichment and reef exploration.

Commonly asked questions.

Our fast, stable motor catamaran delivers you to the Outer Reef in only 90 minutes leaving more of your day to enjoy the reef. You will have approximately 5 hours to explore the reefs.
No, but it is cheaper for you to do so. You may wish to speak to our friendly crew prior to selecting activities so we can suggest activities best suited to your swimming ability (or lack of). Pre-booking optional activities guarantees availability and also help us with crewing the boat with the right number of staff we will require for each activity. Cancellations by us of any pre-booked activities are always subject to a full refund.
Milln, Flynn & Thetford Reef are in Gunggandji Sea Country and are home to some of the best snorkelling and diving on the reef! You don’t want to miss getting in the water here. Our other magnificent Reef sites visited are in Yirrganydji Sea Country, these include Norman, Saxon & Hastings Reef .
The Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal / Marlin Marina is located at 1 Spence Street. Opposite us is the Pier Marketplace Shopping Centre and Shangri-La hotel. You can park outdoors behind the Pier Marketplace for approximately $2.00/hr or under the Shangri-La in secure parking for around $20/day.
The Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel vessels are pram-friendly with ramp access and wide aisles. Please notify us if you are bringing a pram on board.
You are free to sit where ever you please, except areas signed as staff only. We have an air-conditioned cabin on lower deck or breathe in that fresh clean air outside on the upper rear deck. For your own safety try not to move around the boat too much when the boat in underway, especially in rough weather.
Hat, Towel, Sunscreen, Sunglasses, something to swim in, a dry change of clothes, cash or credit card for optional activities and onboard purchases such as souvenirs, professional photos from our on-board photographer or a drink from the bar.
Unfortunately we are not able to hire or lend towels. The best idea is to bring one from your hotel or accommodation.
There are toilets on the boat accessible at all times throughout the day. Fresh water rinse showers and bathrooms are available.
No. While theft is very rare on board we suggest valuables are better off left in your hotel room or with the concierge rather than brought to the reef.

Additional info by the operator.

Start: Cairns QLD 4870
Schedule:
  • 08:15: Boarding begins at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
  • 08:45: Final boarding
  • 09:00: Depart Marlin Jetty, safety briefing, Indigenous welcome and acknowledgment, morning tea
  • 10:30: In-water activities at the first Outer Great Barrier Reef site
  • 12:30: Buffet lunch served onboard
  • After lunch: Second reef site visit and continued activities
  • 15:30: Return snorkel, fins, life jacket, and lycra suits; afternoon tea with Cultural guides
  • 17:00: Arrive back in Cairns