Reef Encounter is considered a floating resort that offers overnight accommodation on the reef. Their 35 metre long liveaboard can accommodate 42 passengers in double, twin or multi-share ensuite cabins. All cabins have power outlets, ocean views, en-suite toilet and shower facilities.
Reef Encounter has a large dining saloon and lounge area with TV and games, all fully air-conditioned. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day.The liveaboard also offers lots of deck space with a huge sundeck and sun loungers including an open-air hot tub.
Reef Encounter has a permit to visit 15 reef sites and each day the Captain decides which reef locations Reef Encounter visits based on weather conditions and visibility of the water. Reef Encounter travels to two reef locations daily, moving to a different site in the afternoon.
Reef Encounter also departs daily from Cairns on their day trip vessel called Reef Experience. Reef Experience works as a daily transfer between Reef Encounter and Cairns, this way offering great flexibility to all visitors with their travel plans.
At Reef Encounter visitors can spend all day in the water snorkelling and also organise scuba dives. They are great diving packages available for certified divers and introductory divers.
Helicopter Transfer: Reef Encounter is the only vessel on the Great Barrier Reef with an onboard helipad. To avoid the 1 hour and 30 minutes cruise to the outer reef guests can get to the liveaboard by helicopter. One way or both ways are available. This is the ultimate experience and also the best way to see the reef, from the top. From the helicopter travellers get too see many different reef locations, islands, sand cays and also hopefully marine life such as see turtles, stingrays and whales.
Top Deck Option:
The Top Deck is perfect for people who wishes to experience the Great Barrier Reef in style. Guests have a dedicated personal valet during their whole stay including a personal snorkel and dive guide. This is a personalised and specialised services which provide great level of customer care.
Tourism Cairns works with family and group discounts. Please email us for a quote.
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 07:15 - 07:50 | Check-in at theReef Experience vessel located at A finger, Cairns Marina |
| 08:00 | Boat departs Cairns Marina |
| Travel time is 1 hour & 30 minutes direct from Cairns to the Reef Encounter vessel | |
| 09:30 | Boat arrives at Reef Encounter |
| Enjoy the day snorkelling and diving the reef | |
| 19:30 | Night dive for certified divers |
| DAY 2 | |
| 06:00 | Wake up for an early morning snorkel or dive |
| Enjoy the day snorkelling and diving the reef | |
| 19:30 | Night dive for certified divers |
| DAY 3 | |
| 06:00 | Wake up for a morning snorkel or dive |
| Enjoy the day snorkelling and diving the reef | |
| 15:00 | Boat departs the reef on Reef Experience |
| 16:30 | Boat arrives back in Cairns |
Please Note:
All Divers: In accordance with the Australian diving law, ALL DIVERS must complete a medical questionnaire on board, before diving.
Flying after diving: If only one dive is undertaken then a minimum of 12 hours is recommended before flying. If more than one dive is conducted in the day, an interval of 24 hours is recommended. This is not applicable for low helicopter flights over the reef.
Introductory Divers - NOTE: Certain medical conditions may prevent you from diving (e.g. Asthma, Heart Disease), please contact our office. Min. age to dive is 12 years.
| Season: 2024 - 2025 Rates | Dates: 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025 | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin (Snorkellers) |
$825.00 per adult $825.00 per child |
|
| Twin Cabin (Snorkellers) |
$825.00 per adult $825.00 per child |
|
| Sole Occupancy (Snorkellers) |
$1,650.00 per adult $1,650.00 per child |
|
| Double Cabin (Certified Divers - 7 Day Dives + 2 Night Dives) |
$955.00 per adult $955.00 per child |
|
| Twin Cabin (Certified Divers - 7 Day Dives + 2 Night Dives) |
$955.00 per adult $955.00 per child |
|
| Sole Occupancy (Certified Divers - 7 Day Dives + 2 Night Dives) |
$1,780.00 per adult $1,780.00 per child |
|
| Double Cabin (Introductory Divers - 7 Day Dives) |
$1,175.00 per adult $1,175.00 per child |
|
| Twin Cabin (Introductory Divers - 7 Day Dives) |
$1,175.00 per adult $1,175.00 per child |
|
| Sole Occupancy (Introductory Divers - 7 Day Dives) |
$2,000.00 per adult $2,000.00 per child |
|
| Additional Extras | Dates: 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025 | |
| Helicopter Flight Cairns to Reef Encounter | $812.50 per adult / $812.50 per child | |
| Helicopter Flight Reef Encounter to Cairns | $812.50 per adult / $812.50 per child | |
| Helicopter Flight between Cairns and Reef Encounter - Return Trip | $1,625.00 per adult / $1,625.00 per child | |
| Guided Dives | $50.00 per adult / $50.00 per child | |
| Public Holiday Surcharge (Please check dates) | $100.00 per adult / $100.00 per child | |
PLEASE NOTE: A Public Holiday SURCHARGE of $100 per person is applicable for all travel from the 06/04/2023 to 11/04/2023, from the 23/12/2023 to 01/01/2024 AND from the 28/03/2024 to 02/04/2024. This fee will be added to the booking.
Age: Adult age: 15 yrs + / Child age: 4-14 years inclusive.
Reef Tax: $10.00 per day is levied for all adults and children entering the Great Barrier Reef. This charge and other levies are INCLUDED in the cruise fares.
Reef Encounter is a floating resort vessel that stays 24 / 7 on the outer reef. They are an excellent alternative for travellers who look to spend a lot of time on the reef with VIP care and treatment.
The Top Deck is perfect for people who wishes to experience the Great Barrier Reef in style. Guests have a dedicated personal valet during their whole stay including a personal snorkel and dive guide. This is a personalised and specialised services which provide great level of customer care.
This is a personalised and specialised services which provide great level of customer care. Top Deck guests have the best rooms on the boat with spacious en-suite cabins with ocean views, crisp Australian bed linen, plush bath robes, towels and toiletries. Also guests have a dedicated personal valet during their whole stay.
Booking fees: Tourism Cairns do not charge any booking fees.
Deposit and final payment: At Tourism Cairns clients are required to pay a deposit only at the time of booking. Final payment is to be completed 48 hours prior to departure or on the day of travel, depending on each tour operator's policy.
Cancellation by the traveller: If the tour is cancelled by the client up to 7 days prior to departure, a full refund is applicable. If the tour is cancelled by the client 7 days prior to departure, the deposit amount might be retained. If the tour is cancelled by the client 48 hours prior to departure, 100% cancellation fee may apply.
Booking amendments: If the date of a tour needs to be changed, Tourism Cairns must be notified in writing by the client up to 48 hours prior to the tour date.