Reef Encounter is a floating resort that offers overnight accommodation on the reef and also scuba diving and snorkeling. This is a great tour for families, couples and backpackers.
Reef Encounter departs daily from Cairns boarding at 7:30am on their day trip vessel called Reef Experience. Reef Experience transfers all guests directly to Reef Encounter, this way allowing greater flexibility to all visitors with their travel plans being able to start their reef cruise and holiday at any day of the week.
On Reef Encounter visitors are surrounded by crystal clear waters in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. Their liveaboard accommodates 42 passengers into double, twin or multi-share ensuite staterooms. Once on the vessel guests can organise several scuba dives available daily and also snorkel for as long as they like.
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:
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.
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. Champagne and a fruit platter will await them upon arrival. If guests plan to get in the water they can have their complimentary champagne in the evening instead.
At the Top Deck guests are served a deluxe three course evening meal freshly prepared by the onboard Chef each night. The breakfast can be served in the suite and the menu options are an Australian continental breakfast or a cooked breakfast chosen by the guest. If clients choose to join other guests in the dining salon the breakfast will be a delicious buffet style. At dinner time the dining experience can be under the stars, or also in the spacious dining saloon with the other guests. Complimentary sunset cocktails are also included.
Tourism Cairns works with family and group discounts. Please email us for a quote.
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 07:15 - 07:50 | Check-in at the Reef 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 | |
| Enjoy all day snorkelling and diving the reef | |
| 06:00 | Wake up for a 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) |
$1,360.00 per adult $1,360.00 per child |
|
| Twin Cabin (Snorkellers) |
$1,360.00 per adult $1,360.00 per child |
|
| Sole Occupancy (Snorkellers) |
$2,720.00 per adult $2,720.00 per child |
|
| Double Cabin (Certified Divers - 7 Day Dives + 2 Night Dives) |
$1,530.00 per adult $1,530.00 per child |
|
| Twin Cabin (Certified Divers- 7 Day Dives + 2 Night Dives) |
$1,530.00 per adult $1,530.00 per child |
|
| Sole Occupancy (Certified Divers - 7 Day Dives + 2 Night Dives) |
$2,890.00 per adult $2,890.00 per child |
|
| Double Cabin (Introductory Divers - 7 Day Dives) |
$1,730.00 per adult $1,730.00 per child |
|
| Twin Cabin (Introductory Divers - 7 Day Dives) |
$1,730.00 per adult $1,730.00 per child |
|
| Sole Occupancy (Introductory Divers - 7 Day Dives) |
$3,090.00 per adult $3,090.00 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 | |
| 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.
Reef Encounter is a floating resort and they offer scuba diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. With daily departures from Cairns by boat or helicopter guests can stay as many nights as they like in conformable staterooms all with ensuite, or upgrade to the luxurious Top Deck Club.
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.