“The Evolution boat was excellent along with all their crew. We snorkeled at 2 reefs, (amazing!) had a wonderful BBQ lunch between both reef stops. They provided full body snorkel suits along with masks and fins. Then wine and cheese on the trip back to the dock.”
8.5Hr Evolution Super Yacht Great Barrier Reef Cruise
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Duration: 9hr 15min
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About
The Evolution reef cruise from Cairns is an award-winning full-day outer reef experience aboard a luxury superyacht. Departing from Reef Fleet Terminal at 8:00am, the tour visits two exclusive Outer Great Barrier Reef locations, spending more than five hours on the water with access to snorkelling, guided reef walks and scuba diving upgrades. You will return to Cairns by 4:30pm following complimentary afternoon refreshments on the return journey.
The Luxury Yacht Reef Experience
From the moment you board ‘Evolution’ at Reef Fleet Terminal, you are in capable hands. The crew greets you with arrival tea, coffee and muffins before the superyacht cruises into the Coral Sea. After a 90-minute scenic transfer, the yacht moors at the first exclusive outer reef location, either Norman Reef or Saxon Reef, where the colours and clarity of the water make an immediate impression.
Here, you can snorkel freely, join a Master Reef Guide in the water, or opt for an introductory or certified scuba dive (available as upgrades at the time of booking). The onboard PADI-qualified team ensures every comfort level is catered for, from first-time snorkellers to experienced divers.
At midday, a generous chef-prepared BBQ lunch is served on deck; it includes fresh fish, steak, prawns and an array of salads and breads, with dietary alternatives available. After that you cruise to the second reef location, North Hastings Reef, where snorkelling and diving continue.
As the yacht heads back, enjoy complimentary cheese, biscuits and a glass of wine to round out your day on the Great Barrier Reef!
Showstopper helicopter ride upgrade (choose at the time of booking): For guests celebrating a special occasion or luxury travellers seeking something truly memorable, the helicopter return transforms your reef day into an extraordinary two-in-one experience. After exploring the Great Barrier Reef from the water aboard Evolution's luxury superyacht, soar above it on a breathtaking flight back to Cairns, taking in panoramic views of coral formations, turquoise lagoons and the reef's immense scale. It's a spectacular grand finale that turns an unforgettable day into a once-in-a-lifetime memory!
Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For
The Luxury Yacht Reef Experience
From the moment you board ‘Evolution’ at Reef Fleet Terminal, you are in capable hands. The crew greets you with arrival tea, coffee and muffins before the superyacht cruises into the Coral Sea. After a 90-minute scenic transfer, the yacht moors at the first exclusive outer reef location, either Norman Reef or Saxon Reef, where the colours and clarity of the water make an immediate impression.
Here, you can snorkel freely, join a Master Reef Guide in the water, or opt for an introductory or certified scuba dive (available as upgrades at the time of booking). The onboard PADI-qualified team ensures every comfort level is catered for, from first-time snorkellers to experienced divers.
At midday, a generous chef-prepared BBQ lunch is served on deck; it includes fresh fish, steak, prawns and an array of salads and breads, with dietary alternatives available. After that you cruise to the second reef location, North Hastings Reef, where snorkelling and diving continue.
As the yacht heads back, enjoy complimentary cheese, biscuits and a glass of wine to round out your day on the Great Barrier Reef!
Showstopper helicopter ride upgrade (choose at the time of booking): For guests celebrating a special occasion or luxury travellers seeking something truly memorable, the helicopter return transforms your reef day into an extraordinary two-in-one experience. After exploring the Great Barrier Reef from the water aboard Evolution's luxury superyacht, soar above it on a breathtaking flight back to Cairns, taking in panoramic views of coral formations, turquoise lagoons and the reef's immense scale. It's a spectacular grand finale that turns an unforgettable day into a once-in-a-lifetime memory!
Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For
- Travellers who want a premium reef experience with smaller group, unlike larger reef vessels.
- Couples and guests celebrating special occasions will love the elegant superyacht setting, personalised service and exclusive reef locations.
- Certified divers & avid snorkellers get access to two pristine outer reef sites and experienced PADI professionals on board.
- 8.5hr luxurious cruise from Cairns on an award-winning Super Yacht
- Spacious air-conditioned lounges and upper deck to relax in comfort
- Cruise to 2 exclusive Outer Great Barrier reef locations
- Enjoy up to 5 hours of snorkel time at both sites
- Snorkelling equipment, lycra/stinger suit and personal flotation aids
- Morning tea: muffins and scones on arrival
- A chef-prepared BBQ buffet lunch with special dietary options
- Afternoon tea: cheese, biscuits and a glass of wine on return
- Free lycra sun-suits provided for your comfort
- PADI-qualified dive instructors and Master Reef Guide
- Dive & helicopter tour upgrades available
- Drinks available for purchase onboard by cash or card
- Cruise on the ‘Evolution’, an award-winning superyacht with 3 spacious decks and drop-down water entry platforms
- Spend over five hours across two exclusive reef locations, giving you room to explore at your own pace
- Sit down to a proper chef-prepared BBQ lunch on deck with fresh fish, steak, prawns and salads
- Choose one of the upgrade activities and let PADI-qualified instructors and Master Reef Guides take you deeper
- Adult $269
- Child $165
- Family $775
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Certified Dive - ES +$90
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Introductory Dive - ES +$90
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Helicopter 25-min Scenic Flight +$355
Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns
Check in at the Down Under Cruise and Dive counter from 7:15am.
Google Map - CLICK HERE
Check in at the Down Under Cruise and Dive counter from 7:15am.
Google Map - CLICK HERE
- 7:15am – 7:45am: Check in at the Down Under Cruise and Dive counter, Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Meet the crew, collect your snorkel equipment and enjoy arrival morning tea.
- 8:00am: Evolution departs Cairns. Settle into the spacious air-conditioned lounge or head to the upper deck as a safety briefing is delivered during the 90-minute transfer to the outer reef.
- 9:45am: Arrive at Outer Reef Location 1 (Norman Reef or Saxon Reef, selected daily based on conditions). Take to the water for snorkelling with Master Reef Guides, or upgrade to an introductory or certified dive with PADI-qualified instructors.
- 11:30am: Enjoy a generous chef-prepared BBQ buffet lunch onboard. Confirm special dietaries at least 48 hours prior to travel.
- 1:00pm: Arrive at Outer Reef Location 2 (North Hastings Reef) for a second session of snorkelling and diving. Explore new coral formations and marine life, or take to the sky on an optional helicopter scenic flight from the exclusive reef pontoon.
- 3:00pm: Evolution departs the outer reef and heads back toward Cairns. Enjoy complimentary afternoon tea on the return transfer.
- 4:30pm: Evolution arrives back at Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns Marlin Marina.
- Scuba diving (certified & introductory dives available as paid upgrades)
- Helicopter scenic flight (available as a paid upgrade)
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (available for purchase onboard by card or cash)
Evolution Super Yacht Great Barrier Reef Cruise (this package): The standalone outer reef day — the full Evolution experience at the best-value price, with no additional touring days required.
Evolution Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Helicopter Tour (see alternate package): Save with this bundled package that combines the full Evolution Outer Reef cruise and a scenic helicopter flight over Hastings Reef in one unforgettable day.
Evolution Great Barrier Reef + Daintree Rainforest Combo (see alternate package): Add a guided Daintree Rainforest day to your reef cruise with 4WD ride through Daintree Rainforest, river cruise, wildlife spotting, freshwater swim and Cape Tribulation Beach visit
Evolution Great Barrier Reef + Skyrail & Kuranda Train Combo (see alternate package): Pair your reef day with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway. Glide above the Wet Tropics canopy and ride a century-old mountain railway.
Evolution Great Barrier Reef + Daintree & Skyrail/Kuranda Train Combo (see alternate package): The most complete Cairns package — outer reef cruise, Skyrail and Kuranda, plus a full guided Daintree and Cape Tribulation day, all in one booking.
Evolution Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Helicopter Tour (see alternate package): Save with this bundled package that combines the full Evolution Outer Reef cruise and a scenic helicopter flight over Hastings Reef in one unforgettable day.
Evolution Great Barrier Reef + Daintree Rainforest Combo (see alternate package): Add a guided Daintree Rainforest day to your reef cruise with 4WD ride through Daintree Rainforest, river cruise, wildlife spotting, freshwater swim and Cape Tribulation Beach visit
Evolution Great Barrier Reef + Skyrail & Kuranda Train Combo (see alternate package): Pair your reef day with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway. Glide above the Wet Tropics canopy and ride a century-old mountain railway.
Evolution Great Barrier Reef + Daintree & Skyrail/Kuranda Train Combo (see alternate package): The most complete Cairns package — outer reef cruise, Skyrail and Kuranda, plus a full guided Daintree and Cape Tribulation day, all in one booking.
- Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to help@australiancruisegroup.com.au
- Refunds, where applicable, will be processed to the original payment method.
- No correspondence will be entertained for cancellations made after the free-cancellation period.
- A ‘no-show’ refers to any confirmed passenger who fails to board the vessel prior to scheduled departure. Please note, we make every effort to ensure our cruises depart on time. It is highly recommended that all passengers are ready for boarding 15 minutes prior to the stated time.
- An individual booking is defined as all bookings having less than 10 passengers on a single E-ticket. Individual bookings require full payment at time of booking.
- Up to 4 days prior: Full refund
- Within 3 days: 100% cancellation fee
- Group bookings are defined as all bookings for 10 or more passengers on a single E-ticket. Group bookings can be made with a partial payment of 20% as deposit. The balance amount must be paid 7 days before the cruise date.
- Up to 7 days prior: Full refund
- Within 6 days: 100% cancellation fee
- Not wheelchair accessible
Which reef locations does the Evolution cruise visit?
Evolution visits two Outer Reef locations per day. The morning stop is typically Norman Reef or Saxon Reef, selected based on weather and water clarity. The afternoon stop is North Hastings Reef, where helicopter flights also depart.
How long do we spend on the Great Barrier Reef?
Guests spend over five hours on the reef across two locations. There is plenty of time between dives for snorkelling, relaxing on deck or exploring the water at your own pace.
What is included in the price of the Evolution reef cruise?
The cruise includes snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, lycra/stinger suit), personal flotation aids, morning tea on arrival, a chef-prepared BBQ buffet lunch, complimentary afternoon tea (cheese, biscuits and a glass of wine), and the services of PADI-qualified dive instructors and Master Reef Guides.
Can children participate in scuba diving?
Yes. Children aged 12 and over can participate in introductory dives or PADI dive courses. Certified divers must be at least 10 years old and must dive with a parent, guardian or private guide.
Is the Evolution cruise suitable for non-swimmers or nervous snorkellers?
Yes. Personal flotation devices such as life jackets and noodles are provided, and snorkel supervisors are in the water and on watch at all times. Master Reef Guides assist guests of all comfort levels.
What scuba diving upgrades are available?
Two dive upgrades are available: an Introductory Dive through the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program, ideal for non-certified guests aged 12 and over; and a Certified Dive for qualified divers aged 10 and over. A helicopter scenic flight is also available as an upgrade from Hastings Reef.
Do we need to bring our own snorkelling or diving equipment?
No. All snorkelling equipment is provided and included in the price. You are welcome to bring their own mask or fins if you prefer. Personal dive equipment is also welcome, though no discount applies for bringing your own.
What should I do if I am prone to seasickness?
It is advisable to take seasickness medication before departure, as tablets are a preventative rather than a cure. Evolution is a catamaran, which provides greater stability than monohull vessels. Seasickness pills are available for purchase onboard.
Can pregnant women join the Evolution reef cruise?
Yes. Pregnant women are welcome to join the cruise and may snorkel with the assistance of flotation devices and supervision from snorkel staff. Scuba diving is not permitted during pregnancy.
What languages do the crew speak onboard Evolution?
The crew are English-speaking. German, Japanese and Mandarin-speaking staff are available on selected departures.
Are there any weight restrictions for the helicopter?
Yes. For safety and operational reasons, all passengers must weigh less than 130kg to participate in the helicopter flight.
How many passengers can the helicopter accommodate?
Most helicopter flights operate in a luxury 6-seater helicopter. On rare occasions, a 4-seat or 7-seat aircraft may be used depending on operational requirements.
Will I have a window seat?
As the helicopter typically accommodates six passengers, window seats cannot be guaranteed for everyone. Seating arrangements are allocated by the pilot based on passenger weights and aircraft balance requirements.
Where does the scenic helicopter flight go?
The 25-min scenic flight departs from a private helicopter pontoon at Hastings Reef, Evolution's second reef destination, flying over Hastings Reef and the surrounding reef system before returning to the Marina at Cairns.
Evolution visits two Outer Reef locations per day. The morning stop is typically Norman Reef or Saxon Reef, selected based on weather and water clarity. The afternoon stop is North Hastings Reef, where helicopter flights also depart.
How long do we spend on the Great Barrier Reef?
Guests spend over five hours on the reef across two locations. There is plenty of time between dives for snorkelling, relaxing on deck or exploring the water at your own pace.
What is included in the price of the Evolution reef cruise?
The cruise includes snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, lycra/stinger suit), personal flotation aids, morning tea on arrival, a chef-prepared BBQ buffet lunch, complimentary afternoon tea (cheese, biscuits and a glass of wine), and the services of PADI-qualified dive instructors and Master Reef Guides.
Can children participate in scuba diving?
Yes. Children aged 12 and over can participate in introductory dives or PADI dive courses. Certified divers must be at least 10 years old and must dive with a parent, guardian or private guide.
Is the Evolution cruise suitable for non-swimmers or nervous snorkellers?
Yes. Personal flotation devices such as life jackets and noodles are provided, and snorkel supervisors are in the water and on watch at all times. Master Reef Guides assist guests of all comfort levels.
What scuba diving upgrades are available?
Two dive upgrades are available: an Introductory Dive through the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program, ideal for non-certified guests aged 12 and over; and a Certified Dive for qualified divers aged 10 and over. A helicopter scenic flight is also available as an upgrade from Hastings Reef.
Do we need to bring our own snorkelling or diving equipment?
No. All snorkelling equipment is provided and included in the price. You are welcome to bring their own mask or fins if you prefer. Personal dive equipment is also welcome, though no discount applies for bringing your own.
What should I do if I am prone to seasickness?
It is advisable to take seasickness medication before departure, as tablets are a preventative rather than a cure. Evolution is a catamaran, which provides greater stability than monohull vessels. Seasickness pills are available for purchase onboard.
Can pregnant women join the Evolution reef cruise?
Yes. Pregnant women are welcome to join the cruise and may snorkel with the assistance of flotation devices and supervision from snorkel staff. Scuba diving is not permitted during pregnancy.
What languages do the crew speak onboard Evolution?
The crew are English-speaking. German, Japanese and Mandarin-speaking staff are available on selected departures.
Are there any weight restrictions for the helicopter?
Yes. For safety and operational reasons, all passengers must weigh less than 130kg to participate in the helicopter flight.
How many passengers can the helicopter accommodate?
Most helicopter flights operate in a luxury 6-seater helicopter. On rare occasions, a 4-seat or 7-seat aircraft may be used depending on operational requirements.
Will I have a window seat?
As the helicopter typically accommodates six passengers, window seats cannot be guaranteed for everyone. Seating arrangements are allocated by the pilot based on passenger weights and aircraft balance requirements.
Where does the scenic helicopter flight go?
The 25-min scenic flight departs from a private helicopter pontoon at Hastings Reef, Evolution's second reef destination, flying over Hastings Reef and the surrounding reef system before returning to the Marina at Cairns.
- Special dietary requirements must be confirmed at least 48 hours prior to travel. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options are available
- Large bags and luggage are not permitted onboard
- The vessel has a designated smoking area; smoking is permitted while the boat is moving
- Power outlets are available at window seats to charge phones; crew can assist with charging at the bar if needed
- All divers must complete a Queensland Medical Questionnaire. Divers over 65 years must hold a physician's medical clearance confirming fitness to dive
- Certified divers must present their internationally recognised dive certification card on the day
- Diving within 24 hours before a flight is not permitted
- Minimum age for introductory diving and dive courses: 12 years. Minimum age for certified diving: 10 years (must dive with parent, guardian or private guide)
- Weight limit for helicopter flights: 130kg. Contact the supplier directly for enquiries
- Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies.
- Sun hat
- Swimwear
- A jacket (recommended in winter, and after snorkelling)
- Cameras in a waterproof case or sealed Tupperware
Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link;
https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services
https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services
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