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4Hr Ocean Safari Mackay Reef Tour from Cape Tribulation

From $217

Multiple departures available

  • 4hr Great Barrier Reef exploration from Cape Tribulation
  • Snorkel at two less-frequented reef sites at Mackay Reef
  • Use of snorkelling equipment; wetsuit or sunsuit option
  • Reef interpretation talk and eco-presentation
  • Light refreshments - seasonal fruit platter
  • Experienced skipper and eco-host to guide you
  • Courtesy transfers from Cape Tribulation accommodation only
  • Drinks are available for purchased with card or cash on board
  • If you require courtesy transfers, please give details in comments while booking
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About This Experience

The Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef Adventure is a half-day eco-tour departing from Cape Tribulation that takes you to two pristine reef locations on Mackay Reef. With a maximum of 25 guests, this multi-award-winning tour offers a more personal reef experience and the rare opportunity to witness two World Heritage-listed environments side by side – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

Choose from convenient morning or afternoon departures and spend over two hours snorkelling at two different reef sites renowned for their coral diversity, sea turtles and tropical marine life. Travelling aboard a fast inflatable vessel, you'll reach the reef in just 25 minutes, maximising your time in the water 

A Two-in-One World Heritage Experience

Few Great Barrier Reef tours offer such a unique setting. Departing from Cape Tribulation, where the ancient Daintree Rainforest meets the Coral Sea, Ocean Safari combines a rainforest adventure with an outer reef snorkelling experience in a single tour. On clear days, you can admire the rainforest-covered coastline while snorkelling above colourful coral gardens and tropical fish.

Unlike many big-group reef tours, this smaller vessel allows access to two pristine snorkel sites at Mackay Reef. Spend over an hour exploring each site, discovering vibrant coral formations, giant clams, colourful reef fish, eagle rays and the sea turtles that are frequently spotted throughout the area. 

Being a small-group tour, you get personalised attention from your Skipper and Eco-host who take you through reef presentations to gain a deeper understanding of the coral eco-system.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For

  • This tour is best suited for travellers staying in Cape Tribulation looking for the closest Great Barrier Reef experience
  • Nature lovers wanting to experience both the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef in one outing
  • Confident swimmers seeking maximum snorkelling time
  • Couples and adults who prefer smaller group experiences

Cruise Details

Location Turtle Rock Cafe, Cape Tribulation Road

Departure Boards Departs Returns Duration
1 07:30 08:30 12:30 5hr
2 11:30 12:30 16:30 5hr
 

  • 4hr Great Barrier Reef exploration from Cape Tribulation
  • Snorkel at two less-frequented reef sites at Mackay Reef
  • Use of snorkelling equipment; wetsuit or sunsuit option
  • Reef interpretation talk and eco-presentation
  • Light refreshments - seasonal fruit platter
  • Experienced skipper and eco-host to guide you
  • Courtesy transfers from Cape Tribulation accommodation only
  • Drinks are available for purchased with card or cash on board
  • If you require courtesy transfers, please give details in comments while booking

  • Experience two World Heritage-listed wonders, the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef,  in one unforgettable tour
  • Enjoy the personalised attention on this small group tour with access to 2 less-frequented reef sites 
  • Join a multi-award-winning, family-owned eco-tour with reef talks and presentations
  • Swim alongside sea turtles, colourful reef fish, giant clams among the vibrant coral gardens of Mackay Reef

Light Refreshments 

Seasonal Tropical Fruit Platter

Available for purchase onboard:

Beer
Cider
Soft drinks
Bottled water

  • Adult Price

    from $217

  • Child (2-14 years)

    from $146

  • Family (2 adults + 2 children)

    from $653

Turtle Rock Cafe
3903 Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation, QLD-4873

Google Map - CLICK HERE

Check-In Timing: Morning Tour: 7:30am & Afternoon Tour: 11:30am

Courtesy pick-up and drop-off are available for guests staying within the Cape Tribulation area. Guests travelling from Cairns, Port Douglas or Daintree Village must self-drive or make other transport arrangements.

Morning Departure
 
  • 7:30am: Check in at Turtle Rock Cafe and meet your Ocean Safari crew.
     
  • 8:30am: Depart Cape Tribulation Beach aboard the high-speed Ocean Safari vessel.
     
  • 8:55am: Arrive at the first Mackay Reef snorkelling location and receive a reef briefing.
     
  • 9:00am – 10:00am: Snorkel the first reef site, home to colourful corals, tropical fish and sea turtles.
     
  • 10:00am: Cruise to a second reef location selected according to the day's conditions.
     
  • 10:10am – 11:10am: Explore the second snorkelling site and discover another unique reef ecosystem.
     
  • 11:10am: Enjoy a fresh seasonal fruit platter while cruising back towards Cape Tribulation.
     
  • 12:30pm: Arrive back at Cape Tribulation.

    Afternoon Departure
     
  • 11:30am: Check in at Turtle Rock Cafe.
     
  • 12:30pm: Depart Cape Tribulation for Mackay Reef.
     
  • 12:55pm: Arrive at the first snorkelling location.
     
  • 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Snorkel among coral gardens, tropical fish and marine wildlife.
     
  • 2:00pm: Cruise to the second reef site.
     
  • 2:10pm – 3:10pm: Explore a different section of the reef and search for turtles, rays and giant clams.
     
  • 3:10pm: Relax onboard with fresh seasonal fruit during the return journey.
     
  • 4:30pm: Arrive back at Cape Tribulation.

Please note: Departure times and reef locations may vary due to weather, tides and marine conditions.

  • Hotel transfers from Cairns, Port Douglas or Daintree Village
  • Prescription mask hire
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Soft drinks and bottled water
  • Queensland Public Holiday surcharge ($20 Adult / $10 Child)

  • 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
  • Not suitable for pregnant travellers
  • Minimum age: 4 years
  • Not recommended for guests with back, neck or mobility issues
  • Not recommended for guests recovering from recent surgery

Why is Ocean Safari different from other reef tours?
Ocean Safari combines two World Heritage-listed environments in one experience. You'll travel directly from Cape Tribulation to the Great Barrier Reef and snorkel two separate reef locations with a maximum of only 25 guests onboard.

How long do we spend snorkelling?
Guests spend just over one hour at each snorkelling location, giving approximately two hours of reef exploration across two sites.

Will I see turtles?
Sea turtles are regularly sighted at Mackay Reef and are one of the highlights of the tour. Sightings cannot be guaranteed but are very common.

Is this suitable for first-time snorkellers?
Yes. The crew provides safety briefings, flotation devices and assistance in the water. Guests should have basic swimming ability.

Do you provide snorkelling equipment?
Yes. Masks, snorkels, fins and wetsuits/sunsuits are included.

Will I get seasick?
Ocean Safari's high-speed vessel is designed to minimise the rolling motion commonly experienced on larger boats. Guests prone to motion sickness should still take appropriate medication before departure.

Are there toilet facilities onboard?
Yes. Toilet facilities are available onboard and at the Turtle Rock Cafe check-in location.

Can I bring my own alcohol?
No. Ocean Safari operates a no-BYO alcohol policy. Soft drinks and water may be brought onboard.

Is accommodation pickup included?
Courtesy transfers are available for accommodation within Cape Tribulation only.

  • Courtesy return transfers are available from accommodation within the Cape Tribulation area only.
  • Courtesy accommodation pick-up requests should be written in the ‘comments section’ at the time of booking.
  • Ocean Safari is a multi-award-winning eco-tourism operator with Advanced Eco Accreditation.
  • All Marine Park fees are included in your fare.
  • Reef sites are selected daily based on weather, sea and tidal conditions to ensure the best possible snorkelling experience.
  • No previous snorkelling experience is required. Guests of all experience levels are welcome, and flotation devices are available onboard.
  • Guests should be in reasonable health and comfortable travelling on a high-speed vessel.
  • The tour is not suitable for pregnant travellers, children under 4 years of age, or guests with serious back, neck or mobility issues.
  • Marine wildlife sightings, including sea turtles, are common but cannot be guaranteed as animals are encountered in their natural environment.
  • Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies.

What To Bring

  • Swimwear and a towel
  • Sun hat and reef-safe sunscreen
  • Sunglasses and protective clothing
  • A light jacket during winter months - useful after snorkelling
  • Waterproof camera, action camera or phone in a waterproof case
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Cash or card for onboard purchases

Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link;

https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services

From $217

Multiple departures available

  • 4hr Great Barrier Reef exploration from Cape Tribulation
  • Snorkel at two less-frequented reef sites at Mackay Reef
  • Use of snorkelling equipment; wetsuit or sunsuit option
  • Reef interpretation talk and eco-presentation
  • Light refreshments - seasonal fruit platter
  • Experienced skipper and eco-host to guide you
  • Courtesy transfers from Cape Tribulation accommodation only
  • Drinks are available for purchased with card or cash on board
  • If you require courtesy transfers, please give details in comments while booking
Send Enquiry Book Now

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