Product Name:
Tusa Reef Tours – Half Day Outer Reef Snorkel
FROM: $215.00
A well-run half-day trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, designed for travellers who want real reef quality without committing a full day. You’ll visit one carefully selected site with up to two hours in the water, guided by an experienced crew. Where this one stands out is the shorter time commitment paired with genuine outer reef access — not always easy to find in Cairns.
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Call: + 61 7 4041 1638
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$215.00
All Prices in Australian Dollars.
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Camera Special
*FREE UNDERWATER CAMERA HIRE
Book your Cairns reef tour with us, you must spend over $550.00 AUD to receive our 1 x Free Cairns Underwater Camera Hire. Only when you book online thru our website. You must come into our Cairns Esplanade Shop to pick up the camera the day before departure day before 5:30 pm. You also need to supply your own SD Card. Reserve your camera today!
*Not valid for any tours visiting the islands. Fine white sand damages the seals on the cameras and makes them leak!
Do you need help choosing a trip?
Can't decide? We have personally been on every Cairns reef and diving trip. We can help you choose the best tour, to suit your experience and budget.
Where do all Cairns Reef tours depart from? Check-in: Reef Fleet Terminal (map + instructions)
Product Name:
Tusa Reef Tours – Half Day Outer Reef Snorkel
Tour Type: Half Day - Operates: Daily - Departs: 9:00am - Returns: 2:00pm - Transfers: No
A well-run half-day trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, designed for travellers who want real reef quality without committing a full day. You’ll visit one carefully selected site with up to two hours in the water, guided by an experienced crew. Where this one stands out is the shorter time commitment paired with genuine outer reef access — not always easy to find in Cairns.
| AVAILABLE ON THIS TOUR: | |
|---|---|
| All snorkelling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel & suit) | Up to 2 hours snorkelling on the outer reef |
| Guided snorkelling support in the water | Highly Experienced, hands-on crew |
| Small group experience (max 60 guests) | Access to outer reef site (conditions-based selection) |
| Safety briefings and in-water assistance | Half-day tour (back early afternoon) |
Tusa Reef Tours is one of the few options in Cairns that gives you access to the outer Great Barrier Reef in just half a day. You’ll travel out to a single reef site selected on the day and spend up to two hours snorkelling with a supportive, experienced crew.
This isn’t about rushing you around multiple sites — it’s a simpler, more relaxed reef trip that still focuses on decent reef quality. If you’re short on time but still want to see the reef properly, this is a solid option.
AVAILABLE ON THIS TOUR
- Snorkelling: Yes (all gear included)
- Introductory Diving: Yes (extra cost)
- Certified Diving: No
- Guided Snorkel Support: Yes
- Outer Reef: Yes (1 site)
- Group Size: Max 60 guests
- Meals: Optional lunchbox (pre-book)
- Facilities: Toilets, sun deck, shaded seating
Tusa focuses on keeping things straightforward. The boat heads out to the outer reef (typically Saxon or Hastings areas), where conditions are generally clearer and coral health is better than closer-in reefs.
You’ll spend a solid block of time in the water at one location, rather than moving between multiple sites. For a half-day format, this actually works well — less time relocating, more time snorkelling.
The crew are very hands-on, especially with beginner snorkellers. They’ll help you get comfortable, point things out, and keep things running smoothly without making it feel over-structured.
Tusa Reef Tours — At a Glance
- One of the few half-day outer reef trips in Cairns
- Up to 2 hours in the water at one reef site
- Smaller group size (max 60 guests)
- Daily site selection based on conditions
- Beginner-friendly with in-water support
- Optional intro scuba dive available
- Back in Cairns early afternoon
VESSEL & EXPERIENCE
The vessel is modern and stable, with plenty of space to relax between snorkelling sessions. It’s not a luxury boat, but it’s comfortable and well set up for what the trip is. You’ve got easy access in and out of the water, shaded seating areas, and open deck space if you want to sit outside on the way back. The overall feel is relaxed and uncomplicated — which suits the shorter format. Half-day reef tours can vary a lot in quality. The reason this one works better than most is simple — it goes to the outer reef, not the inner reef.
All prices in Australian Dollars:
Tusa Reef Tours Half Day Outer Reef Snorkel Price List
| CHOOSE OPTION | INCLUDES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
Please note as of the 01st APRIL 2026 TUSA Reef Tours will charge a $10.00 Fuel Levy Per Person on all departures. | ||
| SNORKELING: | - | - |
| Adult | Snorkeling | $195.00 |
| Child (4-14 Years) | Snorkeling | $185.00 |
| Family (2-Adults 2-Childrren) | Snorkeling | $660.00 |
| EXTRAS: | ||
| Lunch Box | $30.00 | |
| Introductory Dive | 1-Dive | $100.00 |
All prices in Australian Dollars.
We accept VISA, MC, AMEX, UNION PAY
With no booking fees!
1 x FREE Underwater Camera Hire!
Enjoy 1 x FREE Underwater Camera Hire: Only when you book your reef tour with us and spend over $550. Conditions Apply! Only available on reef tours.
Itinerary:
Itinerary – Half Day Outer Reef Experience
Your day starts with a relaxed morning departure from Cairns Marina, where you’ll board and meet the crew. As you head out, there’s a full briefing so you know exactly what to expect — especially helpful if it’s your first time snorkelling.
The journey to the reef takes around 90 minutes, giving you time to get set up, ask questions, and ease into the day.
Once you arrive, you’ll spend up to two hours in the water at a carefully selected outer reef site. The crew will guide you to the best areas, help spot marine life, and make sure you’re comfortable the whole time. If you’ve booked an intro dive, this all happens during this window as well.
After your snorkel, things slow down a bit. You can relax on board, warm up, and enjoy the cruise back to Cairns. If you’ve pre-booked a lunchbox, this is when you’ll usually have it — out on deck or inside depending on the weather.
You’ll arrive back in Cairns early afternoon, leaving you with the rest of the day free.
At a glance
- 9:00am – Depart Cairns Marina
- 90 minute cruise to the outer reef
- Up to 2 hours snorkelling / diving
- Relaxed return journey
- 2:00pm – Back in Cairns
Diving:
Introductory Scuba Diving (Optional Upgrade)
If you’ve ever thought about trying scuba diving, this is a straightforward way to do it on the Great Barrier Reef — no experience needed. You’ll be guided one-on-one or in a small group by a qualified instructor, with all equipment and training included. Everything is explained clearly before you get in the water, so you know exactly what to expect. Dives are done at the same reef site as the snorkelling, in calm, controlled conditions. You don’t need to be a strong diver — but you do need to be a confident swimmer and comfortable in the water.
How it works
- Full safety briefing before entering the water
- All dive gear provided
- Guided by a professional instructor at all times
- Small group ratios for better support
- Maximum depth is shallow (intro level)
Good to know
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Basic medical conditions may require clearance
- Flying restrictions apply after diving
- This is an optional extra and must be added when booking
Expert Insight
This is a good intro dive setup for beginners — especially because it’s done on the outer reef, not a shallow inner reef pontoon. The main thing to understand is timing. Because this is a half-day trip, your dive happens within that same snorkelling window — so it’s a shorter overall experience compared to full-day dive trips. If you just want to try diving and see what it’s like, this works well. If you’re serious about diving or want multiple dives, you’re better off looking at a full-day or dedicated dive boat.
Remember to try any form of scuba diving everyone must be medically fit with no asthma and not be taking any prescription medication. PADI recommends to allow up to 24 hours after diving before flying.
Snorkeling:
Snorkelling on Tusa Reef Tours
Snorkelling on Tusa is done on outer reef sites, which means you’re out in open water — not inside a sheltered lagoon or pontoon setup.
The reef here rises up from deeper water to shallow coral gardens, so you’re often snorkelling over healthy coral with good visibility, especially on calm days. It’s a much more natural reef environment, but it does mean you’ll want to be reasonably comfortable in the water.
All equipment is provided, including mask, snorkel, fins, and either a lycra suit or wetsuit depending on the season. If you’re not fully confident, flotation devices are available and the crew are in the water to help guide and support you.
You’ll also get a proper briefing before entering the water, plus a guided snorkel to help you get your bearings and see more of the reef.
What to expect
- Outer reef snorkelling (open ocean sites)
- Up to 2 hours in the water
- All snorkel gear and suits included
- Guided snorkel support available
- Flotation devices provided if needed
- Easy water access from the rear platform
Expert Insight
This is a better snorkelling setup than most half-day tours because it’s on the outer reef, not inner reef locations. The trade-off is that it’s not as sheltered as pontoon-style trips, so it suits people who are comfortable in the water rather than complete non-swimmers. If you’re unsure, the crew do a good job helping you ease into it.
Customer Reviews:
CUSTOMER TOUR REVIEWS & FEEDBACK
Customer reviews are written by our customers using our 1 x FREE Digital Underwater Camera Hire Service. Remember to collect our camera you do need to come into our shop the day before departure day before 5:30 pm to pick up the camera. You also need to supply your own SD camera card.
By: Nikki Reid
Staff Service - 5 out of 5
Reef Quality - 4 out of 5
Vaue For Money - 5 out of 5
Overall Rating - 5 out of 5
Travelled on: 10/09/2017
I have dreamed of diving the reef for over 20 years now. I wanted to plan my trip before I left and have everything booked in so I could relax when I got to cairns. Clint was so helpful in organising the best trip for me. He was informative, friendly and really professional. I went out on the Tusa T6 for two full days of…
By: Wesley M Lee
Staff Service - 5 out of 5
Reef Quality - 5 out of 5
Vaue For Money - 5 out of 5
Overall Rating - 5 out of 5
Travelled on: 01/06/2017
My sisters and I went on a dive that we booked using Cairns Dive Adventures. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and provided excellent advice. We would book again.
By: Kellie and Dillon
Staff Service - 5 out of 5
Reef Quality - 5 out of 5
Vaue For Money - 4 out of 5
Overall Rating - 5 out of 5
Travelled on: 28/11/2013
Amazing day on the reef! We had two intro dives and snorkelling and it was far worth it. We saw a cuttlefish and stingray, and took a photo with Nemo!
By: Li
Staff Service - 5 out of 5
Reef Quality - 3 out of 5
Vaue For Money - 4 out of 5
Overall Rating - 4 out of 5
Travelled on: 21/11/2013
Friendly crews, very good food, nice weather, awesome.
By: Christy Demers
Staff Service - 5 out of 5
Reef Quality - 5 out of 5
Vaue For Money - 4 out of 5
Overall Rating - 4 out of 5
Travelled on: 31/10/2013
Overall, it was a really great experience! Its probably better if you are more seasoned with better control of your breathing, and can go unguided. The guided ones are good, but we averaged 25minutes a dive :). Loved the hands on service, loved the boat. I would definitely do it again with a few more dozen dives under our belt 🙂
By: Henry
Staff Service - 5 out of 5
Reef Quality - 5 out of 5
Vaue For Money - 4 out of 5
Overall Rating - 5 out of 5
Travelled on: 30/10/2013
Indeed,Tusa T6 is probably the best one because of 3 reasons: 1) excellent ship condition with spacious capacity, 2) personalised customer service, and 3) expertise in training and knowledge! It is simply the BEST! Thanks for the lovely recommendation!!
Full Reviews:
CAIRNS DIVE ADVENTURES TRIP REVIEWS:
Here you will find our dive trip reviews. Our staff have completed over 700 dives on the Great Barrier Reef. We love our scuba diving and we love to write reviews on what you can expect to see and do on a dive trip. See our full range of Cairns Dive Adventures trip reviews.
Rainy Day on the Reef Dive Trip Review – Tusa Dive
By Richard |
Tusa Dive is the best Great Barrier Reef day dive trip operator in Cairns and rainy days on the Great Barrier Reef can be awesome! So don't let the weather get you down, book a berth on T6 for an amazing day on Cairns' Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Tusa Dive – Winter Diving Review
By Richard |
This is our diving day tour operator of choice from Cairns. It’s a dedicated dive boat (but snorkelers are well catered too as well) and one of the few to offer certified divers the choice between guided and unguided dives. This is great for experienced divers and those wanting to dive together and get some...
Tusa Dive – December Diving Review
By Richard |
This is undoubtedly one of Cairns’ best diving day tours to the Great Barrier Reef. The crew are friendly, professional and importantly, helpful. The equipment is well maintained and yours for the day. The boat is spacious and comfortable, providing all the features you need to enjoy the day (including freshwater showers) and the reef...
Tusa Dive T6 Review
By Julie |
Tusa Dive is undoubtedly one of the premium day dive operations in Cairns. The boat is modern and the staff friendly, efficient and professional. The diving and snorkelling is fantastic with great dive sites. For the certified diver, you can really see the company has a diving background and really takes care of the certified...
Tusa Dive – Coral Spawning Review
By Julie |
Once a year, the over 400 different types of Great Barrier Reef corals reproduce en masse, in an event known as Coral Spawning. Coral Spawning always occurs at night, with the release of the corals’ eggs and sperm tied to the moon’s presence, light and lunar cycles. In 2011, we witnessed the magic of Coral...
Tusa Dive – T6 Dive & Snorkel Review
By Julie |
T6 is Cairns’ newest and best reef day tour boat. The crew is professional and friendly, working tirelessly throughout the day to ensure all guests are comfortable and enjoying their experience on the Great Barrier Reef, whether they are swimming, snorkeling, trying an introductory dive or certified divers. The equipment is brand new, having been...
All prices in Australian Dollars.
We accept VISA, MC, AMEX, UNION PAY
No booking fees!
Remember to try any form of scuba diving everyone needs to be medically fit with no asthma and not be taking any prescription medication. PADI recommends allowing up to 24 hours after diving before flying in an airplane. Some tour operators have a no refund policy for any dives not completed for whatever reason. Please note the art of freediving is not permitted on any of the day boats or liveaboard dive boats from Cairns & Port Douglas. With the high instances of (shallow water blackout) companies do not allow this for safety reasons. It is highly recommended that passengers take out full comprehensive travel insurance for all tours and travel arrangements.
Do you have Medical Issues:
Please note if you have any medical issues you will need to go see your local GP where you live and get them to write you a letter on the practice letterhead signed and dated by your doctor that you are “Fit to dive” If you have one of these letters then all dive companies in Cairns will take you diving. Please note these letters are only valid for three months from their date of issue.
Inclusions
All snorkelling equipment is included, along with suits (lycra or wetsuit depending on the season), guided snorkelling support, and safety briefings before entering the water. An optional lunchbox can be pre-booked for the return journey, with light snacks available onboard.
Introductory Diving
Intro dives are available for guests aged 12 and over. You’ll need to be a confident swimmer and meet basic medical requirements to participate.
Satellite view of the tour location:
Special
FREE UNDERWATER CAMERA HIRE*
Spend over $550.00 AUD on your Great Barrier Reef tour with us and receive the latest Digital Underwater Camera Hire. Take amazing High-Resolution images and 1080 HD Video. Only when you book online thru our website.
Not available for any tours to the Islands as fine white sand damages the seals on the cameras and makes them leak!
You need to come into our shop located on the Cairns Esplanade the day before departure to pick up the camera before 5:30 pm. You also need to supply your own SD Camera Card and drop the camera off back at our shop before 5:30pm.
Please Remember there is no other way to collect our cameras! All passengers must come into our shop the day before departure day before 5:30 pm.
While you're in Cairns… explore the rainforest!
Most visitors combine a Great Barrier Reef trip with a rainforest adventure.
Billy Tea – Daintree Rainforest 4WD Tour
Tropic Wings Grand Kuranda Train & Skyrail Tour
Barron River White Water Rafting – Half-Day Cairns Tour
Kuranda Day Tour – Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Railway
