Dreamtime Great Barrier Reef Cruise – Dive and Snorkel
from $225 AUD
Experience two premium outer reef sites like no other
About your day with Dreamtime Cruise
This is a unique Great Barrier Reef experience incorporating the world’s oldest living culture and some of Australia’s most amazing marine life. The (crew) reef rangers bring to you the traditional owners dream time stories over tens of thousands of years.
Trip Overview
Enjoy up to five hours of snorkelling and diving at two premium outer reef sites. It is the deeper cultural understanding of this diverse ecosystem and the indigenous heritage that makes this trip special and a great point of difference. This is the only cruise which allows you to interact with original clap sticks and fire poles plus get live demonstrations of traditional dances and the didgeridoo.
Diving
The operation caters to both first-time divers and experienced divers. This section of the Great Barrier Reef is as good as all the other dive locations I’ve personally experienced. All dives are guided however the dive crew is very attentive to each diver’s experience level and expectations. Expect to see anemones, sea whips, turtles, sweet lips, sting rays, batfish and the odd reef shark. You will have the opportunity to complete three certified dives and two introductory dives.
Highlights
- Educational presentations on Indigenous Culture on sea and land
- Glass Bottom Tour
- Scenic Heli Tour
- Scuba Diving
- Crew’s interaction with guests
What to Bring
- Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen
- A dry change of clothes
- Sea sickness tablets
- Cash/Credit Card for any onboard purchases
Peak Season Dates:
- 1st April – 26th April
- 22nd June – 11th October
- 21st December – 17th January
Off-peak Season Dates:
- 27th April – 21st June
- 12th October – 20th December
- 18th January – 31st March
Inclusions
- All snorkelling equipment including personal flotation devices in adult/child sizes
- Wet suits are 5mm with short arms/legs. Lycra suits provide fantastic sun protection and in season are useful in reducing the risk of jelly fish stings
- On board Marine Biology presentation/talk en-route to the reef
- Interactive commentary, informative storytelling and games
- Fish feeding and identification session with our Marine Biologist
- Sunbathe on the boat, Fresh Water Showers and Bathrooms
- Buffet lunch. Please advise on any allergies prior to the cruise. Vegetarian options available. Morning/Afternoon Tea also included
- Tea, coffee and drinking water will be available free of charge throughout the day
- Access to reference materials on the reef
- Translation Assistance. We pride ourselves on our internationally speaking crew. Each cruise is different but we do have Mandarin, Dutch, German and Indigenous staff
Optional Extras
- Guided Snorkel Safari Tour from $70 per adult
- Guided Snorkel Experience Tour from $60 per adult
- Introductory Diving from $99 per adult
- Certified Diving from $99 per adult (*$69 for second dive)
Full Itinerary
- 08:15 – Boarding commences at 8.15am with final boarding at 8.45am from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
- 09:00 – Depart Marlin Jetty Cairns and grab your complimentary snorkel & fins.
- 10:30 – The in-water activities commence at the Outer Great Barrier Reef where you’ll enjoy our pristine coral reef site before lunch and the next reef site after lunch.
- Approx 12:30 – Enjoy a delicious freshly prepared buffet lunch freshly prepared.
- 15:30 – Return snorkel, fins, life jacket and lycra suits. Depart the Reef and enjoy afternoon tea whilst interacting with the Cultural guides on board
- 17:00 – Arrive back in Cairns
FAQ
How long do we spend at the reef?
You will have approximately 5 hours to explore the reefs which is up to 2 hours longer than similar Outer Reef Cruises. You can snorkel just off the boat, join a guided snorkel tour, enjoy lunch and still have time to relax on the deck with a cool drink! You have time to do as much or as little as you like without the rush. Most guests will have travelled a long way to visit the Great Barrier Reef and with so much to see and do it is not something you want to hurry.
Do you offer coach transfers from my hotel?
We offer a coach service from Cairns from $25 per adult (return) & $35 per adult (return) from the Beaches.
What if the weather is bad?
In poor weather we are happy to move your booking without charge to the next most suitable day, subject to availability. In the rare event we deem the weather too bad to travel and you are unable to reschedule a full refund will be provided.
Will I get sea sick?
Hopefully not. This depends largely on the individual. Travelling on our fast, stable catamaran ensures the smoothest possible ride arriving at the stable Marine world platform in the shortest amount of time (90 minutes). If conditions are forecast 15 knots or below it will generally be smooth going. At 20 knots and above it can get a little bumpy at times however our skippers are skilled in picking the best route to our destination. If you are prone to other common forms of motion sickness such as travelling in a car or plane you may wish to take precautions. We have both natural Ginger Tablets as well as medicated Travel-Calm on board however these are preventative, not a cure, so should be taken approximately 30 minutes prior to departure for maximum benefit.
What is the temperature of the water?
December-February 29c, 83f. March-May 25c, 76f. June-August 22c, 72f . September-November 25c, 76f
Is there shelter and shade on the boat?
Our boat has sheltered area throughout for your comfort.
Do you still go out if it is raining?
Yes we do. You’re going to get wet anyhow and its more the wind and swell that determines the quality of your day not so much the rain. Even if it is raining in Cairns there is still a good chance conditions at the reef will be fine.
Can I cancel my tour or change my tour date?
Yes, you can cancel or amend your tour to a different date (subject to availability) if you notify us 24 hours or more prior to travel. If you need to cancel or change dates within 24 hours of travel a 100% cancellation fee applies Please note a ‘no show’ (where passengers do not turn up to the specified pick-up point or departure point without notification) automatically incurs a 100% cancellation fee.
Can I book an open dated voucher?
You can, however travel on the date you desire is subject to availability. It is your responsibility to contact us at least 3-4 days prior to confirm your actual travel date. If the booking date on your voucher is in a different rate period to that in which you travel a small extra charge may be payable to cover any rate increase.
I’m staying in Cairns but considering visiting the reef from Port Douglas. Is this possible?
You can but it is 65km’s (90 mins) in a bus from Cairns to Port Douglas and return. If you are staying in Cairns or the Northern Beaches of Cairns (Trinity Beach, Palm Cove, Kewarra Beach) we would advise you to travel on a Cairns based boat such as us or Reef Magic. It makes no sense having to get up extra early & extend your day when you can relax over breakfast and spend more of your day at the reef, not in a car or bus.
What’s the best day to travel?
Christmas day always runs full with Christmas orphans (travellers away from home) however no particular day of the week is busier or more suitable than the next. Pick the day with the best weather during your stay in Cairns and get out there! Low winds are more important than sunshine for an enjoyable reef day.
Do you ever cancel?
On very rare occasions, tours can be subject to the effect of weather or unforeseen circumstances. If a tour does not operate for any reason, passengers will be offered a full refund or an alternative day of travel.
Can I pay with Credit Card? EFTPOS? Travelers’ Cheques?
We happily accept both Visa & MasterCard as well as having EFT facilities both at check-in and on the boat. Travelers’ Cheques must be in $AUD with supporting identification / photo Id such as passport. No personal cheque’s will be accepted without prior clearance. The nearest foreign money exchange is Global Money Exchange, located at 69 Abbott St, Cairns City. Phone ahead for opening hours on +61 7 4031 7272
Is the trip suitable for children and babies?
Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel is suitable for all ages, however if you have babies we recommend you spend your day at our family friendly Reef Magic Cruises pontoon which include infant enclosed swimming area and more space for the family. Adult supervision is required at all times for children under 16 years of age and is not the responsibility of Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel. Floatation devices such as buoyancy vests and noodles are available. Snorkelling equipment, Wet suits and Lycra suits are also available in children’s sizes.
I am driving to the marina, where can I leave the car?
The Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal / Marlin Marina is located at 1 Spence Street. Opposite us is the Pier Marketplace Shopping Centre and Shangri-La hotel. You can park outdoors behind the Pier Marketplace for approximately $2.00 cents/hr or under the Shangri-La in secure parking for around $20/day. If you don’t mind a short walk there is a $4.30 car park outside Trinity Wharf on Wharf street, a flat 5 minutes walk from our check-in. Parking is free in the street after 1400 on Saturday and all day on Sunday.
Can I take a pram on board the boat?
The Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel vessels are pram-friendly with ramp access and wide aisles. Please notify us if you are bringing a pram on board.
Can we sit anywhere on the boat?
You are free to sit where ever you please, except areas signed as staff only. We have an air-conditioned cabin on lower deck or breathe in that fresh clean air outside on the upper rear deck. For your own safety try not to move around the boat too much when the boat in underway, especially in rough weather.
What do I need to bring?
Hat, Towel, Sunscreen, Sunglasses, something to swim in, a dry change of clothes, cash or credit card for optional activities and onboard purchases such as souvenirs, professional photos from our on-board photographer or a drink from the bar.
Are there toilets, showers & changing rooms at the reef?
There are toilets on the boat accessible at all times throughout the day. Fresh water rinse showers and bathrooms are available.
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