Tusa Half-Day Outer Reef Snorkel Tour
The Tusa Half-Day Outer Reef Snorkel Tour is a small-group trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef, departing Cairns in the morning and returning by 2pm. The vessel travels to Saxon Reef or Hastings Reef, with the site chosen each day based on conditions for the best visibility. Guests get up to 2 hours of snorkelling with marine experts, and there is an optional introductory dive available with a PADI instructor. The tour is capped at 60 guests and operates on Tusa's modern, stable vessel with a professional photographer onboard.
Features:
- Snorkelling gear including mask, snorkel and fins
- Guided snorkel session with marine experts
- All safety equipment
- Optional introductory dive with PADI instructor (if booked)
- Professional photographer onboard
- Reef site selected daily for best conditions
- Small group limited to 60 guests
Itinerary: Departure from Cairns
The vessel departs from A-Finger at Cairns Marina at 9am. During the journey to the outer reef, guests receive a briefing on the day's snorkelling activities and safety information from the crew.
Outer Reef Snorkelling The vessel arrives at the reef site at approximately 10:30am. The site is either Saxon Reef or Hastings Reef, selected by the skipper each morning based on weather and water conditions. Guests have up to 2 hours in the water with a guided snorkel session led by marine experts. Those who have booked the optional introductory dive will be taken through their dive experience with a PADI instructor. A professional photographer is onboard to capture the experience.
Return to Cairns
The vessel departs the reef and returns to Cairns Marina by 2pm.
Meeting Point and Times:
- A-Finger, Cairns Marina
- Check-in at 8:40am
- Departure at 9:00am
- Approximate arrival at reef at 10:30am
- Reef time from 10:30am to 12:30pm
- Return to Cairns at 2:00pm
- Operates Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Launching 19 March 2026
What To Bring:
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- T-shirt to snorkel in
- Towel
- Swimmers
Additional Information:
Children aged 4 to 14 years are welcome on the snorkel tour. The introductory dive option is available for guests aged 12 and over. Photos taken by the onboard photographer are available for purchase.
Instant Booking and Mobile-Friendly Tickets:
Check availability and book here to secure your Tusa Reef Tours Half-Day Outer Reef Snorkel Tour Pre-booking is essential. Please do not turn up on the day without a booking.
Reviews
I had an amazing day diving with TUSA. I couldn't fault the trip at all. The crew onboard, the food, dive sites and the vessel were fantastic. It really is the best dive vessel for a day trip in Cairns.
Out of all the dive sites I have seen the whole setup with Tusa T5 has been the best I have seen in a par with the red sea shames its just so far away
Very professional operation with good equipment and high safety standards.The diving was superb
I will most definitly recomend them to fellow divers going to the barrier reef.
Tusa 5 was a great boat to go out to reef on. I have been with them on a number of occassions over the years and have never been disappointed.
The boat was fantastic. Lots of room and very new.
The staff were very helpful and the lunch plentiful.
Every team member has excellent personalities. Top managment. Well orgnised for all the activities. Very warm welcome. We certainly will come back for Tusa T5 next time. I will tell all my friend about how good you are! Thanks again.
Meeting Point and Times:
Meeting Point: A-Finger, Cairns Marina
Check-in: 8:40am
Departure: 9:00am
Return to Cairns at 2:00pm
Operates Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
