2 Day Liveaboard Tour | Reef Encounter
Departure Times
Departure Point: Cairns Marlin Marina, Cairns
Pricing Options
Make a splash and explore the best of the Great Barrier Reef aboard Reef Encounter!
- Enjoy ample snorkelling and diving over 2 adventure-filled days
- Stylish accommodation, air-conditioning, and onboard entertainment features
- Avid snorkellers, intro divers, and certified divers of all ages welcome
- Join the Top Deck Club for tailored, exclusive service
- Flexibility to stay and play for as little or as long as you like
Searching for a longer trip? Ask us about extended Reef Encounter stays!
Overview
Combining world-renowned Outer Reef destinations with ample snorkelling and diving opportunities, the Reef Encounter 2 Day 1 Night Liveaboard Tour is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience!
Explore coral reefs, spot local marine species, relax aboard spacious decks, and enjoy knowledgeable marine life commentary. The 35-metre purpose-built catamaran boasts air-conditioned comfort, a spacious spa, and vast deck, dining and recreation areas. Perfect for all ages, Reef Encounter additionally offers the flexibility to stay and play for up to 4 days!
Highlights
- 35-metre catamaran hotel
- Designed for optimal comfort and stability
- Overnight twin/double share cabins with private en suites
- Option to join the Top Deck Club for tailored luxury and service
- Ample daily snorkelling and diving options
- Night diving for certified divers
- Scuba diving demonstration and instruction
- Onboard chef preparing fresh, delicious meals
- Licensed onboard bar
- Hydraulic lowered dive/snorkel platform for seamless reef access
- Helipad for scenic helicopter tours over the Great Barrier Reef (optional)
- Sun deck with the perfect vantage point
- Onboard air-conditioning
- Spacious entertainment areas
- All Reef Levy fees included
Holiday Surcharges
- PLEASE NOTE: A Peak Season holiday surcharge of $100pp for travel between 2nd April 2026 and 7th April 2026, between 23rd December 2026 and 1st January 2027, and between 25th March 2027 and 30th March 2027 - payable on board the day of travel.
Sample Itinerary
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Snorkelling
Enjoy ample time snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, one of the natural wonders of the world! All equipment and tuition is included and our purpose-built snorkel platform makes getting in and out of the water smooth and easy. A perfect activity for guests of all ages and experiences to explore the reef below - it's time to make a splash!
Resort / Introductory Diving...
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Reef Sites
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With over 15 individual sites to choose from, Reef Encounter's experienced crew will ensure you enjoy the best conditions for the day. From sprawling coral gardens to countless species of reef fish, a unique and spectacular experience is guaranteed each and every time!
Check out some of the most renowned sites on Reef Encounter's itinerary
- Norman Reef - A diverse, stunning reef perfect for bot...
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With over 15 individual sites to choose from, Reef Encounter's experienced crew will ensure you enjoy the best conditions for the day. From sprawling coral gardens to countless species of reef fish, a unique and spectacular experience is guaranteed each and every time!
Check out some of the most renowned sites on Reef Encounter's itinerary
- Norman Reef - A diverse, stunning reef perfect for both introductory and advanced divers
- Saxon Reef - A quieter section of reef with shallow coral formations and unique marine life
- Hastings Reef - 10km radius of reef ecosystem packed with sea creatures and fascinating corals
- Breaking Patches - A kaleidoscope of corals near Michaelmas Cay on the Outer Reef
Accommodation
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Top Deck Club
Offering exclusive, tailored service the Top Deck Club is here to take care of all your needs whilst on board Reef Encounter! Much like 'first class' this indulgent option is perfect for those holidaymakers who want optimal luxury and personalised service during their trip. Perks in...
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Important Information
- Child rates for standard Twin Share or Double cabins are not available. All guests aged 2 years and over must pay the full adult rate unless they are a child aged 11 years or under travelling as a third person in a cabin with two full-paying adults:
- For infants (0–1 years), a flat rate of $75 per night applies, which includes cot hire and incidentals. Please consult with a booking agent to make a booking including an infant.
- For children (2–11 years), a rollaway bed may be available for use as the third person in the cabin. This option is available on request only.
- Please note divers may be subject to a medical questionnaire before they are able to dive. For more diving information please read the scuba diving medical questionnaire
- Resort/ Introductory divers must be at least 12 years old
- Travel over Public Holiday periods may incur additional charges on check-in
- Outdoor, freshwater hot-tub - Currently not operational
What To Bring
- Overnight bag - If you wish to store any excess luggage, you can store it at the Reef Encounter office (100 Abbott Street, Cairns).
- For safety reasons, Reef Encounter has a no-shoe policy. (There is no need to bring extra pairs of shoes)
- Cash or credit card for purchases of snacks from the bar/souvenirs for sale on-board or underwater camera hire.
- Sun hat, swimming clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, light casual clothing.
- As the air-conditioning is on a set temperature for the heat during the day it can become quite cool in the evenings, even just being on the Great Barrier Reef can be cooler at night-time, therefore a light long-sleeved pullover, cardigan should be taken.
- Dive medical if required
- Proof of certification if you are a certified scuba diver.
* Sleeping Bags are NOT permitted
* Reef Encounter has a fully licensed bar - NO BYO!
What's Included
Reef Encounter Stateroom Inclusions
- Twin or Double Stateroom with private bathroom
- Chef prepared meals
- Reef Levies, Management Fee and Fuel Surcharge
- Marine Biologist presentation when transfers are done by Reef Experience
- All dive and snorkelling equipment, except wetsuits
- Free scuba lessons for snorkellers and dive equipment
- Coffee, Tea & Milo are available all day while vessel is not underway
- Fresh fruit is always available on board Reef Encounter
Reef Encounter Top Deck Club Additional Inclusions
- Dedicated personal Valet service for the entirety of the stay
- Private snorkel or dive guide available at all times
- Australian Sparkling wine & sunset cocktails
- Breakfast served to stateroom
- Turn down service
- Romantic dinners under the stars (weather permitting)
- Wetsuits
What's Extra
All extras payable on board:
- Wetsuit Hire - $5pp per day
- Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour - $40pp
- Scuba Diving
- Scuba Refresher Course - $60pp
- SSI Nitrox Scuba Dive Course - $250pp (Nitrox fills not included)
- SSI Advanced Adventure Dive Course - $275pp
- SSI Referral Dive Package - $320pp
- SSI Skill Review Course - $145
- 1st Intro Dive $85pp
- Additional Intro Dives $75pp
- 1st, Night, and Additional Certified Dives $55pp per dive
- Guided dive package for certified divers when prebooked $10pp per dive
- Guided dives for certified divers when booked onboard $15pp per dive
- Helicopter transfers (please enquire)
- Underwater cameras for hire - from $100pp per day
- Prescription masks - $10pp per day
- Drinks, snacks, cameras, souvenirs, t-shirts etc.
- Please Note: Travel over Public Holiday and Peak Season periods may incur additional charges on check-in.
Please note divers may be subject to a medical questionnaire before they are able to dive. Please click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.
Cot Hire and Rollaway Beds
Cot hire and children’s beds are available add-ons that may be selected during your online booking. Cot hire is available for babies aged 0-2 years. Small rollaway beds are available for children aged 2-11 years and will go in the room with the parents/guardians. Rollaway beds are available upon request only. Children aged 12 years and above must have a standard bed.
Holiday Surcharge
A Peak Season holiday surcharge of $100pp for travel between 2nd April 2026 and 7th April 2026, between 23rd December 2026 and 1st January 2027, and between 25th March 2027 and 30th March 2027 - payable on board the day of travel.
*Prices subject to changes without notice.
Cancellations
20% cancellation fee for any cancellations made outside of 7 days prior to departure.
100% cancellation fee for cancellations made within 7 days of the departure date.
A refund in the event of cancellation is subject to both our Cancellation Policy and the terms of the supplier.
Terms and Conditions
Our Terms & Conditions apply to this experience. Please review them before booking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit on this tour?
Cot hire is available for babies aged 0-2 years. Small rollaway beds are available for children 2-11 years and will go in the room with the parents/guardians. Children aged 12 years and above must have a standard bed. Prams and pushchairs are welcome onboard, however, they can be stored at the Reef Encounter Office in town if needed.
How many dives do we get to do?
You can do up to four dives in total during this 2-day, 1-night tour with Reef Encounter! You can choose either four day dives or three day dives and one night dive.
Can we BYO?
No, this is a fully licensed vessel so you can purchase drinks on board!
Is hotel pickup available?
Bus transfers to and from your accommodation to Cairns Marlin Marina are available at an additional cost. Please contact +61 740 372 700 to arrange.
Is there a public holiday surcharge?
Yes, a Peak Season holiday surcharge of $100pp for travel between 28/03/2024 to 02/04/2024 AND from the 23/12/2024 to 01/01/2025 - payable on board the day of travel.
Which reef sites do we visit on Reef Encounter?
The reef sites will be chosen on the day by the captain based on the conditions. This ensures everyone gets the best possible experience! Possible reef sites include:
Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7 / 5.0
Based on 3 reviews
