Ocean Freedom
Departure Times
Departure Point: Cairns - Reef Fleet Terminal
Pricing Options
Cruise to Upolu Cay and the outer edge of Upolu Reef on an incredible day trip with Ocean Freedom!
- Exciting water activities in a small group setting
- Visit two stunning sites for exceptional snorkelling and scuba diving
- Glass bottom boat tours are offered for a new point-of-view
- Six hours exploring the Great Barrier Reef
- The ONLY boat with 2:1 Introductory Scuba Dive Dive ratio (just you, the instructor and one other!)
Overview
Ocean Freedom cruises in style and speed to the Great Barrier Reef, providing you with a first-class way to experience this natural paradise. Guests can enjoy personalised snorkelling, certified and introductory diving and a glass bottom boat tour.
The luxury cruiser is the first boat to arrive at the pristine Upolu Cay, allowing yours to be the first footsteps on its golden beaches. You are guaranteed a ratio of two divers to one instructor on your very first intro dive to ensure you get maximum enjoyment and safety!
Highlights
- Adventure drift snorkelling tour with a marine naturalist
- Snorkelling tuition included
- Opportunity to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef
- Top quality snorkelling equipment
- Buoyancy snorkel vests provided
- Lycra suits or wet suits (depending on the season)
- Reef presentation by marine interpreter
- Visit two pristine reef destinations
- Six hours exploring gems of the Great Barrier Reef
- Tea and coffee throughout the day
- Large smorgasbord lunch with seafood
- Platters of tropical fruit, cheese, crackers and cake on way home
- Freshwater showers on board
- Prescription masks available
- High crew-to-guest ratio
- Glass bottom boat tour
Important Information
- 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.
- There is a $20 reef levy to be paid on arrival. This is included in the advertised price but is not collected during booking.
Sample Itinerary
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Board at 7:30 am
Board Ocean Freedom at 7:30 am at A Finger no 5. in Cairns. Enjoy a morning tea or coffee and pastries in the comfortable lounge onboard. Following an introductory safety brief you can kick back, relax and enjoy the one-hour cruise to Upolu Cay on the Great Barrier Reef. Lunch is served buffet style at 11:30 am in between the first and second reef sites, with a large smorgasbor...
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Reef Sites
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Ocean Freedom is the first boat to arrive at the beautiful Upolu Cay so that you can enjoy it uninterrupted! This pristine sand island is surrounded by stunning turquoise water and many types of corals, reef fishes, stingrays, cucumbers, and sea stars. This is an amazing introduction to the Great Barrier Reef.
Upolu Reef is your second destination of the day, located on the O...
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Ocean Freedom is the first boat to arrive at the beautiful Upolu Cay so that you can enjoy it uninterrupted! This pristine sand island is surrounded by stunning turquoise water and many types of corals, reef fishes, stingrays, cucumbers, and sea stars. This is an amazing introduction to the Great Barrier Reef.
Upolu Reef is your second destination of the day, located on the Outer Edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Wonder Wall is located on the Outer Edge of Upolu Reef. Here you will find hard and soft corals, giant clams and turtles along with a huge diversity of fish of all sizes. You can snorkel or dive here, with both introductory and certified divers welcome. There is also a snorkel tour available with our marine naturalist, who will show you all the cool things in this part of the reef!
Important Information
- $20 Reef Levy to pay on arrival (included in advertised price, but not paid until arrival).
- Please note that divers will be subject to a medical questionnaire and must meet the supplier's requirements before they are able to dive.
What To Bring
- Swimwear
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Cash or card for any onboard purchases
- Dive certification (if applicable)
What's Included
- Snorkelling tuition
- Snorkelling equipment (masks, fins, snorkel and prescription mask)
- Buoyancy snorkel vests and lycra suits or wet suits (depending on season)
- Marine Naturalist or Master Reef Guide
- Glass bottom boat coral viewing session
- Reef talk by Marine Interpreter / Master Reef Guide
- 2 Reef destinations on the day (“Wonder Wall” on Outer Edge Upolu reef & Upolu Cay Reef)
- 6 full hours on the Reef
- Tea and coffee
- Fresh fruit and Danish pastries
- Seafood smorgasbord lunch
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Fish feed
- Fresh water showers
What's Extra
- $20 Reef Levy to pay on arrival (included in advertised price, but not paid during booking)
- Coach transfers
- $24 Inner city return per person
- $35 Northern Beaches, as far as Palm Cove, return per person
- Refreshments
- Underwater cameras
- Merchandise
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.
*Pricing subject to changes without notice.
Cancellations
Free Cancellation Until 24 Hours Before Departure. No shows or client cancellations made within 24 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price.
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
Where does the boat depart from and what time?
Check in starts at 7:15 am at the Ocean Free/Ocean Freedom desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St Cairns. The Ocean Freedom boat is located at A Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina. Boarding begins at 7:30am for an 8am departure.
How long does it take to get out to the reef?
It takes about 1 hour to get to Upolu Reef.
When do we return back to Cairns?
You will arrive back into Cairns Marina around 4pm - 4:15pm
Are special dietary requirements catered for?
Ocean Freedom offers three different types of salads and breads, but can also order a vegetarian meal for you on request. If you have any other dietary needs, please let the reservations team know when you book.
Should I be worried about sharks?
There are black and white tipped reef sharks on the reef, but they are very shy. They pose no threat to humans and we count ourselves very lucky if we see them! Seeing reef sharks is considered a good sign of a healthy underwater ecosystem.
Are bus transfers included?
Transfers are available for an additional cost. Return transfers from Cairns City are $24 pp, and return transfers from the Outer Suburbs and Northern Beaches are $35 pp. This needs to be pre-booked at least 24 hours prior to your date of travel directly through the operator on +61 7 4052 1111.
What if I’m prone to sea sickness?
If you are prone to seasickness, please take a preventative medication 20 mins before you board the boat. The crew are there to look after you at all times. The boat is also mainly open with lots of fresh air, so can be a better option than some closed style boats.
How many hours do we spend out on the reef?
You will have 6 glorious hours to experience the Upolu Reef and Cay area, so there is absolutely no rush in the day. Ocean Freedom is the only Great Barrier Reef tour that offers this amount of reef time!
What if I’m not a good swimmer, can I still snorkel?
Yes, you can! Ocean Freedom has a range of buoyancy vests and aids available for you to use. There are also snorkel stations in the water for you to hold on to when you need to. If you are still in need of assistance, a member of staff can come in the water with you until you feel more confident. Ocean Freedom will have a crew member on watch at all times, keeping an eye on all snorkelers, swimmers and divers ready to offer help if necessary.
Can I scuba dive without any prior experience?
Yes! Anyone who is in general good health can experience an introductory scuba dive. In fact, diving is easier than snorkelling when taken by Ocean Freedom’s experienced instructors. There are certain medical conditions that may prevent you from diving, such as asthma, epilepsy and heart conditions. All divers must complete a dive medical questionnaire onboard the boat. Please speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. Ocean Freedom also offers a guaranteed 1:2 dive instructor to diver ratio. Most other boats offer 1:4.
Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9 / 5.0
Based on 35 reviews
