Ocean Freedom’s luxurious fast catamaran whisks passengers away on an unforgettable 9-hour Great Barrier Reef cruise, offering an intimate and indulgent experience with just 75 guests on board, complete with modern amenities, personalized service, and unparalleled access to two exclusive reef locations. As the sun rises over the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, passengers embark on a day of discovery, indulging in snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat tours. With expert crew, gourmet buffet lunch, and refreshing drinks, every moment is tailored for comfort and wonder. As the reef’s secrets unfold, guests will discover the unforgettable awaits just beyond the horizon.
Key Points
• Ocean Freedom offers a 9-hour luxury cruise to the Great Barrier Reef with six hours of reef exploration at two unique locations.
• The intimate cruise caters to a maximum of 75 passengers, ensuring a personalized experience with modern amenities on board.
• Snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat tours are available, with expert crew and guides providing a seamless experience.
• The cruise includes a buffet lunch, confectionery, and drinks, as well as towels, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear for all passengers.
• The luxurious fast catamaran, Ocean Freedom, operates under the highest safety standards, with a focus on passenger safety and reef conservation.
More great tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview and Highlights
On a luxurious fast catamaran, this exceptional 9-hour Great Barrier Reef cruise whisks passengers away to an unforgettable aquatic adventure, boasting six full hours of exploration at two uniquely different reef locations.
With a maximum of 75 passengers on board, this intimate cruise ensures a personalized experience.
The lavish vessel is equipped with modern amenities, providing the ultimate comfort while navigating the turquoise waters.
As the catamaran glides across the reef, passengers can indulge in a range of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat tours.
The expert crew ensures a seamless experience, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
Departure and Itinerary Details
With the morning sun casting a golden glow over the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, passengers embark on an unforgettable journey, departing at 07:15 am for a day of unparalleled discovery on the Great Barrier Reef.
Prior to departure, they’re treated to coffee, tea, and light snacks, followed by a comprehensive safety briefing from the expert crew.
The luxurious fast catamaran then sets off on its 9-hour voyage, with six full hours spent exploring two uniquely different reef locations.
The carefully curated itinerary ensures a seamless and indulgent experience, with a delicious buffet lunch and informative tours and activities along the way.
Reef Exploration and Activities
As the luxury catamaran reaches the pristine waters of Upolu Cay, passengers prepare to enjoy an unforgettable reef exploration experience, where the vibrant colors and diversity of marine life await.
The expert crew provides a comprehensive safety briefing before guests can indulge in a glass-bottom boat tour, offering a glimpse into the reef’s hidden world.
A snorkeling tour with a marine naturalist follows, allowing passengers to discover the intricate ecosystem up close.
The informative Adventure Drift Snorkel Tour takes guests to the outer edge of Upolu Reef, where they can marvel at the Wonder Wall site.
With freshwater showers and confectionery to refresh and recharge, passengers are treated to a truly indulgent reef exploration experience.
Snorkeling and Diving Options
Beyond the crystal-clear waters, a world of snorkeling and diving options unfolds, catering to both beginners and seasoned explorers alike, with certified instructors and top-notch equipment ensuring a safe and unforgettable experience.
Snorkelers can explore the vibrant coral and marine life at Upolu Cay, while scuba divers can take the plunge at the Wonder Wall site, an outer reef location renowned for its stunning coral formations.
With guided tours and expert instruction, guests can discover the underwater world with confidence.
For those seeking a more personalized experience, optional certified or introductory dives are available, complete with a diving medical questionnaire to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What’s Included in the Tour
Upon boarding the luxury fast catamaran, guests are treated to an array of inclusions that elevate their Great Barrier Reef experience, from top-quality snorkeling gear to guided tours and indulgent treats.
Snorkeling equipment, including masks, flippers, and buoyancy vests, is provided, along with wetsuits or lycra suits depending on the season.
A marine naturalist guides the snorkeling tour, while freshwater showers and an informative Glass Bottom Boat Tour add to the indulgence.
Confectionery, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are also included, ensuring a pampered experience.
With a guided Adventure Drift Snorkel Tour and a delicious buffet lunch, every detail is thoughtfully considered to create an unforgettable experience on the Great Barrier Reef.
Upgrading Your Experience
For those seeking an even more extraordinary experience, optional activities are available to take their Great Barrier Reef adventure to the next level.
Indulge in certified or introductory dives, exploring the reef’s hidden treasures beneath the surface. Alternatively, opt for a guided snorkeling tour, delving deeper into the reef’s vibrant ecosystem.
To upgrade your experience, consider the following:
Certified Dives: Take the plunge with one or two certified dives, exploring the reef’s depths with an expert guide.
Introductory Dives: Discover the thrill of scuba diving with a one or two introductory dive experience.
Guided Snorkeling Tour: Join a guided snorkeling tour, exploring the reef’s hidden coves and vibrant marine life.
Private Charters: Treat yourself to a private charter, tailoring the experience to your group’s preferences and schedule.
These optional activities promise to elevate your Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise experience, creating unforgettable memories in this aquatic wonderland.
Safety and Medical Considerations
As Ocean Freedom prioritizes the well-being of its passengers, a rigorous safety protocol is in place to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all, while also considering specific medical requirements that may impact participation in certain activities. This includes a thorough briefing on safety procedures and emergency response plans. Plus, all passengers are required to complete a medical questionnaire prior to participating in scuba diving or snorkeling activities.
| Medical Consideration | Impact on Participation | Required Documentation |
| Cardiovascular conditions | May preclude scuba diving | Doctor’s clearance |
| Pregnancy | May preclude scuba diving and snorkeling | Doctor’s clearance |
| Recent surgeries | May preclude scuba diving and snorkeling | Doctor’s clearance |
Ocean Freedom’s expert crew is trained to handle any medical situation that may arise, providing peace of mind for all passengers.
Reviews and Passenger Ratings
Ocean Freedom’s impressive 5.0-star rating, garnered from a staggering 1,310 reviews, is a testament to the exceptional service and unforgettable experiences provided by the cruise operator.
This remarkable achievement is a direct result of the crew’s dedication to delivering personalized attention, ensuring that every passenger feels pampered and cared for throughout their journey.
Passengers rave about the friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive crew who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience.
The snorkeling experience is often described as ‘magical’ and ‘unforgettable,’ with many praising the crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.
Reviewers consistently praise the professional service, citing the crew’s expertise and attention to detail as key factors in their exceptional experience.
Many passengers comment on the excellent value for money, citing the luxurious amenities, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences as just a few reasons why Ocean Freedom stands out from the competition.
Preparing for Your Adventure
Seventy-five passengers at a time are entrusted to the capable hands of Ocean Freedom’s expert crew, who meticulously prepare each traveler for an unforgettable adventure on the Great Barrier Reef.
As they board the luxury catamaran, they’re greeted with coffee, tea, and light snacks to fuel their excitement.
A comprehensive safety briefing ensues, ensuring everyone’s aware of the day’s itinerary and necessary precautions.
The crew then distributes snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and lycra suits, depending on the season, to guarantee a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
With all necessary preparations in place, passengers are ready to embark on their extraordinary journey, primed to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
We've also reviewed these nearby activities
Common questions
Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions for This Tour?
Before embarking on any aquatic adventure, it’s essential to consider age and health restrictions. Generally, most snorkeling and diving tours require participants to be in good physical health, with no severe medical conditions, and be at least eight years old.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling or Diving Equipment?
She can bring her own snorkeling gear, but it’s not necessary, as high-quality equipment is provided; however, if she has a specific preference, she’s welcome to bring it along for a more personalized experience.
Are There Any Lockers or Storage Available on the Catamaran?
She wonders if there’s a secure space on board to stash her belongings, and indeed, there are lockers and storage areas available on the luxury catamaran, providing peace of mind while she explores the reef.
Can I Purchase Photos Taken by the Crew During the Tour?
During the tour, she can indeed purchase photos taken by the crew, capturing unforgettable moments of her underwater escapade, with the option to relive the experience through professionally shot, high-quality images.
Is Wi-Fi Available on the Boat During the Trip?
As she embarks on her luxury cruise, she wonders if she’ll stay connected; unfortunately, Wi-Fi isn’t available on the boat, allowing her to fully unplug and indulge in the breathtaking reef surroundings.
Not for you? Here's a few more great experiences in the region
- 6-Day Best of Cairns Including the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda and the Daintree Rainforest
- Fly to Moore Reef & Cruise Return
- Bungy Jump & Giant Swing Combo in Skypark Cairns Australia
- Private Boutique Tasting Tour in the Cairns Tablelands
- Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise From Cairns
- Cairns History Walking Tour
- Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise
- Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, From Cairns
- Night at the Aquarium Tour
- Luxury Van, Private Transfer, Cairns Airport – Palm Cove.
- Private Waterfall and Rainforest Day Tour
Final Words
As the catamaran glides back to shore, she reflects on the unforgettable experiences etched in her memory.
The Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise has exceeded her wildest expectations, delivering an indulgent fusion of adventure, relaxation, and unparalleled natural beauty.
With every moment meticulously crafted to impress, this luxurious journey has left an indelible mark, beckoning her to return to the majestic Great Barrier Reef.