On this 8-hour tour from Cairns, cruise out to an activity platform on the outer Great Barrier Reef for a day of exploring this natural wonder in different ways.
Reef Magic's location is selected for its water clarity, coral quality, and diversity of marine life, which you can see while snorkeling or taking a tour by glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible vessel.
Learn about the wildlife from on-board marine biologists, and choose to participate in more activities, if you wish, like scuba diving or a helicopter ride (additional expense). All ages and swimming abilities are welcome. Buffet lunch is included as well as morning and afternoon tea.
Posted By : worldhippevani
Lots of amazing things about this tour:
- so much more than entertainment. You have a team of marine biologists on board and multiple opportunities to learn about ongoing research, ask them about conservation and much more. Basically, hang out with the biologists - they are friendly and great.
- the start location is really easy to find. You have a morning pastry, tea, coffee, water, lunch and a light snack all provided. It is an all day event
- lots of care given to safety. I most appreciated their availability of prescription masks for snorkeling and stinger suits for bigger bodied people, children etc.
- I didn't get to just sit and sunbathe as planned as they offer you multiple things to keep you busy. Glassboat tours and a semi submerged boat are included for free. Would highly recommend the snorkeling/ di img tours. My guide Jemma (I hope the name is right) was incredible and did the tour even though it was just me this morning. There is fish feeding, a cultural presentation, an underground observatory and much more.
- they have a photographer available that can help take pics of you. They also have a fantastic waterproof smart phone cover that worked like magic for me and helped me take my own pics and videos.
- it felt like we were one of the last boats to return, which also leaves you a lot of time to be in the water and pontoon and explore
General tips:
I'm not usually sea sick but the knward journey was a bit brutal. Please consider getting the sea sickness tablet or ginger candy from the staff to help.
Get a table soon. I traveled solo and kept looking for some where to sit. There were a few spaces but people had them reserved or kept them for members of their party.
If at all anything could be improved:
Take a towel from your hotel. Towels are available for purchase only on board.
Stay off the coral. And the crew will remind you of the same. They are live organisms and I am not the strongest swimmer and found myself drifting in their direction. It can damage them and also give you sharp cuts.
Improvements if any:
The food didn't work for me, especially as a vegetarian. But that's possibly an individual thing and might very well work for others.
Would recommend this experience and the add ons for every age of traveler. There's something for everyone.
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Posted On : 2024-05-06 03:44:52 
Posted By : Lynette P
Such a great day out at the reef . Staff were amazing , caring , helpful, knowledgeable. And a great experience, great food .
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Posted On : 2024-04-20 04:24:01
Posted By : Quest58548485814
Had a great experience dive with the instructor Takuya!!! This was my first tine to dive into the ocean and he is so patient to take care of me and my partner while taught us snokeling skills !! Best instructor!! Definitely deserves 5 stars!! And all the crew members!!
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Posted On : 2024-04-04 03:03:55
Posted By : Lemonade678
Checked a bucket list item!!
Weak swimmer was able to safely explore the reef with Ethan, marine biologist. Saw so many amazing fish and the reef was gorgeous.
The Heli ride was also a lot of fun and very professionally done
Overall very well organized, excellent crew and facilities incl lunch. Perfect day
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Posted On : 2024-04-04 02:38:14
Posted By : B1032OMjamesh
Hey, just returned from a Reef Magic trip to their pontoon platform. Great fun! I’d give the crew 6 STARS for assisting with all the seasick passengers this morning ( the seas were quite rough). Fantastic snorkeling; saw 3 (yes, three) sea turtles on the glass bottom boat ride (thank you Captain Dee!); had wonderful curry at the buffet. This crew has fun, works their ass off, and made the day!
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Posted On : 2024-03-30 03:35:13
Posted By : TRISH
The ability to get up close to so many fish and the beautiful coral colours. Wonderful lunch and very helpful and friendly staff. Very professional operation.
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Posted On : 2024-03-27 20:50:57 
Posted By : Naruhisa_O
We had an amazing time on a trip to the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Unlimited! This was the best snorkeling experience we have ever had. The ocean water was crystal clear, and the coral reef was filled with a variety of fish - it did not disappoint. We would like to give a huge shout-out to Kaitlin, a marine biologist, and Takuya, a Japanese-native scuba instructor, whose knowledge and helpful attitude made the trip even more enjoyable.
Tip: The one-way trip to the pontoon takes about 90 minutes. We highly recommend taking anti-nausea medication to prevent seasickness.
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Posted On : 2024-03-27 13:29:55
Posted By : 柳瀬海
This was my first time snorkeling in Australia, and I had a great time seeing all kinds of fish and coral!
A buffet-like meal was served for lunch. Personally, I thought the curry rice was delicious. We have a Japanese guide, so even Japanese people who are not very good at English can enjoy snorkeling without hesitation.
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Posted On : 2024-03-22 01:55:06
Posted By : Barbara_M
One nervous explorer and one more adventurous; and we BOTH had an excellent time! The Great Barrier Reef did not disappoint it was an amazing experience. The crew was knowledgeable and helpful we are so happy that we did this trip. (Tip-purchase a waterproof bag for your phone and practice ahead of time. I had to use my timer to take photos. Also, head out with a battery pack so that you hit the water with 100% charge.)
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Posted On : 2024-03-17 02:56:45
Posted By : Ron_F
The multiple activities and experiences were amazing and the crew as well made it very enjoyable. The only item I would say could be improved was the food selection as curry chicken/vegetables was served and members of my family did not eat that type of cuisine. Regardless, they made do with the salad and veggie dishes.
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Posted On : 2024-03-08 20:57:26
