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 : pay_all
We were truly confused on which tour company to join after reading many reviews of multiple companies. I am glad we chose Reef Magic. Their service was impeccable. Right from the boarding point. It was informative. Instructions were provided and easy to follow. We didn’t have a full capacity boat so that helped as well. No real long lines for anything.
I highly recommend the semi submersible don’t miss it. The glass bottom was fairly average. The snorkelling is right near the pontoon so even if you are not confident you can definitely with the help of a life jacket paddle your way across. Since we only snorkelled and didn’t dive, the coral reef is mainly bleached. Having said that the marine life is rich and you would see a wide variety of colourful fish. I was a bit disappointed with the lack of coral colour unfortunately. I actually didn’t like the idea of them feeding the fish it’s out of the natural experience and quite commercial to do that. You get good pictures.
The food could definitely have scope for improvement - it’s not bad but not great for sure. Highly recommend taking the chewable tablet for sea sickness. They offer free ginger ones to swallow onboard and charge for the chewables. We were fine both ways with that even though the water was pretty choppy. Overall a good experience with this tour company. They kept coming up to passengers to ask if we felt ok or needed anything on the 90 min ride each way. Hope this helps.
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Posted On : 2024-05-25 22:13:13 
Posted By : WaggaTraveller
This was absolutely exceptional. The staff on the boat were amazing. From safety demonstrations from information from personality they just fit the bill and were absolutely top-notch. Some people were seasick because it was a rather rough day, and their attention and support was second to none. When you arrive at the Reef magic pontoon, there are a number of amazing activities to enjoy. Although the weather was grey rainy and windy on the day we went, this did not detract from the overall experience. I particularly recommend the opportunity to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. The equipment is so clean and up-to-date. The support you receive from the staff to make sure you are safe and comfortable and also interacting appropriately with the wildlife and the reef is second to none. I cannot more highly recommend this from the food, from the comfort, from the equipment it is absolutely not to be missed.
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Posted On : 2024-05-19 06:34:12
Posted By : Gerald_Z
Good trip. Husband got to dive and I got to have my feet in the ocean off 5he pontoon. Glass bottom boat and semi submersible were also included. We got a helicopter ride too (extra, but worth it).
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Posted On : 2024-05-13 23:54:36 
Posted By : kanakot981
Speaks Japanese, so even beginners can safely dive!
This time, my father and I went diving with a Japanese guide, Takuya. My father couldn't speak English, and it was his first time diving, so he seemed very anxious, but Takuya gave him very careful and fun instruction, so it was a safe and wonderful experience. During the dive, he checked his physical condition every time we progressed and told us many things to see in the ocean. We are very grateful. If we have the opportunity, we would definitely like to ask Takuya to help us again.
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Posted On : 2024-05-09 04:02:23
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
