Evolution Reef Tour & Scenic Helicopter
Cruise onboard luxury superyacht, Evolution, to the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Over 5 hours reef time, you will visit two exclusive reef sites, providing plenty of time snorkel, relax and sunbathe on one of Evolution's three spacious deck levels.
Snorkelling is included in our base price however you can dial-up the adventure and add an Introductory dive or Certified Scuba Dive. You can add up to 3 scuba dives at check-out for the full Great Barrier Reef Tour Experience!
At the second reef location, it is time to take to the sky from our exclusive helicopter pontoon at Hastings Reef and enjoy a spectacular reef scenic flight onboard one of Nautilus Aviation's luxury helicopters. Experience the sheer size and beauty of the World Heritage-Listed Great Barrier Reef and gain a true appreciation of one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Sightings of manta rays, turtles and other marine life are not uncommon on scenic flights and if you’re flying with us in the winter months there is even a chance of spotting whales.
With your feet back on the boat, you can squeeze in another snorkel or kick back on a beanbag and relax. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and a snack as well as our bar facilities onboard as we cruise back to Cairns.
Instant Booking & Mobile Friendly Tickets
Check availability & book here to secure you spot on Evolution.
Pre-booking is essential. Please do not turn up on the day without a booking.
Special Child & Family Rates
We offer special rates for families. Please check the booking form for up to date family pricing for your group.
What's included?
- 2 stunning outer reef sites
- 10 Minute scenic helicopter flight
- Fast Vessel. Less travel time
- 5 Hours Reef Time
- Snorkelling equipment & floatation devices provided
- Hot BBQ Lunch (Hot meats, fish, prawns & a variety of fresh salads, vegetarian option available)
- Free lycra/sun suit hire
- Fruit platter, cheese and a glass of wine on return journey
- Experienced, professional dive instructors
- Large air-conditioned modern lounges to relax in comfort
Your Day on Evolution
The Evolution Great Barrier Reef Tour departs daily from Cairns . Checkin is from 7.15am - 8.00am at the Reef Fleet Terminal.
7:30AM : Check-in at the Reef Fleet Terminal - 1 Spence St, Cairns
8.00AM : Evolution departs Cairns to its first location
11:30AM : Enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard
1:00PM : Evolution arrives at its second location
1:10PM : 10 Minute scenic Heli Flight
3:00PM : Evolution departs for Cairns
4:30PM : Evolution arrives back in Cairns
Snorkelling
Experience snorkelling on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy 5 hours on the Reef, on board the newest, fastest and most luxurious vessel from Cairns, giving you plenty of time to enjoy all of our included and optional activities, while still having time for lunch and relaxation.
The most popular activity on the reef is snorkelling. Jump in and explore the underwater world at two distinctive reef locations.
All snorkel equipment is included and our gear is best quality and well maintained. Guests are greeted upon boarding Evolution by our team, and will be personally fitted with snorkel, mask and fins and if you require them - we offer flotation vests & noodles if you need a little more assistance in the water.
Our amazing team will assist you with getting your gear, with every guest given a number indicating a storage space where they can keep all their equipment together and ready to use from the back deck throughout the day.
We have a variety of equipment sizes to suit everyone (from small kids masks to big adult feet) and we offer prescription mask too (ask our friendly staff for assistance)
Marine Biology Guided Snorkel Tour
Learn the secrets of the reef from our marine biologist and then explore the coral gardens on a guided snorkel tour.
Our team of dedicated Marine Biologists are actively engaged in conservation work on the Great Barrier Reef. Their weekly tasks include collation of data via observational surveys as part of the Eye on the Reef program with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Join these professional men and women for a guided snorkel tour, which takes approximately 20 minutes - and which will bring you up close and personal with the extraordinary marine life and colourful coral.
For first timers, this is also a great way to learn the art of snorkelling and feel comfortable in the water. For more experienced snorkellers this is an interactive tour that will put you on the key coral formations and marine creatures - setting you up for a great day of exploration at your own pace.
On Board Photographer
Evolution has professional photographers onboard daily to capture your Great Barrier Reef memories, which will be available to purchase on the return journey. You can also hire an underwater camera onboard (SD included) to take your own reef photos underwater!
Please note, that due to limited crew numbers, there may not be a photographer onboard for your day. We have underwater cameras available to hire so that you don't miss any photo opportunities!
Reviews
We had a wonderful day on the Evolution reef tour. It was well organized, good value for money and above all the snorkelling on the reef was magical. Thanks to the team.
Delicious food and good quality. Nice touch to be offered a free glass of wine. Snorkel tour well prepared, including gear.
Thanks Jodi you made our trip easy and we had an amazing time
The whole experience provided on board the Evolution was second to none. We have waited a long time for this experience and it didn't disappoint us. The crew did you proud and the service they provided was excellent and the food was so tasty and plenty of it.
Had an amazing day out. Everything was just perfect. Highly recommend!
Our day with Down Under tours on the Evolution was everything we hoped for and a once in a lifetime experience.
The staff were all friendly and helpful and we thoroughly enjoyed the scuba, snorkeling and helicopter flight.
Go if you can!
Check to the Evolution Reef Day tour from 7.15am-8.00am at the Reef fleet Terminal Cairns
