Explore the Great Barrier Reef up close

Whether you’re an experienced diver or snorkeller, or just beginning, we offer day trips departing Townsville and Magnetic Island.

The Central Great Barrier Reef presents some of the most beautiful reefs to explore. Depths on the reefs range from 1 metre to 20 metres, making it ideal for snorkellers, divers and free divers of all ability levels.

Day trips to Great Barrier Reef are suited to:

Central Great Barrier Reef

The Central Great Barrier Reef has some spectacular reefs to discover. We have a number of sites in the region and will choose the best site on the day dependent on weather and other contributing factors.

Some sites showcase large coral bommies rising from white sandy sea floors, while others feature wide gutters running through coral formations, teeming with hundreds of reef fish. Vibrant coral walls are alive with countless marine creatures, all in crystal-clear water.

Big schools of trevally and bait fish are common as well as a myriad of colourful reef fish including parrot fish, maori wrasse, clown fish, angel fish, turtles, stingrays, white tip and black tip reef sharks often sighted.

Your day trip includes

  • Full day trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Learning about the reef ecosystem.
  • Morning tea, buffet-style lunch and afternoon tea.
  • Iced water, cordial, tea and coffee throughout the day.
  • All snorkelling equipment provided (mask, snorkel, fins and full-length suit).
  • Demonstrations and snorkelling instructions on snorkelling techniques and in-water assistance.
  • Floatation devices like noodles, jackets and life rings.
  • Mooring fees.

  • EMC’s (Environmental Management Charges).

  • Reef Ecology talks to enhance your experience.
  • Experienced, professional, fun and safe crew with a passion for the marine environment.
  • Experience the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.

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When to do a day trip

Day Trips to the Great Barrier Reef depart every:

  • Tuesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday (occasionally)
  • Sunday

Please check our calendar for availability.

Where to board

You can board from: 

  • Townsville at the Fuel Wharf, Mariners Drive, Breakwater Marina
  • Magnetic Island at the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal

Due to our small numbers of passengers it is advised to book early.

Please note that all our trips are subject to weather conditions and passenger numbers. Confirmation is made the afternoon prior to departure.

Price

  • $354 adult snorkeller
  • $304 child snorkeller
  • $459 snorkel with 1 x introductory dive
  • $509 snorkel with 2 x introductory dives
  • $404 Certified diver with tanks and weights only (use code OWNGEARDSCT when booking)
  • $459 Certified diver with full equipment hire

Optional extras

  • $20 per guided dive (compulsory for divers with less than 10 dives logged)
  • $10 per guided snorkel session
  • $40 refresher course offered in-water as part of the first dive
  • $35 per PADI adventure dive
  • $70 Enriched Air Nitrox fill for two tanks (must be Nitrox certified)
  • $85 camera hire (includes SD card, yours to keep)
  • PADI courses available

Sample itinerary

  • 7am: Townsville passengers meet at the Townsville Breakwater Marina, located on the Fuel wharf at the end of Mariners Drive
  • 7:25am: Depart Townsville
  • 7:50am: Passengers board from Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island
  • 9am: Morning tea
  • 9:45am: Great Barrier Reef site briefings
  • 10am: Arrive at Great Barrier Reef – Lodestone, Keeper or John Brewer Reef sites
  • 10:20am: Dive 1 / Snorkel 1
  • 12pm: Lunch
  • 1pm: Dive 2 / Snorkel 2
  • 2pm: Depart site for Nelly Bay
  • 3pm: Afternoon tea
  • 4:30pm: Arrive and disembark passengers at Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island
  • 5pm: Arrive and disembark at Townsville Breakwater Marina

Please note that the above schedule is as a guide only, actual times on the day may vary.

Sample menu

  • Morning tea: Fruit platter and assorted biscuits
  • Lunch: Buffet-style spread with roast chicken, ham, salami, cheese, bread, salads, peanut butter, vegemite and assorted condiments
  • Afternoon tea: Fruit platter, cheese, crackers, and assorted biscuits
  • Available all day: Tea, coffee, cold water and cordial

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