Evolution - Full Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Highlights

• One of the best value for money boats on the reef
• 5 hours at the outer reef
• Includes lunch and snorkel equipment
• Scuba diving & snorkelling options
• Maximum of 140 passengers with 20 crew

Description

Embarking on a diving expedition with Down Under Cruise & Dive will give you the use of Evolution, a brand new boat (January 2016) equipped with the most cutting edge technology measuring 35 metres or 120 feet that can cruise at high speeds of 30 knots, so you’ll have more time to spend diving. Evolution sets off from Cairns every day and enables you to enjoy an inexpensive cruise that’s both comfortable and quick. You get five hours of reef time at two incredible destinations on the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll be able to relax on the ride as the vessel is spacious and modern, taking you to your destination in comfort and style no matter what the weather. You’ll also not have to worry about running into big crowds of people as only the most exclusive locations that receive protection are selected. Experienced, friendly and meticulous staff will work together to ensure you have a great time. Those who are a little wary of being in open water or who want to find out more about the reef can also take a snorkel tour that’s absolutely free. 

Evolution is Down Under Cruise & Dive’s pride, a big, quick and state-of-the-art boat that travels lightning fast to the Great Barrier Reef’s outer edge, with a cruising speed of 30 knots that enables you to spend as much time as possible in the water.

Other than what’s included with your cruise fare, you can choose from a wide range of optional extras at an additional cost. It’s best to pre-book optional activities in order to guarantee their availability. 

Introductory Diving
If you have never attempted scuba diving and, lured by the prospect of viewing the colourful and mysterious world beneath the waves, have always wanted to try, there is no better time than the present. Enjoy the reef up close and personal with an introductory dive that requires no prior experience. Participants must be 12 years old and above, and must be able to successfully complete a medical questionnaire upon boarding in the morning.

Certified Diving
With two excellent locations and lots of downtime in between dives so you can unwind or snorkel, a Certified Diving adventure, which comes with all dive computers and gear, is the perfect option for certified divers. A dive room that’s air-conditioned is included. Guided dives in specialised areas are available for an additional cost on the day. Enjoy a maximum of three dives at two separate and equally wonderful locations.

Get High Package
The Get High Package includes your return journey to the reef, a snorkelling session, either the introductory diving or certified diving activities above, a sumptuous barbecue lunch, a tour of the reef in a boat with a glass bottom and a scenic flight via helicopter that lasts a mesmerising ten minutes.

Outer Reef Locations
Norman Reef - Located close to 80 kilometres away from Cairns and situated on the far Outer Edge, Norman Reef is home to a mind-boggling array of fish, turtles, giant clams, pelagic fish, coral and more. Enjoy the thrill of open water, caves and channels through which to swim. Vast tracts of sand rise to become hillocks made of coral, the far edges of reefs and bomboras. You’ll enjoy some exhilarating swim throughs, and you’ll also get to explore some caves with a qualified guide, without whom they would not be safe to explore. The fascinatingly textured walls and dramatic overhangs are a sight to behold.

Saxon Reef - View moray eels, hard corals, lion fish and Maori wrasse in their natural environment amidst gorgeous coral gardens. The shallow waters over the tops of the bomboras are perfect for snorkelling. Deep gullies and exciting swim throughs are widely available. The white sands on the ocean floor catch the light of the sun above and when it’s bright the entire reef is magically lit up. One of the best places to view coral.

Hastings Reef - A big reef that’s a favourite location for divers and snorkellers, Hastings Reef is home to corals both soft and hard, dramatic walls, fun swim throughs and native turtles and stingrays. More than 13 kilometres of sprawling sandy ocean floors and reef edge beckon. Staghorn coral grows prolifically here, and giant clams are a common sight as they hide at the top of the reef in the shallows and amidst the bomboras.  Excellent swim throughs can be found throughout, and you’ll revel in the company of shoals of tame fish, including Wally, the world renowned giant wrasse. 

Trip Includes

• 5 hours of snorkelling or diving at 2 outer Great Barrier Reef locations
• State of the art snorkel & dive equipment & floatation devices  
• Experienced professional dive instructors  
• Large air conditioned modern lounges to relax in comfort  
• Spacious sundecks for sunbathing
• High crew to guest ratio  
• Delicious Aussie BBQ lunch including fresh fish, prawns, steak, vegetarian options and a variety of salads (special dietary requirements catered for)
• Tea, coffee & biscuits, a complimentary glass of wine and snack on the return journey
• Exclusive, protected & sheltered reef locations

Duration

• Allow 8 hrs

Departures

• 8 am (returns approximately 4:30 pm)
• Departs from the Cairns Marlin Marina 
• Operates all year

Other Information

• All inclusive price for a full day tour including snorkelling & lunch
• Transfers from accommodation are available & are payable by cash direct to the driver on the day of travel. Cairns City $20 return, Northern Beaches $29 return, Port Douglas $110 return (minimum 2 people for Port Douglas transfers)
• Wetsuit hire for $10 onboard the boat
• Professional photos are available for purchase on board the boat, but you are welcome to bring your own
• Semi-submersible coral viewing reef tour available to purchase onboard
• Maximum of 124 passengers
• It is recommended to book any optional extras in advance to ensure availability
• Please read the important dive information before booking your intro or certified dive
• Toilets & baby change facilities onboard
• Child rates for 4 - 16yrs. Children under 4 years free of charge
• Children under the age of 18 require a guardian to travel with them
• Disposable underwater cameras available for sale onboard
• The minimum age for intro diving is 12 years & for certified diving is 10 years
• Fuel and administration fee of $20 per person included in price
• Please leave at least 24 hours after your last dive before flying
• Want to add on a scenic 10 minute heli flight. Get a great deal by booking the Get High Package 

Normal Retail Prices

• Cruise & Snorkel:
  • adult AUD$240.00
  • child (4-16yrs) AUD$140.00
  • family (2ad+2ch) AUD$640.00
• Cruise & Certified Dive:
  • 1 dive AUD$320.00
  • 2 dives AUD$380.00
• Cruise & Intro Dive (12yrs+):
  • 2 dives AUD$380.00