Itineraries Home » Queensland Itineraries » Far North Queensland Itineraries » 2 Days in the Mesmerising Great Barrier Reef
Spanning over 2,300km down Australia’s north-eastern coastline, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc. It is larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space. The Great Barrier Reef offers a variety of coastal experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether your style is scuba diving to the depths of the ocean, snorkelling on the top of the waters, or soaking up the sunshine on any of the nearby islands, the Great Barrier Reef has so much to accommodate.
This post explains everything you need to know to visit this gorgeous place in the Far North Queensland. We thought it was not fair to just do a day trip to this beautiful place so we booked a night’s stay in the liveaboard with Reef Encounter.
This post explains everything you need to know to visit this gorgeous place in the Far North Queensland. We thought it was not fair to just do a day trip to this beautiful place so we booked a night’s stay in the liveaboard with Reef Encounter.
Day 1
We started from our hotel around 7AM and headed straight to Cairns Marlin Marina by walk to board the transfer vessel Reef Experience.
Reef Experience departs from Cairns Marlin Marina at 7:30AM daily to transfer you to Reef Encounter. It’s a 90 minute ride on Reef Experience and breakfast was served onboard around 8:30AM. We arrived onboard Reef Encounter around 9:30AM and after a short briefing, we checked into our rooms at 10AM.
The first water session started at 10:30AM and included only snorkelling and not diving. Snorkelling equipment and stinger suit were included in the booking at no extra cost. We hired an underwater camera on board for an additional cost but it was worth it! You can also hire wetsuits on board for an extra cost if you want one. At around 12 noon, lunch was served and was delicious. Around 1PM, water briefings was provided to those who wanted to do scuba diving. Reef Encounter offers several diving courses and more details can be found in their website.
We did scuba diving in the 1:30PM session and we thoroughly enjoyed it. This was the first time we attempted scuba diving and our instructor was super helpful!
The first water session started at 10:30AM and included only snorkelling and not diving. Snorkelling equipment and stinger suit were included in the booking at no extra cost. We hired an underwater camera on board for an additional cost but it was worth it! You can also hire wetsuits on board for an extra cost if you want one. At around 12 noon, lunch was served and was delicious. Around 1PM, water briefings was provided to those who wanted to do scuba diving. Reef Encounter offers several diving courses and more details can be found in their website.
We did scuba diving in the 1:30PM session and we thoroughly enjoyed it. This was the first time we attempted scuba diving and our instructor was super helpful!
Once we were back from the water session, Reef Encounter moved to another Reef site at around 3PM and was ready for the next water session at 3:30PM. Reef Encounter also offers complimentary glass bottom boat tours so if snorkelling is not your thing, this is the best option to see the Great Barrier Reef up close without getting wet. The 3:30PM water session included the glass bottom boat tour as well in addition to snorkelling and scuba diving.
As we visited the Reef during Summer, dinner was served at 6PM followed by the night diving session at 7PM however if you’re visiting during winter, the night diving session occurs at 6PM followed by dinner around 7:15PM. We went to bed after thoroughly enjoying the desserts served on board.
As we visited the Reef during Summer, dinner was served at 6PM followed by the night diving session at 7PM however if you’re visiting during winter, the night diving session occurs at 6PM followed by dinner around 7:15PM. We went to bed after thoroughly enjoying the desserts served on board.
Day 2
We woke up to a new Reef site in the morning and understood that the Reef Encounter moved to a new site overnight. A wake-up call was provided at 6AM for the early morning dive and snorkel session and the water session commenced at 6:30AM. Upon completion of the water session, breakfast was served in the dining salon at 7:30AM followed by room check-out at 8AM. While we were focusing on checking out our rooms, Reef Encounter moved to a different Reef site so by the time we completed checking out from our rooms, we were all set for the next water session at a new site – so handy, isn’t it?
We were in the waters until 12 noon when we were called back for lunch and after a scrumptious lunch, we were allowed for one more water session until 2:30PM. We boarded the Reef Experience around 3:00PM to head back to Cairns and on the way back, we were served complimentary wine, cheese, and biscuits.
We arrived at Cairns Marlin Marina after around 90 minutes, got our baggage, and came out. Overall, it was a fantastic and memorable experience and we strongly recommend using Reef Encounter for your visit to (and stay in) the Great Barrier Reef. Not only we enjoyed the Great Barrier Reef thoroughly, but we also did get to meet a lot of new people during our stay on board the Reef Encounter, which was a unique experience.
Please note that this trip to the Great Barrier Reef was part of a 5-day holiday in the Far North Queensland, the itinerary of which is covered in detail in 5 memorable days in Far North Queensland.
Please note that this trip to the Great Barrier Reef was part of a 5-day holiday in the Far North Queensland, the itinerary of which is covered in detail in 5 memorable days in Far North Queensland.
Our Itinerary
Day 1 |
7AM - 7:15AM |
Arrive at Cairns Marlin Marina and board Reef Experience. |
Day 1 |
7:30AM - 9:30AM |
Reef Experience departs Cairns Marlin Marina at 7:30AM. Enjoy the ride and the breakfast served on board. |
Day 1 |
9:30AM - 10AM |
Arrive at Reef Encounter and check in to your rooms. |
Day 1 & 2 |
From 10AM on Day 1 To 3PM on Day 2 |
Enjoy your stay in the reef with multiple opportunities of snorkelling, scuba diving and glass bottom boat tours. |
Day 2 |
3PM - 4:30PM |
Board the Reef Experience for your return trip back to Cairns Marlin Marina. Enjoy the complimentary wine, cheese, and biscuits on board. |
Day 2 |
4:30PM |
Grab your baggage and Get down at Cairns Marlin Marina. |
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