The 3 Dive Boat Trips to Book This Year

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,714 reviews · from $190Our pick

Sail from Cairns aboard Evolution to two outer reef sites, usually Saxon or Norman Reef and Hastings Reef. Snorkel with supplied gear, add an introductory or certified scuba session, or book a 10-minute helicopter flight. Crew members such as Indy and Phil explain the sea life, while lunch, snacks, and a return glass of wine are included.

“The staff was great to work with! The day was such a fun experience for someone who had never been snorkeling before. You could snorkel as much as you wanted. Would highly recommend !”

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2.Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 792 reviews · 9 hours · from $127Best value

From Cairns Marlin Marina, spend five hours in the water at two outer reef sites with Reef Magic and Dreamtime Dive. Snorkel among coral gardens, turtles, rays, sharks, and schooling fish, then choose an introductory or certified scuba session. Guides share Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Gunggandji, Mandingalbay, and Yirrganydji stories, with tea and buffet lunch included.

“Amazing day, the boat was comfortable, and the crew was knowledgeable. Good safety briefings and there were eyes on the people in the water at all times, so it felt very safe and well organised. Food was nothing to write home about, but that's not the main attraction for this experience anyways. There was a school group onboard, but they were mostly well behaved.”

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3.Gansbaai Eco-Friendly Shark Cage Diving Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 326 reviews · 6 - 10 hours · from $237

Travel from Cape Town to Gansbaai for a marine biologist led shark cage encounter near Shark Alley. You will meet bronze whaler sharks from a secure cage, enjoy breakfast, snacks, lunch, and drinks, then visit a penguin and seabird sanctuary. Cape Town transfers are optional.

“Amazing activity. A must-do in South Africa sharks seals stingrays whales 3 different species of sharks. Giant stingrays and Antarctican species whale all seen on tour”

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