Reef Encounter, Cairns liveaboard
Reef Encounter is a boutique floating hotel on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This tour is the best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef.
Consistently rated ‘number one scuba diving and snorkelling liveaboard by industry professionals and independent reviewers such as Google Reviews.
Reef Encounter is large enough to provide all the cruise ship comforts yet small enough to access spectacular reef locations inaccessible to other vessels.
Our passion is to deliver Australia’s best liveaboard, which is family-owned and operated (for all scuba enthusiasts).
We take extreme pride in our products, boats, crew, and, most importantly, our guests!
Staying on Reef Encounter
Guests transfer from Cairns on our sister boat, Reef Experience. This 90-minute transfer meets up with Reef Encounter on the Outer Barrier Reef.
Once we reach the outer barrier reef, Reef Encounter guests are transferred to Reef Encounter and welcomed on board.
First, there is a welcome briefing, and guests are shown to their rooms. After getting settled, there is a water session before a delicious lunch.
Then, guests can relax on a deck chair or explore the Great Barrier Reef.
Reef Encounter generally moves twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The captain will decide where we go based on weather conditions.
Activities onboard Reef Encounter
Once you have decided on your accommodation style, the next thing to decide is what activities you want to do.
Snorkelling.
Our reef locations are close to the coral reefs with a mask, snorkel, and fins. You will see marine life as soon as you enter the water. All our reef locations have shallow coral gardens with abundant, brightly coloured reef fish. While you are on board, there is lots of time to snorkel.
Our crew are the best on the reef, and if you are a non-swimmer or not confident in the water, they will be delighted to get in the water and swim for you.
Scuba diving
Scuba divers are in for a treat, as our reef locations offer swim-throughs, exciting reef walls, and abundant marine life. We provide 3-day dives and one night dive per full day on the reef.
Introductory Scuba diving
Even if you have never experienced scuba diving, our professional dive crew can help you breathe underwater after a quick lesson. Introductory divers can explore the reef under the guidance of our dive instructors. This is a fantastic way to see the Great Barrier Reef.
Diving lessons
At Reef Encounter, we provide a personalised open-water course with a maximum of four students per class, ensuring that all dives occur on the stunning Great Barrier Reef. Dive into the adventure with us!” 🌊🐠🐢Once you become a certified diver, you can scuba dive in beautiful places worldwide.
While doing your system, there will be turtles, fish, and coral. This dive lesson is a fantastic way to learn to dive in the crystal-clear waters of the GBR.
Transfer in style
Reef Encounter has an onboard helipad, so guests arriving after our morning departure can look at transferring by scenic helicopter ride.
We believe that Reef Encounter is unbeatable in service and value.
Stay for as many nights as you like in superbly appointed staterooms, or upgrade to the Top Deck Club for that extra bit of VIP luxury.
Reef Encounter is an excellent alternative to a resort-based holiday, with daily transfers from Cairns by boat or helicopter.
How to book Reef Encounter
Reef Encounter
- A fully air-conditioned 35-metre catamaran hotel designed for the utmost stability and comfort at sea
- Large dining saloon
- TV and lounge area
- Outdoor, freshwater hot-tub
- Spacious sundeck with sun loungers
- Fully licenced bar
- Large, easy-access dive and snorkel platforms
- Helicopter pad on the roof for low-flying scenic helicopter tours over the coral reef as your transfer to/from Reef Encounter (optional extra)
- Reef Encounter is one of the few Great Barrier Reef liveaboards with ensuite facilities. All cabins have toilets and showers.
Facilities Onboard
- Check-in time: 10 am (approximately). Check-out time: 8 am (approximately)
- Spacious, air-conditioned staterooms with spectacular reef views and ensuite bathrooms
- Towels and toiletries provided (soap, shampoo and conditioner)
- Staterooms have Australian power outlets.
- Double-bed or twin-single-bed staterooms
Cairns liveaboad Itinerary
Please note, this itinerary is based on a 3-day /2-night stay with Reef Encounter
First Day
Arrive
Unlimited in water sessions
7:30am
Board the transfer vessel 'Reef Experience' at Cairns Marlin Marina for breakfast, check-in and your journey to Reef Encounter
9:30am
Arrive onboard Reef Encounter for your 'Welcome & Safety Talk' before being shown to your room to settle in and relax
10:30am
Water Session: Time to snorkel for all guests before lunch
12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon
13.00
Water Briefings: Certified Diver Briefings / Try Scuba Diving Briefings / Snorkel Adventure Briefings
13.30
Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time
15:00
Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location
15:30
Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request
Summer
18:00
Dinner is served in the dining saloon
18:45
Night Dive Briefings
19:00
Night dive commences for all those scuba diving
Winter
17:30
Night Dive Briefings
18:00
Night dive commences for all those scuba diving
19:15
Dinner is served in the dining saloon
20:00
Dessert is served in the dining saloon
Full Day
On the Reef
Unlimited in water sessions
6:00am
Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session
6:30am
Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request
7:30am
Breakfast is served in the dining saloon
8:00am
Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location
8:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
10:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon
13:30
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
15:00
Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location
15:30
Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request
Summer
18:00
Dinner is served in the dining saloon
18:45
Night Dive Briefings
19:00
Night dive commences for all those scuba diving
Winter
17:30
Night Dive Briefings
18:00
Night dive commences for all those scuba diving
19:15
Dinner is served in the dining saloon
20:00
Dessert is served in the dining saloon
Last Day
Return
Unlimited in water sessions
6:00am
Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session
6:30am
Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request
7:30am
Breakfast is served in the dining saloon
8:00am
Room Checkout
Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location
8:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
10:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon
13:30
Water Session: Snorkel only session available to passengers before departure
14:45
Departing passengers board the transfer vessel 'Reef Experience' for the journey back to Cairns. Complimentary wine, cheese and biscuits served on the return journey
15:00
Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location
16:30
Approximate arrival time to the Cairns Marlin Marina
*Please note, this itinerary does not apply to 'Great Barrier Reef Deal' bookings.
*Stateroom Check-In time is 10.00am with Check-Out time 8.00am on the morning of departure (access to a shared transfer/baggage room with bathroom is available along with all other boat facilities)
*Top Deck Club Check-in time is 10.00am with Check-Out time 2.00pm on the day of departure>
*This itinerary may vary due to weather conditions or other circumstances.Upgrade to the Top Deck Club for late checkout and dinner under the stars.
Discover our day tours
Highlights
Nothing compares with how amazing it is to stay on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef!
While you are on board, there will be plenty of opportunities to Snorkel and scuba dive with brightly coloured fish and coral.
At night, take in the stars from the top deck or our onboard heated hot tub.
Included
Included in Reef Encounter Stateroom packages
- Great Barrier Reef accommodation with Reef Encounter, Cairns best Great Barrier Reef liveaboard
- A variety of spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef locations during your stay
- Snorkelling or scuba diving, depending on which you select upon booking.
- Delicious fresh meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Breakfast and lunch is served in a buffet format. Dinner is plated. Fruit is available throughout the day, along with tea and coffee.
- All dietary requirements will be catered for – please advise us of these when booking.
Optional Extras
- Barista Coffee
- Soft Drinks
- Alcohol
- Nitrox
- Tshirts and hats
- Snacks
- Photos
- Wetsuit hire (Please note stinger suits are provided during wet season/summer from November to May)
What to bring
What to bring
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Light jacket
- socks
- An extra quickdry towel
- Camera
- Travel Voucher
- Certification card and logbook for certified divers
- Cash or credit card for onboard extras
Reef Encounter is a barefoot experience.
How to get there
Getting to Reef Encounter
Reef Encounter is always on the Great Barrier Reef.
By Boat (included in tariff)
Our sister vessel Reef Experience operates daily transfers meeting up with Reef Encounter.
Boarding starts at 7:30 am on Finger A on the Marlin Jetty, Cairns.
Reef Experience will bring you back to the same destination around 4:30 pm on your final day.
Helicopter Transfers (optional extra)
Reef Encounter has a helipad on board for guests looking at adding some magic to their stay. You may choose to take a spectacular scenic flight.
Important Information
Cabin Share Advisory: Please note that the allocation of same-gender cabin shares in twin-share cabins cannot be guaranteed.
Important Information for Scuba Divers
This information is for all guests participating in scuba diving activities.
Australia has the strictest scuba diving rules globally and the safest scuba diving record. Therefore you must understand Queensland’s scuba diving laws. Great Barrier Reef liveaboard boats are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules, including the requirements for a dive medical, where applicable, as required by law.
Please complete our dive medical questionnaire , as some medical conditions, age and medications may prevent you from scuba diving. A certificate from your doctor stating that you are “Fit to Scuba Dive” or a Queensland dive medical may be required.
Flying after Scuba Diving
Plan your travel itinerary. On the final day of your Reef Encounter stay, your last dive will be completed by 1 pm.
Do not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after scuba diving for a single no decompression scuba dive. You should not fly for 24 hours after your last scuba diving in multiple dives.
If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after your dive. We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible.
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