Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Day Tour

Ticket Costs

From $319 AUD per person.

Your ticket includes:

• Up to 4 hours exploring the Reefworld pontoon
• Semi-submersible coral viewing with expert commentary
• Snorkelling with all equipment provided (including wetsuits and stinger suits)
• Access to the underwater observatory
• Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea
• Return scenic cruise through the Whitsundays
• Reef tax (Environmental Management Charge)

Extras (payable onboard):

• Guided snorkel tours with a Reef Interpreter
• Introductory or certified scuba dives
• Scenic helicopter flights over Heart Reef
• Professional photos, videos, and hotel transfers

This is a non-refundable ticket, so lock it in early — spots sell out fast, especially in peak season!

Overview

There’s something absolutely magical about slipping into the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. On the Great Barrier Reef Full Day Adventure, you’ll dive (or drift) into a kaleidoscopic world of coral gardens, exotic marine life, and vibrant underwater landscapes — even if you never get your hair wet!

Perfect for snorkellers, non-swimmers, families, and adventurers alike, this trip offers it all: up-close reef encounters, semi-sub rides, underwater observatories, sun decks to chill on, and even the chance to soar above Heart Reef by chopper. Whether you want to float lazily in a mask or go full-on Jacques Cousteau, the reef is yours to explore.

This is one of the best ways to experience Australia’s most iconic natural wonder without the rush — just pure reef time at your own pace.

Key Details

• Duration: Approx. 10 hours
• Ages: All welcome (scuba diving available for 16+)
• Fitness Level: Moderate fitness recommended (especially for snorkelling and diving)
• Meals: Morning tea, fresh buffet lunch, and afternoon tea included
• Bathrooms: Available onboard the catamaran and at the pontoon
• Group Size: Up to 250 travellers
• Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
• Extras Available: Guided snorkelling tours, scuba dives, scenic flights, professional photography
• Meeting Point: Port of Airlie (allow time for check-in!)

Itinerary

Morning:
Kickstart your adventure with a scenic cruise through the dreamy Whitsunday Islands aboard a fast, modern catamaran. Feel the sea breeze, soak up the views, and maybe spot dolphins or turtles playing along the way.

Midday:
Arrive at Reefworld, a floating pontoon anchored over Hardy Reef — one of the most pristine and colourful parts of the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll have about four glorious hours to snorkel, dive, chill on the sun deck, or explore below the surface without even getting wet, thanks to the semi-sub and underwater viewing chamber.

Snorkellers will love the calm, sheltered lagoon teeming with giant clams, parrotfish, and swaying anemones. If you’re keen, you can book a guided snorkel safari or even an introductory scuba dive with expert instructors.

Optional Extra:
Hop aboard a helicopter for a breathtaking scenic flight over the one-and-only Heart Reef — a must for the photo album!

Afternoon:
After a day of reef adventures (and a delicious buffet lunch), settle in for the relaxing cruise back to Airlie Beach, watching the sun dip lower over the Whitsundays.

Reviews

Travellers consistently rave about the unforgettable reef experience, praising the friendly crew, the well-maintained facilities, and the chance to snorkel or dive among stunning coral and marine life. The semi-sub is a hit with non-swimmers, and many say the helicopter ride over Heart Reef is worth every cent for the once-in-a-lifetime views.

While occasional weather can impact activities like the semi-sub, the crew’s commitment to safety and fun shines through every review.

What to Bring

• Swimmers and a towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen and sun protection (hat, sunnies, long-sleeve shirt)
• Light jacket for cooler months
• Camera (or a fully charged phone for all those reef selfies)
• Money or card for optional purchases
• Sense of adventure and maybe a drybag for your valuables

Local Tip:
Thongs are totally fine — you’re on island time! And if you’re prone to seasickness, a ginger tablet or travel sickness remedy before boarding never hurts.

Top 5 Reasons to Book This Tour

• Spend a full day on the Outer Great Barrier Reef — no rushing!
• Snorkel, dive, or explore the reef your way — all experience levels welcome
• Unique access to Reefworld’s semi-sub and underwater observatory
• Optional scenic flights over world-famous Heart Reef
• Delicious catering and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe