Discover the Majestic Great Barrier Reef with Reef Encounter in Cairns, Australia

Introduction:

Welcome to Reef Encounter, your gateway to an unforgettable adventure on the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, Australia. In this guide, we will take you through the wonders of Reef Encounter, providing you with essential information and tips for an incredible experience in one of the world’s most remarkable natural treasures.

Location and Overview:

Reef Encounter is nestled in the tropical paradise of Cairns, located in the northeastern part of Australia. Cairns is the perfect starting point to explore the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking coral reefs and diverse marine life. With its convenient location and access to pristine dive sites, Reef Encounter offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience this underwater wonderland.

The Great Barrier Reef:

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral Reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometres (1,400 miles) along the Queensland coast. It is home to an astonishing array of marine life, including colourful coral formations, tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and even majestic whales. Exploring this natural wonder is like stepping into a vibrant underwater paradise.

Reef Encounter Experience: When you embark on a journey with Reef Encounter, here’s what you can expect:

  1. Liveaboard Accommodation: Dive into the luxury of liveaboard accommodation on a specially designed vessel. Enjoy comfortable cabins or staterooms with modern amenities, providing a cozy and relaxing atmosphere between your underwater adventures.
  2. Diving and Snorkeling: Whether you’re an experienced diver or a snorkeling enthusiast, Reef Encounter offers a variety of options to suit all skill levels. Dive into crystal-clear waters, explore vibrant coral gardens, and encounter abundant marine life. Snorkelers can also revel in the beauty of the reef from the surface, observing the stunning underwater world just below.
  3. Certified Dive Instructors: Professional dive instructors are on hand to ensure your safety and guide you through incredible dive sites. They will share their expertise, point out unique marine species, and assist in enhancing your diving experience.
  4. Night Diving: Experience the magic of night diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Witness the reef transform as nocturnal creatures emerge, revealing a captivating world illuminated by your dive light. It’s a truly mesmerizing experience you won’t want to miss.

Conservation and Sustainability: Reef Encounter is dedicated to conserving and preserving the Great Barrier Reef. They actively promote sustainable diving practices and educate visitors about the importance of Reef protection. As a responsible visitor, you can contribute to preservation by following guidelines such as not touching or damaging the coral, respecting marine life, and using reef-safe sunscreen.

Planning Your Visit: Before embarking on your Reef Encounter adventure, consider the following:

  1. Best Time to Visit: Research the best time of year to visit Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, considering weather conditions, water temperature, and marine life activity.
  2. Booking in Advance: Due to Reef Encounter’s popularity, booking your trip in advance is recommended to secure your preferred dates and accommodations.
  3. Certification and Equipment: Ensure you have the necessary diving or snorkelling certifications, and don’t forget to pack your dive or snorkel gear. If you’re not certified, Reef Encounter can often accommodate introductory dives or snorkeling experiences.
  4. Travel Insurance: It’s important to have travel insurance that covers diving and snorkeling activities. Check that your policy includes adequate coverage for any emergencies or medical assistance you may require.

Conclusion:

Reef Encounter in Cairns, Australia, offers a gateway to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Dive into a world of vibrant corals, encounter abundant marine life, and create memories that will last a lifetime. From comfortable liveaboard accommodations to expert dive instructors, Reef Encounter ensures your experience is safe and unforgettable.

Remember to respect the fragile ecosystem by following responsible diving and snorkeling practices. Treat the reef and its inhabitants carefully, and leave only bubbles behind as you explore this natural wonder.

Plan

As you plan your visit to Reef Encounter, don’t forget to check for any updates or specific guidelines the company provides. Information regarding itineraries, pricing, and additional activities may vary, so it’s always best to double-check and stay informed.

Prepare

Prepare for an adventure as you journey to the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Encounter. Discover the vibrant colours of the coral reefs, swim alongside incredible marine life, and immerse yourself in the wonders of this natural masterpiece.

Whether you’re an experienced diver or a snorkeler seeking to marvel at the beauty from above, Reef Encounter offers an experience that will leave you in awe. Get ready to make memories, forge connections with fellow ocean enthusiasts, and gain a newfound appreciation for the precious ecosystem that is the Great Barrier Reef.

How to book Reef Encounter

Click ‘Book’ to select your arrival and departure dates and then choose your desired activities, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, or enrol on a dive course.

Great Barrier Reef Accommodation

  • Air-conditioned 35-metre catamaran hotel
  • 21 ensuite staterooms with large windows
  • Large dining saloon with a fully licensed bar
  • TV and lounge area
  • Outdoor, freshwater hot-tub
  • Spacious sundeck with sun loungers
  • Large, easy-access dive and snorkel platforms
  • Helipad for scenic helicopter transfers to and from Reef Encounter (optional extra)

Facilities Onboard

  • Check-in time: 10 am. Checkout time: 8 am
  • Spacious, air-conditioned staterooms with spectacular Reef views
  • Towels and toiletries provided (soap, shampoo and conditioner)
  • Australian power outlets.
  • Staterooms with ensuite bathrooms
  • Helipad
  • Hottub
  • Sundeck with deck chairs

*For late checkout times, please upgrade to our Top Deck Club

Great Barrier Reef Itinerary

Please note, this itinerary is based on a 3-day /2-night stay with Reef Encounter

First Day

Arrive

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 2 Day Dives + 1 Night

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

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 3 Day Dives + 1 Night

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

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 3 Day Dives

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.

 

 

Reef locations

See other fantastic liveaboard Cairns packages.

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 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.
  • Barista Coffee
  • Soft Drinks
  • Alcohol
  • Nitrox
  • Tshirts and hats
  • Snacks
  • Photos

What to bring

  • Hat,
  • Sunglasses
  • light jacket
  • socks
  • Camera
  • Travel Voucher
  • Certification card and logbook for certified divers
  • Cash or credit card for onboard extras

Reef Encounter is a barefoot experience.

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 between 4 and 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.

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.

Our mission is always to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef tour.

If you have any questions, we will be delighted to assist you.

Please contact our office on +61 7 4037 2700 or email our helpful team today.

Alternatively, you may like to consult your Doctor for a Queensland Dive Medical using the Australian QLD Standard Form AS.4005.1

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.

Check-In: 10:00 am

Check-Out: 8:00 am

Read policies

Reef Encounter Accommodations

Add your review for Reef Encounter

5

7 Reviews for “Reef Encounter”

  1. Charlotte
    5

    Everyone was really friendly and welcoming. Heather was GREAT. very reassuring, capable, fantastic for a beginner.

    Reply
  2. Heather and Ryan
    5

    Thank you so much for having us, and for accommodating Ryan's upgrade to do his Open Water certification so last minute. Sam is a wealth of knowledge and experience - a brilliant instructor - we would highly recommend him to our friends! Heather was also for the intro dive, as were all the guides!!

    Reply
  3. Rosalind
    5

    The crew were fantastic, friendly, enthusiastic, helpful and all you could ask for! The food was fantastic and the bed was very comfortable. The trip was incredible and I only wish I could have stayed longer. Thank you all for everything!

    Reply
  4. Kate
    5

    The crew were excellent! So helpful, knowledgeable and fun to be with! The accomodations were comfortable, the meals were great - very deliscious! Absolutely an amazing experience! Will be back in the future. Thank you so much for introducing me to scuba! Will recommend to all :)

    Reply
  5. Kenneth
    5

    Meals were the BEST meals I've had during our whole stay in Australia- Peter is the MAN! The crew were amazing and did a great job considering how crowded the boat was. The dive instructors (especially Mel and Josh) were so cool to dive with. Everyone was super nice and professional. If I had to recommed anything I would say get a megaphone to call out to the snorkellers as it was often hard to hear and understand the lookout.

    Reply
  6. Elise and Daniel
    5

    Thank you kindly for a wonderful experience and an enjoyable stay! We loved it! Very friendly and helpful crew. Accommodation was good and food was great and catered to individual needs well.

    Reply
  7. Chelsea
    5

    A huge thank you to Sam and Nathan for making our family feel at home and for all of their help in the water- thanks Sam for holding my hand. Loved Photographer Anna and PETER WAS AMAZING! The food was top notch. The room was set as expected and all the housekeeping crew was helpful. Staff makes a Boat and your whole crew was wonderful- so grateful for our two nights aboard. Wonderful memories made. Christmas 2019.

    Reply

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