Cairns Liveaboard, Barron River Rafting and Kuranda is a great package for those on a budget! Sleep on the Reef, go White Water Rafting AND visit the Village in the Rainforest, Kuranda.
Reef Encounter
Reef Encounter offers all the luxury facilities of a land-based resort while cruising the pristine waters of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef making it one of the most unique holiday escapes in Australia.
The dormitory styled multi-share accommodation cabins with three bunk beds to a room. All cabins have their own ensuite. You can choose from a variety of packages to experience the Great Barrier Reef – whether it be to enjoy the sunset and sleep on the reef, go snorkelling, become a certified diver with a learn to dive course or if you’re a qualified scuba diver, enjoy the amazing variety of corals and marine life in this world heritage marine habitat.
Our Team is the best in the business, winning personal awards for outstanding customer service in the tourist industry year after year!
Reef Encounter Facilities
- A fully air-conditioned 35-metre catamaran hotel, designed for the utmost stability and comfort
- Large dining saloon
- TV and lounge area with board games and books available
- 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 Accommodation
- Check-in time: 10.00am
- Check-Out time: 8.00 am
- Air-conditioned multi-share bunk cabin
- All cabins have their own en-suite with toilet & shower
- Towels and toiletries provided
- All cabins have Australian power outlets/toggle]
Day One
7:30 am Check in on your transfer vessel, Reef Experience, at Marlin Jetty “A” Finger, Cairns. Breakfast served onboard
8:00 am Depart Marlin Jetty Marine with a Biologist Presentation Scuba Dive and Snorkel briefing en route.
9:30 am Arrive Outer Great Barrier Reef and transfer to Reef Encounter
10:30 am Water Session – Sunbake and relax
12 Noon Buffet Lunch is served in the Saloon
1:30 pm Water Session – Relaxation time
3:00 pm Cruise to our next Outer Great Barrier Reef Location
3:30 pm Water Session – Relaxation Time
5:30 pm Sunset Cocktails
6:30 pm Dinner is served in the Saloon
7:30 pm Night scuba dive, relaxation time, stargazing, board games or movie
Day Two
6:30 am Early Morning water Session
7:30 am Breakfast served in the Saloon
8:00 am Cruise to the next Outer Great Barrier Reef site
8:30 am Water session
10:30 am Water session
12:00 pm Buffet Lunch served in the Saloon
1:30 pm Water Session, Glass Bottom Boat Tour – Sunbake – Relax
3:00 pm Transfer to Reef Experience and enjoy Wine, Cheese and Tropical Fruit Platters on your return journey to Cairns
4:30 pm Arrive at Marlin Marina CairnsWhat’s Included
- Sleep on the Great Barrier Reef with Cairns best liveaboard, Reef Encounter
- All meals which are prepared fresh daily, by our onboard Chef. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. An assortment of fruit is available throughout the day along with tea & coffee. All dietary requirements will be catered for – please advise us of these when booking
- The best crew on the reef!
- The latest snorkelling and scuba diving equipment (stinger suits are complimentary)
- Glass bottom boat tour is available upon request
- On the voyage to Reef Encounter, you will have the option to listen to an informative Marine Biology presentation about the coral reef and marine animals
- Free luggage storage facility available at our offices in the Cairns City
Important Information for Scuba Diving
We have a passion to show you Australia’s Great Barrier Reef so please make sure you understand the scuba diving laws.
Queensland, Australia has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world but also the safest scuba diving record. We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules including medical as is the law.
To avoid disappointment on your day of travel we strongly recommend that all of our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire prior to booking as some medical conditions, age and/or medications may prevent you from scuba diving. It is always our mission to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef experience.
Reef Encounter Medical Questionnaire
We are very happy to help you with any questions you may have. Please contact our office on 07 4037 2700 or email us
Or alternatively, you may like to consult your own Doctor for a Dive Medical using the Australian Standard Forms ‘AS.4005.1
Flying after Scuba Diving
For a single no-decompression scuba dive, you should not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after a scuba dive. For multiple dives, you should not fly for 24 hours after your last dive. If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning you must wait 24 hours after your dive. We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible
Barron River Rafting
Raft down the Barron Gorge National Park which is located only 20 minutes from Cairns. Barron Gorge National Park is known for its rugged rainforest mountains, steep ravines, the mighty Barron Falls and of course, Barron Gorge, which has been carved out over thousands of years by the Barron River.
You will raft down the Barron River, as it snakes its way down from the mountains and heads out to the Coral Sea. This is a scenic rafting and rainforest adventure which combines calm water floating with a series of white water rapids for adventure and action.
This is a fantastic introduction to White Water Rafting. It’s fun, exciting and exhilarating – an adrenalin rush.
The rafts carry up to seven passengers plus your river guide. No experience is necessary and there are water levels all year round!
What is included
- Return transfers from Cairns Accommodation
- 2 Hours White Water Rafting on rapids up to grade 3
- All Tuition
- Safety equipment
- River Guides (professional and certified),
- Stunning Rainforest and ravines of Barron Gorge National Park
What to Bring
- Ticket or voucher
- Swimming costume (you will get wet)
- Lace-up shoes or sandals that won’t fall off
- Towel
- Dry clothes
- Sunscreen but don’t apply to the back of your legs
- Money for photos, snacks, souvenirs & the Barron River rafting levy
- Pay on Board Rafting Levy
Kuranda Rainforest Tour
Today you will travel on the original Kuranda Scenic Railway which is one of the most spectacular railways in the world. Make your way through the Baron Gorge National Park. Travel over bridges and through hand-made tunnels built by pioneers over 100 years ago.
Arrive in the picturesque Village in the Rainforest to wander and explore the local arts and crafts in its world-famous markets.
Now it is time to head home. You will glide quietly over the rainforest canopy of pristine World Heritage rainforest on the Skyrail cable car.
First stop is Barron Falls, then again at Red Peak Station. Here, you can explore the forest floor of the Skyrail’s rainforest boardwalk. Meander through the tropical undergrowth taking you past majestic trees, beautiful tree ferns and climbing wait a while palms. Sit back and relax, heading home.
PLEASE NOTE:
As at July 2020, Skyrail is currently not operating. This tour itinerary has changed, and you will now be transferred from Kuranda at 3.00 pm by air-conditioned coach to your Cairns accommodation.
Tour Itinerary
- 0700 – 0745 Pickup from Cairns Accommodation
- 0800 Arrive at Freshwater Historic Train Station
- 0845 Depart Freshwater Train Station on Kuranda Scenic Railway
- 1010 Arrive Kuranda Village
- 1600 Return Skyrail
- 1730 Bus transfer from Skyrail to your accommodation
Tour Highlights & Inclusions
- Coach transfers to and from your Cairns Accommodation
- 90 minute journey on the Kuranda Scenic Rail
- Free time in Kuranda Village in the Rainforest
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
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