Reef Encounter, Great Barrier Reef: An Adventure of a Lifetime
Explore the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Encounter, a unique experience that offers a close encounter with one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.
Introduction to Reef Encounter
The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder that has captivated the imagination of people worldwide. With its diverse marine life, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coral formations, it is a destination that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. And what better way to experience the Reef than with Reef Encounter, an immersive adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime?
- Reef Encounter is a unique experience that lets you stay overnight in a floating hotel on the Great Barrier Reef.
- The Reef Encounter experience offers a range of activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat tours.
- Reef Encounter provides all the necessary equipment and training to enjoy your adventure with peace of mind.
- The vessel has comfortable accommodations, including private staterooms and a restaurant and lounge area.
- A Reef Encounter adventure is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it a perfect family vacation.
Reef Encounter FAQs:
Q: How long does the Reef Encounter experience last?
A: The duration of the experience depends on the package you choose. It can range from one night to several nights.
Q: Is the Reef Encounter experience suitable for non-swimmers?
A: Yes, it is. Reef Encounter provides all the necessary equipment and training to enjoy the experience regardless of your swimming ability.
Q: What is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef?
A: The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from June to November, during the dry season when the water is warm and clear.
Conclusion:
The Reef Encounter, Great Barrier Reef, is an adventure of a lifetime that should not be missed. With its stunning marine life, crystal-clear waters, and diverse coral formations, it is a destination that offers a truly unique experience. Whether you are an experienced diver or a non-swimmer, Reef Encounter provides a range of activities suitable for all ages and skill levels. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Visit Stunning Reef locations.
Cairns Liveaboard Facilities
- 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 few Great Barrier Reef liveaboards with ensuite facilities. All staterooms have their ensuite toilet and shower.
Cairns Liveaboard Accommodation
- Check-in time: 10 am (approximately) Check-out time: 8 am (approximately)*
- Spacious, air-conditioned staterooms – with spectacular ocean views
- Towels and toiletries provided (soap, shampoo)
- All staterooms have Australian power outlets
- Reef Encounter is among the few Great Barrier Reef liveaboards with ensuite facilities. All staterooms have their ensuite toilet and shower
- Double-bed or twin-single-bed staterooms are available
- *For late checkout times and to keep your staterooms until departure, please upgrade to our Top Deck Club
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.
Please note this itinerary is on a 3-day, 2-night liveaboard stay. Any additional days will be further ‘full days’.
*This itinerary may vary due to weather conditions, seasons and other circumstances
Onboard guests have the choice of several activities, including
Snorkeling |
Scuba diving |
Dive Course |
Dive lessons |
Introductory Scuba diving |
Nitrox Certification |
Next, see our fantastic Cairns liveaboard 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.
Yutoa Wang
5Wonderful experience, the crew are so nice and friendly. Perfect accommodation with ocean views and very hearty meals so much better than hotels in Cairns
Lucy
5This was the trip of a lifetime! Staying aboard a boat on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia was a dream of mine - and this exceeded all expectations. The entire trip - from the fish, reef and marine life, to the boat to the crew were all fantastic. I want to come back again!! Thank you for a terrific experience.