Discover our Reef Encounter and Kuranda Tour Package

Reef Encounter and Kuranda

  • Immersive Reef Encounter: Dive into vibrant snorkelling and scuba diving adventures that reveal the dazzling marine life and stunning Great Barrier Reef coral formations.
  • Scenic Journey to Kuranda: Enjoy a picturesque trip to Kuranda, where lush rainforests, charming markets, and native wildlife create a truly unforgettable experience.
  • Expert-Led Experiences: Benefit from seasoned guides on the liveaboard and in Kuranda, offering local insights and tips for exploring Australia’s natural wonders.
  • Comfortable Liveaboard Accommodations: Relax in well-appointed cabins with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay while you explore the reef.
  • Eco-Friendly Adventures: Embrace sustainable tourism practices that protect the reef and rainforest, allowing you to enjoy Australia’s beauty responsibly.
  • Customised Itineraries: Take advantage of a thoughtfully planned schedule that blends thrilling underwater encounters with serene rainforest escapes, perfect for every traveller.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: Whether you’re a solo adventurer or travelling with family, this package offers activities and experiences for all ages, making it a fantastic Australian getaway.

Discover Reef Encounter and Kuranda

Reef Encounter and Kuranda combine an overnight stay on the Great Barrier Reef with a full-day adventure at Kuranda, the famous “village in the rainforest.”.

Australia’s floating hotel, “Reef Encounter,” is one of Australia’s most unique holiday escapes.  Reef Encounter offers the facilities of a land-based resort while cruising the pristine waters of the marvellous Great Barrier Reef.

Participate in snorkelling and scuba diving to explore this marvellous underwater world. Enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets on the Great Barrier Reef while enjoying the facilities of our liveaboard vessel.

Next, this tour package takes you to Kuranda, a picturesque village surrounded by a World Heritage Rainforest.

The journey to and from Kuranda is an experience all on its own. Hop on board the Kuranda Scenic Railway and enjoy a 1½-hour train journey winding through dense rainforest and past magnificent waterfalls.

You will also return via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. On Skyrail, you will float above the trees, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy.

Once you arrive in Kuranda, you will have plenty to do.  Browse the markets and purchase some local fare, or visit one of the wildlife parks located in this quirky and quaint village.

Reef Encounter

Reef Encounter is the perfect liveaboard trip for anyone wishing to experience the Great Barrier Reef in comfort and style.

Design your own Great Barrier Reef liveaboard package with Reef Encounter. Depart any day of the week and stay for as many or as few days as you wish! You can design this trip to depart on the day that suits you best.

Spending time floating between different spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef locations, Reef Encounter ensures that any keen snorkeler or scuba diver will experience the best that the Great Barrier Reef offers.

About Reef Encounter

Reef Encounter is a 35-meter catamaran designed for stability and comfort at sea.  The vessel Reef Encounter has 21 spacious staterooms, each with either one double bed or two single beds.

Our spacious liveaboard vessel features a large lounge and dining area.  Outside is ample deck space, a vast sundeck, and sun lounges.  There is also an outdoor heated spa for relaxation during your free time.

Reef Encounter also has an onboard helipad.  Visitors who want to add a scenic transfer to their booking are in for a fantastic treat.  Please note helicopter transfers are optional.  You can select this during your booking process.

Onboard Reef Encounter has purpose-built dive and snorkel platforms.  Stairs lead into the water, providing easy snorkelling and scuba diving access.
The Reef Encounter vessel has two compressors for quick air refills.

Onboard, you will find accommodation, dining, and facilities catering to most people’s needs. Please inform us if you have any special requirements, such as dietary restrictions, allergies, or disability/mobility issues.

You can inform us of these by leaving a note in the ‘booking message.

Reef Encounter Facilities

  • Air conditioning
  • Modern Ocean-View rooms
  • Private Bathrooms
  • Large Dining Area
  • Bar and Lounge area
  • Heated spa
  • Water desalination Plant
  • Hydraulic scuba dive and Snorkel Platform
  • Helipad
  • Large Sundeck

Our Rooms

All rooms include

  • Air conditioning
  • Ocean Views
  • Private ensuite Bathrooms
  • Australian power outlets
  • Towels
  • Toiletries (Soap, Shampoo and conditioner)

Reef Encounter Snorkel and Dive Packages

Choose from the following packages:

  • Scuba diving
  • Certified scuba diver with a guide
  • Personalised open water course
  • Advanced Adventurer course
  • Stress and Rescue course *All dive courses with SSI

 Reef Encounter stay

This itinerary is an approximate guide only and can change due to seasons and weather conditions.

Kuranda Train, Skyrail and Rainforestation

Kuranda is a world-famous tourist destination known as the “Village in the Rainforest.”.

Combining the scenic train journey with the world-famous Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is the best way to experience this World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest.

During the 90-minute train journey, you will climb over 40 small bridges and through many dark tunnels while learning about the Pioneering history of the Tropical North.

On Skyrail, you’ll glide just meters above the Rainforest canopy before descending through the canopy layers. You will have the opportunity to stop at two stations, Barron Falls and Red Peak Station. Here, you will enjoy stunning views and rainforest boardwalks.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Reef Encounter and Kuranda

What does the Reef Encounter and Kuranda package include?

The package combines an immersive liveaboard experience on the Great Barrier Reef with an exciting excursion to Kuranda. Enjoy guided snorkeling, diving, and marine conservation lessons at the reef, and then explore the lush rainforests, local markets, and cultural highlights of Kuranda with expert local guides.

When is the best time to book this adventure?

The dry season offers calm seas and clear skies from May to November—ideal for reef exploration and rainforest adventures. However, each season brings charm, so our friendly team is happy to help tailor the experience to your preferences.

How can I make the most of my Reef Encounter experience?

Dive in with an open mind! Participate in all the guided activities, from snorkelling sessions to informative talks about marine life. Bring a waterproof camera to capture the vibrant underwater world and soak in the local insights from our experienced crew.

What should I pack for this dual adventure?

Pack light and smart. Essentials include swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothing for boat and rainforest explorations. Also, don’t forget a pair of sturdy walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and your camera to capture every memorable moment.

Is this package family-friendly?

Absolutely! The Reef Encounter and Kuranda package is designed to be enjoyable for travellers of all ages. With safe, engaging activities and plenty of opportunities for learning and exploration, it’s a fantastic way for families to experience the natural wonders of Australia together.

Kuranda is not complete without a visit to Rainforestation

Rainforestation is home to the Army Duck Rainforest Tours on land and water, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and a wildlife park home to many native Australian animals.

This unique tourist attraction is set on 100 acres of World Heritage-listed rainforest.

Discover our Great Barrier Reef liveboards

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Included

Twin Bed Stateroom Cabin - Reef Encounter

Reef Encounter Stateroom

Twin Share

2 x Single beds, ensuite Stateroom. Share with another guest

Grand Kuranda

Grand Kuranda - Ex Cairns (CKBB)

Combining the Scenic Train journey with the world famous Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Rainforestation including lunch is a great way to experience this World Heritage listed tropical rainforest and Kuranda.

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