23.Passions of Paradise
Passions of Paradise offers a premium full-day Great Barrier Reef experience departing from Cairns, combining sailing, snorkelling, diving, and eco-discovery into one unforgettable adventure. Operating for decades and recognised with multiple tourism awards, this experience is designed to showcase the reef in a way that is both exciting and environmentally responsible.
At the heart of the experience is a commitment to delivering a personalised and high-quality day on the reef. With a friendly, professional crew and a focus on small-group comfort, guests enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while still having access to a wide range of activities. Whether you are an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeller, the tour is tailored to suit all levels of confidence and ability.
The experience combines adventure with education, giving guests the opportunity to not only explore the reef but also understand it. Onboard marine naturalists and eco-certified practices ensure that every journey contributes to the long-term protection of this World Heritage-listed ecosystem.
This is more than just a reef trip—it is a carefully curated day designed to immerse you in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural environments.
The tour explores the Outer Great Barrier Reef, widely regarded as the most pristine and vibrant section of the reef system. Located off the coast of Cairns, these outer reef sites are known for their exceptional water clarity, abundant marine life, and diverse coral formations.
Each day, the crew selects two reef locations from a network of over 24 exclusive moorings, ensuring the best possible conditions based on weather, tides, and visibility. This flexibility allows guests to experience the reef at its finest, with sites chosen for optimal snorkelling and diving conditions.
Popular reef systems visited include areas such as Flynn Reef, where shallow lagoons, coral bommies, and vibrant fish life create a spectacular underwater playground. These sites are home to turtles, reef sharks, colourful tropical fish, and a wide variety of hard and soft corals.
Unlike fixed pontoon experiences, this tour focuses on dynamic reef exploration, giving guests access to more natural and less crowded environments. The result is a more authentic and immersive connection with the reef.
This is a full-day experience designed to maximise time on the reef while maintaining a comfortable pace.
Typical timings include:
- Check-in: 7:30 am
- Departure: around 8:00 am
- Return: approximately 5:00 pm
The total duration is around 9 hours, including several hours spent at reef locations.
The experience takes place aboard a modern, high-performance sailing catamaran purpose-built for reef tours. Measuring approximately 25 metres in length, the vessel offers both speed and stability, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.
The vessel features:
- Spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas
- Large sun decks for relaxation and sightseeing
- Netted bow trampolines for lounging over the water
- Dedicated areas for snorkelling and diving preparation
- Onboard kitchen and bar facilities
With two levels and ample space, guests can choose between shaded comfort or open-air views throughout the day. The design allows for a relaxed atmosphere, even when the vessel is fully booked.
What is the Passions of Paradise full day tour?
This is a full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns aboard a sailing catamaran, combining snorkelling, scuba diving and sailing. The tour visits two different outer reef locations selected daily for the best conditions and marine life.
How long does the tour run?
The tour operates for a full day, typically departing around 8:00am and returning to Cairns at approximately 5:00pm.
How much time do you spend on the reef?
Guests usually spend several hours at the reef (around 3–5 hours depending on conditions), split across two different reef sites for a varied experience.
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes sailing on a modern catamaran, snorkelling equipment, guided snorkel tours, marine naturalist presentations, morning and afternoon tea, and a chef-prepared tropical buffet lunch.
What activities are available?
You can snorkel, relax on the boat, or upgrade to introductory or certified scuba diving. Guided snorkelling tours are included, and eco talks are provided by onboard marine experts.
Do I need experience to participate?
No experience is required for snorkelling or introductory diving. Full instruction and safety briefings are provided, making it suitable for beginners.
How many people are on this tour?
The vessel can carry a large number of guests, but typically operates with around 80–90 passengers onboard, offering a balance between space and social atmosphere.
Is this cruise suitable for non swimmers?
Yes, non-swimmers can still enjoy the tour. Flotation devices, guided snorkel assistance and patient crew support are available to help less confident swimmers experience the reef safely.
What marine life can I expect to see?
You may see colourful coral gardens, tropical fish, turtles, rays and a wide variety of reef species across the two outer reef locations.
How long is the boat trip?
The journey to the reef typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours each way, depending on sea conditions.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a change of clothes. You may also wish to bring a camera for photos.
Is food provided?
Yes, the tour includes morning tea, a tropical buffet lunch and afternoon tea, with a variety of hot and cold options and fresh fruit.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children, with snorkelling guidance and a relaxed onboard environment.
Is the tour physically demanding?
The tour is suitable for most fitness levels. Activities are optional, so you can choose to snorkel, dive or simply relax onboard.
Is the tour safe?
Yes, safety is a priority. All activities are supervised by trained crew, with full safety briefings and professional guidance provided throughout the day.
Can I take a GoPro or underwater camera?
Yes, GoPros and underwater cameras are allowed and are a great way to capture your reef experience.
Can I take a drone on the tour?
Drones are generally not permitted due to safety concerns, limited space onboard, and restrictions within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Can I try scuba diving if I’ve never done it before?
Yes, introductory scuba diving is available for beginners, with professional instructors guiding you through the experience step by step.
What is a typical itinerary?
After morning departure from Cairns, the vessel sails to the first reef site for snorkelling or diving. After lunch onboard, the tour continues to a second reef location before returning to Cairns in the afternoon.
Will I get seasick?
Conditions can vary, particularly on the open ocean. If you are prone to seasickness, it’s recommended to take preventative medication before departure.
What happens in bad weather?
Tours operate in most weather conditions but may be rescheduled or cancelled if conditions are unsafe. Alternative dates or refunds are typically offered.
Why choose Passions of Paradise?
This tour combines sailing, snorkelling and eco-education with visits to two outer reef sites, offering a well-rounded and environmentally conscious Great Barrier Reef experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bookings can be made directly from any of the tour or attractions individual pages - or simply give us a call on +61 07 40574312.
All payments are securely processed by the NAB (National Australia Bank) No credit card information is held by us. In fact we never even see your credit card details.
We are an online only agency operating out of offices in Trinity Beach, a suburb on Cairns' Northern Beaches (about a 25 minute drive from the city).
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