32. Ocean Free Sailing
The Great Barrier Reef is a place of ethereal beauty, and there is no more intimate way to experience its wonders than under the billowing white sails of Ocean Free. As a family-owned and operated boutique tour, Ocean Free offers a stark contrast to the large, crowded catamarans that frequent the reef. Our philosophy is centered on the concept of "personal service and exclusivity," limiting our daily guest numbers to just 25 travelers. This ensures that your day is not just a tour, but a personalized journey where you are treated like a guest on a private yacht rather than a face in a crowd.
Ocean Free is the only tour in Cairns to offer a personal Great Barrier Reef experience on a classic sailing schooner, combining the romance of traditional sailing with the thrill of world-class snorkeling and diving. We believe that the journey is just as important as the destination. There is a profound sense of serenity that comes from turning off the engines and allowing the tropical trade winds to propel you across the Coral Sea. Whether you are a couple seeking a romantic escape, a family looking for a safe and nurturing environment for your children, or a solo traveler wanting to connect with like-minded adventurers, Ocean Free provides a warm, welcoming, and sophisticated atmosphere. Our dedicated crew are passionate about the reef and are always on hand to share their knowledge, ensuring you leave with a deep appreciation for this World Heritage-listed masterpiece.
Our voyage takes you to the breathtaking Pinnacle Reef, an exclusive private mooring located within the highly protected Marine Park, just off the coast of Green Island. This destination offers the “best of both worlds”—the pristine coral gardens of a deep-water reef and the tropical charm of a coral cay.
Pinnacle Reef is a hidden gem, characterized by its massive coral “bommies” that rise from the ocean floor to just beneath the surface. These structures are teeming with life, from the smallest neon-colored nudibranchs to schools of vibrant parrotfish and the iconic anemonefish. Because this is a private mooring, you won’t find other boats or hundreds of snorkelers here; it is your own private playground. The water is exceptionally clear, providing a window into a world of hard and soft corals that have flourished for centuries.
Just a short tender ride away lies Green Island, a lush 6,000-year-old coral cay. This destination allows you to step off the boat and onto white sandy beaches, explore emerald rainforest boardwalks, or visit the island’s interpretive center. The combination of a high-quality reef site and a tropical island destination makes this one of the most diverse and rewarding locations on the Great Barrier Reef.
We operate a schedule that allows for a full day of adventure without an excessively early start.
- Check-in: 7:30 AM to 7:45 AM at the Ocean Free desk inside the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
- Boarding: 7:45 AM at the vessel at Marlin Wharf.
- Departure: Ocean Free departs promptly at 8:00 AM.
- Reef Arrival: Approximately 10:00 AM.
- Time at Reef/Island: You will enjoy over 4 hours of island and reef time.
- Departure from Reef: Approximately 3:00 PM.
- Return to Cairns: We arrive back at the marina at approximately 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Ocean Free is a classic 16-metre (52-foot) sailing schooner, built for both beauty and seaworthiness. Unlike modern fiberglass boats, Ocean Free has a soul; her timber accents and traditional lines evoke the golden age of sailing.
- Space and Stability: Despite being a sailing vessel, she is remarkably stable. The deck offers plenty of space to lounge on beanbags or sit around the cockpit table.
- Interiors: Below deck, you’ll find a comfortable, fan-cooled cabin, a well-equipped galley, and a clean restroom.
- The Experience: The vessel is meticulously maintained to ensure a premium feel. Because we only take 25 guests, the boat never feels crowded, and there is always a quiet corner to find for yourself.
What is included in the Ocean Free full day tour?
The tour includes a full-day sailing experience to the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island, with snorkelling equipment, guided snorkel tours, and safety instruction provided. Guests also enjoy morning tea on boarding, a buffet-style lunch, afternoon refreshments, and a complimentary glass of wine on the return sail. Transfers between the boat and Green Island are included, along with expert guidance from a high crew-to-guest ratio.
How long is the tour?
This is a full-day experience lasting approximately 9 hours, including travel time. Guests typically spend around 4.5 hours enjoying both Pinnacle Reef and Green Island.
What makes this tour different from other reef tours?
Ocean Free is a boutique-style experience limited to around 25 guests, offering a more personalised and relaxed atmosphere. The small group size allows for individual attention, guided snorkelling, and a less crowded reef experience.
Where does the tour go?
The tour visits Pinnacle Reef, an exclusive reef site located just off Green Island within a protected marine park zone. Guests also have time to explore Green Island itself, including its beaches and rainforest.
How long do we spend on the reef and island?
Guests have approximately 4.5 hours to split between snorkelling or diving at Pinnacle Reef and exploring Green Island. You can choose how to spend your time between the two locations.
Is snorkelling included?
Yes, snorkelling is included and is a major highlight of the tour. All equipment, instruction, and guided snorkel tours are provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all levels.
Do I need experience to snorkel?
No experience is required. Beginners are supported with instruction, flotation devices, and guidance from experienced crew members throughout the day.
Can I try scuba diving?
Yes, both introductory (no experience required) and certified scuba diving options are available as upgrades. All dives are guided, with a high instructor-to-diver ratio for added safety and comfort.
What marine life might I see?
Pinnacle Reef is home to a wide range of marine life including colourful fish, coral gardens, giant clams, and occasionally reef sharks and turtles. The protected status of the area means marine life is abundant and easily visible.
Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is ideal for beginners. The calm, sheltered reef environment and personalised guidance make it accessible for first-time snorkellers and divers.
Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Basic swimming ability is recommended for snorkelling, but non-swimmers can still enjoy time on Green Island, relax onboard, or participate in optional activities such as glass bottom boat tours.
What should I bring with me?
You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. A reusable water bottle and camera are also recommended.
Is lunch included?
Yes, a buffet-style lunch is included, along with morning tea and afternoon refreshments. Food is served onboard, allowing you to relax and refuel between activities.
Is there free time on Green Island?
Yes, guests have the flexibility to spend as much or as little time on Green Island as they like. You can relax on the beach, explore rainforest walking tracks, or participate in optional island activities.
What optional activities are available?
Optional extras include scuba diving (introductory or certified), glass bottom boat tours, and semi-submersible reef viewing experiences on Green Island. These can usually be arranged on the day.
What time does the tour depart and return?
Check-in begins around 7:15 am, with departure at 8:00 am. The tour returns to Cairns in the late afternoon, usually around 5:00 pm.
Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at Marlin Marina. Guests board the vessel after check-in.
What type of boat is used?
The tour operates on a traditional sailing schooner, offering a unique “true sailing” experience when conditions allow. This adds a relaxed and authentic feel to the journey compared to standard motorised reef boats.
Is the tour crowded?
No, the tour is intentionally limited to a maximum of around 25 guests. This ensures a more personal, relaxed, and high-quality experience compared to larger reef tours.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in most weather conditions. However, the itinerary may be adjusted if necessary to ensure safety and the best possible experience.
Is the tour eco-friendly?
Yes, the tour operates within protected marine park zones and focuses on sustainable practices, education, and responsible interaction with the reef environment.
Do I need to be physically fit?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended, particularly for snorkelling and getting in and out of the water via the vessel or tender. Guests should be mobile enough to board small transfer boats to Green Island.
Can I just relax instead of doing activities?
Absolutely. You can choose to relax onboard, enjoy the sailing experience, or spend your time on Green Island without participating in snorkelling or diving.
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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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