9. Silverswift


The Great Barrier Reef is a sprawling aquatic masterpiece, and Silverswift is the ultimate vessel for those who want to experience its most remote and pristine reaches in a single, high-octane day. Designed specifically for the adventurous spirit, Silverswift offers a fast-paced, premium snorkeling and diving odyssey that prioritizes time in the water and variety of scenery. This is not just a reef cruise; it is a high-speed pursuit of the best underwater conditions available on the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

As part of the award-winning Silver Series, Silverswift caters to active travelers, small groups, and enthusiasts who want to avoid the crowds. With a focus on agility and exploration, we take pride in our ability to visit three different reef sites in one day—a feat few other operators can match. Our professional crew consists of passionate marine naturalists and dive experts who are dedicated to providing a personalized, educational, and exhilarating experience. From the moment you step aboard our sleek, custom-built catamaran in Cairns, you are part of an elite expedition to the edge of the continental shelf, where the wild blue yonder meets a kaleidoscope of coral life.

Your journey takes you to the very outer limits of the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the breathtaking Flynn, Pellowe, Milln, and Thetford Reefs. These locations are chosen specifically for their incredible biological diversity and crystalline water clarity. Because Silverswift is a nimble, high-speed vessel, we have the luxury of choosing from a wide array of private moorings based on the day’s specific wind, tide, and visibility conditions.

The Outer Reef is a world of dramatic contrasts. At these sites, you will witness towering coral “bommies” that rise from the ocean floor to just beneath the surface, creating intricate mazes of life. You might explore the steep, vertical walls of Flynn Reef, where the deep blue of the abyss provides a stunning backdrop for reef sharks and schools of pelagic fish. In the shallower lagoons, you’ll find delicate sea fans, vibrant anemones, and a bustling metropolis of tropical fish, from the iconic clownfish to the majestic Maori Wrasse. This is the reef at its most raw and untamed—a destination where the sheer scale of the coral formations and the intensity of the colors are truly life-changing.

Silverswift operates on a consistent daily schedule, designed to get you to the reef before the midday heat and back in time for dinner in Cairns.

  • Check-in: 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM at the Silver Series counter, Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
  • Boarding: 8:15 AM at the vessel.
  • Departure: Silverswift departs promptly at 8:30 AM.
  • Reef Time: Approximately 5 hours of actual time spent at the three reef locations.
  • Return: The vessel arrives back at the Cairns Marlin Marina at approximately 4:30 PM.

Please note: Hotel pick-ups for those using our transfer service typically occur between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM.

Silverswift is a 29-meter, state-of-the-art catamaran specifically engineered for high-speed travel in the Coral Sea. It features a unique “ride control” system that utilizes active computer-controlled foils to dampen the motion of the waves, ensuring a smooth and stable journey for our guests.

  • Three Levels of Comfort: The vessel features two levels of spacious, air-conditioned indoor lounges with large tinted windows and comfortable booth seating.
  • The Sun Deck: The top deck is a dedicated outdoor space for those who want to soak up the tropical sun and enjoy panoramic 360-degree views.
  • The Dive Deck: This is the functional heart of Silverswift. It features a large, well-organized deck with a submerged hydraulic platform at the stern, making entries and exits from the water effortless and safe.
  • Amenities: Onboard you will find freshwater showers, spacious changing rooms, and a fully licensed bar serving cold drinks and snacks.

How long does the tour run?
The tour typically operates from around 8:30am to 4:30pm, giving you a full day on the reef including travel time, activities and meals.

How much time do you spend on the reef?
Guests enjoy over five hours at the reef across three separate sites, allowing for multiple snorkelling or diving sessions throughout the day.

Which reef locations are visited?
The tour visits outer reef sites such as Flynn, Milln, Thetford and Pellowe Reefs, with three selected on the day based on conditions to ensure the best visibility and marine life.

What activities are available?
You can snorkel, take part in a guided snorkel tour, try introductory scuba diving, or complete up to three certified dives if qualified.

Do I need experience to join?
No experience is required for snorkelling or introductory diving. Full instruction and safety briefings are provided by professional crew.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes return boat transfers, snorkelling equipment, instruction, guided snorkel tours, and all safety briefings. Food is also included, with morning tea, afternoon tea and a hot and cold buffet lunch served onboard.

Is food provided?
Yes, a tropical buffet lunch is served onboard, along with tea, coffee and snacks throughout the day.

How many people are on this tour?
While the vessel can carry over 150 passengers, numbers are typically capped at around 80–85 guests per day to ensure a more comfortable and less crowded experience.

Is this cruise suitable for non swimmers?
This tour is best suited to confident swimmers. Snorkelling takes place in open ocean conditions, which may include waves and currents. Flotation devices and lifeguard supervision are provided, but non-swimmers or very weak swimmers may find the experience challenging.

What marine life can I expect to see?
You may encounter colourful coral gardens, tropical fish, turtles, rays and reef sharks, with outer reef locations known for excellent visibility and biodiversity.

How long is the boat trip to the reef?
The journey to the outer reef typically takes around 70–90 minutes each way, depending on conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a change of clothes. Certified divers should also bring their certification card.

Are there showers onboard?
Yes, hot freshwater showers and change rooms are available for guest use.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, snorkelling is suitable for children, while scuba diving options have minimum age requirements (generally 12+ for introductory diving).

Is the tour safe?
Yes, safety is a priority. The vessel is staffed with experienced crew, lifeguards and dive professionals, and all guests receive safety briefings before entering the water.

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. Make sure your device is securely attached, as conditions can be unpredictable and items can be lost in the water.

Can I take a drone on the tour?
Drones are generally not permitted due to safety concerns, limited space onboard, and regulations within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It’s best to assume drones are not allowed unless you have prior approval from the operator.

How many dives can I do?
Certified divers can complete up to three dives in one day, while introductory divers can usually do one or two guided dives.

What is a typical itinerary?
After a morning departure from Cairns, the vessel travels to the first reef site for snorkelling and diving. It then visits two additional reef locations throughout the day, with lunch served onboard before returning to Cairns in the late afternoon.

What happens in bad weather?
Tours generally operate in most weather conditions, but may be rescheduled or cancelled if conditions are unsafe. Alternative dates or refunds are usually offered in these cases.

Why choose Silverswift?
Silverswift stands out for visiting three outer reef sites in one day, offering more variety and reef time than most Cairns day tours, combined with smaller guest numbers and a strong focus on snorkelling and 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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