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Adventure Awaits

Experience Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

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Adventure Awaits

Experience Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

Phone Envelope-open Facebook Facebook-messenger Instagram Tripadvisor
  • HOME
  • TOURS
    • Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour
    • 2 Day Reef and Rainforest
    • Daintree Rainforest
  • SPECIAL OFFERS
  • REVIEWS
  • FAQS
  • CONTACT
Menu
  • HOME
  • TOURS
    • Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour
    • 2 Day Reef and Rainforest
    • Daintree Rainforest
  • SPECIAL OFFERS
  • REVIEWS
  • FAQS
  • CONTACT

FAQS

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Frequently Asked Questions

What time do the tours start and end?

Reef tour: Check-in is from 7.15am to 8am at the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. The boat departs at 8.15am sharp and returns approximately 4.30pm.

Rainforest tour: return transfers are included. Please contact reservations 48 hours prior to check-in to confirm your pick-up address.

  • Southside Accommodation: pick up 6.50 am
  • Cairns City (CBD) accommodation: pick up between 7.00 – 7.15am, returns 6.30pm
  • Northern Beaches accommodation: pick up between 7.20 – 7.45am, returns 6pm
  • Port Douglas accommodation: pick up 8.20am, returns approx. 5.00 –  5.30pm
What days do you operate?

Reef tour: due to COVID-19, our full day reef cruise is operating Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Rainforest tour: due to COVID-19, our rainforest tour is operating Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Dive courses: due to COVID-19, dive courses are temporarily unavailable, these will be back later in the year.

Reef & Rainforest packages: these days do not have to be consecutive! Please book the day you wish you travel to the Reef and contact us to book in your Rainforest day.

How many people do your tours take?

Reef tour: Evolution is surveyed to take 300 passengers but we limit our numbers to a maximum of 180 passengers. During current COVID restrictions, we have reduced these numbers even further in order to comply with current COVID stage restrictions.

Rainforest tour: our vehicles take up to 20 passengers only. We keep our numbers small to create a more personalised experience. Due to COVID-19, we have reduced this to 17 passengers and will assign seats. Note that during busy periods we often have more than one vehicle touring in the Daintree, so you may see a couple of busses out and about!

How long we are at the reef?

You will spend 5 hours at the outer reef, exploring 2 Outer Great Barrier Reef locations. There’s plenty of time between dives for snorkeling and relaxation.

Which reefs do you go to?

Evolution travels to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. We have 12 exclusive moorings at six reef locations. Two outer reef locations are chosen each day based on weather conditions and water clarity so as to ensure the best experience for all activities. Generally, we travel to one of our two outer reef locations in the morning (Norman Reef or Saxon Reef) then make our way to North Hastings Reef in the afternoon to conduct Helicopter Flights and our Semi-Submersible tour.

Do you offer a locals discount?

Yes, at times throughout the year we do have a locals discount for our Reef Tour. This applies for all locals with 48 postcodes (Cooktown to Townsville). Book this online here, or contact our Reservations team. This is for direct bookings only.

What languages are spoken onboard?

Our reef crew and rainforest guides are English speaking. However, we do have Chinese speaking staff available on our Reef Tour daily.

Are there age restrictions for diving?

Yes. The minimum age for Introductory divers and dive courses is 12+ years and for Certified divers is 10+ years. All children aged 10 – 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or private guide.

Please keep in mind that all divers are required to complete a medical questionnaire. Divers over 65 years (or 45 years for PADI dive courses) require a dive medical assessment that conforms to Australian Standard and must be found fit to dive.

Do I need to complete a dive medical?

All passengers who want to dive will be required to fill in a medical questionnaire prior to their dive. If you answer yes to any questions then a medical assessment that conforms to the Australian Standard is required and you must be found fit to dive.

How long after diving can I fly?
PADI recommends no flying within 12 hours of one (1) single dive and 18 hours of repetitive/multiple dives. In the interests of safety, we recommend no flying with 24 hours of diving. Please contact our Reservations team if you are unsure.
What if I get seasick?

If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s advisable to take something before you go. Check with a chemist. As Evolution is a catamaran, it’s more stable in rough weather than monohulls. We do sell seasickness pills on board the boat, but please remember, tablets are a preventative, not a cure, so take them before we depart.

What do I bring with me?

Reef: Bring what you would for a day at the beach; swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen, change of clothes, and credit card for additional purchases on the boat.

Rainforest: hat, sunscreen, camera with extra batteries & memory cards, water bottle, towel and swimming costume (if you plan to swim), insect repellent, extra cash for cold drinks, souvenirs or an ice-cream, raincoat in our rainy season or umbrella.

What do I wear?

Reef: wear what you would wear to the beach, swimwear, light clothing, hat and a change of clothes for the journey home. There are changeroom facilities onboard.

Rainforest: as we are in a tropical environment, please wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes or sandals. In our winter months (July to August) you may wish to take a light coat/jacket. No thongs (flip flops) or high heels as there is uneven ground and you will be in the rainforest.

What if I have dietary requirements?

All dietary requirements must be notified at the time of reservation, or at least 48 hours-notice before travel. We cater for vegetarians and most other requirements within reason and providing they are of a medical nature.

Is the tour wheelchair / disabled friendly?

Rainforest: due to the remoteness, the ruggedness of the area, steps and uneven ground on the National Park Boardwalks and into Emmagen Creek, passengers must be able to take walking steps by themselves or with the aid of their own carer.

Wheelchairs must be small compact collapsible chairs as space is limited. This must be checked at the time of reservation and confirmed at least 48 hours prior to the tour. Billy Tea Staff are unable to assist with any lifting or assistance due to insurance liability and not being the authorised carer.

Is Wifi available?

No, due to the remoteness of the area we cannot provide WiFi.
For the rainforest, this may also mean limited mobile reception throughout the day as well.

Do you visit an island or pontoon?

No, we don’t visit an island or pontoon as we have a beautiful 3 story luxury catamaran that is moored on the outer reef while you enjoy the magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef.

To ensure you can book with confidence, we are introducing further flexibility during the COVID restriction period. We want to reassure you that every member of our team is committed to looking after your wellbeing when you travel.

Cancellation and refund policy

To ensure you can book with confidence, we are introducing further flexibility during the COVID restriction period. We want to reassure you that every member of our team is committed to looking after your wellbeing when you travel.

Customers can cancel their trip up to 18 hours prior to travel. In the event, that you need to cancel due to medical reasons (feeling unwell) or if the Government changes travel restrictions, you will be able to cancel within the 18-hour period. We have also waived rebooking fees for any booking alterations.

In the instance that your preferred date of travel is cancelled by us, we will rebook you on the next available date we are departing at no additional cost to you. For more information on booking changes and other options email or call our reservation team.

Please consider the weather and wind strength before booking. The operator reserves the right to cancel the tour, change vessel type, or arrange an alternative carrier in the event of bad weather or mechanical problems. No refunds for voluntary uncompleted dives.

COVID-19 information

Social distancing: is enforced onboard as well as at boarding and disembarking to minimise crowding.

Reef tour: we have reduced our maximum passenger numbers in order to comply with current COVID stage restrictions. We are fortunate to have one of the largest reef vessels in Cairns. Evolution has three floors and considerably spacious so there is plenty of room to allow for social distancing. There will be signage to allow for everyone to move around the vessel, when required, safely. Passengers are asked to limit movement around the cabin, once seated and travelling between sites.

Rainforest tour: COVID-Safe restrictions for seating within vehicles requires social distancing between staff and passengers. Although COVID restrictions have eased for passenger seating, we will also ensure to not allow passengers to sit immediately beside other passengers from other bookings or family units.

Sanitising stations: hand sanitising stations will be placed throughout the vessel and buses and at entry points. Sanitising wipes will be available for passengers to wipe down seat belts, trays and armrests themselves.

Enhanced cleaning of equipment: with a focus on high contact areas, entrance points, signage, and changes to our food service.

Masks provided: while these are not mandatory from a safety point of view, we will have these available for use if you wish. Customers can also bring their own mask if they would prefer.

Symptoms: if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you will be refused entry and advised to seek medical advice and to contact our reservations team or your agent to reschedule your activity.

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Reviews

"Amazing day and incredible experience. Thank you to all the crew for your excellent hospitality. This activity is a MUST to do in Cairns. The boat was very clean, the crew always smiling and helpfully and the Great Barrier Reef such a perfect place."
Jona via Tripadvisor 2020
Great day. Sea lively. Reefs wonderful. Crew awesome. Boat clean, well equipped and crew ensured a safe environment and experience. I’d rebook again without hesitation.
infourtime via Tripadvisor 2020
The crew are entertaining, informative & helpful. They take you to an amazing part of the Reef, you can see sharks & turtles if you are lucky. It’s worth it just for the amazing fish and the colours are amazing. If I ever get to go again, I will book with this company. Lunch was steak, prawns & fish and it was delicious. The helicopter pilot was great too. Everything about the day was absolutely spot on, well done everyone involved.
Jon R, via Tripadvisor 2020
Had an incredible day!! The boat was spacious, lot of open space and closed as well, whatever you prefer. The deck crew was lovely and friendly - made sure you were comfortable throughout as well as in the water based on your confidence level. If this is your first time diving, I would definitely recommend them :) can’t forget this experience.
Pulkita via Tripadvisor 2020
I can highly recommend this day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, I am a Cairns local and have been out on most of the GBR day trips. The crew are wonderful and very professional, the boat is the best in Cairns by a long way, it goes to 2 stunning locations where the water is clean, clear, and warm. Today I swam with so many beautiful fish, and saw stingrays and turtles. I loved my day out on the reef. FYI I went on my own and was made to feel very welcome and made some lovely new friends.
Tamera S, via Tripadvisor 2020
The best possible activity we did in QLD! The tour group was just big enough and the truck ride comfortable. Nothing could beat it!
Scouter via TripAdvisor
Loved this! A very full day with lots of variety in nature. Steven our guide was excellent and we learned so much about Australian history, plants and the land throughout the day. Excellently organised, professional guides. I would certainly recommend this as a great way to see and learn about the area.
Kendra R, via TripAdvisor
I highly recommend this trip. Gavin, our tour guide, was excellent in telling us about the culture, the history of the area and of course the nature we passed through. The mix of driving, short walks, stops, BBQ, ice cream and fruits, a quick swim and boat trip gave a good variety to the day. We really had a great and interesting day!
Gabben, via TripAdvisor
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+61 7 4052 8300
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    • HOME
    • TOURS
      • Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour
      • 2 Day Reef and Rainforest
      • Daintree Rainforest
    • SPECIAL OFFERS
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    • FAQS
    • CONTACT
    Menu
    • HOME
    • TOURS
      • Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour
      • 2 Day Reef and Rainforest
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    COVID-19 update:
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    Terms and Conditions:

    Pricing:
    All prices are listed and charged in Australian Dollars (AUD) and valid from 1/4/2020 to 31/03/2021.

    Child age for the Reef:
    4-16years; Infants up to 3years. Children up to 15yrs must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers under 18yrs will require parental guardian signature.

    Child age for the 2 Day Reef & Rainforest:
    the child age is 0-14 years. Infants require booster seats. Please contact reservations prior to travel to arrange this.

    Safety:
    Divers 65yrs+ must provide a current ‘AS4005.1’ dive medical prior to travel. Certain medical conditions and medications may exclude some people from introductory and certified diving. For advice please contact our office. Minimum age for introductory diving is 12 years old and certified divers is 10 years old. Snorkelling can be a strenuous activity, please use caution and inform our crew of any medical conditions. Certified divers must have proof of certification. After a single dive, a wait of 12 hours is recommended before ascending to altitude or if multiple dives are completed, an interval of 24 hours is suggested.

    Weather:
    please consider weather and wind strength before booking. Semi-submersible tours are weather permitting.

    Helicopter restrictions:
    due to safety, 110kg Helicopter flight weight restrictions apply.

    Reef Levy:
    Is a fee levied on all passengers to cover park entry fees, fuel and administration costs inclusive of GST.

    Reconfirming:
    All passengers must reconfirm their tour at least 48 hours prior to travel by contacting reservations by phone +61 7 40 52 8300 or by email: reservations@downunderdive.com.au

    Cancellations/Alterations/Refunds:
    No refunds for cancellations within 18 hours of departure time; 24 hours for dive courses and packaged products. Rebooking fees apply for alterations made within these times. The operator reserves the right to cancel the tour, change vessel type or arrange an alternative carrier in the event of bad weather or mechanical problems. No refunds for voluntary uncompleted dives.