Tusa Reef Tours
ProHighlights
- A half-day trip to the outer reef with up to two hours of snorkelling at a site picked on the day from Saxon and Hastings reefs
- Private charters for birthdays, social get-togethers and corporate groups, either joining a scheduled trip or taking the boat exclusively
- Numbers are capped at 60 guests, with snorkel gear, wetsuits and guided snorkelling covered in the fare
About Tusa Reef Tours
Tusa Reef Tours takes small groups from Cairns out to the outer Great Barrier Reef and back inside half a day. The boat carries no more than 60 guests, and the captain chooses one of seven sites across Saxon and Hastings reefs to suit the conditions. Snorkellers can spend up to two hours exploring, with guides pointing out marine life along the way. The trip checks in at 8.40am at A Finger in Cairns Marina and is back by 2pm. The crossing takes around 90 minutes each way, and the crew uses the outbound leg for a full briefing. Mask, snorkel, fins and a wetsuit are included, and confident swimmers can add an introductory scuba dive with a PADI instructor. A photographer travels on board, and lunch boxes can be ordered ahead to eat on the way home. For celebrations and work events, Tusa offers private charters. A group can join one of the regular trips together or take the vessel on an exclusive charter, with a set menu or canapés from the onboard chefs. Outside entertainers and stylists are welcome, and every charter is quoted to suit the group. The boat has lounge seating over two levels and an air-conditioned cabin with large windows. Out on deck there is a partly shaded sun deck, a sunken lounge at the bow, hot and cold showers and a large dive deck.
Inclusions & amenities
Activity type
Price range (per person)
Setting
Ages
Pricing
Private charters are quoted to suit each group, and a fuel recovery surcharge may be added to bookings.
Food
Beverages
Availability
What's Included
Frequently asked questions
Can we hire the boat for a private birthday or corporate trip?
Yes. Tusa runs private charters for birthdays, social gatherings and corporate groups. You can travel together on a regular trip or book the vessel exclusively, and each charter is quoted to suit the group.
What food is available on a charter?
Charter groups can choose a set menu or canapés prepared by the onboard chefs. On the regular half-day trip, lunch boxes can be pre-ordered for the return leg and light snacks are sold on board.
How long is the half-day reef trip?
Check-in is at 8.40am at A Finger in Cairns Marina, the boat sails at 9am and it returns around 2pm. You get up to two hours of snorkelling at one outer reef site.
Do we need snorkelling or diving experience?
No. Guides help beginners in the water, and gear including a wetsuit is supplied. Everyone completes an assessment form first, and some snorkellers may need a flotation device.
What is the cancellation policy for groups?
For bookings of six or more, cancelling between 30 and 7 days before the trip incurs a 20% fee, and cancellations inside 7 days are not refunded. Smaller bookings can cancel free up to 24 hours ahead.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Layla North
2 weeks ago
We booked the half-day Outer Reef tour with TUSA Reef Tours on 25 October to celebrate our 4 year anniversary, and honestly, I cannot speak highly enough of the experience. It was genuinely one of the best things we’ve e…
Jessica Liu
2 months ago
Awesome experience! We had a small group which meant the inside of the boat and sundeck didn’t feel cramped at all. Staff were all friendly and helpful. Water was a bit cold so having the hot showers on board were so goo…
Connie Wilson
2 months ago
Highly recommend this tour. Small group, great staff who help you as much as you require. Quality equipment supplied and a hot shower when you get out of the water was a bonus. Sam was amazing, guiding us around the r…
Hunter Gurung
3 months ago
I had an amazing experience with TUSA Reef Tours! The staff were incredibly friendly, professional, and supportive throughout the entire trip. As a first-time snorkeller and a non-swimmer, I was a little nervous, but the…
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