Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The team at Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom are our pick for a day trip out of Cairns if you’re looking for a relaxed vibe without sacrificing quality. They run two boats: Ocean Free, a smaller sailing catamaran that heads to Green Island and a nearby reef site, and Ocean Freedom, a faster motor cat that hits two outer reef locations. We love the personal touch – fewer people on board means more room to spread out and more attention from the crew. If you’re keen on experiencing the outer reef, Ocean Freedom is your best bet. We’ve found the diving at Upolu Cay and Arlington Reef to be consistently good for a day trip. Keep an eye out for whitetip reef sharks resting under ledges and often, we’ve spotted green sea turtles gliding past. The visibility on the outer reef often stretches beyond 20 metres, giving you a proper sense of scale as you drift along the coral walls. Our tip? Snag a spot on the earlier trip if you can; the reef is a bit quieter then. It's a great option for newer divers or those who prefer shorter boat rides with solid reef encounters.