Reef Daytripper

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The team at Reef Daytripper are our pick for a really personal Great Barrier Reef experience. They run a smaller boat, which we always appreciate, cutting down on the usual crowds you find on the bigger day tours out of Cairns. We think they’re perfect for divers who want a relaxed pace, maybe a bit more bottom time, and a crew who remember your name. They specialise in taking divers to outer reef sites that feel less hammered, and you’ll notice the difference. We’ve had some truly fantastic dives out with them, particularly around Hastings Reef. One trip, we spent a solid 20 minutes just watching a pair of reef sharks cruising over a bommie, totally unbothered. Another time, the fusiliers were so dense on a particular wall, it felt like swimming through a silver cloud. Ask them about their favourite drift dives; those are usually a winner. Visibility is generally excellent out there, often pushing 20-30 metres, especially if you get an early start before the wind picks up. It’s not the cheapest option, but for a more intimate GBR dive, we reckon it’s worth the extra few bucks. Just remember to book ahead, as that smaller boat fills up fast.

Run Reef Daytripper? Get a free dive conditions widget for your website.