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Down Under Cruise and Dive

About

"Down Under Cruise and Dive" is a popular tour operator based in Cairns that opens the gates for travelers to one of nature's most majestic wonders — the Great Barrier Reef. The company is known for its daily cruises aboard the modern luxury superyacht "Evolution," which transports guests to the outer edges of the reef quickly and with maximum comfort.

This is not just a transport service, but a complete experience package. "Down Under Cruise and Dive" offers a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world of the most famous ecosystem in the country of Australia. Thanks to the vessel's high speed, tourists have more time for swimming and studying marine life in the open ocean, far from the coastal bustle.

Down Under Cruise and Dive. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

A journey with this operator is suitable for both experienced divers and those putting on a mask and snorkel for the first time. The friendly atmosphere, professional crew, and focus on safety make this experience accessible for families with children and solo travelers wishing to touch the magic of the underwater world.

Contacts

To book a tour or clarify departure details, you can contact "Down Under Cruise and Dive" representatives directly. Below are the current contact details and the address of the terminal from which the cruises depart.

Address Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Phone +61 7 4052 8300
Official website downundercruiseanddive.com.au

What to Do

The main activity during a tour with "Down Under Cruise and Dive" is, undoubtedly, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the outer reef. You will be provided with all necessary equipment, including masks, snorkels, and fins, so you can freely observe the colorful corals and schools of tropical fish. For those who want to go deeper, scuba diving is offered. Both certified divers and beginners under the careful guidance of an instructor (Introductory Dive) can take the plunge.

If you don't want to get wet but wish to see the underwater world, semi-submersible boat tours are often organized on board. Through large glass windows, you can admire sea turtles and reef sharks while staying absolutely dry. This is an excellent option for families with small children or elderly people.

Besides water activities, guests can enjoy relaxing on the spacious sun decks of the "Evolution" yacht. A delicious BBQ lunch, served right on board, is usually included in the cruise price. Live music on the way back to port creates a relaxing atmosphere, allowing you to end the day on a positive note with a drink in hand.

For the most sophisticated travelers, a helicopter ride option is sometimes available (for an additional fee). Taking off from a floating platform above the reef offers a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the turquoise ocean expanses, allowing you to appreciate the true scale of the Great Barrier Reef.

Getting There

Getting to the "Down Under Cruise and Dive" meeting point is quite simple, as it is located in the very heart of the tourist zone. Check-in for trips takes place at the Reef Fleet Terminal, which is located at the end of Spence Street. This is the main departure point for sea excursions in the city.

If you are staying in the city center, you will likely be able to walk to the terminal. Most popular hotels and apartments are located within a 5–15 minute walk from the waterfront. A walk to the terminal will allow you to enjoy morning views of the marina and ocean.

For those staying in remote areas or on the Northern Beaches, it is most convenient to use a taxi or ridesharing services (for example, Uber). Many hotels also offer transfers to the terminal, so it is worth checking this information at the reception. If you are driving, there are paid parking lots near the terminal and along the waterfront, but it is better to take a spot in advance.

Public transport is also available: the main bus station on Lake Street is just a few blocks from the terminal. From there, you can easily walk to the pier by following signs to the Reef Fleet Terminal.

History & Facts

"Down Under Cruise and Dive" has established itself as one of the leading reef tourism operators in the region. One of the company's main prides is their flagship vessel — the superyacht "Evolution". This modern catamaran was designed specifically for comfortable sea trips in all weather conditions, combining high speed and stability on the water, which minimizes the risk of seasickness for passengers.

An interesting feature of the routes is the choice of locations. The ship's captains select mooring spots on the outer reef (Outer Reef), such as Saxon Reef or Hastings Reef, based on water clarity and the specific day's weather conditions. This allows tourists to see the brightest and most lively sections of coral gardens while avoiding overly crowded places.

The company also focuses on the educational aspect. Marine biologists are often present on board to give presentations about the life of corals and reef inhabitants. This approach turns a regular sea trip into an educational journey, helping guests better understand the fragile ecosystem of this natural wonder.

Time Needed

You will need to set aside a full day to visit this attraction. Standard cruises to the Great Barrier Reef usually depart early in the morning, around 8:00–8:30, and return to port closer to 16:30 or 17:00. This is a full-fledged journey including the trip to the reef, several hours of active recreation on the water, and the return trip.

Considering the time for check-in at the terminal (it is recommended to arrive 30–45 minutes before departure), the transfer, and the program itself, you should not plan other large-scale events for this day. It is better to leave the evening after the cruise free for a quiet dinner and rest after the rich impressions.

Working Hours

The company office and check-in counters operate daily to ensure uninterrupted service for tourists. According to the official schedule, working hours are: Monday to Sunday from 08:30 to 17:00.

Please note that these hours apply to shore services and customer support. The cruises themselves depart in the morning, so it is extremely important to arrive at the terminal in advance for check-in, even if the office is open until the evening.

Nearby

Exploring the surroundings of the Reef Fleet Terminal can be a great addition to your sea adventure. This area is full of life: here you can stroll along the picturesque waterfront, visit historical sites, or drop into unique museums located literally a few minutes' walk away.

Attraction Distance (km)
Cairns Waterfalls (Water Park) 0.4
Cairns Esplanade (management office) 0.4
Cairns Esplanade Olympic Torch Monument 0.5
Historical Chinatown 0.6
CITIUS ALTIUS FORTIUS 0.6
Cairns Aquarium 0.8
Old Woree Drive-In Site 5.8
Satelite tower 6.5
Green arrow - Survey marker 6.7
Red Hill 6.9

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