Board Coral Sea Dreaming is at 0745, A finger Berth 2, Marlin Marina Main Jetty.

At 8am we set sail as we make way to Cairns outermost reefs. Along the way we conduct snorkeling, introductory and certified dive briefings and a vessel familiarization. There is plenty of time for passengers to mingle, relax, and get to know each other.

Travel time from Cairns to the Reef varies from 2.5 to 4 hours depending on the locations chosen for the voyage. The first site will be chosen to suit the range of in-water experience of our passengers and their comfort. Depths will range from 1 – 5m for snorkeling and 5 to 28 m for diving, with water temp varying from 23 to 32 degrees depending on the time of year. All sites provide a huge diversity for all levels of experience from extensive coral gardens with an unbelievable amount of marine life including turtles, small reef sharks, playful clown fish, a plethora of colorful reef fish and dazzling schooling pelagic fish.

Around mid day we arrive at our first location with the vessel mooring close to the reef where there are shallow coral gardens, reef walls and deeper coral bombie fields to explore.  Depending on timing lunch may be served or in-water activities will begin. Guests are provided a reef brief at the arrival of each site identifying the features and key species to look out for.

Our tentative staff will assist all guests into the water and back on deck upon return from their adventures. There is a crew member stationed on watch at all times guests are in the water with a safety tender deployed for immediate emergency assistance. For first time snorkelers we have plenty of flotation aids and a guided snorkel can be organised upon request.

In-water activities are followed by lunch which is a delicious spread of home made salads, cold meats, wraps, breads and spreads. There are always loads of snacks on offer all day and tea/ coffee facilities.

The vessel moves to a second location around 3pm. Where guests are again briefed and the pool is opened for action.

It is possible to do 2 day dives per day and 3 day dives for the avid diver. Please ask our crew at the start of the trip if you wish to dive as much as possible so we can arrange the logistics for you.

As the sunsets over the Great Barrier Reef, guests are invited to enjoy a cheese and dip platter washed down with a refreshing sun-downer on the foredeck. At this time our adventurous divers are briefed for the thrilling night dive soon to come.

A satisfying dinner is served either stirfry, thai green curry, Mexican fajitas or pizzas with salads. Depending on the time of year dinner followed by chocolate may be served before or after the night dive.

The night dive is commenced just after sunset and is an absolute must do on an overnight trip. Night time brings out a whole other world underwater from sharks and hunting red bass to sleeping turtles, dazzling luminescence and crazy glowing corals under the UV torches.

Unwind after the night dive and share some tall tales from the sea with our crew and a cold drink. Then take in the unabated galaxy of stars with all lights dimmed for a truly speechless view. Later be rocked to sleep with the romance of  our yacht floating on the Great Barrier Reef.

Please note: Coral Sea Dreaming is a small boat off-shore experience. Weather can vary and the Outer Reef is up to 50 kilometers from Cairns. Coral Sea Dreaming is an adventure tour suitable for those who can swim, snorkel, dive or wish to dive.

While we always try to do some sailing, due to the prevailing South Easterly winds, this usually occurs on the return part of the trip.

We like to think that a small sailboat is always a more intimate experience than a motor boat but it is important to note, there are no activities on the boat that will suit the non-swimmer or very young children.