Getting to Reef Encounter our Great Barrier Reef hotel

Getting to Reef Encounter is via our sister boat  Reef Experience or by a spectacular scenic helicopter flight.

Enjoy greater flexibility with your travel plans.   Start your holiday on the day that suits you, and stay on the Reef as long as you like! Reef Encounter trips depart from Cairns every day via our transfer vessel ‘Reef Experience’.

Alternatively, you may choose to transfer to and/or from Reef Encounter by helicopter. The helicopter transfer is an optional extra that you may select during your booking process online.

 

By Boat Transfer on Reef Experience

Our sister vessel, Reef Experience, transfers our guests daily to Reef Encounter from the Cairns Marina. Check-in is directly on the boat, Reef Experience – at 7.30 am.

7:30 am Check-in. Boarding time onboard Reef Experience
Breakfast will be served before departure.
8:00 am Departure for Reef Encounter.
4:30 pm Approximate return time on your final day.

Bus transfers to and from your accommodation to Cairns Marlin Marina are available.

On the morning of your tour, please be at Cairns Marlin Marina – ‘A-Finger’.  Check-in time is at 7.30 am.  Reef Experience will transfer you directly to Reef Encounter.

how to get to Reef Encounter

Shuttle Bus to Cairns Marina

Bus pickup and/or drop off from your accommodation is an optional extra that can be selected during booking.

 

Where Can I Park?

Several parking stations throughout Cairns are within walking distance of the Cairns Marina.  Click here to see where.

 

By Helicopter Transfer

Helicopter Transfers

A helicopter transfer is an optional extra that you may select during your booking process online.

You may choose to transfer to or from Reef Encounter on a spectacular helicopter flight.   (Minimum two guests required for helicopter transfer)

Helicopter transfers depart and arrive at Cairns General Aviation. Transfers are available to and from your accommodation.

Please note that strict luggage restrictions and weight restrictions apply for air travel. We offer a free luggage storage facility at Reef Encounter’s office.

Our office is located at 100 Abbott Street, Cairns.   Opening times are from 7 am – 9 pm, 7 days a week. Luggage may also be transported on our fast boat, Reef Experience.

 

Luggage Requirements

A small to medium overnight bag with personal items is all you will need to bring along.

What to pack for your stay onboard Reef Encounter.

Include casual clothes, personal toiletries, sun hat, swimming clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, medication if needed etc.

As the air-conditioning is a set temperature for the heat during the day, it can become quite cool in the evenings.  We, therefore, recommend bringing something warm to wear for the evenings.

Large Luggage

100 Abbott Street, Cairns. It is about a 15-minute walk to the Cairns Marina from our office.

Our office opening times are from 7 am – 9 pm, 7 days a week.

Suppose you have organised bus transfers to the Marlin Marina and would like to leave any large items at our office.  You may leave your excess luggage with the bus driver, who will deliver them to our office.

 

What should I bring to Reef Encounter?

  • For safety reasons, this is a barefoot experience. Socks are recommended.
  • Snorkelling and scuba dive equipment is included in our packages. If you have your own equipment, you are most welcome to bring your own equipment.
  • Optional extras for hire are wetsuits and prescription lens masks.
  • Cash or credit card for purchases.
  • Certified Diver, you will need to bring along proof of your certification.  Scuba diving certification must be equivalent to an Open Water Level or above.  The Dive Supervisor will check your documents at the start of your trip.
  •  Please see our SCUBA Divers Important Information page to avoid disappointment on your trip.
  • IMPORTANT Scuba dive medicals will only be accepted if conducted using the Australian Medical Examination Form AS4005.1. 
  • The medical certificate must clearly state that you provide the Dive Supervisor onboard Reef Encounter.