Reef Encounter and Daintree Rainforest

Reef Encounter and Daintree Rainforest tour package starts with an overnight stay onboard Reef Encounter.  Next, a day tour to the oldest rainforest in the World, the Daintree Rainforest.

Our first option allows you to stay for one or several nights at the GBR.

Start by selecting the book button, and you can quickly fill out the details to suit you best.

Reef Encounter

Reef Encounter is a fantastic way to experience the  Great Barrier Reef.

Accommodation is in a Stateroom, all with a Reef view and private bathrooms.  While you are on board, our Chef will prepare delicious and nutritious meals.

Once you have checked into your room, it’s time to explore the Great Barrier Reef and choose the activities that suit you best.

Activities onboard include snorkelling, introductory and certified scuba diving, and dive lessons.

For anyone who is not comfortable in the water, the crew will get in the water to assist you, and you can also do a glass-bottom boat tour.

After several water sessions, relax and enjoy the sunset over one of the seven natural wonders of the World.

Reef Encounter offers all the luxury facilities of a reef resort while floating on the pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Reef Encounter Facilities

  • A fully air-conditioned 35-metre catamaran hotel designed for the utmost stability and comfort at Sea
  • Large dining saloon
  • TV and lounge area
  • Outdoor, freshwater hot-tub
  • Spacious sundeck with sun loungers
  • Fully licensed bar
  • Large, easy-access dive and snorkel platforms
  • Helicopter pad on the roof for low-flying scenic helicopter tours over the coral reef as your transfer to/from Reef Encounter (optional extra)

Liveaboard Cairns Accommodation

  • Check-in time:  10.00am    Check-Out time:  8.00am
  • Spacious, air-conditioned Stateroom – with reef views
  • All staterooms have an ensuite bathroom with a toilet and shower
  • Towels and toiletries provided (soap, shampoo and conditioner)
  • All staterooms have Australian power outlets

Daintree Rainforest tour Description

You will be heading to the World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest on this day. Discover magnificent coastal rainforest and pristine tropical beaches stretching from the sugar town of Mossman to the Bloomfield River, all within 3 hours from Cairns.

Your journey to the rainforest

This tour starts in Cairns and travels to Cape Tribulation (the headlands of the Daintree Rainforest) along with one of Australia’s most scenic coastal roads.  Along the way, pass through beautiful Palm Cove and continue north to the seaside village of Port Douglas, where you will enjoy a stop at flagstaff hill lookout, overlooking Four Mile Beach and the historic St Mary’s by the Sea.

Mossman Gorge

Next, we travel to the southern edge of the Daintree National Park, the spectacular “Mossman Gorge”  surrounded by lush rainforest.

The clear mountain river cuts through thick rainforest and tumbles over boulders on its journey to the Sea.

Enjoy a morning tea of bush scones, then a guided walk through the tropical rainforest.

Then we travel further north towards the Daintree. We will stop at a Tea House for a delicious lunch along the way.

After lunch, we cruise along the Daintree River, spotting crocodiles, tree snakes, butterflies and an abundance of birdlife.

Spot Crocodiles in their natural habitat!

After your wildlife spotting cruise, you will cross the mighty Daintree River on a cable ferry.  We then enter the Cape Tribulation section of the Daintree National Park.  Along the way, we will stop at Alexandra Lookout.  Then enjoy a guided walk along boardwalks and visit a tower to enjoy the spectacular views.

Arrive at Cape Tribulation

The next stop is Cape Tribulation. Your experienced local naturalist will take you on guided walks through the Daintree rainforest while discovering the spectacular Biodiversity of the oldest living rainforest in the World. After that, we will stop at Kulki lookout and Cape Tribulation Beach – where the rainforest meets the Reef.

Next, see more Reef Encounter packages

 

 

Highlights

 Reef Encounter and Daintree Rainforest Tour Highlights

  • Tour of Palm Cove
  • Rex lookout: on one of the most scenic coastal drives in Australia
  • Driving town tour of Port Douglas, including Flagstaff hill lookout overlooking Four Mile beach
  • Spectacular Mossman Gorge: guided walk and swim option (if time or weather permits)
  •  A delicious lunch, tropical fruit tasting
  • Morning Tea
  • Daintree River Cruise along the way, and keep an eye out for crocodiles and birdlife.
  •  World Heritage Rainforest/Areas
  • Fully guided walks- Rainforest Boardwalks in a unique environment of Rainforest Alexandra lookout–coastal views over Daintree River mouth, Low Isles, Snapper Island and beyond to the Great Barrier Reef
  •  Cape Tribulation beach: “where the rainforest meets the reef.”
  • The next stop is the Daintree Icecream company, an optional and popular local stop (at your own expense)
  • Daintree River cable ferry crossing

Itinerary

Please note, this itinerary is based on a 3-day /2-night stay with Reef Encounter

First Day

Arrive

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 2 Day Dives + 1 Night

7:30am
Board the transfer vessel ‘Reef Experience’ at Cairns Marlin Marina for breakfast, check-in and your journey to Reef Encounter

9:30am
Arrive onboard Reef Encounter for your ‘Welcome & Safety Talk’ before being shown to your room to settle in and relax

10:30am
 Water Session: Time to snorkel for all guests before lunch

12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon

13.00
Water Briefings: Certified Diver Briefings / Try Scuba Diving Briefings / Snorkel Adventure Briefings

13.30
 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time

15:00

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

15:30
 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

Summer


18:00
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

18:45
Night Dive Briefings

19:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

Winter


17:30
Night Dive Briefings

18:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

19:15
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

20:00
Dessert is served in the dining saloon

Full Day

On the Reef

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 3 Day Dives + 1 Night

6:00am
Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session

6:30am
 Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

7:30am
Breakfast is served in the dining saloon

8:00am

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

8:30am
 Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

10:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon

13:30
 Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

15:00

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

15:30
 Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

Summer


18:00
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

18:45
Night Dive Briefings

19:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

Winter


17:30
Night Dive Briefings

18:00
 Night dive commences for all those scuba diving

19:15
Dinner is served in the dining saloon

20:00
Dessert is served in the dining saloon

Last Day

Return

Snorkelling:

Unlimited in water sessions


Diving (Max possible):
Up to 3 Day Dives

6:00am
Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session

6:30am
Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request

7:30am
Breakfast is served in the dining saloon

8:00am

Room Checkout

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

8:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

10:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time

12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon

13:30
 Water Session: Snorkel only session available to passengers before departure

14:45
Departing passengers board the transfer vessel ‘Reef Experience’ for the journey back to Cairns. Complimentary wine, cheese and biscuits served on the return journey

15:00 

Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location

16:30
Approximate arrival time to the Cairns Marlin Marina

*Please note, this itinerary does not apply to ‘Great Barrier Reef Deal’ bookings.

*Stateroom Check-In time is 10.00am with Check-Out time 8.00am on the morning of departure (access to a shared transfer/baggage room with bathroom is available along with all other boat facilities)

*Top Deck Club Check-in time is 10.00am with Check-Out time 2.00pm on the day of departure>

*This itinerary may vary due to weather conditions or other circumstances.

 

 

Included

What’s Included in your Liveaboard Cairns package

  • Sleep on the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Encounter
  • All meals are prepared fresh daily by our onboard Chef. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and dessert. Fruit is available throughout the day, along with tea and coffee.
  • If you have any dietary requirements, please advise when booking.
  • The best crew on the Reef! The Reef Encounter team is the best in the business.
  • The latest snorkelling and scuba diving equipment (wetsuits are a small additional charge)
  • Glass bottom boat tour upon request
  • Informative Marine Biology presentation about the coral Reef and marine animals
  • Free luggage storage facility is available at our offices in Cairns City.

Daintree Rainforest day includes

  • Small group, offering unrivalled, friendly and personalised service
  • Air Conditioned comfortable late models vehicles
  • Mossman Gorge
  • Daintree River Cruise
  • Daintree Ferry
  • Morning Tea and Lunch
  • National Park Fees and Permits
  • Experienced Local Guides
  • Interpretation: friendly, knowledgeable, accredited guides

Optional Extras

Liveaboard Cairns optional extras

  • Barista Coffee
  • Soft Drinks
  • Alcohol
  • Nitrox
  • Tshirts and hats
  • Snacks
  • Photos

What to bring

What to Bring to Reef Encounter and Daintree Rainforest package

  • Overnight bag – If you wish to store any excess luggage, we are happy to do so in our office at 100 Abbott Street Cairns.
  • For safety reasons, Reef Encounter has a “No Shoe” policy.
  • Cash or credit card for snacks from the bar/souvenirs for sale on board or underwater camera hire.
  • Sun hat, swimming clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and light casual clothing.
  • Light cardigan or jumper

Bring along for the Daintree

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hat,
  • sunscreen,
  • sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Cash for optional purchases
  • Water and Water Bottle
  •  Insect Repellent
  • Raincoat and Umbrella if it looks like rain

How to get there

How to Get To Reef Encounter

Your transfer vessel, Reef Experience, departs from
Cairns Marina: ‘A-Finger’ View map to Cairns Marlin Marina

Boarding commences at 7:30 am for check-in directly on the vessel ‘Reef Experience.’

Arrive back at Cairns Marina at approximately 4:30 pm

Where Can I Park?

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

Important Information

Reef Encounter and Daintree Rainforest Safety Comes First!

We are passionate about showing you Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, so please ensure you understand the scuba diving laws.

Queensland, Australia, has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the World and the safest scuba diving record.   We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all regulations, including medical law.

To avoid disappointment on your day of travel, we strongly recommend that all of our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire before booking, as some medical conditions, age, and medications may prevent you from scuba diving.   Our mission is always to provide our passengers with the best Great Barrier Reef experience.

Reef Encounter Medical Questionnaire

We are delighted to help you with any questions you may have.   Please contact our office at 07 4037 2700 or email us at [email protected].

Alternatively, you may like to consult your Doctor for a Dive Medical using the Australian Standard Forms’ AS.4005.1

Flying after Scuba Diving

For a single, no decompression scuba dive, you should not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after a scuba dive.  You should not fly for 24 hours after your last dive for multiple dives.
If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after your dive.
We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible[/toggle]

from $730
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Included

Twin Bed Stateroom Cabin - Reef Encounter

Reef Encounter Stateroom

Twin Share

2 x Single beds, ensuite Stateroom. Share with another guest

Daintree Rainforest Tour

Cairns, Beaches, Port Douglas

Experience World Heritage-listed location in style and comfort on this one day Daintree Rainforest package.

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