Reef Magic Pontoon Outer Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise

Can I cancel my tour or change my tour date?

Yes, you can cancel or amend your tour to a different date (subject to availability) if you notify us 24 hours or more prior to travel. If you need to cancel or change dates within 24 hours of travel a 100% cancellation fee applies Please note a ‘no show’ (where passengers do not turn up to the specified pick-up point or departure point without notification) automatically incurs a 100% cancellation fee.

Can I book an open dated voucher?

You can, however travel on the date you desire is subject to availability. It is your responsibility to contact us at least 3-4 days prior to confirm your actual travel date. If the booking date on your voucher is in a different rate period to that in which you travel a small extra charge may be payable to cover any rate increase.

I’m staying in Cairns but considering visiting the reef from Port Douglas. Is this possible?

You can but it is 65km’s (90 mins) in a bus from Cairns to Port Douglas and return.  If you are staying in Cairns or the Northern Beaches of Cairns (Trinity Beach, Palm Cove, Kewarra Beach) we would advise you to travel on a Cairns based boat such as Reef Magic.  It makes no sense having to get up extra early & extend your day when you can relax over breakfast and spend more of your day at the reef, not in a car or bus.

What’s the best day to travel?

Every day is a good day at Reef Magic! Pick the day with the best weather forecast during your stay in Cairns and get out there! Low winds are more important than sunshine for an enjoyable reef day. Give our team a call if you want any advice.

Do you ever cancel?

On very rare occasions, tours can be subject to the effect of weather or unforeseen circumstances. If a tour does not operate for any reason, passengers will be offered a full refund or an alternative day of travel.

Do you have a family special?

Yes. For a family of 2 Adults and 2 Children (aged 4-14 years inclusive) one child travels free of charge (a saving of $119.00). This offer is valid all year around for direct bookings or through your preferred agent.

Are there any fees for paying with a credit card?

Yes. A fee will be applied to any transactions using a credit card. Fees are subject to change and are non-refundable.

Is the trip suitable for children and babies?

Reef Magic is suitable for all ages – including families with children and babies. Adult supervision is required at all times for children under 16 years of age and is not the responsibility of Reef Magic. Floatation devices such as buoyancy vests and noodles are available. Snorkelling equipment, Wet suits and Lycra suits are also available in children’s sizes. The pontoon features an infants swimming enclosure.

What is the minimum age to scuba dive?

The minimum age to scuba dive is 12 years. A medical questionnaire must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian for divers under 18 years.

Can I Scuba Dive with no experience?

Absolutely! Our highly qualified instructors can have you in the water and enjoying the magic of scuba diving in no time.

Does Reef Magic offer learn to dive courses?

We have Introductory dives available

What if I’m a certified diver and forget my certification card?

Not all is lost. Most certifying agencies have an online check option on their websites and we can check PADI certifications on board. Failing that, we will do a quick review comprising of a short quiz and skills check in shallow water. You may need to dive with our Introductory divers and we will do our utmost to ensure you enjoy your dives.

I normally wear glasses or contact lenses. Can I wear these under my mask?

Depending on the strength of your glasses a standard snorkel/dive mask may be sufficient as they magnify objects underwater by around 25%.  Glasses cannot be worn under a mask however prescription masks are available for hire for just $5/day and suit short sighted individuals (trouble with far away objects). Masks range in magnification from -1.5 to -8.0.  A $100 deposit is required for prescription masks which is cheerfully refunded when the mask is returned in one piece.  We do not carry positive (+) magnification masks.

Contact lenses can be worn snorkeling however please note some water may get into your mask. Gas permeable contact lenses are suitable for scuba diving however a prescription mask is preferable.

Should I be concerned about Jelly Fish or Marine Stingers?

While certain species of Jelly Fish can be found in tropical waters at any time of year, the majority are harmless to man. Official ‘Stinger season’ in Cairns is from November to May when water temperatures suit the few species of concern.

While incidents involving serious stings are extremely rare, our crew are trained to recognize sting types and apply appropriate first aid assistance if required. To greatly reduce your chances of an encounter with a jellyfish protective lycra suits are available for free and come in a range of sizes from XS to XXL. Our Lycra suits are also excellent sun protection and include Reef Magic’s unique “nemo suit” for kids of all ages!

Are there sharks at the reef?

Yes of course, they are a top predator and form a vital part of the worlds marine eco system. However most are shy and quite harmless such as the common white tip reef sharks which only grow to approximately 5ft and are very timid.

An encounter with a reef shark is a magical experience but enjoy it quickly as they will generally swim off in the opposite direction if they feel they are being watched or if you get too close.

The area directly off the snorkel platform opens into clear, shallow snorkeling lagoon of only 4-5 meters, prefect for the beginner snorkeler. During low tide the reef can often break the surface of the water.

The Reef Magic pontoon Outer Reef Wall is a renowned dive location by local dive enthusiasts and keen snorkelers and reaches depths of over 30m.

Hat, Towel, Sunscreen, Sunglasses, something to swim in, a dry change of clothes, cash or credit card for optional activities and on-board purchases such as souvenirs, professional photos from our on-board photographer or a drink from the bar.

The best idea is to bring one from your hotel or accommodation. Alternatively limited supplies of Reef Magic towels are for sale on board for just $45 and make a great souvenir!

The Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal / Marlin Marina is located at 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Opposite us is the Pier Marketplace Shopping Centre and Shangri-La hotel. You can park outdoors behind the Pier Marketplace for approximately $2.00/hr or under the Shangri-La in secure parking for around $20/day.

If you don’t mind a short walk there is a $4.30 car park outside Trinity Wharf on Wharf street, a flat 5 minutes walk from our check-in.

Parking is free in the street after 1400 on Saturday and all day on Sunday.

There are toilets on the boat accessible at all times throughout the day. Fresh warm water rinse showers and changing rooms are on the Reef Magic pontoon. The Reef Magic III catamaran has a wheel chair accessible bathroom (shower & toilet) and even baby-change facilities.

• Local Caught Chilled Endeavour Prawns with Cocktail Sauce and Citrus Wedges

• Beef Golden Curry with Potato and Carrot

• Sri Lankan Chicken and Vegetable Curry (gf / df)

• Steamed Jasmine Rice

• Creamy Sundried Tomato and Roast Pumpkin Penne with Fresh Parmesan Shavings (v)

• Cauliflower, Green Lentil, Coconut and Vegetable Curry (gf / vegan)

• Champagne Leg Ham, Australian Salami, BBQ Marinated Chicken Nibbles (gf / df)

• Sweet and White Potato Salad – Dill and Shallots – Homemade Dijonaise (gf / df)

• Scorched Eggplant and Pearl Cous Cous Salad – Szechuan and Black Vinegar Dressing (vegan)

• Mt Molloy Garden Salad – Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion – Snow Pea Sprouts and Carrot (gf /vegan)

• Red and White Coleslaw with Zesty Lime Aioli – Carrot and Red Onion (gf / df)

• White and Grain dinner rolls, Garlic and Herb Focaccia bread served with Butter Portions

• Condiments

We have snorkeling equipment in both adult and child sizes. Fins range from children’s size 1-3 to Adults 11-13 and masks are in adult and child fittings. Wetsuits and lycra suits are also available in sizes ranging from XS to XXL. Swim vests are also available in most sizes for those wanting some extra flotation while snorkeling.

We welcome guests with vision or hearing impairments and are happy to assist with boarding our vessels or vehicles. Guests with high support needs who are travelling with a carer are also welcome.

Some of our vessels and destinations are more wheelchair accessible than others, we recommend contacting our Reservations team before booking to discuss the specific accessibility features and restrictions for your preferred tour.