Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef Tours – Snorkel the Untouched Reef from Cape Tribulation

About Ocean Safari

  • Half-day Great Barrier Reef adventure: Ocean Safari offers exhilarating morning and afternoon snorkel tours. These tours take you to two pristine reef sites off the Daintree Coast, allowing you to explore the untouched beauty of Mackay Reef.
  • Fast and fun boat ride – Enjoy an exciting 25-minute ride aboard a high-speed, rigid, inflatable boat powered by 700hp engines, designed for comfort, safety, and a thrilling journey to the reef.
  • Snorkel with turtles and marine life—swim alongside abundant sea turtles, colourful coral gardens, and various marine species, including tropical fish, eagle rays, and giant clams, all in crystal-clear waters.
  • Small group experience – With a maximum of 25 passengers, Ocean Safari provides an intimate, relaxed, and personalized experience, ensuring you get the most out of your reef adventure without the crowds.
  • Two World Heritage sites in one tour—departing from Cape Tribulation, this tour offers the unique experience of exploring where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef, showcasing the best of both natural wonders.
  • Eco-friendly and sustainable, Ocean Safari holds Advanced Eco Accreditation, demonstrating a strong commitment to responsible tourism and the conservation of reef and rainforest ecosystems.
  • Convenient accommodation and dining—Ocean Safari is located onsite at Safari Lodge. It offers comfortable cabin and camping accommodations, along with the Turtle Rock CafĂ©, where you can enjoy tasty meals before or after your tour.

Discover Ocean Safari

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Ocean Safari, offering thrilling half-day snorkel tours to the pristine, untouched Great Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation. Whether you choose the morning or afternoon departure, you’ll embark on a breathtaking journey to explore the vibrant underwater world of Mackay Reef. Swim alongside friendly sea turtles, glide over colourful coral gardens, and experience the magic of the reef—all with the backdrop of the lush Daintree Rainforest, where two World Heritage areas meet in spectacular harmony.

Great Barrier Reef Morning Tour

Kickstart your day with an exciting morning adventure departing from Cape Tribulation Beach. The tour begins with a fast 25-minute ride aboard Ocean Safari’s high-powered vessel, designed for speed and comfort. You’ll soon arrive at two incredible snorkel locations, each teeming with abundant marine life.

During your snorkel, expect to encounter majestic sea turtles, dazzling coral formations, and a wide variety of tropical fish. You might even spot eagle rays, giant clams, and starfish, all thriving in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Most days, you can gaze back at the mainland and see the Daintree Rainforest’s lush green canopy while floating above the vibrant reef.

The small group experience, with a maximum of 25 passengers, ensures an intimate and personalised adventure, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this tropical paradise. Led by an experienced skipper and eco host, the tour offers excitement, relaxation, and educational insights into this unique marine ecosystem. Courtesy pickups are available from local Cape Tribulation accommodations, making it easy to join the tour.

Great Barrier Reef Afternoon Tour

If you’re not an early riser, the afternoon tour is the perfect way to enjoy a leisurely exploration of the reef later in the day. Departing from Cape Tribulation Beach, you’ll set out on the same exhilarating ride to two spectacular snorkel locations at Mackay Reef. Afternoon light provides a different perspective of the reef, with sun rays dancing through the water, highlighting the vibrant colours of the coral and the diverse marine life below.

Just like the morning tour, you’ll have the chance to swim alongside turtles, tropical fish, and other incredible sea creatures. All while enjoying the serenity of the reef with fewer boats around, the Ocean Safari team ensures every tour is a fun and educational experience, providing fascinating insights into the delicate balance of life on the reef and the surrounding rainforest.

Ocean Safari

Your Ocean Safari Experience

Both morning and afternoon tours depart from Cape Tribulation Beach, providing a unique opportunity to experience the reef from one of Queensland’s most beautiful and remote locations. The Ocean Safari vessel, modelled after a rescue craft, offers a safe and thrilling ride powered by 700hp engines, ensuring you get to the reef quickly and comfortably.

Ocean Safari prides itself on its Advanced Eco Accreditation, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly tourism. The experienced and passionate crew is dedicated to sharing their love and knowledge of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, ensuring you leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for these natural wonders.

Ocean Safari FAQ’s

What makes Ocean Safari’s Great Barrier Reef tours unique?

Ocean Safari offers an unforgettable half-day reef adventure that departs from the stunning Cape Tribulation. With a small group size of just 25 passengers

How long is the Ocean Safari tour, and what’s included?

The tour lasts approximately four hours, including an exciting boat ride and plenty of time to snorkel and explore the reef. Your tour includes snorkelling equipment, reef interpretation, an experienced skipper and eco host, and courtesy transfers from Cape Tribulation accommodations.

Do I need to have previous snorkeling experience?

Not at all! Ocean Safari caters to all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned snorkelers. The friendly crew provides a full briefing and assistance in the water, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident.

What should I bring for my Ocean Safari adventure?

To make the most of your tour, bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen (reef-safe recommended), a hat, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the incredible memories. It’s also a good idea to bring a light jacket, which can get breezy on the boat ride. Complimentary drinking water is available on board, so stay hydrated throughout the trip.

When is the best time to take an Ocean Safari tour?

Ocean Safari operates year-round.  Morning tours are available daily, and afternoon tours run regularly from July to October and are on-demand during the rest of the year.

Stay, Eat and Play at Ocean Safari

Why not make the most of your reef adventure by staying at Safari Lodge.  Conveniently located onsite at the Ocean Safari booking office? Offering cabin and camping accommodations. Safari Lodge lets you relax in the heart of the tropical rainforest after exploring the reef. When you’re ready for a delicious meal, the Turtle Rock Café serves tasty meals and refreshing drinks.   Fuel up and share your reef experience with fellow travellers.

Conclusion

Whether you choose a morning or afternoon tour, Ocean Safari guarantees an unforgettable experience. It combines the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with the unique charm of Cape Tribulation. Book your adventure today, and get ready to swim with turtles, explore vibrant coral reefs, and create magical memories!

Things to do in the Daintree Rainforest

Highlights

Ocean Safari highlights

  • Visit two reef sites, Mackay Cay and Undine Reefs
  • 2 hours exploring the underwater world and swimming with turtles
  • All snorkelling equipment
  • Personalised snorkel instruction
  • Reef interpretation and eco presentations
  • Courtesy bus transfers

Itinerary

  • Morning Check-in 7.45 am
  • Returns at 12.30 pm

After a fast 25-minute ride, you are ready to snorkel to fabulous locations at Mackay Reef. On most days, the rainforest can be seen along the mainland beach whilst snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef alongside sea turtles, which are found in abundance swimming over reefs full of colourful coral, along with myriads of tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams and starfish.

Too early? This tour also runs an afternoon tour from 11.30 am to 4.30 pm. Book HERE.

Currently, for travel between 30 March and 31st May 2024, this tour is only running once a day, from 9am and returns at 2pm. To book, click HERE.

Included

  • Visit two reef sites, Mackay and Undine Reefs
  • 2 hours exploring the underwater world and swimming with turtles
  • All snorkelling equipment
  • Personalised snorkel instruction
  • Reef interpretation and eco presentations
  • Courtesy bus transfers

Optional Extras

  • Sunsuit/Wetsuit Hire
  •  Prescription Mask Hire
  •  Water
  •  Soft Drinks/Juice
  •  Beer/Cider
  •  Chocolate

What to bring

  • Swimmers
  • Towel, hat and shoes
  • A jacket during winter to protect you from wind and for warmth after snorkelling
  • Waterproof camera
  • Snacks

How to get there

Tours depart daily. Check-in and meeting point is The Turtle Rock CafĂ©, Cape Tribulation Rd, Cape Tribulation at 7.30 am for the morning tour. Courtesy transfers are available from local accommodation houses – please let us know where you are staying at the time of booking.

Important Information

Ocean Safari booking information

  • Cape Tribulation is in Tropical North Queensland, 110km north of Cairns
  • Ocean Safari office is in the Turtle Cafe, situated 400m from the beach
  • Ocean Safari does not provide lunch
  • Private charter rates available upon request

Please note: The ocean safari in Cape Tribulation is subject to weather conditions and availability. Prices and schedules may vary. Checking with the tour operator for the most up-to-date information is always recommended.

*QLD Public Holiday surcharges of $20 per adult, $10 per child, and $50 per family apply. This will be paid directly to Ocean Safari on the day of travel.

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