Description
Evolution is a state of the art high-speed 35-metre (120ft) vessel, cruising at up to 30 knots, providing comfort and safety. With less travel time, you’ll spend more time at the Reef! With its large air-conditioned modern lounge to relax in comfort and full-length sundecks for sunbathing you can relax in style. Evolution departs Cairns daily, with a record 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day! Enjoy snorkelling at both reef sites, with the option to also add up to 3 introductory or certified dives or see the reef from above with a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight.
Evolution departs Cairns daily offering a fast, comfortable and affordable cruise, with five hours spent visiting two spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef destinations. A large modern sleek computer stabilized vessel provides a superior ride in all weather conditions, and no big crowds with exclusive protected Reef locations. Professional, friendly and attentive staff ensures a safe and enjoyable fun-filled experience.
Intro Dive Departures From Cairns
- Departs: Daily
- Check-in: 7.15 a.m.–7.45 a.m. at the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns
- Evolution Departs: at 8 a.m.
- Evolution Returns: 4.30 p.m.
- $20 levy to paid on departure
Your travel itinerary
- 7:15AM – 7:45AM: Check-in at the Reef Fleet Terminal – 1 Spence St, Cairns
- 8.00AM: Evolution departs Cairns to its first location
- 11:30AM: Enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard
- 1:00PM: Evolution arrives at its second location
- 3:00PM: Evolution departs for Cairns
- 4:30PM: Evolution arrives back in Cairns
Introductory dives are for those who are not certified and want to experience scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. After an in-depth briefing from our expert dive staff, we gear you up and jump in the water for the thrill of a lifetime as we guide you through this amazing wonderland.
During your introductory scuba dive, you will learn the basic skills required to dive down to a depth of up to 12 metres while accompanied by one of our experienced PADI qualified dive instructors. The scuba dive experience lasts up to 20 minutes giving you time to feel comfortable and begin to enjoy your first dive on the Great Barrier Reef. The minimum age for introductory diving is 12 years old.
Inclusions
- Premium Full-Day Reef Cruise-Evolution, the newest and most luxurious vessel in Cairns providing an abundance of seating inside and out
- Visit 2 spectacular Outer Reef Locations
- 5 hours Reef Time
- 2 x Introductory Dives with all equipment
- Unlimited snorkelling with all equipment
- Free Lycra sun-suit hire
- Delicious Aussie BBQ lunch including steak, fish, prawns, and tropical salads (vegetarians and GF are catered for). Please notify reservations of other special dietary requirements.
- Complimentary glass of wine and light snack on the return journey
- Large air-conditioned modern lounges to relax in comfort
- Full-length sundecks for sunbathing
- Fully equipped vessel with state of the art snorkel and dive equipment
Additional Options
- Up to 3 Introductory or Certified Dives
- Pre-booked 1st dive: $80
- 2nd Dive: $60
- 3rd Dive: $45
- Scenic Heli Flight: $199pp pre-booked
- Marine Biologist Snorkel Tour: $35pp
- Semi-Submersible Tour $20 Adults, $10 Child
- Return transfers – Cairns City $20pp, Northern Beaches $29pp, Port Douglas $99pp (min 2) Please make own way free
- Wetsuits $10 per person onboard
Looking for more adventures check out our Cape Tribulation page
Important info before travel
- Sunscreen and Hat
- Travel voucher
- Change of Clothes
- Swimmers and a towel
- Cash or Credit Card for bar and souvenir purchases
We have 12 exclusive moorings at six reef locations. Locations are chosen each day based on weather conditions and water clarity to ensure the best experience for all activities. Generally, we travel to one of our two outer reef locations in the morning (Norman Reef or Saxon Reef), then make our way to North Hastings Reef in the afternoon to conduct helicopter flights and our semi-submersible tour.
Customers can cancel their trip up to 18 hours before travel for a full refund (2 pm the day prior to travel) or up to 24 hours prior to day 1 for multi-day package bookings. If you cancel within the 18-hour period (or 24-hour period for packages) before travel, no refund will be issued. Rebooking fees of $50 also apply.
In the event that your preferred date of travel is cancelled by us, we will rebook you on the next available date we are departing at no additional cost to you. For more information on booking changes and other options, contact our Reservations team via email: reservations@downunderdive.com.au or phone: 07 4052 8300.
Please consider the weather and wind strength before booking. The operator reserves the right to cancel the tour, change vessel type, or arrange an alternative carrier in the event of bad weather or mechanical problems. There are no refunds for voluntary, uncompleted dives.
If you booked through a third-party travel agent, please contact your agent directly regarding your refund or rebooking request first. Please read the agent’s terms and conditions carefully before booking with a third party. Their specific terms and conditions are out of our control and may differ from our terms and conditions.
COVID-19:
Please note that, as per current QLD requirements, you do not have to be vaccinated to attend one of our tours. During current COVID restrictions, passengers will be allocated seats when boarding.
Pricing:
All prices are listed and charged in Australian dollars (AUD).
Child Policy:
- Child ages for Reef (snorkel), Rainforest and Outback Tours: 4 – 16 years
- Child ages for Skyrail/Kuranda: 4–14 years
- Infants: up to 3 years FOC
- Introductory Dive: Minimum age 12
- Certified Dive: Minimum age 10 and must dive with a parent, guardian, or private guide.
- PADI Dive Course: Minimum age 12
- Passengers 18 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Safety:
Please consider weather and wind strength before booking semi-submarine tours and helicopter scenic flights, weather permitting. 130-kg helicopter flight weight restrictions apply.
Important dive information:
All divers must complete a Queensland Medical Questionnaire.
Certified divers must show an internationally recognised scuba card.
Minimum age for introductory divers and dive courses: 12+ years, and for certified divers: 10+ years.
Please keep in mind that all divers are required to complete a medical questionnaire. In our commitment to the safety of our guests, divers over 65 years old (or 45 years old for PADI dive courses) must have a medical clearance with a physician that confirms they are fit to dive. This can be provided by your own GP before you leave for your holiday.
Please be aware that certain medical conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and any prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor’s name and practice, and the clearance to dive for the specific medications or condition. Please review our Introductory and Certified Diver Medical Declaration prior to travel. The purpose of this medical declaration is to find out if you should be examined by a physician before participating in recreational diving. A positive response to a question does not necessarily disqualify you from diving. A positive response means there is a pre-existing condition that may affect your safety while diving, and you must seek the advice of a physician.
Scuba diving can be strenuous under certain conditions. Your respiratory and circulatory systems must be in good health. All body spaces must be normal and healthy. Please review our Introductory and Certified Diver Medical Declaration prior to travel.
In the interests of safety, we recommend not flying within 24 hours of the last dive. You will not be allowed to dive until you are declared medically fit to do so. For advice, please contact our office directly.
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