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6+ hours
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Recommended by 96% of travellers
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AU$240
per adult
Passions of Paradise Reef Tour
Passions of Paradise Reef Tour
Passions of Paradise Reef Tour
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursSightseeing ToursDay Trips
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About
Dive, Snorkel, Sail the Great Barrier Reef aboard Passions of Paradise, Cairns newest and most luxurious catamaran. Sailing daily, let our friendly, dedicated staff introduce you to another world teeming with exotic fish life, coral gardens, and spectacular views. Visiting two sites daily we have a selection of over 24 Outer Great Barrier Reef destinations to choose from offering you the best location tailored the days conditions! Dive or snorkel with Cairns's friendliest crew! Every afternoon, our bar opens, and guests relax in comfort as we raise the sails and cruise back to Cairns.
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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5.0
3,235 reviews
Excellent
2,860
Very good
238
Average
76
Poor
29
Terrible
32
Sophie S
4 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Friends
First time scuba diving was AMAZING!!! I was nervous but Drew was the best at reassuring and making sure we were all okay! Got out and after lunch went straight back in as loved it that much. Saw turtles that’s made my day🐢🐠thanks Drew!!!!
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PassionsofParadise
Hi Sophie! Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We are so glad to hear you had such a great time scuba diving with us, and we will definitely pass along your comments to Drew. Thanks again and all the best!
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SuJewels
Seattle, WA2 contributions
The crew of Passions were excellent! They were all kind, friendly, patient with questions, and fun to be around. Passions offered snorkeling and scuba diving.
Our group of 4 was there to snorkel and see the Great Barrier Reef. I was very nervous about snorkeling because I’m not a swimmer. After expressing this to the crew, I put on snorkeling gear and they had me hang on to a life ring which a crew member was pulling by swimming and I put my head in the water. I was able to see some of the Great Barrier Reef before the choppy waves got to me. As soon as I expressed that I was ready to return, the crew member did not hesitate and immediately took me back to the boat. I would never have seen the GBR if it wasn’t for how good the Passions crew is with people who don’t feel comfortable in the water.
I also love that this company does work helping to build the GBR back up and that they are a truely local company and not owned by a big corporate company. For all these reasons, I highly recommend Passions to anyone who wants a fabulous experience seeing the Great Barrier Reef!
Our group of 4 was there to snorkel and see the Great Barrier Reef. I was very nervous about snorkeling because I’m not a swimmer. After expressing this to the crew, I put on snorkeling gear and they had me hang on to a life ring which a crew member was pulling by swimming and I put my head in the water. I was able to see some of the Great Barrier Reef before the choppy waves got to me. As soon as I expressed that I was ready to return, the crew member did not hesitate and immediately took me back to the boat. I would never have seen the GBR if it wasn’t for how good the Passions crew is with people who don’t feel comfortable in the water.
I also love that this company does work helping to build the GBR back up and that they are a truely local company and not owned by a big corporate company. For all these reasons, I highly recommend Passions to anyone who wants a fabulous experience seeing the Great Barrier Reef!
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PassionsofParadise
Hi Team!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are so glad to hear you had such an amazing day out with us, and that our crew helped you see the amazing Great Barrier Reef. Thanks again!
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma C
2 contributions
Great experience! Staff could have been more friendly and enthusiastic. Overall, would recommend! Great snorkelling, though the intro-dive was a bit disappointing didn’t see anything really.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PassionsofParadise
Hi Emma! We wanted to take a moment and thank you for taking the time to review your trip with us, as we welcome all feedback as a chance to improve our product.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We're thrilled to hear that you had a great overall experience and enjoyed the snorkeling. Your feedback is invaluable to us as we continuously strive to enhance our services.
We're sorry to hear that the staff did not meet your expectations in terms of friendliness and enthusiasm. We first and foremost pride ourselves on the level of service our staff provide, so we're not quite sure how they missed the mark the day you travelled. We're also sorry to hear you didn't feel like you saw very much on your introductory dive. Even though we travel to some of the best spots out of Cairns, the fish life can fluctuate due to many factors.
We appreciate your feedback and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future. If there's anything specific you'd like to share with us to help us improve, please feel free to reach out.
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AnamikaRaks
Oregon36 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
We loved our day with Passions of Paradise! The staff were all very warm and approachable. With different levels of comfort with snorkeling, everyone in our group was still able to enjoy the reef. If you can wear the shorty wet suit, I do recommend it. I didn't want to put it back on for our second stop, and by the end I was getting a little chilled. They also sell sea sick pills on the boat (yay) and had plenty of space topside and below decks for people to stretch out in the sun (or not). The food was surprisingly good too! We really enjoyed the education piece as we returned to Cairns. Just an amazing day on the reef, and a good time was had by all! We visited 1770 & Stepping Stones.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PassionsofParadise
Hi Anamika! We're glad to hear you had such a wonderful experience with us! Thanks for taking the time to write us such a lovely review!
Written 19 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michele Y
3 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Couples
We had such a fun time snorkeling and seeing colorful tropical fish, and even a sting ray far down on the ocean floor. The staff were friendly and helpful. There was a good selection for lunch and the food was good. The ocean was a bit rocky that day so my husband got a little nauseated, but other than that, we had a great time.
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PassionsofParadise
Hi Michele! Thank you so much for writing us such a lovely review! We're glad that you and your husband had a great trip, minus the seasickness. We hope you enjoy the rest of your travels and thanks again!
Written 19 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Abbey H
3 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
I took this tour recently along with the option to scuba dive. Phoebe is an absolute angel who helped me the whole time, even if I was clinging on the her for dear life! She made my experience one to remember in a good way, and calmed my nerves throughout. 10/10 would recommend!
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PassionsofParadise
Hi Abbey! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We will definitely pass along your comments to Phoebe and the crew. Thanks again and we hope you enjoy the rest of your travels!
Written 15 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
suzanne o
4 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Solo
I spent a lot of time researching the different outer reef cruises; which would be best for solo/ included a hot lunch/ included stinger suits at no extra cost/ hidden fees - and this cruise ticked all the boxes. I couldn’t recommend more. I think this is one of the best experiences of my life. So good that I went and bought a waterproof cases between the two dives to document it. 100% would recommend.
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PassionsofParadise
Hi Suzanne! Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're glad to hear you had such a great time on your trip with us. We hope you enjoy the rest of your travels, and thanks again!
Written 12 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Isja V
6 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Solo
Amazing experience! Passions of Paradise has a sailing catamaran, with plenty of places to chill and sunbathe, and a comfortable diving deck on the first level. We cruised to Milne Reef where we did our diving and snorkeling on the reef. We were the only boat out there, since most day tours go out to the other reefs! The staff was very friendly, welcoming and were always up for a chat. I did two certified dives with instructor Corinda, and she was absolutely amazing! All equipment was ready for us, and after her dive briefing we knew exactly what to expect. Corinda has a really good eye, and was able to show us the very small things, but also spotted a cowtail stingray, reef sharks, groupers, barracuda’s, eels, turtles, and so much more! I was booked in for only 1 dive, but decided to do the second one as well, and I’m very happy I did! I noticed the company is very passionate about the reef, and really do a lot to protect it. Their marine naturalist was on board to answer all our questions and did a (free!) presentation about the reef during the cruise back, which was super interesting! They are also part of the coral nurture program, and apparently they are carbon neutral as well.
The food on the boat was amazing as well. A crew member told me they have their own chef, so the food is freshly prepared and the lunch buffet is different every day!
I can 100% recommend diving (or snorkeling) with Passions of Paradise, they are a very good eco friendly option on the reef!
The food on the boat was amazing as well. A crew member told me they have their own chef, so the food is freshly prepared and the lunch buffet is different every day!
I can 100% recommend diving (or snorkeling) with Passions of Paradise, they are a very good eco friendly option on the reef!
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PassionsofParadise
Hi Isja! Thank you so much for taking the time to write us such a wonderful review! We're glad to hear you had such a wonderful experience with us, and we will definitely pass along your comments to Corinda and the crew.
Written 12 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tamsin S
1 contribution
Nov. 2023 • Friends
A fantastic tour.
Particularly enjoyed the huge amount of knowledge and care Gonzalo (one of the guides) took to show us around the reef. He made our trip.
The boat was super. Lunch excellent. The reef presentation on the return was very informative.
Loved it!
Particularly enjoyed the huge amount of knowledge and care Gonzalo (one of the guides) took to show us around the reef. He made our trip.
The boat was super. Lunch excellent. The reef presentation on the return was very informative.
Loved it!
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PassionsofParadise
Hi Tamsin! Thank you so much for your great review! We are so glad to hear you had such a wonderful experience with us!
Written 9 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann S
3 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Friends
It was an absolutely fabulous day. Snorkelling was amazing, wonderful to see the coral and fish, and great to go to two quiet sites. It is really worth going to the outer reef. The crew were incredible, so friendly and helpful. The food was absolutely delicious, thanks to Ben. The talk by Russell was fascinating and hearing all about the work in the coral nursery was inspirational. Mathilde was a brilliant guide and showed us so much. What a brilliant team and what a fabulous company. Can’t recommend this highly enough. Thank you.
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PassionsofParadise
Hi Ann! Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are glad to hear you had such a wonderful day, and we will definitely pass along your great comments to Ben and Russell. Thanks again!
Written 9 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jimmy X
Promised Land, Australia2 contributions
2 questions - (1) Does the the 2 hour travel time back and forth Cairns feel "too long", particularly if you were travelling with kids; and (2) How much actual time in the water (snorkelling, swimming) do you get in total?
Thanks and appreciate your feedback.
Alfonso R
1 contribution
Hi!
It's been 1 year since I traveled with Passions of paradise, and I still remember the magnificent music of the trip, is there any playlist of the music you play on the boat in spotify or some similar platform?
Thanks and greetings from Spain!
Laura D
Cairns, Australia7 contributions
Hi Alfonso, Laura here from Passions of Paradise. Great to hear we are still in your memory! :) Unfortunately we do not have specific playlists. Our crew use their individual Spotify playlists through our sound system so the music on the day is random! Sorry!
I hope you are keeping well and safe in Spain!
SammyCalifornia
Grand Terrace, CA148 contributions
Do they allow you to take your own gopro camera?
Drz400
5 contributions
Yes they do allowed us our own camera and GoPro for both snorkeling and diving. There’s also a diver from the crew where you can buy any pictures there’s been taken of you, if for instance your own gear runs out of power. The crew will have I slide show on their iPad to choose your pictures from.
Cruiser40637074975
1 contribution
are the Lycras suit included? If not how much? Also at the dock it will cost 20.00. Do you take credit card?
Colin
Melbourne, Australia19 contributions
The wetsuits are not thin Lycra, they’re neoprene. Also all levies were included in the ticket price so there shouldn’t be additional charges that need to be cash paid at the dock.
patti d
erin13 contributions
Are there problems this year with the jellyfish? Due to all the rain I understand that stirs them up? Did you wear stinger suits?
marianneo925
2 contributions
You wear a suit provides which helps with that plus jellyfish we never saw any. The crew sort the suit it’s super easy u should just go and enjoy have fun
Milandro1975
Melbourne, Australia5 contributions
Hi, stupid question maybe but my wife has a really high prescription - will my glasses fit under the goggles??
Cheers, Milo
Imag5566
52 contributions
Hi there, some of the boats have prescription goggles. But you can also use full face masks with your own glasses. You would have to buy them though. They are atoungg $40 aus
How many people on the boat?
Passions Team
Cairns Region, Australia1 contribution
Hi Vicky, We take 100 passengers plus our crew :) The boat was originally built for 140 so there is tons of space!
Gottagocit
Tennessee1,816 contributions
How long is the boat ride to/from the reef snorkeling sites?
They don’t use the platforms which are shared by many different companies, correct?
AndyLynxo
Cairns, Australia44 contributions
Around 45 mins - 1 hour depending on any whale, dolphin sightings etc. No platforms, just the reef.
Tygger18
Melbourne, Australia200 contributions
Hi, could anyone please advise what the glass bottom boat ride is like? Is it worth it as in you can actually see through the glass clearly or is it just all murky? Thanks in advance
Magdalena S
Oslo, Norway11 contributions
All I know is that for now it's not working/in use, so if you're planning a trip the next few days I don't think it'll be possible...
Jennifer J
1 contribution
Hi, Jennifer. What would you like to know about this attraction?
I would like to know about the size of the boat and seasickness? Does the boat have showers? and do they have a coffee machine (not just hot tap water)