Adventure Tours
4–5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$184
per adult
Ocean Safari
Ocean Safari
5
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Ocean Safari offers an exhilarating ride to snorkel the pristine untouched Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation. This half day eco tour visits two different snorkel destinations, each with an extraordinary array of marine life and coral species.The tour begins at Cape Tribulation beach where guests board the vessel bound for the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. After an exhilarating fast ride of approximately 25 minutes guests are ready to snorkel two fabulous locations at Mackay and Undine Reefs. On most days the rainforest can be seen along the mainland beach whilst snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, home to an abundance of marine life as well as beautiful hard and soft corals.The Ocean Safari vessel takes a maximum of 25 passengers allowing guests to experience tropical paradise and the pleasure of a small group. The vessel is based on the original design of a rescue craft and is a rigid inflatable boat driven by 700hp engines. The experienced Skipper and Eco Host ensure the trip is filled with fun and appreciation of the Great Barrier Reef and the coastal rainforest of the Daintree, two world heritage areas side by side. Magical memories like these sometimes only happen once in a lifetime. The Ocean Safari check in office is at the Turtle Rock Cafe and Safari Lodge, Cape Tribulation Road and a courtesy bus pick up from Cape Tribulation accommodation is included. Ocean Safari has Advanced Eco Accreditation.
Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTravellers talk about
(106 reviews)
(106 reviews)
(15 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
2,271 reviews
Excellent
2,104
Very good
131
Average
23
Poor
9
Terrible
4
Maria V
9 contributions
Dec. 2023 • Friends
The best time snorkeling with Brooke and Lizzie as our guides!!! 10/10 would recommend to anyone traveling to Cairns. We stayed at Daintree and had a quick drive for the morning cruise. Safe and so fun!! Thanks again to Brooke and Lizzie 15/10 guides!!!
Written 5 December 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.
We are thrilled to hear it was a 10/10 adventure with our 15/10 crew of Brooke and Lizzie!! Thanks for the incredible feedback! We hope you have some great memories of your time on the reef! Team Ocean Safari
Written 6 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Serena P
4 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Wow, what an incredible day. This trip was recommended by two couples we met in Agnes Water, huge thanks to them as this was amazing. Excellent guides in Brooke, Steve and Lizzie who are all passionate about their work. Their enthusiasm was infectious. Great boat trip to 2 spots on the reef which was beautiful, giant clams on the ocean floor with stunning fish swimming round. We saw a shark (much smaller than I was expecting) and no less than 3 turtles which was so exciting. I spotted a barramundi cod which Steve was v happy about!!!! Also went to a sand Island which was so bizarre in the middle of the ocean. Can't recommend this more highly
Written 27 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.
We are thrilled that the hot tip paid off and you had an incredible time on the water with Brooke, Steve and Lizzie! The teams enthusiasm and passion is certainly infectious isn’t it and it sounds like you got to see some amazing wildlife whilst exploring underwater too! Thanks for the 10/10 recommendation! Team Ocean Safari
Written 28 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Traveller
13 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Excellent trip, staff were friendly and interested, got to swim with a turtle which was amazing but all the snorkllng was good. Boat felt well maintained with good crew. Great trip thank you.
Crew gave an excellent safety brief that was fun to listen to but also covered all the important points. On the reef it felt like they were watching carefully and were sensible about recommendations on leaving inhalers, epipens etc easily accessible. Lovely welcome when we arrived.
Met at the office, we were a late booking but this presented no problems, usual health decs to be completed and sensible advice given. Cafe on site for coffee etc. Stinger suits given out and lovely to see advice given on how to wear them. Basic toilets, changing room available.
Walked to beach as a group to get on boat, few steps up so need to be reasonable mobile but none on our trip had any issues.
Boat was very stable and option to sit in front for an exciting ride or the 'captains lounge' at the back for a more sedate journey. I was pleased this wasn't a crazy bouncy thrill ride trip as i was concerned it might be. Sat in the back was fine in our trip for those with previous injuries. Good safety brief, clear where safety kit is, how to use lifejackets, where liferaft is, vhf radio was clearly working. There is a toilet on board but it is more for emergencies, boat toilets on this size vessel are notoriously tricky to use! Visit the toilets at the office first.
Two separate snorkle sites plus visit to the island, all amazing. Lots to see, guided trip first. Guide in water happy to help at any time. Noodles and buoyancy jackets available for those that wanted it and no issue going back to boat when you'd had enough. Made it standard that a noodle was a good idea and in reality this provided them with much better visability of people too. Basic provisions available to purchase on board, snacks and drinks but didn't seem to have an issue if you had your own. As with all boats try to limit what you take with you as space limited but amazing dry storage for a small bag. Really you just want camera, towel, medication and personally I'd consider a windbreaker for trip back. They provide everything else from reefsafe suncream to floatation to stinger suits, snorkle s, flippers etc
As with all trips I would try to buddy up with another person and keep an eye on each other, this trip was small numbers and staff were great at observation but do take some personal responsibility too. A bright swim cap might work but don't know if it would interfere with visor? Be aware most people look the same in the water in a stingersuit with mask on.
I believe crew were Lizzie and Brooke ( hope I've got that right!) great to see a competent, capable, all girl crew - we are lagging behind in equality on the water in my home country so inspiring to see that gender made no difference to the way this boat was operated.
Thank you guys for a great trip, safe and enjoyable.
Crew gave an excellent safety brief that was fun to listen to but also covered all the important points. On the reef it felt like they were watching carefully and were sensible about recommendations on leaving inhalers, epipens etc easily accessible. Lovely welcome when we arrived.
Met at the office, we were a late booking but this presented no problems, usual health decs to be completed and sensible advice given. Cafe on site for coffee etc. Stinger suits given out and lovely to see advice given on how to wear them. Basic toilets, changing room available.
Walked to beach as a group to get on boat, few steps up so need to be reasonable mobile but none on our trip had any issues.
Boat was very stable and option to sit in front for an exciting ride or the 'captains lounge' at the back for a more sedate journey. I was pleased this wasn't a crazy bouncy thrill ride trip as i was concerned it might be. Sat in the back was fine in our trip for those with previous injuries. Good safety brief, clear where safety kit is, how to use lifejackets, where liferaft is, vhf radio was clearly working. There is a toilet on board but it is more for emergencies, boat toilets on this size vessel are notoriously tricky to use! Visit the toilets at the office first.
Two separate snorkle sites plus visit to the island, all amazing. Lots to see, guided trip first. Guide in water happy to help at any time. Noodles and buoyancy jackets available for those that wanted it and no issue going back to boat when you'd had enough. Made it standard that a noodle was a good idea and in reality this provided them with much better visability of people too. Basic provisions available to purchase on board, snacks and drinks but didn't seem to have an issue if you had your own. As with all boats try to limit what you take with you as space limited but amazing dry storage for a small bag. Really you just want camera, towel, medication and personally I'd consider a windbreaker for trip back. They provide everything else from reefsafe suncream to floatation to stinger suits, snorkle s, flippers etc
As with all trips I would try to buddy up with another person and keep an eye on each other, this trip was small numbers and staff were great at observation but do take some personal responsibility too. A bright swim cap might work but don't know if it would interfere with visor? Be aware most people look the same in the water in a stingersuit with mask on.
I believe crew were Lizzie and Brooke ( hope I've got that right!) great to see a competent, capable, all girl crew - we are lagging behind in equality on the water in my home country so inspiring to see that gender made no difference to the way this boat was operated.
Thank you guys for a great trip, safe and enjoyable.
Written 24 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.
Thanks so much for the wonderful feedback! We are delighted you had an amazing time exploring the reef with the team! Swimming with the turtle will be a lifelong memory for sure! Team Ocean Safari
Written 28 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ChickLitTragic
Lismore, Australia44 contributions
Oct. 2023
I'm not a very confident swimmer and pretty anxious about the ocean generally. I have only snorkeled a couple of times before but really wanted to do this bucket list activity. From the arrival at the Turtle Rock Cafe meeting point where we had a lovely breakfast and coffee ahead of the tour, kitting up in the wetsuit, heading out to reef on the boat and finally getting into the water - all the staff were friendly, approachable and very professional. I felt safe and excited. I was able to overcome any hesitation and jumped in for a thrilling and very enjoyable experience (floating with the added security of a pool noodle) to have an up close view over the reef. Highly recommended!
Written 13 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.
Thanks so much for the wonderful feedback on your adventures with our team! We couldn’t be happier knowing you felt safe and excited about the experience and that all your anxiety washed away while you enjoyed a bucket list snorkel! Team Ocean Safari
Written 14 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tianadeeth
St Georges Basin, Australia1 contribution
Oct. 2023
The snorkelling was good enough however gear didn’t fit; the skipper was very rude to me when i mentioned this; they changed the plan, getting told we weren’t able to snorkel at a location when originally we were supposed to. Also felt rushed as this is only a half day tour. Very expensive seeing as it is a half day tour. This had been recommended to us but we were extremely disappointed
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.
We appreciate you taking the time to provide some feedback on your recent experience with us. We are saddened to hear you left feeling disappointed and didn’t enjoy a five star adventure as countless other have. With regards to the equipment, our crew provide full instructions for use and are always happy to swap equipment out if need. We are sorry to hear you felt our skipper was rude when you broached the issue and we will certainly follow up. The sites we use change on a daily basis and are chosen based on, conditions, tides, currents and many other factors. We understand that you were disappointed about not being able to snorkel at site you thought you would visit, however changes were made to the itinerary to ensure you had the best possible in water experience. Our prices are in line with other operations and reflective of remote and unique location. Despite the disappointment we are happy to hear you enjoyed your time in the water and hope you otherwise enjoyed your time in Cape Tribulation. Team Ocean Safari
Written 9 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bethsian1980
1 contribution
Sep. 2023
Would recommend bringing snacks. I’ve seen a few reefs & Broome & the Hamilton Islands had more to look at. Still - the boat ride was nice. Wished it was more educational.
Written 7 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.
Thanks for the feedback on your recent experience, we are sorry to know you didn’t enjoy a five star day. With regards to snacks on board, we always advise and encourage (via our confirmation email) guests to bring drinks and snacks if they wish and we also have a range of items onboard available for purchase for those wanting to refuel during the tour. We have some incredible coral cover and species diversity at Mackay Reef and are disappointed to hear you felt you didn’t have much to look at. Our team of dedicated eco hosts, Master Reef guides and Marine Biologists love sharing their knowledge, providing education and interpretation for our guests we are sorry you felt this was lacking during your tour and will follow up with the crew. Thanks for choosing to travel with us and we hope that despite the above you enjoyed your experience! Team Ocean Safari
Written 8 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
K F
Milwaukee, WI5 contributions
Sep. 2023
Our trip with ocean safari was amazing! We saw so much - corals, sea turtles, starfish, etc. the staff were friendly and so informative. Highly recommend!
Written 7 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.
We are delighted to you had an absolute blast seeing the wonders of the reef with our crew! Thanks for choosing to adventure with us! Team Ocean Safari
Written 7 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dna55555
Gold Coast, Australia1 contribution
Oct. 2023
The staff (Eva)was very energetic and bubbly, she made our day extra special!
We saw many of turtles and swimming together was just unforgettable memories!!
Highly recommended!
Thank you
We saw many of turtles and swimming together was just unforgettable memories!!
Highly recommended!
Thank you
Written 6 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.
Sounds like it was an incredible experience with lots of core memories made along the way!! Thrilled to know Eve made your day extra special with her bright and bubbly personality! Thanks for the wonderful feedback and recommendation! Team Ocean Safari
Written 7 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
delphine1710
Strasbourg, France1 contribution
Oct. 2023
I 100% recommend Ocean Safari ! It was a wonderful activity. Thank you too at the staff who was very kind.
Written 6 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.
Thanks for the outstanding recommendation and for choosing to see it all with us! Team Ocean Safari
Written 7 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
suzannecarey
1 contribution
Sep. 2023 • Family
My daughter and I had a wonderful snorkel trip out to the reef. It was a perfect day and we were impressed with the professional way the tour was operated. We got to swim with sting rays, a turtle, amazing giant clams and a wonderful assortment of colourful reef fish. I highly recommend this tour.
Written 6 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.
Couldn’t be happier hearing your day was pure perfection! Hope you and your daughter created some incredible memories together! Thanks for the wonderful recommendation! Team Ocean Safari
Written 7 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Curious561677
Norwich, UK3 contributions
Hello, if I was driving from Port Douglas to start your tour, is there parking and what time would I need to be with you? Thanks
OceanRafting_Safari
4 contributions
Hi there! Yes we do have parking available at our check in office at the Turtle Rock Cafe in Cape Tribulation. Check in time is 0800 for our morning tour and 1200 for our afternoon tour. Enjoy the drive up as it's a beautiful journey and we look forward to welcoming you soon! PS please just check availability online or call us to make a booking before driving up. :-)
Susan
Bridgewater, Australia6 contributions
Are stingers a problem if I snorkel Mackay and Undine reef with you in December?
Bianca G
Greensborough, Australia249 contributions
Do you pick up from Port Douglas?
OceanRafting_Safari
4 contributions
Hi Bianca, sorry for the delay. Unfortunately we don’t offer transfers from Port Douglas you would need to make your own way to us. Let us know if you have any further questions. Team Ocean Safari
Michelle C
Pretoria, South Africa17 contributions
Hi, wondering if it is best to do the morning or afternoon tour? Would be travelling in December.
OceanRafting_Safari
4 contributions
Hi there, Both tours offer the same experience so there is no difference :) Thanks Team Ocean Safari :)
Copper1RhodeIsland
Narragansett, RI73 contributions
How rough is the boat ride?
OceanRafting_Safari
4 contributions
Hi Cooper it really depends on the prevailing weather conditions for the day. Our office team are super helpful and can certainly run through any concerns you may have about particular weather conditions for your day of travel. Hope this helps 🤗
Caitlynw W
Avoca, Australia5 contributions
Yes they are all provided and they encourage you to use them, so that you enjoy the experience more 😊
LondonCyclops
London18 contributions
Are flotation devices/ life jackets available for not so confident swimmers? Also, are wet suits required/ supplied?
chantalguy2017
Montreal, Canada6 contributions
Yes wet suits are provided, and a noodle for floating is you so desire. If it is stinger season you are gonna wnat the suit.
Darlie09
Melbourne, Australia
We would love to do this tour but will be travelling with 4 children, 3-5-8-10. The younger ones are not very confident swimmers, and one of my children is a bit over cautious and scared easily. Would this tour work for us..??
OceanRafting_Safari
4 contributions
We regularly have families travel with us of all ages and we are very flexible in amending travel dates due to wind and weather conditions, as some days are better for young families to travel when the conditions are calmer. We have a variety of buoyancy aids and flotation devices and our crew will assist and guide less confident swimmers and children. I would suggest speaking to our staff closer to your travel date to discuss expected weather conditions and any other questions you may have. We hope to see you and your family in the near future :-)