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Evolution Reef Cruise Info
Evolution offers the ultimate passenger experience with the class and style of a motor yacht.
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What makes it Great?
- FREE Guided Snorkel Tour
- 5 Hours on the Outer Barrier Reef
- Semi Submarine
- Aussie BBQ lunch
- Live on-board entertainment on return journey
- Maximum 160 passengers - plenty of space
- VIP Room option
Departures:
- Check-in at the Reef Fleet Terminal Cairns, from 07:30am at the Down Under Cruise & Dive counter
- Boarding commences at 08:00am for an 08:15am departure
- This trip returns to Cairns at approx. 4:30pm.
- Hotel transfers not included but can be booked for an additional fee
Trip Inclusions:
- 5 hours spent visiting 2 outer reef locations
- Snorkelling gear and flotation devices
- FREE guided snorkelling tours
- FREE 10 min scuba dive demonstration - (charges apply if you proceed)
- Aussie BBQ lunch including steak, fish, prawns, sausages and tropical salads (vegetarians are catered for)
- FREE tea, coffee and biscuits, complimentary glass of wine, cheese and fruit platter on return journey
- Environmental Management Charge $20
Get High Down Under also includes:
- 1 Certified or Introductory dive
- 10-minute scenic heli flight
Evolution Gold Class VIP Room additional inclusions:
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Private return transfers from your Cairns CBD accommodation
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Maximum 8 people
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Dedicated staff member attending to your needs
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$20 per person onboard credit
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Comfortable lounge seating
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Internal fridge facilities
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Nespresso coffee machine
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Prescription masks
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Snorkel and wet suit hire
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Dedicated Concierge for the day
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Semi-Submarine tour (not operating due to Co-Vid 19)
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Cupboards for storage
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Relax in the comfort of your own room
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TV screen, saloon sound quality audio and PA system
Your day:
- 7.30am Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal, commence boarding at 8:00am
- 8.15am Departs Daily
- 9:30am Approximate arrive Norman OR Saxon Reef
- 3 hours to play, Snorkel Tour, sunbathe & relax, Aussie BBQ Lunch is served
- 12: 20pm Depart for Hastings Reef
- 12:30pm Arrive Hastings Reef
- 2 hours to play, Snorkel
- 4:30pm Returns back into Cairns
Additional Costs:
- Hotel transfers
- Semi Submarine
- Intro/Certified Diving
- Certified Dive Guide
- Wetsuits for Snorkelers and Intro Divers $10 (included for cert divers)
- Lycra Suits $10
- On-board purchases - drinks, snacks, underwater camera
- Heli ride at Hastings Reef
- Heli flights
To experience the reef from a different perspective, why not take a Helicopter flight over Hastings Reef ! This is available from the Outer Reef Heli pad on the day, due to limited seats please pre book your flight. Click here for Get High Up Top & Dive Down Under combo.
This ultra-spacious and comfortable vessel features seating and decks over 3 levels. Large well glazed interior spaces on the main and upper deck include a mix of booth configuration seating.
The upper deck also has a VIP room. Private use of this room for up to 6 guests for the day is available - Please ask us for this special rate when booking!
Evolution is licensed to take 250 guests but only takes a maximum of 160 passengers for guest comfort. This is a popular vessel and does need to be pre-booked well in advance, especially if you intend to do a heli or intro dive combo such as the Get High Up Top Dive Down Under package.
Enjoy oversized outdoor decks in the sunshine with sun lounges. A choice of outdoor seating areas fitted with comfortable lounges and well protected from the sun.
Fold-down platforms encircle the aft end of the vessel providing ample comfortable and safe access to the water.
Evolution is quick, taking only 80 minutes to get to the Outer Reef. With less travel time, you?ll spend more time at the Reef!
Evolution travels to two different reef destinations. Norman & Saxon in the morning and Hastings Reef in the afternoon. There are no islands and no pontoons. The Outer Reef is spectacular!
Reef sites are chosen on the day to ensure the best protection and underwater visibility according to weather conditions. Expect to see spectacular coral formations and masses of brilliantly coloured fish.
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW**
- Be aware snorkelling & diving may be a strenuous activity - All snorkelling & diving are subject to completion of on-board medical questionnaire /declaration.
- A history of asthma, diabetes, ear, epilepsy, heart, pregnancy, recent operations and other medical conditions and medications may preclude a passenger from diving. Please discuss existing medical conditions with staff prior to travel. Or if in doubt, please visit your local dive doctor to get a medical clearance.
- Diving minimum age is 12 years and maximum age is 65 years
- Certified divers must show an internationally recognised scuba card.
- In the interests of safety we recommend no flying within 24hours of last dive.
- All trips/dives are weather permitting at captains/drivers discretion- No refund for incomplete dives.
- Should a trip be cancelled passengers will be offered an alternative day of travel or a full refund
- Semi sub will operate subject to weather conditions.
What to Bring:
- Sunscreen & Hat
- Change of clothes
- Swimmers and towel
- Cash or credit card
- Scuba Certification for Cert divers
This Evolution day trip is also included in 3 Day Package including the Kuranda Train and Skyrail daytrip and the Cape Tribulation and Daintree National Park daytrip.
Multi-lingual staff members: Evolution does have Chinese crew members on this vessel year round. Please request this option when booking so that we can make sure the staff member is working on your day of travel.
GREAT NEWS! All payments made to Travstar do not incur a credit card surcharge.
Guest Reviews
We had a wonderful day
We had a wonderful day on the Evolution reef tour. It was well organized, good value for money and above all the snorkelling on the reef was magical. Thanks to the team.
Posted By David Peckham
Delicious food and good quality.
Delicious food and good quality. Nice touch to be offered a free glass of wine. Snorkel tour well prepared, including gear.
Posted By Juan Egas
We had an amazing time
Thanks Jodi you made our trip easy and we had an amazing time
Posted By Anastacia
The crew did you proud and the service they provided was exc
The whole experience provided on board the Evolution was second to none. We have waited a long time for this experience and it didn't disappoint us. The crew did you proud and the service they provided was excellent and the food was so tasty and plenty of it.
Posted By Jonathan Chapman
Had an amazing day out
Had an amazing day out. Everything was just perfect. Highly recommend!
Posted By Glenda Gabin
Go if you can!
Our day with Down Under tours on the Evolution was everything we hoped for and a once in a lifetime experience.
The staff were all friendly and helpful and we thoroughly enjoyed the scuba, snorkeling and helicopter flight.
Go if you can!
Posted By Stephanie Bryan
Awesome snorkeling!
Fantastic boat, great staff and awesome snorkeling!
Posted By Scott Prettejohn
Exceeded our expectations
Absolutely the best service and facilities. The staff went above and beyond to make sure all guests were comfortable and had the best possible experience. Exceeded our expectations. It was an expensive day for our family but you pay for what you get.
Posted By Rachel Schembri
Beautiful Reef
Fantastic Vessel Fantastic Crew Beautiful Reef
Posted By Tim Herse
We had the best day
The boat was fantastic and crew were so friendly and nothing was a problem to them. We had the best day and will always be in our memories.
Posted By Michelle Chequer
GBR Evolution
Absolutely mind blowing experience. Staff were amazing and brilliant in there roles. Would definitely do this again and recommend this to everyone.
Posted By Sarah Smith
Excellent trip
Very friendly staff. Excellent trip only thing is more options for kids with regards to food.
Posted By Christine Davies
Fantastic Day
G'day Gene just wanted to thank you for recommending Down Under Cruise and Dive's Evolution what a beautiful, comfortable well equipped vessel. We had a fantastic day, staff were fantastic friendly helpful funny knowledgeable and professional food was great and there was a lot of it. Snorkeling was great despite the conditions being less than perfect we will be back in the future and will definately consider going out on Evolution again and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. All in all fantastic day and thank you again for your assistance. Regards Gavin and Lynne.
Sent from my iPhone
Posted By Gavin North
Beautiful vessel
Beautiful vessel staff were fantastic great food and lots of it despite less than perfect conditions snorkeling was great good atmosphere great entertainment on return trip and beer and wine very reasonably priced overall very happy and great value for money we will be back. Booked through travstar and Gene made everything easy and stress free and would recommend travstar and Evolution to anyone.
Posted By Gavin North
Great day
no stress, book, pay, receive tickets then turn up
Posted By Neil Green
Highly recommend
Evolution boat was big and wonderful. Great staff on board. Snorkeling was GREAT in the reef. Stops at 2 different snorkeling locations. Great food on board as well. Highly recommend this tour to go see the Great Barrier Reef.
Posted By Debbie Ernst
Would definitely recommend
Thanks to everyone at Travstar and on the Evolution who made the day great. The whole team where superb and my wife and I had a fab time. The helicopter at the end finished off the day superbly. Would definitely recommend to other people.
Posted By Andy Hopkins
Five star
Five star
Posted By Suzanne Jensen
The experience was even more than I thought it would be
Fantastic Team of people, positive, happy, professional and most important their first priority were the reefs well being. Do yourself more than a favour, BOOK NOW!!!
The experience was even more than I thought it would be :) Helen Waldon
Posted By Helen Waldon
Grateful
I was particularly grateful for the way I was looked after when I was extremely seasick. Especially by Elvis, the Tour Guide, and crew member Maia.
Posted By John Robinson
Excellent.
Staff on the ferry were very friendly. Facilities on the ferry were excellent.
Posted By Susil Piyanandana
Very well organised
Best time out at the reef, so beautiful, beautiful big boat, every thing just perfect!! Very well organised from start to finish !!!!!!!!! Big thumbs up. We really enjoy the wine an cheese on the way back to port
Posted By Stacey Hunter
AMAZING!
Reef - was AMAZING! A rough day and many were sick but the reef and crew were spot on 10/10.
Posted By Tiarna Cook
Brand new boat
Brand new boat with friendly staff. Nice presentation in return trip. Food is good. Good design- I could lay down on desk when I felt seasick.
Posted By Pauline Lu
Fantastic
Fantastic program, a friendly crew, nice food and best of all lifetime of Reef experience. Special thanks to Elvis!
Posted By S Venkadesan
Great day out!
We had a great day out on the reef. The staff were friendly, courteous and entertaining - made you feel welcome & relaxed. The food was fantastic & plentiful.
Posted By Sue Eastwood
Fun day
Really great crew who looked after everyone and made it a fun day. Beautiful location for snorkeling. And the semi-sub ride is great for the land-lubbers!
Posted By CW
Fantastic day
Would do this trip again - fantastic day.
Posted By Murray Osborne
Fantastic experience
Fantastic experience. Will do it again.
Posted By Mark Douglas
Best reef cruise!
Best reef cruise, fantastic staff
Posted By Philip Barrett
The lovely staff members made it Possible
We Booked for 29.12.2013 and actually Went on the boat the 28th! We had to Due to flight changes! The lovely staff members made it Possible! Both at the boat Company as well as the Travel Agency! Through Smooth Communication Our booking was easily changed and paid for. Thanks a Lot
Posted By Linda Angeletti
Everyone should try the Osprey V tour
Awesome ... Absolutley had a great an relaxing day. Everyone should try the Osprey V tour
Posted By Peter Singh
Amazing time.
Fun crew very professional, amazing time.
Posted By Victoria Marsh
Ospey V
I could not fault this company.
Posted By Ruth Shakesby
Lunch and ambience was great.
The staff was friendly and professional. Excellent logistic. Lunch and ambience was great. Highly recommended.
Posted By Claudia
First ever intro dive
The staff were very knowledgable and friendly for my first ever intro dive.
Posted By Chanel Curko
Laid back, relaxed and a lot of fun.
Laid back, relaxed and a lot of fun. Crew were lively and hospitable without being over the top. A great mix of people.
Posted By Shane Nicol
Very entertaining
Great staff, very entertaining lots of fun.
Posted By Alwyn Tinkler
Had the most awesome time.
Had the most awesome time. Crew were very obliging, they made you feel very comfortable. Great bunch
Posted By Laurena Hooker
Highly recomened
Highly recomened
Posted By Hans Rettschlag
Great staff and had a fun day.
We believe that stinger suits should be included in the pricing at this time of the year. Boat was very crowded and had trouble getting a seat to eat lunch etc. Great staff and had a fun day.
Posted By Lyn Gibbs
Thoroughly enjoyed the trip
Thoroughly enjoyed the trip and will recommend it to my friends.
Posted By Caroline Pendlebury
Thoroughly Recommended!
We would thoroughly recommend this cruise especially for families as the yhave a great family rate. Staff were excellent. Dont forget your sea sickness tablets though !
Posted By Steve McInnes
We had a fantastic time
We had a fantastic time on the Osprey - the crew made sure that they did everything they could to make our experience one to remember.
Posted By Hannah
enjoyed it all very much
really great crew,couldnt have been better.very professional and helpful. enjoyed it all very much
Posted By Nicole McGowan
Really great trip
Really great trip, all the crew were enthusiastic and helpful. Had reservations when weather was so ordinary but the crew ensured we had a great day and reef was beautiful and onboard entertainment from \\\"Elvis\\\" on way back capped off the day. Would like to do again sometime.
Posted By Chris Peters
Excellent value
Excellent value, only drawback is have previously been on other operators trip to pontoon where there is much more room to move
Posted By Richard
A must for all travellers
A must for all travellers,the crew where extremely helpful and make the day very enjoyable. Will return and do this again
Posted By Tracey Walford
A great day out
A great day out, the staff very friendly and entertaining and confident.
Posted By Kerrie Cady
Tasty buffet
Great crew, abundant tasty buffet. Much fun. In fact, so much so that we went out twice!!
Posted By Ron Schwarzkopf
excellent day had by us
excellent day had by us at least despite the weather
Posted By Robyn Park
The staffs are very friendly and helpful
The staffs are very friendly and helpful. A bit disappointed that the semi-submarine tour was cancelled due to the windy condition. This is a tour more suitable for young people without seasickness problems.
Posted By Sophie Duo
experience very worthwhile
Great crew - all helped to make our experience very worthwhile! Big Thanks!
Posted By Zac Tan
good service and excellent crew
The trip to the great barrier reef was fantastic. My friend and I were deeply impressed by the well-prepared food, good service and excellent crew. Thank you.
Posted By XinXin Xu
Very friendly people!
Very friendly people!
Posted By Tatjana Djordjevic
Thanks
Very fast to get your response about all my queries, if not within one hour, it would be the first email the next day (in terms of the time difference) where I booked the tour in another country. . Thanks, Emma Lodge, the friendly consultant.
Posted By Jaslyn Wang
Overall the trip was fantastic
Overall the trip was fantastic. The staff were entertaining and very friendly. I work for the Tourism Industry in Sydney and will definately promote Osprey back home.
Posted By D. Dominguez
Fantastic day trip to the reef
Fantastic day trip to the reef. Staff on the boat were friendly, fun and approacheable. Highly reccommed the intro dive and helicopter ride. Elvis Rocks!
Thanks
Cindy
Posted By Cindy Hansen
All good and enjoyed the day immensly.
All good and enjoyed the day immensly. All staff on boat were helpful and friendly
Posted By Peter Cottrell
absolutely fantastic!!!!
What can I say...my trip on the Osprey v was absolutely fantastic!!!!
I cant say enough about how wonderful my first trip out to the Barrier Reef was!
Ther are so many different boats going out to the reef it is a little overwhelming, not knowing which service to pick etc.I choose the Osprey V from the tourism website as it seemed like the the best value for money and offered reasonable facilities.I could not have choosen a better boat trip!!!
The whole reason for this trip was so I could take my ill father (who was once a dive instructor) out to see the reef as he had never had the chance to dive it.
All the staff were unbelievably attentive, and fantastic at there jobs!!!
My father can no longer dive so we snorkled on a guided tour were one of the staff led us around. It was just fantastic!!! The dive spots were amazing!!!
Every need was taken care of...even lunch was awesome!!!The boat was huge and an absolute plus for me was the fact that you could sit up on top of the boat, out in the open air!Not trapped inside for 2 hours... ( I am prone to seasickness so this was great!!!)
I can not express my gratitude enough to the staff who were so wonderful and helpful with my father, helping make this trip a memorable one.
I highly reccomend this trip as a fantastic day out on the Great Barrier Reef. This trip is less expensive than some but Im sure offers a whole lot more!!!
Posted By Olivia Rattew
The Staff were fabulous
The Staff were fabulous. They made everyone feel very comfortable and even the non-swimmers were given a tour of the reef. We will definately return.
Posted By Ursula White
The staff were excellent
The staff were excellent -especially as I suffered sea sickness on the way out - they were very attentive to all the passengers & really friendly & helpful.
Posted By Vanessa Chan
Introductory dives were fantastic
Had great fun, young crowd of people (mostly backpackers), boat was clean and comfortable(no seasickness as we had a calm day), staff were friendly and helpful, reef was simply amazing, introductory dives were fantastic. Will do it again, and would highly recommend it. The boat is not \"flashy\" but is practical and comfortable and the trip is a great way to see the reef - good value for $.
Posted By Sharon E (Brisbane)
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