Reef Encounter: The Ultimate Floating Hotel on the Great Barrier Reef
Welcome to Reef Encounter, the Great Barrier Reef Hotel—a boutique floating hotel offering one of Australia’s most unique holiday escapes. Experience the reef’s beauty like no other, with the freedom to start your trip on the day that suits you and stay for as long as you like, thanks to daily transfers operated by our sister vessel, Reef Experience.
About Reef Encounter
Helicopter transfers are also available, landing directly on Reef Encounter’s onboard helipad. Consistently rated the number one liveaboard by industry professionals and independent reviewers such as Google Reviews, Reef Encounter is large enough to provide all the comforts of a cruise ship yet small enough to access spectacular reef locations inaccessible to other vessels.
Family-owned and operated, we pride ourselves on delivering Australia’s best Great Barrier Reef experience. Our passion is reflected in our impeccable products, boats, crew, and, most importantly, our guests! Stay as many nights as you like in our superbly appointed staterooms, or upgrade to the Top Deck Club for that extra bit of VIP luxury.
With daily transfers from Cairns by boat or helicopter, Reef Encounter is an excellent alternative to a resort-based holiday. Our team, the best in the business, consistently wins awards for outstanding customer service in the tourism industry. On your voyage, enjoy the latest snorkeling equipment, a glass-bottom boat tour upon request, and an informative Marine Biology presentation about the coral reef and marine animals.
Start your day with a barbecue buffet breakfast on the outbound voyage and, on your return trip to Cairns, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and a cheese and fruit platter. We also offer free luggage storage at our offices in Cairns City, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Great Barrier Reef Accommodation
Check-in time: 10 am (approximately) Check-out time: 8 am (approximately)*
- Spacious, air-conditioned staterooms with spectacular ocean views
- Towels and toiletries provided (soap, shampoo, and conditioner)
- All staterooms have Australian power outlets and ensuite toilets and showers
- Double bed or twin-single bed staterooms available
*For late checkout times and to keep your stateroom until departure, please upgrade to our Top Deck Club.
Sample Itinerary
This itinerary is based on a 3-day, 2-night liveaboard stay. Any additional days will be included as ‘full days’. The itinerary may vary due to weather conditions, seasons, and other circumstances.
First Day – Arrive
7:30 am: Board the transfer vessel ‘Reef Experience’ at Cairns Marlin Marina for breakfast, check-in, and your journey to Reef Encounter.
9:30 am: Arrive onboard Reef Encounter for your ‘Welcome and Safety Talk,’ then settle in and relax in your stateroom.
10:30 am: Water Session – Time to snorkel for all guests before lunch
12:00 pm: Lunch. 1:00 pm: Water Briefings / Snorkel Adventure Briefings
1:30 pm: Water Session – Snorkel time.
3:00 pm: Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location
3:30 pm: Water Session – Snorkel time. Glass-bottom boat tour.
6:00 pm: Dinner.
8:00 pm: Dessert.
Full-Day – At the Reef
6:00 am: Optional wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session.
6:30 am: Water Session – Sunrise snorkel time. Glass-bottom boat.
7:30 am: Breakfast. 8:00 am: Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location.
8:30 am: Water Session – Snorkel time.
10:30 am: Water Session – Snorkel time.
12:00 pm: Lunch.
1:30 pm: Water Session – Snorkel time.
3:00 pm: Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location
3:30 pm: Water Session – Snorkel time. Glass-bottom boat tour available upon request.
6:00 pm: Dinner.
8:00 pm: Dessert.
Last Day – Departure
6:00 am: Optional wake-up call for the early morning snorkel session.
6:30 am: Water Session – Sunrise snorkel time. Glass-bottom boat tour.
7:30 am: Breakfast.
8:00 am: Room Checkout Time. A shared transfer/baggage room with a bathroom and all other boat facilities are available. *For late checkout times and to keep your stateroom until departure, please upgrade to our Top Deck Club.
8:00 am: Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location.
8:30 am: Water Session – Snorkel time.
10:30 am: Water Session – Snorkel time.
Noon: Lunch. 1:30 pm: Water Session – Snorkel before departure.
2:45 pm: Departing passengers board the transfer vessel ‘Reef Experience’ for the journey back to Cairns. Complimentary wine, cheese, and biscuits are served on the return journey. 3:00 pm: Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location.
4:30 pm: This is the approximate arrival time to the Cairns Marlin Marina, Cairns, Australia.
Would you like to view our VIP Service for many added inclusions and Great Barrier Reef luxuries? Click here to see our Top Deck Club.
Highlights
Explore the Great Barrier Reef
Dive and snorkel vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fish.
Comfortable Onboard Accommodation
Stay in practical, air-conditioned staterooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Freshly Cooked Meals
Savour hearty, freshly prepared meals catering to a variety of dietary needs.
Friendly and Professional Crew
Learn and explore under the guidance of experienced dive instructors and a welcoming crew.
Amazing Wildlife Encounters
Spot iconic reef species like clownfish, giant clams, turtles and rays. You can learn all about these incredible creatures from the on board Marine Biologist.
Included
Included in Reef Encounter Stateroom packages
- Ensuite Cabins, either Twin share or Double. (Rollaway beds for children available)
- A variety of spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef locations during your stay
- All gear and equipment – excluding wetsuits which are available for hire (stinger suits provided from November to May)
- Snorkelling
- Marine Biologist Presentation
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Breakfast and lunch is served in a buffet format. Dinner is plated. Fruit is available throughout the day, along with tea and coffee.
- Filtered Water
- All dietary requirements will be catered for – please advise us of these when booking.
Optional Extras
- Scuba Diving – Resort or Certified
- SSI Scuba Diving Courses
- Nitrox (subject to availability)
- Guided Dives
- Merchandise
- Photos
- Camera Hire
- Wetsuit Hire (Please note stinger suits are provided during wet season/summer from November to May)
- Prescription Masks
- Snacks
- Barista Coffee
- Soft Drinks
- Alcohol
What to bring
What to bring
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Light jacket
- Refillable Water Bottle
- An extra quickdry towel
- Australian electrical outlet plugs/adaptors
- Travel Voucher
- Certification card and logbook for certified divers
- Cash or credit card (VISA/Mastercard) for onboard extras
Reef Encounter is a barefoot experience. It is recommended to bring carry on sized luggage, any excess or oversized luggage can be stored securely at the Reef Encounter Office.
How to get there
Getting to Reef Encounter
The vessel Reef Encounter stays out on the Great Barrier Reef.
By Boat (included in price)
Our sister vessel Reef Experience operates daily transfers meeting up with Reef Encounter.
Boarding starts at 7:30 am on Finger A on the Marlin Jetty, Cairns.
Reef Experience will bring you back to the same destination around 4:30 pm on your final day.
Helicopter Transfers (optional extra)
Reef Encounter has a helipad on board for guests looking at adding some magic to their stay. You may choose to take a spectacular scenic flight. Please confirm availability with Reef Encounter prior to booking.
Important Information
Cabin Share Advisory: Please note that the allocation of same-gender cabin shares in twin-share cabins cannot be guaranteed.
Important Information for Scuba Divers
This information is for all guests participating in scuba diving activities.
Australia has the strictest scuba diving rules globally and the safest scuba diving record. Therefore you must understand Queensland’s scuba diving laws. Great Barrier Reef liveaboard boats are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules, including the requirements for a dive medical, where applicable, as required by law.
Please complete our dive medical questionnaire , as some medical conditions, age and medications may prevent you from scuba diving. A certificate from your doctor stating that you are “Fit to Scuba Dive” or a Queensland dive medical may be required.
Flying after Scuba Diving
Plan your travel itinerary. On the final day of your Reef Encounter stay, your last dive will be completed by 1 pm.
Do not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after scuba diving for a single no decompression scuba dive. You should not fly for 24 hours after your last scuba diving in multiple dives.
If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after your dive. We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible.