Cape Tribulation scuba diving and snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef

Snorkelling and scuba diving in Cape Tribulation

snorkelling and scuba diving day tours to the great barrier reef from cape tribulation

Rum Runner departing Cape Tribulation for a day of scuba diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef

To go snorkelling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation you have two choices;
a full day tour on the Rum Runner where you have a choice of snorkelling or scuba diving,
or a half day tour on Ocean Safari, on which you can only snorkel as they do not carry scuba diving equipment.

Rum Runner is currently not in Cape Tribulation until further notice, please see Oceansafari for half day snorkelling trips.

The Great Barrier Reef runs along Australia's north east coast for about 1600 km. and Cape Tribulation is the point where it comes closest to the coast. You can take advantage of this by booking a daytrip on the Rum Runner, a comfortable catamaran that can get you out to the Great Barrier Reef in less than an hour!
Scuba diving from Cape Tribulation off the Daintree Coast is an absolute must do. Above you see the Rum Runner departing for a great day of snorkelling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. for a magic day of snorkeling and/or scubadiving.

Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef topped the list when early 2004 a survey was held in the UK and people were asked for their 'five things to do before you die'.
A visit to the Daintree would just simply not be complete without a trip to explore this amazing eco system.
Many (often pretty large) boats run out of Cairns and Port Douglas, but Cape Tribulation has only two small reef tour operators, ensuring a great day and pristine coral.

Out on the Great Barrier Reef you will see schools of brightly colored fish and amazing corals, sting rays, giant clams, sea turtles, and even some harmless small reef sharks. Some days around July and August whales are seen too that pass through the area on their way to breeding grounds.
Rum Runner's crew will give you informative talks to help you understand and appreciate this eco system even more. Dependent on weather conditions and tides this trip will usually go to either Undine Reef or Mackay Reef.

Never tried scuba diving before? No worries, you can still dive here, even without a diving certificate. This is called an intro-dive and a qualified instructor will equip you, give you all instructions needed and stay with you throughout the dive to guarantee your safety and enjoyment.
An experience not to be missed!

TO BOOK THIS REEF TRIP ONLINE CLICK HERE

Rum Runner is currently not in Cape Tribulation until further notice, please see Oceansafari for half day snorkelling trips.

The Rum Runner is on its way to the Great Barrier Reef
Rum Runner sailing from Cape Tribulation to the Great Barrier Reef

Rum Runner leaving Cape Tribulation for a day of snorkeling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef

Prices are $150.- adult, children 3-14 years $100.- , infants free. They offer a family deal of $450.- too.
Certified scuba diving prices are $50.- for first dive, $25.- for a second dive.
Introductory scuba diving prices are $70.- for the first dive, $40.- for a second dive.
No need to book your dive in advance, simply decide on the day.
Included are; morningtea, afternoon tea, a tropical buffet lunch, informative talks on marine life, snorkel gear, and pick-up and return by bus to Rainforest Hideaway. Other things like underwater cameras, chocolate bars, soft drinks, beer, hats, T-shirts etc. are available for sale on board. Wetsuits are included in the price and prescription masks are available for hire.
The Rum Runner bus will pick you up from your accommodation in the morning and take you to Cape Tribulation Beach where a small tender will take you to the boat. The same bus will return you to your accommodation around 16.30 in the afternoon.
Please note that transfers are free in the Cape Tribulation area and there is a $10.- p.p. transfer fee for Cow Bay transfers.

Click photos to enlarge

departing cape tribulation for a day of snorkeling and scuba diving

rum runner on the way to the great barrier reef

returning from cape tribulation after a day of scubadiving and snorkeling

after a day at the great barrier reef rum runner returns to cape tribulation

From Cape Tribulation there are only half and full day trips, if you'd like to spend several days on a liveaboard boat you'll need to do this from Cairns, to book reeftrips or scuba diving courses (or any other tours) in Cairns click here.

Rum Runner has arrived at the Great Barrier Reef

scuba diving with tropical fish off the coast of cape tribulation
Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef

Cape Tribulation does not have guaranteed whale spotting like Hervey Bay but during August and September there is a good chance of seeing whales passing by on their annual migration.

This whale was spotted by Rum Runner crew during a cruise in September 2006 and entertained passengers for quite a while.

This popular reef trip is often booked out in the busy seasons, you might like to book this tour in advance to avoid disappointment. Through this website you can book your accommodation and reef trip all at the same time.

TO BOOK THE RUM RUNNER REEF TRIP ONLINE CLICK HERE

Rum Runner is currently not in Cape Tribulation until further notice, please see Oceansafari for half day snorkelling trips.

Divers with Medical Conditions

Australian Scuba Diving Standards require that all certified divers are medically fit to dive. Certain medical conditions may exclude you from diving, for example; Asthma, Epilepsy, Diabetes, Heart, Lung or Blood Disorders of any kind. If you are taking any medication (with the exception of the contraceptive pill) you may also be excluded from diving.

If you suffer from a medical condition or are taking medication, a fully completed Medical Form (A.S. 4005.1) is to be completed by a Medical Practitioner with knowledge of diving medicine, prior to your arrival at Cape Tribulation. This form must be presented before you will be able to participate in any form of diving.

Ocean Safari Half Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tour

Ocean rafting the Great Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation

Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation is one of the best tours to do during your Daintree holiday.
Above you see the Ocean Safari, a high speed 12 metre rigid inflatable with two V8 700 horsepower motors that carries only 25 passengers and can take you out to the Great Barrier Reef in only 30 minutes for an unforgettable half day of snorkeling.
If you prefer to take it slower there is also a sailing boat, the Rum Runner, that also does a great snorkelling and scuba diving full day tour at a more relaxed pace.
Out on the reef you will see countless colored fish, sea turtles, giant clams and even some harmless small reef sharks. Dependent on weather conditions and tides you will go to either Undine Reef or Mackay Reef and visit two different sites with at least two hours spent on the reef.

The cost is $119.- adult, children 2-14 $76.- , and there is a family deal of $352.- (2A+2C)
This is an all inclusive price; $10.- environmental levy for protection and management of the Great Barrier Reef is included, and also informative talks on marine life, snorkel gear, and your transfers.
Other things like wetsuits ($8.-), prescription glasses ($15.-), soft drinks, etc. are available for hire or sale on board.
A bus will pick you up from Rainforest Hideaway and take you to the beach where you will board the boat.

Click here to book the Ocean Safari tour online

Reefteach

Spending some time in Cairns before coming up to Cape Tribulation? For an interesting and educating experience in the evening visit Reefteach on 14 Spence St. in the city, Tel/Fax: (07) 4031 7794 . Reef Teach presents a highly informative and entertaining presentation about the Great Barrier Reef. Presented by a Marine Biologist, Dive Instructor & Educationalist, it is the best way to learn about this complex ecosystem. This way you will know what you're looking at when you go on your Great Brrier Reef trip from Cape Tribulation.