Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

A brilliant day at the reef

It was a wonderful day at the reef. The staff were just brilliant and the new pontoon is fabulous! Everything was great from the activity options to the quality of the reef, the food and the comfort of the vessel. As a special wedding anniversary trip, we were also treated with extra special care making the day even better. Highly recommend this team for a visit to the reef.

Excellent reef experience!!

We had amazing day with Magic Reef tours yesterday. We both had not snorkelled for some time but it didn't matter we both felt very safe & access to wetsuits, flippers & snorkel so easy. The crew were great so professional, well informed & friendly. Seeing the coral & marine life in its natural habitat an experience I will not forget. The tours also good semi submersed so interesting. The marine biologists on board were fantastic. The food good hot and cold options. Very comfortable boat ride to the pontoon, highly recommend Magic Reef tours. One of the major highlighs of our holiday in Cairns.

A dream come true

All my friends raved about Reef Magic as the best Great Barrier Reef tour. I’m so glad I followed their advice. Today was a dream come true. Staff were so attentive and committed to their work and passionate about the reef. Among the staff were a marine biologist, who shared the science behind the reef formation, evolution and habitat. There was also an Aboriginal traditional cultural tour guide who provided storytelling and music. Fantastic. The spot we were was colorful and abundant. So many fish! So much coral. I was in the water all day and had plenty of time to explore with a bottomless boat, observation deck and snorkeling safari excursion. Highly recommend Reef Magic with Reef Unlimited.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The most amazing day out on the water

We had the most incredible day out on the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Unlimited. We had heard great things about this tour and were so excited when we booked but it absolutely exceeded all of our expectations. The Reef unlimited staff are absolutely incredible, they are all so passionate about marine conservation, respectful of culture, safety focussed and so warm, friendly and engaging. The marine biologists were so great with the kids and shared lots of fascinating information about the reef. We could not believe how much we could fit into one day….. snorkelling together as a family, a snorkelling tour with a marine biologist, an intro scuba dive, a glass bottom boat tour, a semi submersible boat tour, spending time in the glass water observatory and a delicious buffet lunch. Make sure you ask the staff for their advice on how to best plan your day because they are so friendly and helpful and there is so much to see and do, you won’t want to waste a moment. Thank you Reef Unlimited for the most incredible day out on the water, we can’t recommend your tour highly enough. This will be an experience our family will always remember.

Amazing!!

An amazing trip...staff were so professional and went above and beyond. A wonderful experience and can't wait to do it again...

Excellent experience

I was worried this would be an overrated and underwhelming experience, but I could not have been more wrong. This was an unforgettable experience! There was plenty to do for those in our party that didn't want to snorkel. The lunch and coffee was delicious as well. Definitely worth the price!

Would go with Reef magic if your undecided

We were truly confused on which tour company to join after reading many reviews of multiple companies. I am glad we chose Reef Magic. Their service was impeccable. Right from the boarding point. It was informative. Instructions were provided and easy to follow. We didn’t have a full capacity boat so that helped as well. No real long lines for anything. I highly recommend the semi submersible don’t miss it. The glass bottom was fairly average. The snorkelling is right near the pontoon so even if you are not confident you can definitely with the help of a life jacket paddle your way across. Since we only snorkelled and didn’t dive, the coral reef is mainly bleached. Having said that the marine life is rich and you would see a wide variety of colourful fish. I was a bit disappointed with the lack of coral colour unfortunately. I actually didn’t like the idea of them feeding the fish it’s out of the natural experience and quite commercial to do that. You get good pictures. The food could definitely have scope for improvement - it’s not bad but not great for sure. Highly recommend taking the chewable tablet for sea sickness. They offer free ginger ones to swallow onboard and charge for the chewables. We were fine both ways with that even though the water was pretty choppy. Overall a good experience with this tour company. They kept coming up to passengers to ask if we felt ok or needed anything on the 90 min ride each way. Hope this helps.

Not to be missed

This was absolutely exceptional. The staff on the boat were amazing. From safety demonstrations from information from personality they just fit the bill and were absolutely top-notch. Some people were seasick because it was a rather rough day, and their attention and support was second to none. When you arrive at the Reef magic pontoon, there are a number of amazing activities to enjoy. Although the weather was grey rainy and windy on the day we went, this did not detract from the overall experience. I particularly recommend the opportunity to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. The equipment is so clean and up-to-date. The support you receive from the staff to make sure you are safe and comfortable and also interacting appropriately with the wildlife and the reef is second to none. I cannot more highly recommend this from the food, from the comfort, from the equipment it is absolutely not to be missed.

Good trip

Good trip. Husband got to dive and I got to have my feet in the ocean off 5he pontoon. Glass bottom boat and semi submersible were also included. We got a helicopter ride too (extra, but worth it).

You don't get to do this very often!

Lots of amazing things about this tour: - so much more than entertainment. You have a team of marine biologists on board and multiple opportunities to learn about ongoing research, ask them about conservation and much more. Basically, hang out with the biologists - they are friendly and great. - the start location is really easy to find. You have a morning pastry, tea, coffee, water, lunch and a light snack all provided. It is an all day event - lots of care given to safety. I most appreciated their availability of prescription masks for snorkeling and stinger suits for bigger bodied people, children etc. - I didn't get to just sit and sunbathe as planned as they offer you multiple things to keep you busy. Glassboat tours and a semi submerged boat are included for free. Would highly recommend the snorkeling/ di img tours. My guide Jemma (I hope the name is right) was incredible and did the tour even though it was just me this morning. There is fish feeding, a cultural presentation, an underground observatory and much more. - they have a photographer available that can help take pics of you. They also have a fantastic waterproof smart phone cover that worked like magic for me and helped me take my own pics and videos. - it felt like we were one of the last boats to return, which also leaves you a lot of time to be in the water and pontoon and explore General tips: I'm not usually sea sick but the knward journey was a bit brutal. Please consider getting the sea sickness tablet or ginger candy from the staff to help. Get a table soon. I traveled solo and kept looking for some where to sit. There were a few spaces but people had them reserved or kept them for members of their party. If at all anything could be improved: Take a towel from your hotel. Towels are available for purchase only on board. Stay off the coral. And the crew will remind you of the same. They are live organisms and I am not the strongest swimmer and found myself drifting in their direction. It can damage them and also give you sharp cuts. Improvements if any: The food didn't work for me, especially as a vegetarian. But that's possibly an individual thing and might very well work for others. Would recommend this experience and the add ons for every age of traveler. There's something for everyone.

Amazing day

Such a great day out at the reef . Staff were amazing , caring , helpful, knowledgeable. And a great experience, great food .

Snorkel the best Instructor

Had a great experience dive with the instructor Takuya!!! This was my first tine to dive into the ocean and he is so patient to take care of me and my partner while taught us snokeling skills !! Best instructor!! Definitely deserves 5 stars!! And all the crew members!!

Excellent day exploring the GBR

Checked a bucket list item!! Weak swimmer was able to safely explore the reef with Ethan, marine biologist. Saw so many amazing fish and the reef was gorgeous. The Heli ride was also a lot of fun and very professionally done Overall very well organized, excellent crew and facilities incl lunch. Perfect day

Reef Magic is made by the crew!

Hey, just returned from a Reef Magic trip to their pontoon platform. Great fun! I’d give the crew 6 STARS for assisting with all the seasick passengers this morning ( the seas were quite rough). Fantastic snorkeling; saw 3 (yes, three) sea turtles on the glass bottom boat ride (thank you Captain Dee!); had wonderful curry at the buffet. This crew has fun, works their ass off, and made the day!

Excellent experience

The ability to get up close to so many fish and the beautiful coral colours. Wonderful lunch and very helpful and friendly staff. Very professional operation.

Enjoying the Great Barrier Reef!

We had an amazing time on a trip to the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Unlimited! This was the best snorkeling experience we have ever had. The ocean water was crystal clear, and the coral reef was filled with a variety of fish - it did not disappoint. We would like to give a huge shout-out to Kaitlin, a marine biologist, and Takuya, a Japanese-native scuba instructor, whose knowledge and helpful attitude made the trip even more enjoyable. Tip: The one-way trip to the pontoon takes about 90 minutes. We highly recommend taking anti-nausea medication to prevent seasickness.

Even better than we hoped…

One nervous explorer and one more adventurous; and we BOTH had an excellent time! The Great Barrier Reef did not disappoint it was an amazing experience. The crew was knowledgeable and helpful we are so happy that we did this trip. (Tip-purchase a waterproof bag for your phone and practice ahead of time. I had to use my timer to take photos. Also, head out with a battery pack so that you hit the water with 100% charge.)

Great Barrier Reef unforgettable experience with Reef Magic

The multiple activities and experiences were amazing and the crew as well made it very enjoyable. The only item I would say could be improved was the food selection as curry chicken/vegetables was served and members of my family did not eat that type of cuisine. Regardless, they made do with the salad and veggie dishes.

Nice experience

Had a great experience dive with the instructor Tokuya ( not sure if the pronunciation is correct) . He’s very patient and caring and provides many information . Also it’s great to show the respect to the traditional owners and talking about the history.

Amazing reef tour experience

Check in was at the boat so easy boarding process. Crew were amazing, full of knowledge & always happy to help. Glass bottom boat & semi- sub boat tours are definitely worth it. Food options were good. Staff were attentive to help you with your snorkel equipment & getting into the water, also letting you know where the good spots were. Reef was amazing so many different corals & fish, big & small. Plenty to see & do on the pontoon which was spacious & clean. The trip out to the reef & back there were talks from the marine biologist & indigenous people which was great to see. Overall experience was amazing will definitely be doing this tour again.

The snorkeling was the...

The snorkeling was the best we had ever done. The crew was very helpful and we had a wonderful day. It was also helpful to have the bodysuits to avoid being stung by the jelly fish. We also enjoyed the submersible.

Amazing!

Very colourful corals and fishes! People were friendly. I took the scuba diving option and it was so good that 30 minutes are just too short

A pleasant day on the reef

The experience was great. Communication leading up to it could have been better. We were able to add the helicopter experience on on the way to the pontoon when the helicopter operator came and found us. Very nice. My wife enjoyed the experiences that didn’t require swimming while I enjoyed the snorkeling. Was able to see many beautiful fish and coral right off the pontoon. Lunch was good as well

Best GBR Day Ever!

Everything was great! The boat ride is slightly long but once at pontoon, you’re provided equipment and immediate access to a beautiful coral reef, excellent visibility, the friendliest fish and WALLY, the mascot maori wrasse! The food was also very decent, buffet style with hot and cold foods and fresh fruits. Beverages for purchase only. Ocean was wonderfully warm so you can just drift and watch the fish for hours. Fun underwater viewing room, best during fish feeding. We enjoyed the water too much to do glass bottom boat so no commentary there. When you’re done, outdoor shower available for rinse off and changing rooms. We also went to Lady Elliott Island and though it has its own merits, we would choose to do this pontoon trip again over the Island! Didn’t love the picture selling process - we wanted to buy but there seemed to be an hierarchy of who got to view the photos first. Photographer told me they’d make an announcement but never did, meanwhile, I saw them asking certain people to come look at the photos 🤔Highly recommend this excursion regardless. Tip: arrive early if you prefer to sit front facing.

Best GBR location, great day overall

We had done three of these types of tours during our 2-week trip. One on the south end of the reef, one in the middle, and this one. This was by far the most colorful and interesting siting of the tours. They do provide stinger suits, masks, and fins for use when in the water. This was the first GBR tour we were on that they had a phone cover to purchase versus a camera with SD card you could use to get photos. The camera person was great to explain how to use the cover. Got several great photos and video of the reef and fish. And now have something I can use for pictures in the water or rainy days. The intro dive we did was cool but frustrating. Personally, thought the instructor could have been more attentive and understanding to what we knew and needed before we went out. Do not believe they had the weights right for my wife and he kept adjusting her mask during the dive that was not right for her. We are certified divers but just had not been out for a while. We did see a sea turtle during this. Lunch was okay but pay attention to the time it is available. As with most of this type of tours we did, it was rather crowded with people.

Very easy trip to the reef by the experts.

As an Aussie you can do a few trips to the reef as time goes by and this time we needed it quick and simple. A fast boat straight there to a pontoon with lots of space. The pontoon is on a beautiful part of the reef and I have to say I was the most impressed I've been on all my trips which have included a scuba diving live-aboard. Great day!

Highly recommend reef magic

Highly recommend reef magic for a first time visit. The pontoon was a benefit along with the under water viewing where we could see our son get ready for his introductory dive. He loved this experience and would do it again, very lucky to get a 1:1 dive. The younger children enjoyed the snorkelling and still had the opportunity to see the reef and fish of different sizes and colours. The snorkel area is managed by life guards in and out of the water to make sure you are ok. I was feeling sea sick and the staff checked on me through out the day. Recommend sitting at the top level of the boat when heading to and from the pontoon if you get sea sick. Lunch was decent and plenty to go back for seconds. On the return trip you hear from the cultural guide playing the didgeridoo which was very interesting. Throughout the day it was clear safety is well managed by reef magic.

Brilliant day

What a fantastic day, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef is a day I will not forget. The staff on the boat were brilliant, they made everyone who was snorkeling feel reassured & comfortable. They looked after everyone's needs. There is also a submersive boat for those who didn't snorkel to see the reef as well .

An exceptional experience!

This was the fourth time we've visited the reef, and this experience was by far the best. The team on board were exceptional. Welcoming, supportive, cheerful and always helpful. The boat was great too, spacious enough with helpful screens viewable from every seat. The presentations on the way there and back were a great touch. The resident Marine Biologist gave some great insights and the cultural presentation was a brilliant and engaging addition. The pontoon was faultless. So easy, safe and reassuring to be able to step down into the reef - it really helped our kids feel at ease. The tours and viewing platforms also added to the overall experience. The fact that the lunch was so delicious was another welcome surprise (I recommend the veggie curry!) Overall it was faultless. We'll be back!

Fantastic

What a truly amazing experience this was. It met with all of my expectations & more. The staff were fantastic and very helpful to everyone's needs. Even if you don't swim there is enough things for you to enjoy. Swimming in the Great Barrier Reef has been a dream come true

A great day on the reef, with something for everyone.

We loved our day with Reef Magic. The journey out to the pontoon was smooth and enjoyable. Once on the pontoon there was plenty to do; you could spend the day snorkelling in the designated area, which is safe, but large enough to be continually enthralled with the beauty of the reef and it’s wildlife. There is an underwater observatory on the pontoon, and glass bottom boat trip provides another perspective to the reef, and trips in a semi-submersible are also offered. There are also diving activities offered at an extra cost. The lunch provided offered plenty of choice and was good. There were even cultural and scientific talks available on the return journey. The staff were all friendly, professional and very helpful and you felt safe at all times. A very enjoyable and highly recommended day out.

Had a fabulous time, wish we had known earlier about the diving requirements.

Reef Magic covers everything, from communication to ensuring a great experience at the Great Barrier Reef. The crew is very well-trained and shares everything you need to know before you begin the experience. Becks, the Marine Biologist, went to great lengths to answer our questions about the reef and help with the Snorkeling experience. We took the helicopter ride, which was optional, and I highly recommend it to everyone. You will be here once in a lifetime, most of you at least, and it is totally worth the money. The only thing that could have been better is to have been informed about the health requirements for scuba diving in advance. We would have gotten the doctor's certificate - we had to miss out on the diving experience because of this requirement.

Very friendly staff but think twice if you have seasickness

The staff were great and very understanding of my seasickness. I’m writing this review mostly to warn other passengers who have seasickness to perhaps book a different excursion. I took two Dramamine pills 30 mins before going on the boat and thought the pontoon would be stable enough but I ended up getting very sick twice. The food was not the most appetizing and I didn’t really want to eat anything besides fruit because I was feeling sick. The staff were amazing and brought ice and sick bags to me whenever I needed it so I really appreciate that. But if you get seasick easily, perhaps consider a shorter excursion or one that takes you to an island instead because this one will be a long day if you end up feeling sick.

Unforgetable experience, I would come back again any time

Reef Magic is not only a big, stable boat, but this boat brings you to even more stabile platform which is right in the middle of the reef. I was only snorkeling, and it was possible to immerse in between the corals and numerous fishes direct in front of the platform. I am a swimmer, but the level of control which was in place all the time made me feel safe. Crew members were kind, competent and helpful in every possible way. A real marine biologist was on the ship, to explain details of flora and fauna. Platform has little boat for coral safari and boat-submarine with glass bottom which was bringing us in the zone which we could not see with snorkeling, all without additional cost. I was lucky to have nice weather, but all the rest regarding organization was just great, lunch included. On our way back, we had a presentation and a possibility to speak with some of the members of the crew which are Indigenous people of Australia, great opportunity to hear about their life between tradition and modern nowadays. To conclude, I will come back with more family members and go back with this same company to the Reef any time. Thank you for one amazing, unforgettable experience.

Great experience, wonderful staff!

We opted to visit the Reef Pontoon, as this seemed unique (we've been on catamarans in other countries). The pier was easy to find, and we were impressed with the professionalism and skills of the staff. Right off the bat, they find you on the boat to check and assess your comfort with the water and make recommendations. You were informed during the boat ride and while on the pontoon of any updates and safety precautions. We noticed that the staff took their jobs very seriously when it came to safety, from the numbers count to wearing lifejackets while on the deck. I also appreciated that while we were snorkeling, they had lifeguards checking to see if you were comfortable. I originally thought I'd be fine without a pool noodle, but one noticed my discomfort and she got me one, and I appreciated that. There are plenty of staff all over the pontoon who are there to help you with your snorkels, your fins, etc. The pontoon is also a good option for groups that have a mixed level of swimmers. If there are members of the group who don't want to snorkel at all (e.g. grandparents or young children), then they're able to sit and enjoy the Reef views while the others snorkel. The lunch also had a good variety and was quite delicious. The pontoon activities also include the semi-submersible and the glass-bottom boat, you just need to do those earlier since they fill up towards the end. I highly recommend Reef Magic - their professionalism was excellent and we had a great time on the Reef.

Best out there !

The crew and boat were amazing. Reef was perfect from helicopter to snorkeling to scuba diving .. we enjoyed it all !!

Good even for non-swimmers

I didn't get into the water at all, but enjoyed my time nonetheless. For non-swimmers or those who do not want to get into the water, there's the glass bottom boat and semi-submersible, and also an underwater observatory (there was a fish feeding session). As most people were snorkelling, I could go on each of the glass bottom boat and semi-submersible twice (you could go multiple times if you wanted to). Food on board was average - you get a pastry in the morning, and it was a buffet lunch at the pontoon. They served tea as well (cheese and biscuits) on the way back.

I’m a dolphin not a starfish

It’s been 30 years since snorkelling the Barrier Reef and it’s still beautiful. The tour was great. The saddest part of the day, I was classed as a non swimmer. Because I was 50 and had high blood pressure. A bit disappointed because I was probably more ocean qualified than half the staff. I’ve been a volunteer lifeguard in WA for more than 20 years. I’ve competed in many ocean water swims one solo 19.2km to Rotto. So to be told you can’t swim and you’re a high risk I think is wrong. Not all over 50 years are unfit. Yes on medication, but it’s controlled. I think “Reef Magic Cruises” should have waivers for people to sign they are fit and capable of swimming not treat people like me as unfit, useless and oh you must have the pink snorkel so we can watch you in case you get into difficulty. Like I said, I think I would’ve saved some of your staff if there was an incident. Being over 50 we are more safety and danger awareness to many people. Thanks

Great tour of the reef

Had a really great day with Reef Magic. The staff were friendly and helpful, the boat was clean, they had plenty of activities to keep you busy on the pontoon besides snorkeling which are included in the package (partial sub, glass bottom body, Underwater observatory). Special shout out to Anna one of the snorkel staff who was super kind to our 4yo who was figuring out snorkeling for the first time. Also really enjoyed the marine biology presentations and cultural presentations. Thanks guys!

Fab day, enjoyed every minute

We had a great time. The whole day was well organised and the staff were great. I was a little scared to snorkel but the marine biologist (Zoe, I think) was so patient and knowledgeable. I even managed to go in alone and adored every minute Food was adequate and plentiful. We indulged ourselves in a helicopter flight back to Cairns which was great All in all, a brilliant day.

Perfect day at the GBR

A top notch activity all the way. Professional, friendly, knowledgeable staff. High quality equipment and activities. And, of course, the GBR does not disappoint. Highly recommended!!

Moore Reef - a great location

Such a wonderful day. I have previously snorkelled off this pontoon back in 2008 - at that time the reef was under stress and there was hardly any living coral. I am so pleased to say that 15 years later the reef has truly recovered and the coral was beautiful, colourful and plentiful and the new updated pontoon was great and the food delicious. We also did the extra $$ activity of the adventure safari snorkel to the outer wall. To be honest, the day was rather rough later in the afternoon and you need to be a good swimmer to get back to the pontoon. I felt that we really saw coral closer up when snorkelling in the designated area rather than out at "The Wall" - but this was only because of the wind and the tide rising. Overall, it was an incredible day!

Amazing! Don’t miss out on this.. highlight of the trip

Amazing experience! Staff were lovely, helpful and knowledgeable. (Mel, Dean, Anais, Ethan, Natalie? Sorry i forget; but all wonderful) Safari snorkelling was amazing and great for beginners as was the intro scuba dive! Strongly recommend the helicopter ride back as it puts it all in perspective how vast/glorious the reef really is! Definitely a must if you are visiting Cairns!

Great day on the reef

Had a great day out with Reef Magic Cruises. The staff were plentiful, personable, polite and hardworking. The boat to the pontoon was comfortable and the pontoon itself was spacious and new. There was plenty of snorkelling gear and wetsuits and stinger suits. Moore reef looks great and there were plenty of beautiful fish to watch. It was like swimming in a tropical aquarium. The lunch was great, as were the morning and afternoon teas. The 90 minute trip to the pontoon was fairly bumpy and some people were sea-sick. My wife is prone to sea-sickness but we sat outside where she could watch the horizon and she was fine. We did catch a bit of sea spray from time to time, so if you want to sit there it would be good to take a spray jacket with you. The trip did not feel crowded, all of the safety processes were well explained and carried out and overall we felt welcomed and well cared for. It was a great day out.

Great Barrier Reef!

Good trip to reef. Saw many fish and turtles. Lots of options to view sealife esp for children. Snorkel, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible boat. Instruction for those without snorkel experience. Wet suit included.

Highly recommend, passenger safety always in mind, great value for money!

Thoroughly impressed with Reef Magic! Friendly staff, efficient and sustainable way of operating a reef tour. Huge pontoon to move around on with heaps of space for everyone. Buffet was amazing and fresh! Incredibly safety conscious! Headcounts done numerous times before departing and leaving. Lifeguard tower on the actual pontoon, water managers at all the entry points to the water and a lifeguard that swam around ensuring snorkelers were not treading on the reef and being safe. Reef very close to pontoon so you did not have to swim far to see the reef. Great idea to have rest spots in the water around the reef for people to hold on to. Loved the small details, like changing rooms on the pontoon that were large enough to change into your bathers, non slip floors, very clean, recycle bins etc. Well done Reef Magic - you have created the bench mark for what all reef tours and pontoons need to be like! Highly recommend.

Never received the refund for cancelled activity!

I paid for helmet diving for 2 people. On the day, I was told by Martin the diving instructor on the boat that we were unable to do the activity because of medical condition. And he said he’ll redund the money once we back. The whole activity was cancelled on the day because of bad weather. I never get the refund. I called them too and still no refund until today. It was $200. BAD EXPERIENCE!

Fabulous day on Moree

Amazing day on Moree reef! Such a professional business, all inclusive price (other than upgrade experiences) Coral & fish right off the boat-we are a family of not overly confident swimmers & we were amazed at the time & care the staff took to ease us into the water! Fantastic equipment, very clean & in good condition! Couldn’t rate our experience higher!

Awesome day out on the reef

What an awesome way to spend a day out on the reef. I would definitely recommend Reef Magic, Staff are happy and super helpful. An excellent lunch is provided and there are many ways to keep busy, glass bottom boat, helmet diving, helicopter rides etc. but the star is the reef we saw reef sharks, plenty of fish and even a turtle.

Highly recommend this experience

Amazing reef experience! The crew was fantastic — professional, knowledgeable, friendly, fun, and committed to making sure guests were happy and safe. The facilities were excellent, and there was plenty of room both on the boat and the pontoon. Not at all crowded. So many fun activities to choose from. And the reef is stellar! The professional photos are an incredible souvenir. Highly recommend! Thank you to all who made our day so special!