The tour implemented a paperless check-in procedure. Passengers are required to check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns.

Check-in time is from 7.15am.
Evolution departs at 8.00am sharp.
Evolution returns about 4.30pm.

The rain in Cairns tends to stick to the mountains. Cairns is located in the wet tropics and attracts fairly high rainfall. However, as the reef is 40kms offshore, the clouds don’t collect, and the rain tends to stay away. When you wake up in the morning in Cairns and it’s raining…do not panic! It will usually be fine on the outer reef locations.

The tour has 12 exclusive moorings at six reef locations. Locations are chosen each day based on weather conditions and water clarity so as to ensure the best experience for all activities. Generally, the tour travels to one of the two outer reef locations in the morning (Norman Reef or Saxon Reef) then makes their way to North Hastings Reef in the afternoon to conduct Helicopter Flights and our Semi-Submersible tour.

With over 5 hours at the reef, there's plenty of time between dives for snorkelling and relaxation.

The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from April to November, but the answer is whenever you can! Temperatures around the GBR don’t usually drop below 26°C. In November, the mass spawning of corals is a sight to see snorkelling and scuba diving. Once a year after the full moon in November/December, the corals release eggs and sperm into the water creating multi-coloured underwater snowfall making this an unforgettable natural experience!

Generally, from April to November you’ll experience fewer crowds and less rainfall, which can mean increased water clarity and fewer people.

The tour provides a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch including prawns, fish, steak, vegetarian options, and tropical salads. The tour can cater to guests with vegetarian, gluten, and dairy-free diets, and also has a few vegan salads. If you are vegan, the tour recommends you bring some of your own snacks so that you feel full and satisfied. Please note, due to COVID restrictions, there are temporary changes to food service with new staff-controlled catering and service to minimise touchpoints for crew and passengers. There will be no self-serve food option, and the tour temporarily removed the tea/coffee station, cheese, biscuits, and fruit. Lunch will remain the same with staff serving each guest individually.

All introductory divers will be accompanied by a PADI qualified dive instructor for the entire duration of the dive. Your instructor will provide you with ongoing instruction for your safety and also point out marine life for you. If you are a certified diver, you will not be accompanied in the water by a dive instructor. If you would like a guided dive, we have these available for $10 per dive. You can pre-book this or purchase onboard on the day. 

Introductory dives are for those who are not certified or who have never dived before. A certified dive means you hold a certified diving qualification and are competent to dive in a group guided by a Dive Master.

If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s advisable to take something before you go. Check with a chemist. As Evolution is a catamaran, it’s more stable in rough weather than monohulls. The tour sells seasickness pills on board the boat, but please remember, tablets are a preventative, not a cure, so take them before departing.