Reef Encounter

Your boutique floating hotel on the reef

There are many vessels that make day trips out to the reef, but the best way to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef is to stay overnight! Moored on the Outer Reef, the unique Reef Encounter is best described as a floating boutique hotel rather than a cruise. With daily boat and helicopter transfers from Cairns to the vessel (choose between a one and a half hour boat ride or a brief spectacular helicopter flight over the reef to land on the vessel’s onboard heli-pad), you can arrive any day you like and stay for as long as you like.

The 35 metre vessel accommodates up to 42 passengers in 21 staterooms, ensuring a personalized and intimate reef discovery. All staterooms have air-conditioning, stunning views over the reef and private ensuite bathrooms - Reef Encounter even makes all her own water via a big desalination plant so guests have the luxury of unlimited hot showers. For added exclusivity and luxury, we highly recommend opting for a stylish Top Deck Stateroom. Top Deck guests receive added touches including Champagne on arrival, sunset cocktails with the captain, private romantic dinners under the stars, breakfast served to your room and the services of a personal snorkel / dive guide.

Naturally, Reef Encounter is all about the sea, with endless opportunities for snorkelling, diving and simply enjoying the natural wonders of the reef. With exclusive access to several areas of the reef, the vessel may relocate several times during the day – ushering you into a whole new underwater world just waiting to be explored!

Dive sessions begin at first light, with opportunities to dive several times each day, as well as night diving after dinner. It isn’t essential to dive to experience the reef – slip on a mask, snorkel and fins and glide through the multi-coloured corals and abundance of marine life. For those who prefer not to get wet, marine interpretations are available on a glass bottom boat tour.

Take time to relax on the sundeck or in the heated spa (which is also the perfect place to watch the sunset with a glass of Champagne) between snorkels and dives – and enjoy the delicious meals prepared for you by the onboard chef. Meals are served three times a day in the spacious dining room – there is also a bar and tea and coffee are available throughout the day.

Boat transfers to Reef Encounter depart Cairns daily at 7:45am and return to Cairns at 4:30pm. Or travel by helicopter for a bird’s eye view of Australia’s most spectacular natural wonder!