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 40 km 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 Operator has 12 exclusive moorings at six reef locations. Locations are chosen each day based on weather conditions and water clarity to ensure the best experience for all activities. Generally, they travel to one of the two outer reef locations in the morning (Norman Reef or Saxon Reef), then make 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. Evolution is an award-winning, Australian-built luxury reef superyacht. With 3 massive spacious decks to lounge around and innovative drop-down water entry platforms, you'll have space and time to prepare for the experience of a lifetime. Learning to dive or snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef!

The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from April to November, but honestly, the answer is whenever you can really! 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 around, and you’ll see more specials and discounts on Cairns reef tours.

Enjoy a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch including prawns, fish, steak, vegetarian options, vegan options and tropical salads. The Operator can cater to guests with vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free diets - you must advise reservations of your special dietary requirement at least 48 hours prior to travel. 

The reef boat ride will take about 90 minutes to reach the Outer Reef Location. The Reef Day Trip will depart Cairns at 8am, arriving at the first reef location by approximately 9.30/9.45am. Evolution is one of the fastest boat trips to the Outer Reef, giving you 5 hours of snorkelling and scuba diving at 2 Outer Reef Sites. The boat returns to Cairns at approximately 4.30pm.

You will need to be reasonably fit as there are stairs and some uneven ground, and will take an hour to walk through the cave system at a slow pace.

There are a few confined spaces you will need to go through during the cave tour. If you do not like really confined spaces, please notify the local guide.

Unfortunately, due to the narrow passages, steps and elevated platforms of the Chillagoe Caves, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair or walking disabilities.

Yes, children are welcome on this tour. Prams and strollers are not permitted into the caves, so the children will need to be able to walk, or you will need to carry them. The cave tour will take at least an hour, and there are stairs and uneven ground. (Please note this a 12-hour day so take this into consideration when taking children on this tour - booster seats provided)

• Hat & sunscreen

• Camera with extra batteries & memory cards

• Water bottle

• Towel and swimming costume (if you plan to swim)

• Insect repellent

• Extra cash for cold drinks, souvenirs or an ice-cream

• Raincoat in the rainy season or an umbrella

• Please wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes. If you do not have closed-in shoes, you may not be allowed in the Caves due to safety reasons and the decision of National Parks. 

• In the winter months (July to August), you may wish to take a light coat/jacket. No thongs (flip flops) or high heels, as there can be uneven ground at times.

All dietary requirements must be notified at the time of reservation. The Operator can cater for vegetarians and most other requirements, within reason if they are medical. Please note you are touring to a remote location and having lunch at an outback pub, so there is not a big selection.