Outer Great Barrier Reef & Dunk Island Full Day Tour & Cruise | Small Group | Mission Beach Day Return
Duration:
Operated By:
- Our tour to the Great Barrier Reef from Mission Beach has a maximum of 50 people making us one of the smaller operators in terms of numbers. We are currently averaging 20-30 people at this current point in time. Our numbers make us an ideal option for groups and exclusive charters are a very real option
- Our reef is pristine, only just over an hour from the mainland or Dunk Island making it one of the fastest transfers to the Outer Reef.
- QuickCoast is the only sizable, comfortable catamaran that visits Beaver Reef. Because our numbers are small, our reef is widely regarded as one of the most untouched reefs thereby enhancing the experience for our travelers.
- Our marine biologist who travels with us every day (with 10 or more passengers) gives a presentation on the way to the reef. There is an opportunity to experience a guided snorkel tour as an enhanced experience for our travelers
- You can also see Dunk Island Adventures as a transfer option to accommodation at Mission Beach while enjoying our tour, thereby offering Mission Beach as more than just a self-drive destination. For this book our Enjoy Mission Beach Multi-Day Pass for the same price.
FARES: Adult: 15+ years | Child: 3-14 years | Infant: 0-2 years
Mission Beach – Example Itinerary – subject to change:
8.30am | Clump Point Marine Facility – Priority Boarding with morning tea of Muffins, Tropical Fruits and beverage of choice tea/coffee/juice.
9.00am | QuickCoast departs Clump Point Marina Facility
9.30am | QuickCoast arrives Dunk Island for day visitors to disembark.
9.45am | QuickCoast departs from Dunk Island bound for Beaver Cay & Reef.
10.45am | Arrival to the Outer Great Barrier Reef and views towards Beaver Cay & Reef
11.15am | In water – East Reef with Plate Corals & Coral Gardens
Noon | In water – West Reef with Reefs Edge & Reef Marine life Traverses
12.45pm | In water – Middle Reef Bommies with diverse and colourful corals
1.15pm | Last Snorkelers back on board where lunch is served | Fresh made to order lunch is served on board (Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian options available – No need to advise prior we have you covered)
1.30pm | QuickCoast departs Beaver Reef with lunch and tropical fruits served
2.45pm | We arrive Dunk Island for an hour for multiple choices short beach walks
4.30pm | QuickCoast departs Dunk Island
5.00pm | QuickCoast arrives at Clump Point Marine Facility with transfers back to selected accommodations in Mission Beach North or Bingil Bay
1.30pm | QuickCoast departs Beaver Reef with lunch and tropical fruits served
2.45pm | We arrive Dunk Island for an hour for multiple choices short beach walks
4.30pm | QuickCoast departs Dunk Island
5.00pm | QuickCoast arrives at Clump Point Marine Facility with transfers back to selected accommodations in Mission Beach North or Bingil Bay
INCLUDES
Deluxe Coach at selected hotels in North Mission Beach
Priority Boarding and light breakfast served on board consisting of muffins, tropical fruits and choice of tea, coffee or juice.
3 hours at Beaver Reef & Cay Snorkel (minimum 2 hours in the water)
Lunch is served on board with second course of fresh tropical fruits
2 hours Dunk Island (minimum 1.5 hours ashore)
Snorkelling Equipment including stinger suits
NOT INCLUDED
Refillable water bottle – we don’t sell single use plastic bottles
Wetsuit Hire – Prebook to avoid disappointment
Purchase of beverages
Any other incidentals
WHAT TO BRING
Hand Luggage: (Backpack or over shoulder style – max- 5kg) with towel, hat, sunscreen, swimwear.
EFTPOS as no cash is accepted onboard.
Refillable water bottle – we do not serve water for purchase in single use plastics
SWIMMING ABILITY
All participants should have basic swimming ability and confident in the water. Additionally, we offer a Beginners Snorkel Assist with one of our qualified experts at additional charge which should be pre-booked to avoid disappointment,
MEDICAL CONDITION
If you have a medical condition and are unsure of you physical ability to participate in an activity, we recommend that you consult with a medical practitioner prior to booking.
WEATHER WARNING
During October to April the tropical heat can be severe. If walking on tracks on the various islands, make sure you carry plenty of water, walk with a friend, have sun protection and don’t walk in the middle of the day.
ACCESSIBILITY
Unfortunately snorkeling and island activities are not available on our tours with mobility challenges. Whilst our vessel is mobility friendly the infrastructure at the reef and islands are not. All passengers to/from Dunk Island must be able to handle up to 20 stairs without a lift. Sometimes due to weather passengers with accessible requirements may be not able to disembark at Dunk Island due to unsafe conditions.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
Tickets are refundable up until 24hours prior to departure (Less than 24 hours tickets are 100% non-refundable)
Date changes can be made up until 24 hours of departure free of charge
Date changes less than 24 hours prior to departure incur a $25 amendment fee per passenger.(maximum 1 year validity)
No refunds available with voluntary cancellations less than 24hours prior to scheduled departure.
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF BOOKING AND CARRIAGE
Day Return Passengers are allowed 1 piece of carry on luggage per person to a maximum 5kg. Refer to terms and conditions for pricing on extra baggage which is best prebooked with initial reservation for the best prices.
- Click here for full terms & conditions.
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Brian picked us up with his cheery disposition and comfortable van, bright and early in Cairns for the drive down to Mission Beach. His humour, warmth, and storytelling made the journey fly by and it felt like we were traveling with an old friend.
Once onboard the boat, we were greeted with fresh coffee and muffins, the perfect way to start the morning before heading out to the reef. The trip itself was pure bliss as we soaked up the sun and sea breeze on the front deck.
The snorkelling was a highlight. The crew took us on a long guided swim over the outer reef, pointing out vibrant marine life, reef sharks, and even turtles gliding gracefully through the water. It felt like being part of another world. Lunch was simple, fresh, and delicious and came with a beer if so desired.
On the way back, we had a bonus stop at Dunk Island, having over an hour to explore the island and get some pics for the gram.
From start to finish, the trip was seamless, relaxed, and filled with special moments. If you’re looking for an authentic, personal, and unforgettable reef experience away from the big crowds, Dunk Island Reef Adventures is the way to go.






Only con: I was requested to change the date because they hadn‘t reached the min number of pax on the date I initially selected and I was charged approx 30 euros for the change as the activity was more expensive on the new date 😕


cairns). Went to Dunk Island (paradise), then for two well organised snorkel sessions near to the reefs. Long day (13hrs), but well organised, friendly and experienced crew.












All the best from Cheyenne and Nadine (Switzerland)




Notwithstanding the above, anyone booking the tour from Cairns should know there is almost a 2 hour bus ride to and from this tour. It was not explixitly mentioned and would have been good to know. I would have still booked and recommend this tour but good to know what is involved up front. Long day but beautiful to experience the reef. Saw NO Other boats out as Bri has. License for Beaver Reef and Dunk Island. I would rather have the large commute and go to an exclusive part of the reef. Much was nice, definitely not gourmet. Lovely fruits offered as well.


I LOVED this experience so much. The captain picked my friends and me up at our hotel and provided an educational bus ride about Cairns. The two snorkeling excursions were fantastic; I saw many different sea creatures and loved exploring Dunk Island. We were provided with clean and in great-condition snorkeling masks, goggles, fins, and wetsuits. The food was also amazing! We were given muffins and tea, fresh and local fruit, homemade chicken burrito wraps, provided my friend with a vegetarian option, and cheese and crackers towards the end. I especially liked how the crew was extremely friendly and helpful.
Overall, I loved how the tour was an all-day excursion and how it was a small group vs large amounts of people. If you are thinking about booking it, 100% do it. It would be significantly better than any other reef tour you're looking at.














Thanks to Captain Brian, Leo and Manu for a lovely day.


Weather was 5star too
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