Dive guide · REEF DIVING

The World’s 15 Best Reef Dives

27 dives  ·  from $100 a head

Hard coral, soft coral and everything that lives in it. The 15 below run from the Great Barrier Reef to the Red Sea, priced by the day, with the boat time and the number of dives spelled out.

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - First reef session at Saxon or Norman Reef
Australia Scuba Diving, Cairns Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Australia, Tour Reviews

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,714 reviews · from $190Our pick

Board the Evolution in Cairns for an 8.5-hour cruise to two Outer Great Barrier Reef sites. You get about five hours in the water, equipment, a BBQ lunch, and help from an active crew. Add an introductory scuba session or 10-minute helicopter flight, and look for marine talks from guides such as Indy or Phil.

“Waves were pretty bad, but the entertainment and snorkeling were great. If big waves and strong wind skip and rebook. Great experience.”

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Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise - Upolu Cay and its shallow coral garden
Australia Scuba Diving, Cairns Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Australia, Tour Reviews

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

2.Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,895 reviews · from $181Top rated

From Cairns, Ocean Freedom carries you to Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall for six hours of reef time. You can snorkel with a marine naturalist, join a glass-bottom boat tour, or add certified or introductory scuba. Expect a maximum of 75 people, buffet lunch, careful in-water support, and a full day on the reef.

“It was an amazing day. All the crew members were very friendly and helpful all day, they had a solution for everybody in every situation.”

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Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip - The 90-minute trip from Cairns
1-Day Tours, Australia Scuba Diving, Cairns Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Australia, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

3.Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,528 reviews · 8 hours · from $166

From Cairns, Divers Den takes you aboard AquaQuest to two outer reef sites at Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs. You get guided snorkelling, equipment, wetsuit or lycra suit, prescription masks, meals, hot showers, and time for swimming or scuba. Staff including Vanessa and Mazie help nervous first-time participants feel at ease.

“staff were very friendly and informative. snorkeling kit was good, we felt safe at all times food was decent provided us sea sickness pills (~$5)”

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Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise - A calm start from Cairns
Australia Scuba Diving, Cairns Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Australia, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

4.Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,467 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $183

Board Ocean Freedom’s fast 20-metre catamaran at Cairns’ Marlin Marina for two reef visits at Wonder Wall and Upolu Cay. You’ll have guided snorkelling, glass-bottom boat trips, optional introductory or certified scuba sessions, and a full lunch with prawns and smoked salmon. Crew members including Ollie, Paul, and Tori help keep the day calm and well organised.

“I had a great diving time with ocean freedom. Ollie is a very nice diving instructor. He’s patient and attentive to detail. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the dives. The staff were also great! They made the whole experience so enjoyable.”

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Sea Trek Helmet Dive at Coral World Ocean Park - Putting on the Helmet
Hiking & Trekking, Reef Diving, Scuba Diving, St Thomas Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, US Virgin Islands Scuba Diving

Sea Trek Helmet Dive at Coral World Ocean Park

5.Sea Trek Helmet Dive at Coral World Ocean Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 992 reviews · from $119Best value

At Coral World Ocean Park in St. Thomas, you walk along an underwater trail wearing a weighted Sea Trek helmet that supplies air while keeping your face dry. Guides stay with you, and park admission is included. Expect about 45 minutes total, with roughly 15 to 30 minutes underwater depending on the session.

“I had a blast! I was really nervous at first because I don’t know how to swim. They coached me and was very patient with me until I finally went in the water. I am so glad I didn’t back out and kept going. It was a moment I will never forget.”

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Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef: 3 Island Shark Dive - Your first reef snorkel sets the pace
Australia Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Shark Dives & Cage Diving, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef: 3 Island Shark Dive

6.Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef: 3 Island Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 919 reviews · from $444

Spend about eight hours on Ningaloo Reef with the Three Islands crew, following a spotter plane to find whale sharks. You’ll snorkel the reef, watch for manta rays, turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and whales, and enjoy lunch, snacks, drinks, bubbles, and professional underwater photos. Hotel pickup from Exmouth is included.

“We didn't see a whale shark None had been sited for 8 days so really it's a bit naughty to keep running the trip at the moment...especially when it's £280 each and you only get a 50 refund We snorkelled twice in the 8 hours on board. A bit boring sadly. We realise nothings guaranteed but maybe let people off the boat more”

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Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour - Snorkeling above coral and tropical fish
Australia Scuba Diving, Cairns Scuba Diving, Historical Tours, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Australia, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 841 reviews · from $232

Travel by fast catamaran from Cairns to Reef Magic’s outer-reef platform for snorkeling, semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat trips, marine science talks, and cultural presentations. Ella, Ethan, Kaitlin, and Takuya are among the staff praised for their care and guidance. Lunch, tea, and equipment are included, while scuba and helicopter flights cost extra.

“It was a good experience They took participant safety very seriously Well organized - friendly and helpful They went out of the way to make sure everyone got something out of the trip. The views from the chopper were amazing Highly recommend the team”

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Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour - A boat built around time in the water
Australia Scuba Diving, Cairns Scuba Diving, Full-Day, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour

8.Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 792 reviews · 9 hours · from $127

From Cairns Marlin Marina, Reef Magic and Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel take you to two outer reef sites for five hours in the water. Expect coral gardens, turtles, rays, fish, and possible sharks, plus Indigenous stories from guides such as Jed and Kevin, reef talks, morning and afternoon tea, and a buffet lunch. A scuba option is available.

“Jen was amazing and did everything she could to make sure I had an amazing day, the whole crew were super friendly and experts in their fields which made it a really special and informative experience”

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Discover Scuba Diving in Cozumel Paradise Reef - The first 30 to 45 minutes at Paradise Shallows
Cozumel Scuba Diving, Discover Scuba Diving, Discover Scuba Diving in Mexico, Mexico Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Mexico, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews

Discover Scuba Diving in Cozumel Paradise Reef

9.Discover Scuba Diving in Cozumel Paradise Reef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 686 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Learn the basics of scuba with a PADI instructor, practice in shallow water, then visit Cozumel’s Paradise Reef for two guided boat sessions. Scuba Life Cozumel supplies the gear, snacks, drinks, and patient help. Instructors such as Jorge, Gabo, Diego, Aldo, and Javier are praised for calm, careful teaching, making this a strong first underwater experience.

“Great experience from start to finish. Instructors and crew were friendly, patient, and did a great job! Equipment is good and dive site is close by.”

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Port Douglas: Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Options - Leaving Crystalbrook Marina
Australia Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Australia, Tour Reviews

Port Douglas: Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Options

10.Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Options

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 438 reviews · 7h 30m · from $174

Spend about 7.5 hours aboard a spacious catamaran from Port Douglas, visiting three Outer Great Barrier Reef sites at Opal or Agincourt Reefs. You can snorkel, take a guided tour, or join scuba sessions, with gear, meals, reef talks, and support from guides such as Ruth, Reenie, Delphine, and Freya.

“Was very rough waters on the day we went out and was super grateful for the boat selling and recommending anti sickness tablets. The guides were great, helpful and friendly. Took us some great snorkel and dive spots. My partner saw a reef shark whilst diving which he was very happy about.”

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Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise - The Coral Sea crossing can be the hardest part
Australia Scuba Diving, Cairns Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Australia, Tour Reviews

Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

11.Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 432 reviews · from $212

Spend about 10 hours aboard Silverswift, a 29-meter catamaran from Cairns, visiting up to three outer reef sites near Flynn, Milln, and Thetford reefs. Snorkel, try one or two introductory scuba sessions, or complete up to three certified descents. Guides such as Matilda, Paul, and Vanessa help beginners feel at ease.

“This was an absolutely amazing tour. We did two introductory scuba dives and also did snorkeling. Matilda was tremendous in making us feel comfortable with all aspects of the diving experience. She was OUTSTANDIN!G! We highly recommend this to first timers.”

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Port Douglas: Silversonic Great Barrier Reef Dive & Snorkel - A morning start at Crystalbrook Marina
Australia Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Australia, Tour Reviews

Port Douglas: Silversonic Great Barrier Reef Dive & Snorkel

12.Silversonic Great Barrier Reef Dive & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 353 reviews · 8 hours · from $189

Take Silversonic from Port Douglas to three Agincourt Ribbon Reef sites for more than five hours of snorkeling, guided reef time, and optional scuba at extra cost. The 29-meter catamaran has easy water access, showers, meals, and a licensed bar. From July to September, a permit allows swimming with dwarf Minke whales if encountered.

“It was great. We visited three sites and had plenty of time in the water. We lucked out in the weather so visibility was very good. The catering was excellent on the boat. It was a fantastic day. It was nice to be on a boat with fewer people comparing to the Quiksilver trip in my opinion. Thank you.”

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Certified Diver: 2-Tank Deep Wreck and Shallow Reef Dive Off Oahu - Surface interval and boat support
Dives for Certified Divers, Dives for Certified Divers in Oahu, Dives for Certified Divers in the USA, Oahu Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Oahu, Reef Diving in the USA, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, Two-Tank Boat Dives, Two-Tank Boat Dives in Oahu, Two-Tank Boat Dives in the USA, USA Scuba Diving, Wreck Diving

Certified Diver: 2-Tank Deep Wreck and Shallow Reef Dive Off Oahu

13.Certified Diver: 2-Tank Deep Wreck and Shallow Reef Dive Off Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 331 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $248

Join a scuba-certified group from Kewalo Basin Harbor for two guided underwater sites off Honolulu. You may visit the Sea Tiger wreck at about 105 feet, then a shallower reef near 50 feet, with gear, tanks, snacks, and drinks included. Guides such as Nacho, Matt, Heather, and Jordan help with equipment and route-finding.

“The dives were great. The boat was clean and well kept. The crew and dive masters where professional while still being relaxed enough to have fun. They rotate dive sites throughout the week so be sure to check the full schedule if you are interested in a particular site or multiple sites.”

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Cairns: Best Value All-inclusive Reef Trip With Scuba Dive - Breakfast and a useful marine life briefing
Australia Scuba Diving, Cairns Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Best Value All-inclusive Reef Trip With Scuba Dive

14.Best Value All-inclusive Reef Trip With Scuba Dive

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 307 reviews · 1 day · from $184

Join Reef Experience for a full-day Cairns reef cruise aboard a 24-meter catamaran. You get breakfast, BBQ lunch, a marine biologist talk, one introductory or certified scuba session, unlimited snorkelling, and wine with cheese on the return. Guides including Tia, Dan, Dylan, and Alexandra are praised for calm, careful instruction.

“The scuba intro was an amazing experience! Make sure you opt in for the additional dive as they let you go off on your own a little bit more. An experience I won’t forget!!!!”

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Incredibly Fun Coral Reef Giant Sea Turtles 4hour Boat Scuba Tour - The second tank and the best chance for turtles
Diving with Turtles, Oahu Scuba Diving, Reef Diving, Reef Diving in Oahu, Reef Diving in the USA, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Scuba Diving

Incredibly Fun Coral Reef Giant Sea Turtles 4hour Boat Scuba Tour

15.Incredibly Fun Coral Reef Giant Sea Turtles 4hour Boat Scuba Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 300 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $299

Spend about four hours learning scuba skills, then head by boat for two shallow open-ocean sessions off Waikiki. PADI-certified instructors such as Josh, Chad, Olga, and Red have guided beginners through turtle sightings, reef fish, eels, octopus, rays, and occasional sharks. Gear, water, snacks, and small groups are included.

“It is what it is . You get to dive along side of large turtles. Other than that the reefs were small and not much to see , other than a large pipe with a little coral and some small life around it.. I went during rainy season “not recommended “ and visibility was around 10 to 15 feet at best. I was given the opportunity to reschedule, but due to my time left on the island I could not .”

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New in Reef Diving

★ 5.0Certified Divers: Best 2-Tank Wrecks & Reef Boat Dive All Inclusive From WaikikiFrom $25941 reviews
★ 5.04-Day PADI Open Water Dive Course – Learn to Dive on the Great Barrier ReefFrom $67727 reviews
★ 4.5Pro Dive Great Barrier Reef 3 Day/2 Night Dive TripFrom $73912 reviews
★ 5.0MUSA Museum and Colorful Reef 2 Tank Dive-Certified DiversFrom $10057 reviews
★ 5.0Dive trip to the coral reefs of Fujairah for certified scuba diversFrom $20544 reviews
★ 5.0Discover Scuba Diving Course in Playa del Carmen with Two Coral Reef DivesFrom $16918 reviews

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