Reef Encounter is located in Cairns Central Business District, a neighbourhood in Cairns. Cairns Regional Gallery and Tjapukai Cultural Park are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include ZOO To You HQ Wildlife Discovery Centre and Esplanade Lagoon. Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome and Muddy's Playground are also worth visiting.
4-star Cairns cruise ship in Cairns Central Business District, walk to Cairns Esplanade
This smoke-free cruise ship features a restaurant, a bar/lounge and a spa tub. Buffet breakfast is free. Other amenities include coffee/tea in a common area, tour/ticket assistance and a TV in a common area.
Reef Encounter offers 21 accommodations with air conditioning. Bathrooms include a shower and complimentary toiletries. Cots/infant beds (surcharge) are also available.
Recreational amenities at the cruise ship include a spa tub.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.
Languages
English
Cleaning and safety practices
Enhanced cleanliness measures
Disinfectant is used to clean the property
Social distancing
Guest rooms kept vacant for 24 hours between stays
Social distancing measures in place
Safety measures
Personal protective equipment worn by staff
Masks available
Hand sanitiser provided
Individually wrapped food options available for breakfast, lunch and dinner
This information is provided by our partners.
Property amenities
Parking and public transport
No on-site parking available
Food and drink
Free buffet breakfast available daily 7 AM–8 AM
1 restaurant
1 bar
Coffee/tea in a common area
Things to do
Snorkelling
Hot tub
Family friendly
Cots/infant beds (surcharge)
Conveniences
No lifts
Guest services
Luggage storage
Tour/ticket assistance
Outdoors
Terrace
Accessibility
If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; your host will greet you
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
The property is a ship at sea. Guests must take the Reef Experience catamaran from Cairns Marlin Marina, A Finger, to reach it. The catamaran begins boarding at 7:30 AM, with check-in and breakfast on board. It departs for the ship at 8 AM. To return, guests will check-out at 9 AM and arrive in Cairns at 4:30 PM.
Access methods
Host will greet you
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are available for AUD 50.00 per night
Payment types at the property
Important information
Optional extras
Crib (infant bed) fee: AUD 50.00 per night
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
No on-site parking is available
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Be prepared: check the latest COVID-19 travel requirements and measures in place for this destination before you travel.
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
We should mention
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Property is also known as
Reef Encounter Boat
Reef Encounter Boat Cairns
Reef Encounter Cairns
Reef Encounter Hotel Great Barrier Reef
Reef Encounter Cruise
Reef Encounter Cairns
Reef Encounter Cruise Cairns
Frequently asked questions
Is Reef Encounter pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at ?
As of 17 Aug 2022, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at on 31 Aug 2022 start from £568.82, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Reef Encounter?
This property doesn't offer parking.
What time is check-in at Reef Encounter?
Check-in is from 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM. After-hours check-in is not available.
What time is check-out at Reef Encounter?
Checkout is at 8 AM.
Where is Reef Encounter located?
This vessel pulls anchor and sets sail from Cairns for at least part of your stay.
Can I cancel my reservation for free at Reef Encounter and receive a full refund?
Yes, Reef Encounter offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to Reef Encounter cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
Overall score and ratings
4.5
Wonderful
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Great luxury live aboard adventure. Stayed one-night as it was our first time on a boat and found the 6 dives over 2 days was great and tiring. The "premium room" is their Top Deck package and the upgrade was well worth it to us though only 3 rooms were booked as this upgrade during our time there and everyone else had fun too.
Very overpriced trip. The yacht is very old. No cabin has lockers on the door - according to the stuff, that’s the policy on the boat. This mean that theoretically anyone can enter your room at any time. You can’t controll the conditioner in your room and in the dining area, it is freezing there. It’s a problem to get the fresh towel - you will be sent to use the only public dryer where everyone washed their stuff. The yacht has no shoe policy but the floor is pretty dirty. The wetsuits are literally tearing apart! I would say this is like a good friendly motel but they advertise and charge as 5 star hotel.
Fabulous trip out to the reef. The crew were extremely friendly and helpful, the food was great and the cabin was very comfortable.
We saw loads of fish, dolphins, turtles and baby reef sharks.
Excellent way to get closer to the reef.
This was an amazing experience! I recommend staying two nights. The staff was so accommodating and it almost felt like you were traveling with good friends! Food was delicious and beds were comfortable. Good sleep is very important to me,
We were aboard Reef Encounter for 3 nights & everything was lovely! Food was excellent, staff were young and delightful.
no complaints - would definitely return!