See all properties

Reef Encounter

Photo gallery for Reef Encounter

Primary image
Outdoor spa tub
Cots/infant beds, bed sheets
Cots/infant beds, bed sheets
View from room

Overview of Reef Encounter

Reef Encounter

4.0 star property

4.5/5 Wonderful

Guests rated this property 4.4/5 for cleanliness.

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Air conditioning
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Hot tub

Cleaning and safety practices

  • Cleaned with disinfectant
  • 24-hour vacancy between guest room stays
  • Hand sanitiser provided
  • Personal protective equipment
Map
Cairns Marlin Marina - Marlin Jetty A, Boat: Reef Experience, Cairns, QLD, 4870

Explore the area

  • Popular LocationCairns Marlin Marina3 min walk
  • Popular LocationReef Fleet Terminal6 min walk
  • Popular LocationCairns Esplanade9 min walk
  • AirportCairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)9 min drive

Choose dates to view prices

About this area

Cairns

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.
Visit our Cairns travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Cruise ships in CairnsOpens in a new window
Map

What's nearby

  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 3 min walk
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 5 min walk
  • Reef Hotel Casino - 5 min walk
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 6 min walk
  • Cairns Esplanade - 9 min walk

Getting around

  • Cairns Station - 17 min walk
  • Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) - 9 min drive

Restaurants

  • North Bar and Kitchen - 2 min walk
  • Tha Fish - 3 min walk
  • Prawn Star - 4 min walk
  • M Yogo - 4 min walk
  • Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse - 5 min walk

About this property

Reef Encounter

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.
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Smoke-free property
  • TV in lobby

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Air conditioning
  • Bed sheets
  • Cots/infant beds (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels

Similar properties

  • View
    Primary image

    Crystalbrook Flynn

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.6 out of 5 Wonderful (See all 129 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.4 out of 5 Excellent (See all 1,001 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Pacific Hotel Cairns

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.3 out of 5 Excellent (See all 1,001 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Pullman Cairns International

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.2 out of 5 Very good (See all 1,000 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Hilton Cairns

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.1 out of 5 Very good (See all 1,000 reviews)
  • View
    Interior entrance

    Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.3 out of 5 Excellent (See all 294 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image
    VIP Access

    The Abbott Boutique Hotel

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.4 out of 5 Excellent (See all 792 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.2 out of 5 Very good (See all 1,000 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.7 out of 5 Exceptional (See all 1,000 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image
    VIP Access

    Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.0 out of 5 Very good (See all 1,000 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Oaks Cairns Hotel

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.1 out of 5 Very good (See all 121 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Crystalbrook Bailey

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.6 out of 5 Wonderful (See all 208 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Cairns Sheridan Hotel

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.2 out of 5 Very good (See all 999 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Crystalbrook Riley

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.6 out of 5 Wonderful (See all 630 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    3.6 out of 5 Good (See all 992 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.2 out of 5 Very good (See all 1,219 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image
    VIP Access

    201 Lake Street Apartments

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.4 out of 5 Excellent (See all 575 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Sunshine Tower Hotel

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.1 out of 5 Very good (See all 394 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    The Sebel Cairns Harbour Lights

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.3 out of 5 Excellent (See all 1,000 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Mantra Trilogy

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    3.5 out of 5 Good (See all 999 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Cairns Colonial Club Resort

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    3.8 out of 5 Good (See all 997 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Park Regis City Quays

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.1 out of 5 Very good (See all 853 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    The Reef House Palm Cove

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.4 out of 5 Excellent (See all 687 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Fitzroy Island Resort

    Fitzroy Island
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.1 out of 5 Very good (See all 811 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Cairns Queenslander Hotel & Apartments

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.1 out of 5 Very good (See all 999 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image
    VIP Access

    Heritage Cairns

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.3 out of 5 Excellent (See all 563 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Acacia Court Hotel

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
  • View
    Primary image

    Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside, an IHG Hotel

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.2 out of 5 Very good (See all 999 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Cairns Plaza Hotel

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.4 out of 5 Excellent (See all 1,000 reviews)
  • View
    Primary image

    Mantra Esplanade

    Cairns
    • Pool
    • Free WiFi
    • Air conditioned
    4.1 out of 5 Very good (See all 996 reviews)

See similar properties

Cairns
Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Cairns Central Business District
Air conditioned
Air conditioned
4 star
4 star
Hot tub
Hot tub
Business-friendly
Business-friendly
Guest rating 4+
Guest rating 4+
Cruise
Cruise

Policies

Check-in

Check-in from 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 8 AM

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
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

Rating 5 - Excellent. 30 out of 43 reviews
5 - Excellent 70%
Rating 4 - Good. 8 out of 43 reviews
4 - Good 19%
Rating 3 - Okay. 3 out of 43 reviews
3 - Okay 7%
Rating 2 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews
2 - Poor 0%
Rating 1 - Terrible. 2 out of 43 reviews
1 - Terrible 5%

4.4/5

Cleanliness

4.6/5

Staff & service

5.0/5

Amenities

4.3/5

Property conditions & facilities
Write a review

5/5 Excellent

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome trip to the famous Barrier Reef.All was well organised, comfy, bed, lovely people around, amazing diving. Waiting for my next trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

4/5 Good

Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

5/5 Excellent

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

5/5 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

5/5 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awesome stay and a great staff :) Memorable for years to come!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

3/5 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

5/5 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Super stay
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

5/5 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The hot tub is great and was very often in use. Great stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2018

5/5 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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,
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

5/5 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Scuba/snorkeling
We were aboard Reef Encounter for 3 nights & everything was lovely! Food was excellent, staff were young and delightful. no complaints - would definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018