2 Day Liveaboard — Cairns Great Barrier Reef
Short on time but want to wake up on the reef? Two excellent 2-day, 1-night liveaboard options depart Cairns — each suited to a different kind of traveller.
OceanQuest — The Flexible Choice
OceanQuest’s 2-day liveaboard is a comfortable, accessible way to spend a night on the outer reef. Departing daily, this 35-metre catamaran visits Norman, Saxon and Hastings Reefs, with snorkelling, introductory diving and certified diving all available on board. It suits first-timers, families, and anyone who wants a straightforward, well-run overnight reef experience without a long commitment.
- Duration: 2 days, 1 night
- From $770 (snorkelling) / $840 (intro diving) / $855 (certified diving)
- Includes: all meals, snorkelling and dive equipment, transfers
Book OceanQuest 2 Day Liveaboard →
Coral Sea Dreaming — The Intimate Choice
For a smaller, more personal experience, Coral Sea Dreaming offers a 2-day, 1-night sailing trip with a maximum of just 12 guests — the smallest liveaboard group size in Cairns. This is a snorkelling-focused trip; certified and introductory diving can be arranged directly with the crew once aboard.
- Duration: 2 days, 1 night
- From $669 (shared cabin) / $719 (private cabin) — snorkelling
- Includes: all meals, snorkelling equipment, overnight accommodation
- Diving: available onboard directly with Coral Sea Dreaming’s crew, not booked through this site
- Not suitable for guests under 1 or over 80, or those with reduced mobility
Which one’s right for you?
| OceanQuest | Coral Sea Dreaming | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | First-timers, families, flexible options | Small groups, snorkellers, intimate atmosphere |
| Group size | Larger vessel | Max 12 guests |
| Diving | Included/bookable | Arranged onboard directly |
| Starting price | $770 | $669 |
Facts current as at July 2026 — please confirm current pricing and availability when booking.