Great Barrier Reef With Cultural Guides-dreamtime Dive & Snorkel

Beautiful experience and wonderful reef. The crew was so knowledgeable and helpful. Recommend to everyone.

Beautiful experience that cannot be missed. The reef is perfect. The crew was helpful, knowledgeable, and kind.

We had an amazing day on the Dreamtime Cruise, being able to snorkel at two different locations. The crew was really helpful and friendly, especially the divers & cultural guides with whom we have interacted the most! Lunch was delicious and the experience was overall great 😊 It was about 30 of us on the boat, which made the whole thing very comfortable and personnalised.

Best tour of the Moore reef. Plenty to see & do. Recommend the snorkel safari. Fantastic day.

Amazing experience! The staff was super friendly, and the group was the perfect size!

Fantastic discovery tour of Great Barrier Reef with a very professional crew.

Good amount of time in the sea snorkeling

This was a fantastic trip. It was a good mix of cultural insight & marine biology. Kevin was a wonderful captain. He had a charismatic demeanor, was kind and funny. Farron was also attentive. It was my dad's first time snorkeling, and he had a lot of fun. The boat had a lot of spaces to hang out in, and it never felt too crowded. I would highly recommend going on this specific tour as a way to see the Great Barrier Reef. You can honour cultural tradition and also learn some marine biology.

I had an excellent time - felt as though the trip was well worth the money and appreciated that aspects of local, indigenous culture were shared with the group. I would highly recommend.

It was amazing! The crew was lovely. Everyone was super kind and paying close attention to us and how we were feeling with the sea sickness. The cultural information was also very interesting and the reefs were just beautiful!

Amazing experience! Felt very supported at the Great Barrier Reef with many crew available to ask questions.

We ventured out on Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel for the full day experience. We had the option to snorkel or dive and were taken to two amazing spots with different reef types. The crew were experienced, knowledgeable and highly personable. They never appeared inconvenienced when you asked for help and they were quick to assist if you felt sea sick. The onboard Cultural Guides set this tour apart from other offerings. We really valued learning about First Nations traditions and the Sea Country we were guests on, which you wouldn't always get with other services. Lunch was fantastic - served fresh focaccia, salads, cold meats, prawns and hot soup. Delicious sweets for morning tea and afternoon tea, as well. Everything about this company's service was top quality, including other trips we took with Reef Unlimited during our stay. They were organised with sending the tickets and a wharf map the day prior and saved you from having to check in at the office. I really can't recommend Reef Unlimited enough. 5 stars!

The crew, the marine biologist and the cultural talks and presentations altogether made for an incredible day - and deepened my understanding of this unique and precious ecosystem significantly. Unfortunately, the wind was up on the day we went, so the water was a bit choppy (making snorkeling tricky at times) - but overall still amazing. Highly recommend.

Our family enjoyed this tour and had picked it especially for connection to Country. The guides were great with sharing their knowledge without having to tokenise their culture. The send off at the end of trip was meaningful after guides had chatted with guests throughout the day. This attention was also given by the marine biologists on board who I saw/heard be very attentive to people going for dives. We witnessed a very special moment from the ocean at end of the trip that the skipper stopped for. We did not realise that this time of year has high winds and should have kept to back and bottom of boat for trip out to first reef, but the younger cultural guide took such good care of my youngest child and checked on him throughout the trip. (So take your sea tablets and stay in one spot if you are prone to motion sickness). As it was only group of about 70 people, everyone was in wetsuits (and floatation vests if needed) upon arriving to reef, so promptly in the water at each reef. The guides gave very clear instructions to put flippers on steps at edge of the water. There was ample space to see and swim, and I felt safe with guides spotting from each side of the boat. And for people wanting quick, warm shower before heading back to Cairns, there was limited waiting.

The two snorkel spots were great, with plenty of life in and amongst the corals. The crew were super friendly and helpful. Lunch was great too. Only thing is be prepared for some potentially rough seas as you head out and back. Definitely take some Kwell (which the crew provided) before you depart and before you make your way back from the reef. Overall a great experience, very informative too. Felt safe the whole time with plenty of crew both in the water or with eyes on it at all times while you’re in snorkelling.

Amazing snorkeling experience. Extremely friendly and helpful crew. I would recommend them any day to my friends.

It was a really great tour, an aboriginal and cultural perspective and storytelling while going back and forth from the reefs. Very easy to just dive in when you reach the new site and good snorkeling equipment provided. Very friendly staff and the only thing negative in my opinion are the extremely slippery steps (especially with fins on) on the back of the boat. Would provably do a lot of people well to put some rubber or similar on the metal. I slipped and injured my leg but otherwise great snorkeling at two reef sites

Cannot say enough good words about this tour. The crew are so knowledgable, personable and fun! I loved the snorkel safari with Ally the marine biologist. It was definitely worth paying extra for. I loved learning about the reef through an indigenous lens, the cultural presentations were so interesting! One of the best experiences I have ever done

I would not recommend this trip. I booked this company to the detriment of another one to have more of an immersion into the Dreamtime aboriginal culture. Save for the didgeridoo moment at the end, that only covered a brief introduction (5 minutes) and a presentation of fishing instruments (5 minutes). The rest is simply a drive out to the barrier reef and self-guided snorkelling in two installments (two parts of the reef). The program was unclear until well after the boat had been sent in motion. The boat was also not clean at all - unlike other snorkelling/diving boats I have done in the region. Seemed unprofessional. The crew was nice.

Sadly, my husband, our two friends, and I picked a bad day for our first Great Barrier Reef snorkel. Not only was it overcast, but high winds made for rough snorkeling conditions and a rollicking boat ride out to the reef and back (keep in mind the trip out takes about 90 minutes). However, we definitely chose the right tour company! The entire crew was great--they showed the utmost care for our safety (and the reef) and tried to ensure everyone had a memorable experience despite the less-than-ideal conditions. The talks were interesting and entertaining, and we all really liked how they mingled reef science with the aboriginal stories about this magical place. Lunch was delicious--thank goodness we all took seasickness medication, as advised--and the didgeridoo demonstration was wonderful! My only complaint was that the metal steps into the water, which would have been great on a calm day, were difficult to use and somewhat hazardous in these rough conditions as we were getting slammed by waves. If we were to do it over, we would make sure and book a couple of reef tours to maximize our chances of better weather. But we would gladly explore the reef with Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel again--thank you so much!

It was a wonderful experience. Not only were the reefs amazing, but the marine biologists and cultural guides were very informative and very caring in explaining a lot about the reefs and their heritage, Also discussed were efforts to manage the reefs for the future. They talked about history of their culture as it relates to the reefs, showed us some of the traditional tools used for hunting, and there was a fascinating and fun didgeridoo demonstration. I picked this tour because of the cultural aspect of it, and I’m very glad I did. I did try to do an introductory dive but that did not work out so well for me so I stuck with snorkeling and that was great.

We were in Australia for 2 weeks and this was the best experience by far. Dreamtime is the only tour company that combines aboriginal culture (creation stories and demonstrations) with science (biology and ecology facts about the reef). The crew was so kind and having multiple supervisors on board made us feel so safe. This tour is catered to all skill levels — I’m a more nervous snorkeler and my wife is very experienced, and we both had a blast. She went on the additional snorkel safari with the marine biologist to see farther parts of the reef and is so glad she did. We saw so many different marine life, including giant maori wrasse and white-tip reef sharks. Seeing the Great Barrier Reef has been a longtime bucket list item for us, and Dreamtime held that dream with care. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone considering going to Cairns/the GBR, or even to Australia.

This tour was excellent. The reefs we went to were spectacular and we felt like we had plenty of time. The cultural & marine presentations were great…well-paced and very informative. John, Bailey, and Reggie did a great job. There was plenty of room on the boat, not crowded. We used another company a few days prior and this one was much better. So worth it, absolutely brilliant.

I loved my dives with Dreamtime!! I was travelling solo, and it was my first time in Cairns, first time at the Great Barrier Reef, but everything was super easy! I pre-booked and pre-paid for two certified dives, so the check-in and orientation process process was smooth. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND PRE-BOOKING DIVES; it makes scheduling on board the boat way easier, as they break up the day depending on how many people want to dive and their certification level. The crew are dedicated to safety, so you always have a dive master with you and will go over the gear, communication, procedures, etc. in detail before getting in the water. Eden was the dive master who accompanied me, pointing out sea life that I would have missed, and I was totally confident in my safety during the dive. THANK YOU, EDEN!! :D During and in-between dives/snorkelling time, the crew presented all kinds of awesome scientific and cultural information in the main cabin. I was really impressed that the marine biologist co-presented with an Aboriginal culture guide who gave context to the ecology/biology through the history and experience of Aboriginal peoples from that area. Culture guides also demonstrated the traditional use of sea resources and explained about/performed traditional music on the didgeridoo! I really enjoyed and valued this sharing of knowledge in addition to the ocean activities!

Amazing experience. Just to say we had the most wonderful time with this crew. In particular we must mention Jen the Marine Biologist. My partner Fiona has had a long standing fear of immersing herself in water and did not think it possible for her to take part in the snorkelling. However Jen’s confidence and patient handling of her with the beginners snorkel group was so inspiring that she went out on the reef and had the most amazing experience, seeing the fish and coral close up. For us, this trip was the highlight of our four week antipodean holiday. Also the cultural talks and eco care so interesting, A must do

An awesome day out on the reef! The crew was very accommodating to all our questions and concerns about dives, plus very thorough on safety as we did an intro dive. They had non drowsy sea sick meds on board too. The marine biologoy and cultural presentations were really valuable in better understanding the connections between the reef and the people. The boat was also quite spacious, there were only 31 people and we definitely felt like there was room to spread out. Would highly recommend this tour to our friends!

The crew was very attentive. They answered all our questions. There is a minimum of 39 characters. That seems weird.

Both reef sites were incredible and all staff were friendly and helpful. We never felt rushed. We would definitely recommend the snorkel safari as we were able to go to the edge of the reef with a wonderful guide who knew the location and was able to point out things we otherwise might have missed. Highlights were a white tip reef shark and a green sea turtle. Lots of fresh fruit in the buffet.

Wrong information given which wasted our money On photos showing glass bottom Also buffet is average with not many options

Excellent day trip out to the reef and met lots of groovy people - some local others from out yonder. We were very lucky that the water conditions were very smooth, great visibility and team engagement. Had such a wonderful time visiting 2 different sites. There was ample times to be in the water. The buffet lunch was amazing - selection of hot, cold servings and drinks available to enjoy inside or on deck. Only bit of feedback was that they needed to be clearer on which group you need to sit with for briefings - perhaps like a wrist band colour or someone calling out across all decks to make sure you congregate at the right times. Would still going again the next time I head up north.

This was an AMAZING tour. The crew is super friendly, the Marine biologists, Jen and Will were super educational, plus all the cultural demonstrations were so impactful. We are touring all of Australia for two weeks and Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef tour were out first stop today. If you want a tour that “gives back” I’d highly recommend this tour. They are doing so much to preserve the reef and help preserve and maintain the coral itself. Very cool experience.

We had an absolute BLAST on our trip. It was our fist day in Cairns and we booked this a few weeks prior to our trip. Plenty of availability without over booking the boat. Kimmy was one of the best teachers and such a patient guide. We booked the beginner Scuba since we didn’t have our PADI certs. She took her time, making sure everyone was safe. There was no more than 4 people in the group. She went over hand signals, checked in regularly and ensured we were good to go before diving down. After some practice runs, we did a 12m dive around the reef ending back at the boat a little over 40 min after our training began. 40 min might not sound like much but trust me, if you’ve never scuba dived before, it’s PLENTY. All the gear was in great shape, the boat was awesome and we still have plenty of time to snorkel at the 2 reef sites. All in all, what an informative and fun experience that we will remember for a very long time.

What a beautiful day out on the Pacific Ocean. I travelled solo & not once did I feel like I was alone. Everyone was so friendly, snorkelling was a struggle at first because of the flippers, but I got use to it. Towards the end of the trip, the sea was rough & then later we realised it was raining on mainland. The traditional stories and presentations were so informative & it gave me a glimpse of how beautiful the culture is. Would 100% recommend to anyone who would like to learn more about how culture connects to nature.

We did the Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel tour and had an amazing experience. The crew was genuinely kind, enthusiastic, and always happy to share stories or answer questions, which made the whole day feel very personal. We loved learning about the Aboriginal connection to the reef and hearing more about the marine life from the biologist on board. Both snorkel stops were beautiful, with vibrant coral and plenty to see in the clear water. The day was smooth, relaxed, and very well organised from start to finish. I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a meaningful and fun reef experience.

Catered more to snorkeling than diving Allowed a good long time in the water Number of participants was not too many

We did the snorkel tour with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel and it was an amazing experience! The staff was incredibly friendly and always happy to explain things and share more stories and insights. The insights into the Aboriginal culture in the area were really interesting, as was the information shared by the marine biologist. Snorkelling at two different sites was amazing - beautiful reef, clear water, and so much to see. The entire tour was very well organised. Highly recommended!

A great combination of cultural and historical significance about the great barrier reef. The crew is very knowledgeable and extremely kind. The two snorkelling spots have a good variety of fish and coral areas. It was a day full of memorable experiences and would strongly recommend. Not overly crowded either, roughly 40-50 people per trip.

This excursion was one of the best guided tours of a natural area I’ve experienced. It was well planned with snorkel time and had quality food. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. The informational presentations about the Great Barrier Reef has a unique and interesting combination of scientific information about the ecosystem and indigenous connection and knowledge of the sea. Truly a fun, educational, and unique way to experience the Great Barrier Reef out of Cairns. Highly recommend!

This particular company, Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel, was referred to us for their emphasis on a more cultural experience. We had a wonderful day experiencing what the Great Barrier Reef has to offer and snorkelled in 2 different locations. Lunch was delicious with a good variety of dishes. The staff was very friendly and accommodating with safety and fun in mind. We were fortunate to have wonderful, calm weather which made for a pleasant catamaran ride both ways. The didgeridoo and spear fishing tools demonstration from the crew was enjoyable and informative. Highly Recommend.

This was my first time to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and it was amazing! Not only that, but the staff of the Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel were also amazing!

From start to finish everything was excellent. Friendly staff, cultural touches, food, equipment and the two reefs we visited were amazing. Well worth booking with this Aussie owned tour Co that is committed to sustainability and ecotourism. We enjoyed the indigenous stories and information/artifacts on board. A staff member also played the Didgeridoo! Well done DreamTime Dive and Snorkel.

Once in a lifetime experience... Need to exprience it with Glen and team... Wonderful team.. Also, On board got to know about Aboriginal culture, way of life, history alongwith details of instruments and equipment

Pickup & drop off was easy. The boat and equipment were in great shape. We enjoyed the staff. The lunch and snack were good. The reef was the star attraction and was wonderful.

We had a most excellent day. The guides gave us interesting talks about the reef formation, explaining both cultural and scientific formation. The coral and fish life at Norman and Hastings reef was excellent! Giant Clams, I saw and followed a turtle and a whale and her calf on the way out and back! I’ve done many trips to the reef with various operators and this one was the best

We had a wonderful experience with the PADI certified divers and guides. They patiently explained all the requirements for both snorkeling as well as diving. The boat ride is quite bumpy so those who have motion sickness will find this boat ride quite painful. Even those of us who normally don't get motion sickness were a bit queasy. It helps to sit somewhere were you can get fresh air and breeze. But no pain no gain right! Both the times that we got into the water we got to experience the beauty of the GBR and why it is worth it. A must do when you visit Cairns. Especially with DreaTime Dive and Snorkel.

I've dived in Egypt, Belize, Tobago, and Fiji, but Perrine (goes by Pe-Pe) with Reef Unlimited was the best divemaster I've ever had. A few of us had some anxiety going in and rather than lose patience (as many other divemasters normally do) she led us through calming breathing exercises and gave us lots of time to adjust. She is ultimately the reason I kept diving that day. I wish the SCUBA world had more empathetic instructors like her!

We arrived early so we would know where to go. The boat is at the end of the ramp but the name is on a marker on a post at the start of the ramp. The people were very friendly and helpful, definitely there to make sure we had a good time. We snorkeled at 2 locations and had plenty of time to do so. We came in before they called everyone in. Lunch was light - salads and small sandwiches. Great for getting in the water and in between snorkels. There was coffee tea and cookies on the way out and fruit, pastries and tea, coffee on the way back. It was small enough the we felt like we were looked after yet plenty of space to roam on our own. There were two bathrooms - one had a shower for a quick wash off of sea water. Which felt really good. All in all a long day our but came back feeling like we’d been on the reef

A well run tour, very helpful and friendly staff. All the snorkeling equipment was in good condition and the reefs were amazing. I loved the input from the First Nations guides, it was wonderful. We had a calm day, but if like me you suffer from motion sickness, make sure you take preventative drugs.

Helpful and knowledgable crew. Very safety conscious. Boat not too crowded. Amazing snorkeling. Thoroughly recommended.