Passions of Paradise delivers the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure. Locally owned in Cairns since 1987, the award-winning operator sails aboard Passions III, a high-performance catamaran, to two pristine outer reef sites each day. Guests can snorkel or dive among turtles, colourful fish, and stunning coral, guided by a passionate crew dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences.
From its humble beginnings, it has grown into an award-winning operator, now sailing aboard its state-of-the-art vessel, Passions III, and proudly holding a place in the Queensland Tourism Awards Hall of Fame. Guests embark on an unforgettable journey aboard this 30-metre high-performance catamaran, visiting two pristine outer reef locations each day. Here, they can snorkel or dive alongside turtles, vibrant tropical fish, and breathtaking coral gardens. Guided by a passionate and knowledgeable crew, every experience is designed to be memorable, inspiring, and unique.
Sustainability is at the heart of Passions of Paradise. As leaders in eco-tourism, they contribute to reef conservation through hands-on scientific research and marine surveys. Their dedication has earned them recognition as a certified Advanced Ecotourism and Climate Action Leader Operator.
Passions of Paradise is more than a reef tour—it’s a movement dedicated to protecting the world’s greatest natural wonder for generations to come. Travellers who sail with the company are not only discovering the reef’s beauty, but also supporting genuine environmental stewardship, adventure, and first-class service. Whether it’s a first-time snorkeler or a certified diver, every guest is welcomed to share in the magic of the reef under sail.
Sample Itinerary
Times, locations and itinerary may change due to factors such as weather and sea conditions.
- 07:00 AM Check-in commences
- 08:00 AM Depart Cairns Marline Marina
- 10:00 AM Arrive at first reef location
- 12:00 PM Lunch served
- 12:30 PM Vessel moves to second reef location
- 02:30 PM Depart second reef location
- 05:00 PM Arrive back in Cairns
Operating from Cairns, Passions of Paradise has access to over 30 exclusive reef locations. Hastings and Norman in the North and Flynn and Milln in the East are the
most popular locations, but the day’s itinerary will always be dictated by weather.
Explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef up close and personal. Passions offers both Introductory and Certified Scuba Diving across exclusive reef locations.
Intro Dives
An introductory scuba dive is also known as a discovery scuba dive. Guestswill be guided through a safety briefing, onboard training, and an exploratory scuba dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres. This experience focuses on discovering some of the most unique and fascinating marine lifethe Great Barrier Reef has to offer. All guests can prebook one introductory scuba dive and subject to availability, they can book a second dive onboard.
Certified Dives
For those guests who are certified scuba divers, we offer up to two pre-booked scuba dives with complimentary dive guides. Divers will explore two different dives sites to give each guest a diverse perspective of the Great Barrier Reef.
Guided Eco Tours
Passions of Paradise doesn’t just showcase the Great Barrier Reef — it actively protects it. Renowned for its eco-conscious practices and award-winning sustainability, the company brings guests closer to conservation through immersive, guided tours led by expert Marine Biologists and Master Reef Guides.
Eco Discovery Snorkel
This signature experience gives guests a front-row seat to reef conservation in action. Across a 45–60 minute guided snorkel and an insider briefing, visitors learn about programs such as Eye on the Reef and Coral Nurture Programs. Guests even have the chance to contribute to real surveys and restoration efforts, making their adventure both exciting and meaningful.
Be a Marine Bio
For those seeking a deeper dive, the “Be a Marine Bio” experience offers a full day in the life of a Marine Biologist. In an intimate group of up to six, guests enjoy personalised guidance throughout the day — from a reserved table in the upper saloon to snorkel or scuba sessions tailored to their interests. Alongside their private Marine Biologist, they explore sustainable activities, discover daily research efforts, and gain a rare, behind-the-scenes look at reef science.
Passions of Paradise transforms a reef trip into something extraordinary — an adventure that connects guests to nature, inspires environmental stewardship, and leaves a lasting impact.
Breaking Patches
🐠 Long Bommie – Dramatic drop-off & swim-through, schooling fish (Best for Divers).
🐢 Paradise Reef – Exclusive site, colourful corals & fish, snorkel shallows + dive walls (Great for All).
Flynn Reef
🐟 Little Tracey – Walls alive with turtles, reef sharks, and pelagics (Diving Hotspot).
🌞 Point Break – Calm, clear bommies buzzing with reef life (Snorkel & Dive).
Hastings Reef
🌊 1770 – Sheltered lagoon, coral gardens & juvenile fish (Perfect for Beginners).
🪸 Golf Clubs – Easy coral walls, packed with marine life (Snorkel & Dive).
🏝️ Pirates Cove – Unique coral formations, teeming with fish (Great for Families).
🦈 Split Bommie – Swim-throughs & frequent reef shark sightings (Adventure Dive).
🪸 Stepping Stones – Series of bommies close to the boat (Easy & Fun for All).
Milne Reef
🐠 Club 10 – Shallow coral gardens, big schools of fish (Snorkel Paradise).
🏞️ The Drop – Steep coral walls shaped by waves (Advanced Dive).
🐡 The Edge – Wall dive with pinnacles & snorkel-friendly flats (Mixed Adventure).
🐳 The Whale – Whale-shaped bommie, quirky formations (Snorkel & Dive).
🐢 Three Sisters – Iconic bommies, alive with turtles, sharks & fish schools (Signature Dive).
Moore Reef
🐠 5 Ways – Five swim-through bommies, fun for all levels (Snorkel & Dive Playground).
Norman Reef
🦑 Alan’s Wall – Drop-off with swim-throughs, sharks & wrasse (Advanced Dive).
🐢 Big Wall – Coral wall from 4–28m, turtles & pelagics (Great for Divers).
🦈 Shark Mountain – Shark encounters & lush coral gardens (Thrill-Seeker’s Dive).
Other Highlights
🐟 Pretty Patches – Shallow reef patch, colourful & calm (Snorkel Friendly).
🪸 Thetford – 360 – Coral bommies in all directions (Panoramic Dive).
🌊 Thetford – East Meets West – Reef junction: snorkel lagoons + dive walls (Best of Both Worlds).
🏝️ Upolu Cay – ExtaSea – Sandy cay fringed by coral gardens (Beginner Snorkel Dream).
Passions of Paradise Day Tours
| Valid 01 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 | |||
| Adult Snorkel | AUD | 269 | |
| Child snorkel | AUD | 169 | |
| Family (2 adults, 2 children) | AUD | 776 | |
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| Add on... | |||
| 2 Certified Dives | AUD | 130 | |
| Eco Discovery Snorkel | AUD | 75 | |
| Be a Marine Bio | AUD | 750 | |
