Silverswift Outer Barrier Reef Snorkelling and Diving Adventure
- Free cancellations*
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Full details
The perfect balance of comfort, style and function
Silverswift is custom-designed for the thrill of snorkelling and diving. On this experience you will get to explore three different and exclusive sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef at Flynn, Pellowe, Milln and/or Thetford Reefs.
Our guide to Silverswift Outer Barrier Reef Snorkelling and Diving Adventure
Departing daily from Cairns, the Silverswift is ready to whisk you away for a day of fun and adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. This is an active day that revolves around being in the water for your diving or snorkelling adventure of a lifetime.
You'll explore spectacular coral formations and underwater gardens awash with vibrantly coloured marine creatures as you visit three different outer reef sites at Flynn, Pellowe, Milln and/or Thetford Reefs. Locations vary with the day's conditions, however, each site is chosen for visual impact, ecological diversity and the challenge of discovery.
The Silverswift boat is custom-built for snorkelling and diving adventures and with a state-of-the-art ride control system, hot freshwater showers, changing rooms, air-conditioned lounges and a licensed bar, you'll be travelling in comfort and style. Relax and enjoy a delicious lunch in-between water activities. The spacious deck areas are great to bask in some sunshine or to share tales of your adventures over a refreshing drink from the licensed bar.
Example Itinerary (subject to change)
- 7.30am: Check-in at the Silverswift Counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal for your boarding passes.
- 8:15am: Vessel boarding. Complimentary morning tea/breakfast served.
- 8:30am: Depart Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal for the Outer Reef. On the outward journey, certified and introductory dive briefings begin.
- 9:50am: Arrive at first reef location. Divers gear up, while snorkellers’ site briefing begins. Get ready to view the beauty of this natural wonder!
- 11:15am: Silverswift departs for the second reef location. Option for introductory divers and certified divers to do a second dive. Snorkellers site briefing.
- 12:30am: Tropical hot and cold buffet lunch served in the air-conditioned cabin.
- 1:40pm: Silverswift departs for the third reef location. Snorkellers are once again briefed as to the best areas to snorkel and Guided Snorkel Tour. Option for certified divers to do a third dive or second introductory dive.
- 2:15pm: Afternoon tea served.
- 3:00pm: All passengers board vessel for final passenger count.
- 3:15pm: Silverswift commences return journey to Cairns.
- 4:30pm: Silverswift arrives at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
- 4:55pm: Coaches depart for accommodation.
Terms and conditions
Terms and conditions for Silverswift Outer Barrier Reef Snorkelling and Diving Adventure
- Please note: Silversonic Vessel is not operating between Monday 3rd of February to Sunday 30th of March 2025 due to a scheduled vessel refit. Passengers will cruise to the Poseidon Outer Reef Cruise which will be operating in Silversonic’s place following the exact same itinerary, inclusions and pricing.
- Diving is not included unless you selection one of the diving tickets.
- Those wishing to dive will be required to fill out a medical questionnaire on board prior to diving. Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from diving.
- Silversonic recommends a wait of 12 hours but preferably 24 hours, if doing multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.
- Snorkelling can be a strenuous activity. Please use caution and inform the crew of any medical conditions.
- The minimum age for diving is 12 years. Children under the age of 15 years are unable to travel without a parent or legal guardian. Children between the ages of 15 to 18 years can travel unattended but a dive waiver (either certified or introductory) and a letter signed by the parent/legal guardian, giving permission to the child to dive, must be presented to the crew on the day before travel.
- Please contact the Silversonic office for the required paperwork.
- Bring along a towel, sunscreen, hat, swimwear and camera to capture your memories. Limited underwater digital cameras are available to hire onboard.
- On very rare occasions, services can be subject to the effect of weather or unforeseen circumstances. Should a cruise not operate for any reason passengers will be offered an alternative day or a refund authorised.
- An Environmental Management Charge of $7.00 is levied on all adults and children 4 years and over entering the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area. This charge is included in the above prices.
- Surcharge: Due to potential significant volatility in supply & operational costs a surcharge may be applied due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases any charge will be collected on departure.
- *Cancellation Policy: Free cancellations for bookings cancelled prior to your holiday departure date. No refunds are given for cancellations made post departure.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for Silverswift Outer Barrier Reef Snorkelling and Diving Adventure
- How do I check-in before departure?
Please check-in at the Silverswift/Great Adventures counters inside the Reef Fleet Terminal (1 Spence Street in Cairns) between 7:30 and 8.00am. Silverswift departs the marina at 8.30am. The staff will issue you with your boarding pass and direct you to our vessel. - What is the difference between Silversonic and Silverswift?
Both are identical sisterships, 29-metre high-speed catamarans custom-designed for scuba dive and snorkel operations. Both visit 3 different reef sites and spend 5 hours at the reef. The difference is where they are based and the reef sites they visit. Silverswift departs from Cairns and has the choice of 16 spectacular outer reef sites at Flynn, Pellowe, Milln and/or Thetford Reefs. Silversonic departs from Port Douglas and has the choice of 22 stunning Agincourt ribbon reef sites to visit daily. - What is the difference between the reef sites Silversonic and Silverswift visit?
The reef systems that Silversonic and Silverswift visit are approximately 100 km apart giving rise to very different styles of reef formations and marine life. Both provide spectacular experiences for divers and snorkellers. Silverswift, from Cairns, takes you to many exclusive dive sites on some of the very best Outer Great Barrier Reef locations at Flynn, Pellowe, Milln and/or Thetford Reefs. These sites are chosen for their magnificent coral formations, varied marine life and underwater visibility. They have superb bay-like dive and snorkel sites providing spectacular underwater sand dunes and remote steppingstone- like coral bommie systems. These sites are also renowned for their congregating schools of large pelagic fish. - Are there any sharks on the reef?
Yes, there are sharks in every ocean and a variety inhabit the Great Barrier Reef. The most frequently seen sharks are white and black tip reef sharks which are quite timid and pose no threat to divers and snorkellers. - What is the "Outer Edge"?
The Outer Edge is where the Continental Shelf ends and the deep ocean begins. At the Outer Edge, the ocean floor drops from 30 – 40 metres to hundreds of metres. Ribbon reefs are situated on the edge, hence the name the "Outer Edge". - Do you really go to the Outer Edge?
Yes, Silverswift travels to Milln, Flynn Thetford or Pellowe reefs, which are considered Outer Barrier Reefs. They sit approximately 5 km in from the edge of the Continental Shelf. - How many hours are we at the Reef?
You will have over 5 hours at the reef sites combined. - What sort of marine life will we see?
All of the reef sites offer great ecological diversity and an abundance of marine life. Some of the commonly seen marine life includes turtles, anemonefish (Nemo), lionfish, cuttlefish, moray eels and reef sharks. - What are Lycra Suits? Are there any stingers?
Lycra suits are available onboard to reduce the possibility of stings and irritations while also offering protection from the sun. At certain times of the year (generally November – April), jellyfish, commonly called marine stingers, can affect the seas of Northern Australia. Most jellyfish are harmless to man, however certain varieties may cause a serious reaction. Incidents involving serious marine stings in this area are extremely rare. The crew are conscious of the danger of marine stingers and will take appropriate steps to ensure your protection if they believe conditions are such that there is a possibility of encountering these creatures. - Do you have foreign speaking dive/snorkel staff?
The crew do speak a number of different languages, however, a specific language cannot be guaranteed on any given day of travel due to staff rosters. We recommend you contact Quicksilver office prior to travel. - Do you provide optical masks for snorkellers and divers?
Standard masks magnify objects underwater by 25%, however, prescription masks are also available ranging from -2 to -7 in strength. Prescription masks are available at no extra charge. - Do you need to know how to swim to dive?
Not technically. It is recommended however that if you can't swim but would like to do an introductory dive, that a reef platform such as Great Barrier Reef Adventure or Outer Barrier Reef Adventure cruise would be better suited to ensure the best experience.
