Great Barrier Reef Semi Submarine Tours

View the Ocean on a Guided Tour

For a unique experience of the reef, a semi submarine guided tour offers an intimate view of your marine surroundings. Visually, it can be compared to scuba diving without all the hassle of wet suits and equipment.

Best of all, it is suitable for all ages and a perfect fit for people who cannot swim or have a disability that would prevent them from snorkeling or scuba diving.

What is a Semi Submarine?

A semi submarine is a small submersible marine vessel that is built with the majority of its buoyant structure below the surface of the water and small area that sits above the surface.

Unlike a submarine, a semi submersible vessel is never completely underwater. Because the hull structure is submerged, it is less affected by waves then a normal boat and provides a smooth experience through the water.

Passengers board and descend to seats in the hull that are below the waterline. Here marine life can be viewed through viewing ports, only centimetres away through the glass!

Guided Semi Submarine tours

Semi submarines have become a popular tourist activity when visiting the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. They are a fun alternate to glass bottom boats and much more affordable then scuba diving.

The captain of the semi submersible is also your educated guide as the vessel glides through the beautiful tropical waters. Pointing out beautiful coral and colourful tropical fish while in the comfort of your underwater observatory sounds like a great day out!

Best of all, semi submarine tours allow visitors to get up close and personal with marine life without harming the environment. Unfortunately, too much coral life is destroyed each year by being kicked or stepped on.