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Snorkel the Outer Great Barrier Reef at Bait Reef on a Fast Wave Piercer Catamaran
Tour Information
Tour Operator:
Red Cat Adventures
Duration:
Full Day (8 hours)
Departure Point:
Shute Harbour Marina Terminal
Phone:
07 4946 4444
Departure Time:
9:00 AM
Return Time:
4:00 PM
Group Size:
Maximum 40 guests
Vessel:
Wave piercer catamaran
Where This Tour Goes
Departure Point
Shute Harbour Marina
Snorkelling Sites
Bait Reef (Stepping Stones & second site)
Marine Park
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Departure Location & How to Get There
Departure Point
The Red Cat Adventures Outer Reef Tour departs from the picturesque Shute Harbour Marina at 9:00 AM. If making your own way, arrive at Shute Harbour Marina Terminal by 8:40 AM for check-in.
Free Courtesy Pickup Service
Red Cat Adventures offers complimentary courtesy pickup and drop-off from selected bus stops throughout Airlie Beach. You must contact them on 07 4946 4444 at least 48 hours before departure to confirm your pickup location.
Pickup Locations & Times
8:00 AM
Adventure Whitsundays, Shute Harbour Road
8:05 AM
Pandanus Drive, Shute Harbour Road
8:05 AM
Beach Court Holiday Villas (roadside)
8:05 AM
Whitsunday Shopping Centre
8:10 AM
Mantra Club Croc (reception)
8:10 AM
Altmann Avenue, Shute Harbour Road
8:10 AM
Coral Sea Marina
8:10 AM
Coral Sea Resort entrance
8:15 AM
Airlie Beach Central
8:15 AM
Coconut Grove at Airlie Beach
8:20 AM
Hermitage Road, Shute Harbour Road
8:20 AM
Loop Road, Shute Harbour Road
8:20 AM
Ferntree Road, Shute Harbour Road
8:25 AM
Flametree, Shute Harbour Road
8:40 AM
Shute Harbour Marina Terminal (own transport)
About Red Cat Adventures Outer Reef Tour
Red Cat Adventures Outer Reef Tour is a full-day snorkelling adventure operated by Red Cat Adventures, departing from Shute Harbour Marina in Airlie Beach. The 8-hour tour visits Bait Reef, the closest outer reef location from Airlie Beach, with two different snorkelling sites within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
This is the fastest way to reach the outer Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach. Red Cat's custom-built wave piercer catamaran gets you to Bait Reef in under 2 hours, which means you spend more time snorkelling and less time travelling. The boat is specifically designed for stability and comfort, making it perfect if you're worried about seasickness.
Red Cat Adventures is the 2024 Gold winner for Best Adventure Tourism Business in the Whitsundays and holds Climate Action Leaders certification - the highest level of eco accreditation in Australia. They've been operating award-winning tours since the early 2000s, and their crew includes accredited Master Reef Guides, Savannah Guides, and Marine Biologists who really know the reef inside out.
The Red Cat Adventures Outer Reef Tour is recommended for confident swimmers who have previous snorkelling experience. If rough weather makes it unsafe to visit the outer reef, they'll take you to stunning inner reef locations around the Whitsunday Islands instead - you still get a full day of incredible snorkelling, just at different sites.
What Guests Are Saying
"Had an awesome day today with the gang on Outer Reef. Good vibes from start to finish with Reece, Kurt, Joe and Taylor. Can't recommend the day trip enough. Bait Reef is magic with so much variety of marine life. Super value, highly recommend."
TripAdvisor
"The boat took us to the Stepping Stones on Bait Reef and it was stunning. The water was very clear, the fish abundant, and it was really fun to go from bommies to bommies. The boat was very comfortable, we got served sufficient amounts of food and snacks. I'd recommend this trip."
TripAdvisor
"We were picked up from Hayman Island on their way from Airlie Beach. The entire day was a 5 star experience from beginning to end. Rhys, Kurt, Nat and Jamie went out of their way to make sure we had the best time. Amazing snorkelling experience - saw lots of beautiful fish and even some whales."
Google Reviews
Good to know: The Red Cat Adventures Outer Reef Tour is designed for confident swimmers with previous snorkelling experience. The journey to the outer reef takes about 2 hours each way, and conditions can be choppy depending on weather. If you're prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand.
What's Included
Snorkel Gear
Mask, snorkel, fins & stinger suit
Lunch & Snacks
Locally catered lunch & morning tea
Hotel Transfers
Free pickup and drop-off
Expert Guides
Master Reef Guides & marine biologists
Marine Park Fees
All reef entry fees included
Licensed Bar
Cold drinks available for purchase
The Experience
The Red Cat Adventures Outer Reef Tour takes you to the actual Great Barrier Reef - not the fringing reefs around the islands, but the genuine outer reef where the coral formations and marine life are absolutely spectacular. Bait Reef is the closest outer reef location to Airlie Beach, and it's stunning.
Your Itinerary
Morning Pickup (from 8:00 AM): Courtesy coach picks you up from selected locations throughout Airlie Beach starting at 8:00 AM, or you can make your own way to Shute Harbour Marina. Arrive at the marina terminal by 8:40 AM for check-in. You'll get fitted with a stinger suit and receive a full safety briefing from the crew.
Cruise to the Outer Reef (9:00 AM - 10:45 AM): The wave piercer catamaran departs from Shute Harbour Marina at 9:00 AM sharp. You'll cruise through the stunning Whitsunday Islands on your way to Bait Reef. The journey takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, during which you'll enjoy morning tea and spectacular island scenery. The crew provides informative talks about the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.
First Snorkel at Bait Reef (11:00 AM - 12:30 PM): Arrive at the famous Stepping Stones site on Bait Reef. After a thorough safety briefing, you'll have 90 minutes to explore this incredible coral wonderland. The Stepping Stones are a series of bommies (coral outcrops) that you can swim between, with crystal clear water and abundant marine life. Expect to see colourful reef fish, Napoleon wrasse, sea turtles, and spectacular coral gardens.
Cruise to Second Site & Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:15 PM): Move to a second snorkel location on Bait Reef. Enjoy a locally catered buffet lunch on board with plenty of options including vegetarian meals. Relax on the spacious deck and take in the panoramic reef views.
Second Snorkel Site (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Explore the second snorkelling location with different coral formations and marine life. The crew are in the water with you providing guidance and pointing out interesting sea creatures. Both snorkel sites offer something unique - one typically has more fish action, while the other showcases stunning coral formations.
Return Journey (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Cruise back through the Whitsunday Islands to Shute Harbour Marina. Kick back with a cold drink from the licensed bar, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and share stories about what you saw. The crew often spots whales during migration season (June to September). Courtesy coach returns you to your accommodation.
Before You Book
Important Information
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The Red Cat Adventures Outer Reef Tour runs in most weather conditions, but may be redirected to inner reef sites in the Whitsunday Islands if it's unsafe to travel to the outer reef. You'll still get a full day of incredible snorkelling, just at different locations. Reconfirm your pickup time 48 hours before departure.
What to Bring
Swimwear (wear it under your clothes), towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a sense of adventure. Cash or card for drinks from the licensed bar. A waterproof camera or GoPro is highly recommended. The crew takes photos throughout the day which are available for purchase.
Who Can Come
The Red Cat Adventures Outer Reef Tour is recommended for confident swimmers with previous snorkelling experience. The tour isn't suitable for non-swimmers or nervous snorkellers - for those guests, consider Red Cat's Thundercat tour which visits the calmer fringing reefs around Hook Island. Not recommended for pregnant women or those with limited mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly does the Red Cat Adventures Outer Reef Tour go?
The tour visits two snorkelling sites at Bait Reef, the closest outer reef location to Airlie Beach.
How long does it take to get to Bait Reef?
About 1 hour 45 minutes each way from Shute Harbour Marina - it's the fastest outer reef trip available from Airlie Beach.
What's the difference between outer reef and fringing reef?
The outer reef is the actual Great Barrier Reef with more diverse coral and marine life, while fringing reefs surround the Whitsunday Islands.
Is lunch included in the Red Cat Adventures Outer Reef Tour?
Yes, a locally catered buffet lunch plus morning tea is included in the price.
What happens if weather is too rough for the outer reef?
Red Cat will take you to pristine inner reef locations in the Whitsunday Islands - you still get an exceptional snorkelling experience.
More Great Barrier Reef Tours
If you're interested in exploring the Great Barrier Reef, check out other Great Barrier Reef tours departing from Shute Harbour. For more snorkelling adventures around the Whitsunday Islands, explore our snorkelling tours, or see all day tours from Airlie Beach.
Why Trust This Guide?
We're Airlie Beach locals who've called the Whitsundays home since 2001. Over more than two decades living and working in this stunning corner of tropical North Queensland, we've personally experienced the tour operators, walked every marina, and know which tours genuinely deliver on their promises.
Red Cat Adventures is the 2024 Gold winner for Best Adventure Tourism Business in the Whitsundays and holds the highest level of eco certification in Australia. Their commitment to the Great Barrier Reef is genuine - they employ Master Reef Guides and marine biologists who are genuinely passionate about conservation and sharing their knowledge.
The recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make your Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
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