great barrier reef toursWelcome on board; Reef Encounter is a fully air-conditioned 35 meter catamaran hotel, designed for the utmost stability and comfort at sea. Providing all the luxury of boutique accommodation, Reef Encounter visits the most captivatingly beautiful areas of this natural wonder – Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Reef Encounter’s accommodation, dining and facilities can cater to most peoples needs. Please inform us if you have any special requirements such as dietary requirements, allergies or have any disability/mobility issues that we should be aware of. You can do this by leaving a note in the ‘booking message’ section of your online reservation, or contacting our friendly office, see Contact Us


Accommodation

Reef Encounter has 21 spacious cabins, which have either one double bed or two single beds at no additional cost. All rooms are air-conditioned and have uninterrupted ocean views with en-suite toilet and shower facilities, and Australian power outlets. Towels and toiletries (soap & shampoo) are provided. Reef Encounter also boasts unlimited hot showers – unlike most liveaboard boats Reef Encounter makes it’s own fresh water, meaning you are not limited to one short shower per day.

Stateroom: Twin Share or Double

Reef Encounter stateroom cabins are either a double (one double bed) or twin (two single beds), which can be selected at the same cost. When making your online reservation, please select your room preference (double, twin or sole occupancy). To book a double bed cabin, two persons travelling together are required unless solo travellers choose to book a sole occupancy cabin. Twin share staterooms are a great option if you’re travelling with a friend or if you’re travelling alone and want to share a room with someone of the same gender whenever possible.
If you prefer privacy, you can book a ‘Sole Occupancy’ cabin, which means that you will not be sharing a room with another guest. Rooming preferences for double or twin share rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Check-in: 10:00am
Check-out: 8:00am
(access to a shared transfer/baggage room with bathroom is available along with all other boat facilities)

Find out more about our Stateroom Accommodation packages

Top Deck Club Accommodation

Fantastic service – A VIP Top Deck Club holiday is designed for people who wish to experience the Great Barrier Reef in style! The ‘Top Deck Club’ tour – much like first class with an airline –  comes with many additional luxuries including (but not limited to) a personal crew member for private scuba/snorkel guided tours, the best rooms on the boat, late check-out times, champagne upon arrival, evening turndown cabin service, luxury 3 course evening meal served under the stars… and more. Top Deck Club cabins are either a double (one double bed), or twin (two single beds) all have private ensuite bathrooms and large picture windows overlooking the Great Barrier Reef, which can be selected at the same cost. When making your online reservation, please select your room preference (double, twin or sole occupancy)

Check-in: 10:00am
Check-out: 2:00pm

Find out more about our Top Deck Club packages

Children & Babies

Cots and children’s beds are optional extras that can be added to your booking. Cots and/or rollaway beds are kept in the parents’ room.

0-2 years – Cot hire is available for babies.
2-11 years – Rollaway beds are available for small children.
12+ years – Children must have a standard bed.


Onboard Facilities

Indoors onboard Reef Encounter

View of dining salon

Reef Encounter has a large dining saloon, fully licensed bar and lounge area, complete with TV and games. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day from the communal tea and coffee area. All indoor areas are fully air-conditioned for your comfort. In your cabin; linen, towels and toiletries are provided (soap & shampoo). All cabins have Australian power outlets, ocean views, en-suite toilet and shower facilities.Hair dryers are available upon request from the bar.

Outdoors onboard Reef Encounter

Reef Encounter - Sun deck

Outside there is ample deck space, a huge sundeck and sun loungers, an open-air hot tub and even a helipad on the roof! Helicopter tours are available as your transfer to and/or from Reef Encounter instead of going on the transfer boat. Our helicopter tours are low flying scenic excursions over the coral reef that are a wonderful way to start or end your Great Barrier Reef adventure! The helicopter transfer is an optional extra that you may select during your booking process online (minimum of two people required)

Dive & Snorkel Facilities

All dive and snorkel equipment is included in your trip. Wetsuits or prescription masks are a small additional charge if you require them. Access to the water is easy from purpose built dive and snorkel platforms, with stairs leading down into the water. For anyone going scuba diving, Reef Encounter has two onboard compressors for quick air refills.


Amazing onboard cuisine

Reef Encounter prides itself on fabulous, locally sourced food cooked fresh every day by our onboard Chef. Included in your trip are breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Fruit, tea and coffee are also included and available throughout the day. Snacks such as chocolate, chips, cookies, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages* are available for purchase from the bar.
Read more

All dietary requirements will be met – please advise upon booking. *No alcohol may be consumed before in-water activities


Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Reef Encounter also has it’s very own glass bottom boat, and tours run free of charge upon request. Talk to our friendly crew onboard to organise your glass bottom boat excursion. (Glass bottom boat tours are weather permitting)