2-Day Great Barrier Reef: Reefsleep Experience
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Airlie Beach, Australia
- 2 days (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Spend two days at the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s largest coral reef systems, with an overnight Reefsleep tour. The Reefworld pontoon is your base for daytime snorkeling, semi-submersible rides, and other underwater explorations. Stay overnight on the upper deck of the pontoon, under the stars in a “reefbed” (tent). Includes meals and round-trip boat transportation from Airlie Beach, the Whitsundays, or Hamilton Island.
- Experience the Great Barrier Reef after the daytrippers have left
- Includes the use of snorkeling gear; scuba diving costs extra
- View the reef from a semisubmersible vessel while staying dry
- Minimum age to stay at the reef is 12 years
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
Stay overnight on deck in a reef bed tent, and enjoy the reef to yourself when day visitors leave.
What's Included
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Overnight accommodation in a Reefbed
- Round-trip cruise
- Semi-submersible coral viewing with reef appreciation talk
- Underwater viewing chamber
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Lunch (2)Lunch
- Optional activities including scuba diving, helicopter flights, massage (available to purchase on board)
- Drinks (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.7:30 am
Itinerary
Your 2-day trip to the Great Barrier Reef begins when you board the high-speed catamaran at Airlie Beach, the Whitsundays, or Hamilton Island.
Transfer to an innovative pontoon that features an interactive underwater viewing chamber, a semi-submersible, and a spacious sun deck. Enjoy activities such as snorkeling, semi-submersible tours, and scuba diving (own expense) with experienced guides who provide all the necessary equipment and instruction, in addition to informative commentary about the underwater world.
For your overnight accommodation, stay in a "reefbed" swag—a tent equipped with a mattress and bedding. One breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner are included, along with afternoon tea. It's the ultimate way to experience one of Australia's most famous natural wonders.
Transfer to an innovative pontoon that features an interactive underwater viewing chamber, a semi-submersible, and a spacious sun deck. Enjoy activities such as snorkeling, semi-submersible tours, and scuba diving (own expense) with experienced guides who provide all the necessary equipment and instruction, in addition to informative commentary about the underwater world.
For your overnight accommodation, stay in a "reefbed" swag—a tent equipped with a mattress and bedding. One breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner are included, along with afternoon tea. It's the ultimate way to experience one of Australia's most famous natural wonders.
Day 1
Travel from Port of Airlie, via Hamilton Island, to Hardy Reef
1 Stop
1
Cruise Whitsundays
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Deluxe Reefbed under the stars
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Spend the day on Hardy Reef before cruising back to Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach
1 Stop
1
Hamilton Island Marina
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- It is recommended that you bring only one small bag per person with the things you will need for your overnight stay including, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, light jacket or sweater, money and/or credit card for on board purchases and camera
- You will be required to complete a medical and dietary requirement form that will be sent to you on confirmation of the booking
- Operates in all weather conditions. Swags can be zipped, are water-proof and can tolerate wet weather
- A history of certain medical conditions may preclude a guest from SCUBA diving unless a current Diving Medical Certificate can be shown to the instructor.
- All intending divers over the age of 55 years of age must produce a current Diving Medical Certificate. All divers are subject to a medical questionnaire on board the vessel before diving and their fitness to dive will be assessed by a diving instructor
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Please advise dietary requirements
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 195 reviews
TOM_C, Mar 2026
The experience is amazing in every way including the food, the staff and being on The Great Barrier Reef. The only thing you can’t predict is the weather and unfortunately we had a tough first day with cloud and strong winds which made snorkelling a little more difficult, the next day was great and the helicopter trip over the reef was brilliant. Big shout out to Alba and Luke for looking after everyone so well
Amy_A, Jan 2026
Unique experience, great service from the staff, helicopter tour was amazing, food exceeded expectations.
Don_M, Jan 2026
it is an amazing experience!! highlight of our trip!
staff is amazing and did a great job of looking after us
Gord_S, Jun 2025
This was incredible experience, the views were spectacular, the reef was awesome, the staff were amazing, friendly and always available. This would be a can’t miss experience.
Rona_J, Apr 2025
Such a great experience! The staff made us feel like royalty! The tents were comfy, facilities immaculate, food delish and staff were the BEST!
Michaela_B, Dec 2024
From the moment we got picked up, the crew was so kind and welcoming. They supported all passengers with any questions or requests with a smile. The first part of the day you head from your pickup spot out to the reef with the day travelers. Everyone is welcome to sign up for extra excursions or snorkel off the pontoon. Once 3pm hits, you are checked into your reef sleep spot and the pontoon feels very quiet now that it’s just the staff and overnight guests left on board. You have plenty of time to relax and snorkel with less guests if you’d like. The team provides plenty of food and drinks and dinner with the other guests is very fun! Sleeping in the Reef sleep pod is very comfortable and intimate. There is nothing like waking up to the sunrise on the Great Barrier Reef! On the 2nd day, you have plenty of time to eat breakfast, snorkel or do another excursion before the second wave of guests arrive. While they’re on board, you have your own private section and can continue to lay in your sleep pod while you look over the Great Barrier Reef. Overall, it was an incredible experience. Shout out to Haley, Brooke and Grace for being wonderful staff!
Jessica_S, May 2024
Such an incredible experience! Well organised and just brilliant. No words can express how good it really is so you best book to find out for yourselves.
Jayme_C, May 2024
Absolutely loved the overnight portion of this trip. Great attention was given to us by the crew and chef. Really neat experience. Thank you!
Jeff_D, Feb 2024
The people were great, good food and worth the money!!! Paige, Brooke and Hannah went above board to make it FUN!!!!!
Julia_L, Dec 2023
I had an unforgettable trip to the Great Barrier Reef with an overnight stay! Snorkeling among the vibrant marine life was a dream come true. The accommodations were comfy, and waking up to the ocean view was magical. The food throughout the trip was also incredibly delicious. Highly recommend this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Paul_M, Dec 2023
This was a memorable experience. It is extremely well organised and thought through. From picking up the ferry to sleeping under the stars there is plenty to enjoy.
We picked up the ferry from Airlie Beach and stopped at Hamilton Island on our way to the pontoon. Overnight passengers have their own reserved space. On arrival, after the necessary instructions are given you are free to explore the area snorkeling or take a helicopter ride or sign up to scuba dive. We signed up for a guided snorkel along part of the reef.
The staff are extremely helpful and the food provided excellent. Dietary requirements are well catered for.
Once the day passengers leave at 3 the hub bub on the pontoon subsides and from then until the next trip arrives at 11 the following day is very special.
We would highly recommend this experience if you are interested in sea life and enjoy swimming. Less confident swimmers are well catered for.
Kestutis_J, Nov 2023
The experience itself was amazing, though Viator support was weak as the consultant did not know the details about the trip. Also, Viator related struggles with later selection of departure/arrival location.
Carlos_T, Sep 2023
Great experience! Great food and great views! Guided snorkels were very informative, dives are amazing!
Barrier Reef is massive, diving gives you the full perspective. Incredible sunsets and sunrises!
Karen_W, Aug 2023
Great way to see the reef. I bit hectic when the day trippers are on the boat, when they leave at 3 PM the magic begins. The staff are absolutely amazing. The food provided is delish and they accommodate all your dietary requirements. Highly recommend you do the helicopter flight over the reef, so worth the extra money.
Leon_R, Jul 2023
The staff were just so friendly and accommodating. The coral viewing was just the most memorable experience. Simply fantastic!
jaspalsb, May 2023
Great, unique experience. Not as expensive as it sounds once you break it down (day trip to the reef for 2, all meals, skip 1 night accommodation, etc)
Grahame_C, Oct 2022
A very unique experience which was great fun. Made new friends during the pre-dinner gathering and during dinner, which was lovely. We were not adequately prepared for the cooler spring weather so were cold on both ferry rides and during dinner. Loved sleeping on deck which was very cozy.!
The crew members were all very helpful and attentive, they made very good coffee too!!!
My only criticism would be that the guided snorkel tour was pricey and maybe should be included for overnight guests. I think that it was more suited to those that were nervous or snorkeling for the first time. Once taken to the top of the reef I was happy to snorkel unassisted. Had I known what was involved I would not have signed up. However, the reef staff were also a great group.
Overall, it was a memorable experience and enabled us to see more of the Whitsundays during our short visit to Airlie Beach. Thankyou.
Venetia_B, Aug 2022
The Reef sleep experience is simply amazing, the crew looking after us were fantastic, the food incredible and then the opportunity to snorkel and scuba dive Hardy Reef.... what can I say, it is an experience of a lifetime
Sharon_F, Apr 2022
Absolutely loved it . Great snorkelling, great food, great company, ,great staff.
Weather was not kind to us for the 2 days , very wet and windy.
We got to have a look in the suite and next time that would be my choice .
We made good of a bad situation .
Jennifer_M, Mar 2022
It was an very well organised trip! The food and all inclusive drinks were amazing and having a the whole Reef shared only with a few other people was amazing!
Diane_D, Mar 2020
I felt like I won the lottery being able to stay for the reef sleep! Staff was incredible! I was confused about after taking public ferry to reef world, we were 100% stationary-not cruising to multiple snorkeling spots. (I probably read too many descriptions, but it was fine!) Marine biologist student w us was dissapointed to see the small area of reef we were allowed to snorkel on, but she was estatic at marine life we did see in the small area. Loved the food and the beds. Also surprised it was all you can eat and drink. Would make an incredible gift for people! Would go again! Loved you guys! Tory Robin and Diane
jodi_s, Mar 2020
The reefsleep was one of the best experiences in life! Everything went smoothly thanks to the professionalism of the team. The boat ride, schedule for activities, and assistance were all top notch. Staying overnight and being able to snorkel and stargaze with a small group was amazing. The staff was knowledgeable, and helpful beyond belief. The food was amazing. The swag was comfortable with all the bedding you need. Our team, led by Phoebe and Thor made this trip outstanding. We wanted for nothing. The Great Barrier Reef should only be experienced this way! We can’t thank the team enough!
Annie, Feb 2020
We loved this experience. The beginning was a bit confusing as we had to go to the airport to meet the boat that took us out to the Reef. Turned out they were building/fixing the usual dock at the marina. This part of the trip was not clearly explained to any of our fellow passengers either and initially no one was at the airport to explain. Eventually people arrived and after filling out another medical report (one of many) we boarded the trimaran that took us out to the Reef. The representatives were friendly and informative. We had our own table on the boat. After a smooth two hour ride we arrived! A hearty lunch was provided and our group of overnight guests was provided with an area to keep our things until the swags (where we slept) were available at three. We then went diving, snorkeling or on the submersible. The staff were overall friendly and helpful with helping you choose sizes, etc. there are bins full of what you need. I went for my first ever dive and I give huge kudos to the instructor who helped me through the entire process. It turned into a fun, positive experience. So much to see! The best was after the day guests left and we had the entire place to ourselves. Peaceful, beautiful and all of the resources of the boat available. They served a terrific dinner under the most amazing night sky I have ever seen. The swags were very comfortable. Sort of like camping only cozier. You do have other guests on either side of you, which we didn’t mind a bit, but sone people might not like that. There are two underwater suites available as well. Woke to an amazing sunrise, more good food and more snorkeling and diving. Very much enjoyed the time before they day guests return. The food was excellent, unfortunately however my husband has CeliacDisease (an autoimmune disorder where you cannot eat wheat, rye and barley) and while the kitchen was very accommodating there was gluten somehow in the lunch the last day and he got violently ill. We told the staff so they could try to figure out what happened and avoid this for anyone in the future. It was an amazing experience and we were so glad to see the Great Barrier Reef up close and personal. So active at night and the early morning! Saw so many things. Endless fish, giant clams, sea cucumbers, turtles and endless coral. The only bad part was leaving, and of course being made sick by the gluten. This impacted us as we had to cancel plans on Hamilton Island that we will never get back and my husband will be sick for about three days with the after effects of being “glutened”, but we still had one of the best experiences we have ever had! Highly recommend it. And while it might seem a bit pricy to some once you get there and see what they have invested and how well done it all is I think you might agree it is a great value. The memories? Priceless!
Asila46, Jul 2019
We had the most amazing time staying on the Heart Pontoon! We made quick work of getting into the scuba sessions (I was a little nervous, but my instructor took me from almost chickening out to going twice and loving every second) After the cruise boat left, it was just my husband, myself and another couple! We had the whole Pontoon to ourselves to have a delicious dinner made by our host Gabi (such a lovely person, and terrific host!) And the to wonder through the observatory and snorkeling without the throngs of people earlier in the day. The sleep was great under the stars and serenity of literally nothing around you. Couldn't recommend this trip enough!
Hilary T, Jan 2018
Our experience was amazing. We were a small group that stayed out overnight and the opportunities to snorkel on the reef were fantastic. We met some great people and developed new friendships. The staff were great and very accommodating. I really cannot say enough good things about the staff who stayed out of the reef with us. I highly recommend this tour.
Global Traveler, Nov 2017
A totally unique experience. In addition to doing everything the daytrippers could do snorkeling, scuba diving, semi-submersible tour, helicopter flight, we got to have the pontoon to ourselves after they left in the afternoon. Then we had more opportunity to snorkel and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef, including a feast in the underwater observatory since it was too windy for us to dine outside. It worked out great--we enjoyed watching the fish as we ate, and the fish enjoyed watching us. Then we got to sleep in our swags, which were nice and cozy. Our host Georgie was awesome. She really took care of us and made sure we were enjoying ourselves and never hungry since she was constantly feeding us. : Our Reefsleep group really bonded too. Overall, this was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had traveling. I can't speak highly enough about it!
graziella_r, Mar 2017
one of the best things I did in Australia!
To have the place only for a maximum 10 person during the evening, night and next morning is fabulous.
don't expect to sleep much because of the birds and enjoy the amazing stars in the sky!
meals provided are good and the reef is magical!
Cara H, Jan 2017
Fantastic, would recommend to anyone! The overnight experience was out of this world!
Laurel_B, Dec 2016
I am so glad that I did this! It was an amazing trip and well worth the money. Our Reefsleep host Jennifer was great, very friendly and cooks an awesome breakfast! The swag was pretty comfortable, and it was so nice to sleep on the top deck.
Carly H, Feb 2016
An amazing experience, well organised, a must do if you are in the Whitsundays!
From $405.94
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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