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Reef Encounter, The Boutique Floating Hotel
Highlights
- Experience the Great Barrier Reef from Australia’s only floating hotel, enjoying unparalleled marine life and stunning sunsets.
- Relax in spacious, air-conditioned cabins with private ensuites and ocean views for a comfortable stay at sea.
- Savour delicious meals in roomy dining areas while taking in the breathtaking views of the reef.
- Join friendly staff for snorkelling adventures or unwind on the sun deck, making every moment unforgettable.
The Reef Encounter, Australia’s only floating hotel, is situated on the spectacular Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns and offers guests a unique opportunity to enjoy the ultimate reef experience as briefly or for as long as they want.
Reef Encounter is for anyone who wishes to experience the Great Barrier Reef – whether it be to enjoy the sunset, sleep on the reef, snorkelling with time to really enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of the quality reef and marine life.
The vessel is a 35-metre catamaran that is designed for the utmost stability and comfort at sea. Air-conditioned throughout, Reef Encounter features spacious decks as well as roomy dining and recreation areas to dine and relax in. All cabins onboard Reef Encounter have private ensuites and ocean views.
The friendly onboard staff and experienced dive crew are there to help make Reef Encounter the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure. They even have an onboard spa, dive courses for beginners and advanced and a sun deck!
Tour details
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Available from 28 July 2025 to 31 March 2027
Features
Service facilities
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Offers multiple options for booking – web, email, phone is available.
- Offers a range of contact methods for receiving complaints.
- Accessibility information and photos, including of a bathroom, room and/or floor plan on their website (can be emailed on request).
- Asks all visitors if there are any specific needs to be met.
- Website meets <a href="https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/" target="_blank">WCAG 2.0</a> accessibility standards
- Advise tour guides of the access needs of guests at the time of booking (includes pick up and drop off requirements)
- Assistance with booking arrangements (includes providing clear itineraries with written instructions on what to do at various destinations)
Communication
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
- Uses Plain English / easy read signage and information (includes menus and emergency information)
- A quiet space is available at the venue/ facility.
Physical – Mobility
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
- Uses floors/coverings which are slip resistant, firm and smooth
- Uses non-slip tiles in the bathroom or slip resistant matting
- Grab rails in the bathroom
- Seating in common areas including reception area
Allergies and intolerances
Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.
- Modify their cooking and cleaning practices to cater for people with food allergies or chemical intolerances (could include menus with meals free from: nuts, dairy, seafood, eggs, gluten etc).
- Staff are trained to respond to allergic reactions.
- Complies with The Food Authority requirements for allergy management in food preparation.
- Equipment to respond to anaphylactic shock such as epi–pens and defibrillator.
- Toiletries which are chemical and fragrance free (if requested).
- Linen that is chemical and fragrance free (if requested).
- Uses organic (chemical and fragrance free) cleaning products.
- Uses organic (chemical and fragrance free) deodorisers in public areas and rooms.
Operation information
Reef Encounter
Reef Encounter is Australia’s premier floating boutique hotel, offering an unparalleled Great Barrier Reef experience off the coast of Cairns.
Perfect for guests seeking an adventure with as much time on the reef as they wish, Reef Encounter allows travelers to immerse themselves in the wonders of coral, marine life, and breathtaking sunsets, with stays that range from one night to extended getaways.
Onboard, the 35-metre catamaran provides ultimate comfort, featuring spacious, air-conditioned decks and recreational areas. Guests enjoy ocean-view staterooms with private ensuites, available in twin-share or double options, as well as an exclusive VIP Top Deck Club for those wanting a truly elevated experience. An onboard chef caters to all dietary preferences, ensuring delightful meals. Guests can unwind with a beverage in our onboard heated spa or on one of the many lounges on the sun deck.
For adventure seekers, Reef Encounter offers both beginner and advanced dive courses led by a skilled dive team, along with flexible daily transfers from Cairns via a 90-minute fast catamaran or a scenic helicopter trip over the reef for an unforgettable arrival.
With friendly, knowledgeable staff on hand, Reef Encounter makes every stay an extraordinary Great Barrier Reef holiday.
Activities
Tags
Accreditations
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Scuba Schools International
Memberships
- Australian Tourism Export Council
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- QLD – Tourism Tropical North Qld
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