A Day Trip to The Reef with Deep Sea Divers Den

Sunday , 35th August, and what a lovely North Queensland day to go to the Barrier Reef… and what a good decision to try “Reef Quest”, from Cairns which provided an absolutely unforgettable day out.
After getting in from Canberra the day before yesterday I was due some nice hot weather. It was a bit chillier than I had predicted and I was glad I had remembered Jeans and a warm jacket!
I’ve been going to Cairns for about 11 years and have been out on enough Reef Trips and let’s face it, they all do pretty much the same day: 2 different reefs, snorkelling gear, lunch and afternoon tea – so it’s the dive sites and little extras that count.

From the time you board to the time you disembark, the service and staff are very professional. The staff to guest ratio is good, as there was always someone available to assist with any questions or dramas. The staff seem really happy and their service and attention were really good.

Reef Quest issue a wetsuit free of charge which is normally an extra (usually $8.00 hire) on other tours. For the snorkelers a wetsuit gives you some protection from the sun and also buoyancy which makes snorkelling easier.

Reef Quest have a selection of 15 different dive sites and choose the best 2 reefs based on the weather forecast. A guided snorkelling option is also available at both reefs and this is a real bonus for beginners or anyone wanting to find out a little bit more about the reef. The snorkel guide dives to the bottom and picks up things like seaweed and bits of dead coral and brings them up so people can have a good look. They also know where the nicest coral is, so it does add a lot to the great barrier reef experience.

The meal was good with lots of variety including potato salad, rice salad, garden salad, local fruits, cold meats, bread rolls and soup. There is tea and coffee and cold water available all day.

To sum things up it was an impressive day.

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Pat, April 21st 2012 | Tags: , , ,
Posted in Cruises

Some Facts About The Barrier Reef

The Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world stretching from the northernmost point of Australia to just north of the border. It’s coral reefs stretch over 2000km along the eastern coast.

The Barrier Reef is home to well over 1200 fish species, dolphins, dugongs and turtles. Many different types of birdlife can be found in the area.

The coral which creates the reef itself is also a living thing. When it dies it turns white, and creates the basis for further reef growth. Different varieties of coral grow at varying speeds, while some are very quick to grow, some take well over a 100 years to reach maturity. The vivid colours are not formed by the coral but by the growth of algae living on it.

The barrier reef needs a tropical climate as it requires on warm shallow water for optimal growth. Clean water and lots of light is required to keep the coral healthy.

With 100′s of 1000′s of square miles of reef it is a watersports mecca. Various day tours are available from the communities all along the coast. Even if you don’t swim you can see the marvels of the reef through reef viewing tours.

The reef is heritage listed and vast areas are restricted from fishing and removing coral from the reef is prohibited to protect it for our childrens children.

The colourful and exciting capital of North Queensland, Cairns is alive with life and charm. Located in the centre of some of the most awe inspiringly beautiful and environmentally important areas in the world, Cairns is the natural doorway to the natural riches of rainforest, tablelands, outback, and The Great Barrier Reef. The CBD itself has many attractions – great shopping, theatres, cinemas, museums, botanical gardens, a casino, and fine international dining. Cairns is firmly established as one of Australia’s leading visitor destinations, being the departure point for all the best water based adventures. Cairns reef tours are definately the most popular for most tourists, however the area is quickly becoming recognised as the extreme sport capital of Queensland.

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Pat, December 30th 2011 | Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Gear

Some Cairns Great Barrier Reef Boats

The Great Barrier Reef, best visited from Cairns Australia is the world’s largest coral reef and home to an amazing diversity of marine life. There are a large number of cruise vessels that depart from Cairns, I’ve listed the best below.

Sunlover Reef Cruises offers the quickest travel time, longest play time at the Great Barrier Reef. Once tied up at their pontoon on Moore Reef, guests have over 4.5 hours to snorkel, take glass-bottom boat and/or semi-sub trips, enjoy a full hot and cold buffet lunch as well as afternoon tea on the cruise back to Cairns. Full day cruise$186/adult, $66/child or $426/family of 4.

Reef Experience is Cairns newest day cruise, one all inclusive price of $165.00 includes breakfast, lunch afternoon tea, express boat cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, 2 pristine reef locations, 6 hours at the Great Barrier Reef, clients choice of guided snorkel, certified dive or introductory dive, city transfers, wetsuit, glass bottom boat, Marine Biologist Reef Presentation, Local Family Owned and Operated

Vagabond Cruise & Dive is a 65′ luxury yacht designed for diving, sailing and entertaining for a maximum of 11 guests operating out of Cairns. The tour is two days and one night which is spent aboard the boat out on the reef.

Reef Magic moors at a ponotoon on the Great reef with the smallest passenger numbers on the market, giving you 5 hours in which to spend doing what you like. Included in the cruise is semi-submersible tripcruises, an underwater observatory, all snorkelling equipment included and offer scenic helipcopter flights and diving (not included in price).
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $169, Child (4-14yrs) – $84, Family (2A & 2C) – $415. Introductory dive: $85 (additional).

Passions of Paradise is a fast catamaran that goes to the reef and Michaelmas Cay and is another inexpensive option. This company recently won the Cairns Tourism Award for Adventure Tourism. Traveling to two unique uncrowded destinations you can be sure of a personalized high quality experience.
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $149, Child (4-14yrs) – $87, Family (2A & 2C) – $405. Introductory or Certified dive: $70 (additional). These prices include $10 reef levy.

Pro Dive Cairns has boats running cruises non-stop to various places on the reef, catering to divers of all experience levels. They have 3 boats running 3D/2N liveaboard trips to the Outer Barrier reef, as well as expeditions from 3-7 days in various combinations visiting other famous GBR sites such as Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea. Great Barrier Reef 3D/2N (leaves every day except Tuesday) prices are $608 for certified divers / $506 snorkelling only. This includes all gear hire, accommodation and meals/drinks whilst on board. Dive courses are available from introductory diving to professional level training, and run in conjunction with the liveaboard tours, check the website for further information.

Reef Quest This is a live aboard vessel that can best be decribed an a floating 4 star hotel. she is incredebly comfortable. She moves around Norman, Saxon & Hastings Reefs; and visits three dive sites a day. There are transfers everyday to and from the boat daily so you can stay for as little as one night or as many as you fancy. A great boat for scuba divers and snorkelling .

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Pat, November 24th 2011 | Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Destinations