Welcome to the Natural Wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef……..
There are plenty of options available to suit the needs of everybody. We will typically ask, “Who is travelling?”
The Pontoons accessible via Port Douglas and Cairns are great for families with Young Children, and those not overly comfortable with water. They afford an opportunity to see the Reef in a more relaxed environment via Semi-Submersibles, Glass Bottom Boats, Viewing Platforms, and snorkelling in a well patrolled perimeter. This doesn’t mean that Introductory or Certified Divers are not catered for also. These pontoons have enough interactive activities to keep the kids amused for the 4-5 Hours on the Reef (Depending on the operator).
Quicksilver has a pontoon at Agincourt Reef, located on the edge of the continental shelf. Great Adventures has a pontoon at Norman Reef and Sunlover Cruises has one at Moore Reef.
GBR Helocopters have landing platforms and can do Joy Flights providing a new aspect of the Reef, and also do transfers than can be packaged into the Reef Trip.
There are also boats under Sail that take vistors to either Michaelmas Cay out of Cairns or Low Isles out of Port Douglas. These are still a full day cruise however allow for strolling on a Coral Cay whilst still offering good snorkelling at depths to suit the comfort of the individual.
For the more serious snorkeller or Diver, smaller boats have access to numerous mooring sites around the Reef. The depths vary however ar typically 10-20mtrs. Coral and fish viweing from these sites can be fantastic, however the smaller boats are more at the mercy of the elements.
Finally if you only wanted to spend a Half-Day, your only option is Green Island. This experience is largely tide dependant, however can still offer the facilities of the Pontoons. Big Cat and Great Adventures both offer this trip, and there are Morning & Afternoon Departure times available.
So….When considering a Reef Trip please think about the needs of your party, the weather (particularly wind & swell), the size of the boat or number of passengers.
THE REEF
Travel in style on Quicksilvers Wavepiercer catamaran to Agincourt Reef on the edge of the continental shelf. Once at the platform, view the abundance of sea life whilst staying dry, using the underwater viewing platform or Semi-Submersible, or getting wet using complimentary snorkelling equipment.
For the more adventurous, try an Introductory Dive or an Ocean Walker experience. The ultimate way to see the reef though is from above and below. Quicksilver Helicopters can fly you to the reef, showcasing the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from above, before joining the boat at the pontoon for the underwater activities.
This is a “Family Friendly” experience as it caters for all ages and comfort levels with water, is well supervised and offers a diverse way to view the Reef. Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea are all supplied. Editor: “Quicksilver is a one stop shop way to see the reef. Families groups tend to have varied needs. The young ones have lots to do to keep them amused, the older ones can snorkel for hours and for those that just want to stay dry, the options are there to watch the fish have the room to relax whether on the boat or pontoon. Yes, it does deal with larger numbers, but the area is also much larger with more activities.”
Travel in style on Quicksilvers Wavepiercer catamaran to Agincourt Reef on the edge of the continental shelf. Once at the platform, view the abundance of sea life whilst staying dry, using the underwater viewing platform or Semi-Submersible, or getting wet using complimentary snorkelling equipment.
For the more adventurous, try an Introductory Dive or an Ocean Walker experience. The ultimate way to see the reef though is from above and below. Quicksilver Helicopters can fly you to the reef, showcasing the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from above, before joining the boat at the pontoon for the underwater activities.
This is a “Family Friendly” experience as it caters for all ages and comfort levels with water, is well supervised and offers a diverse way to view the Reef. Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea are all supplied. Editor: “Quicksilver is a one stop shop way to see the reef. Families groups tend to have varied needs. The young ones have lots to do to keep them amused, the older ones can snorkel for hours and for those that just want to stay dry, the options are there to watch the fish have the room to relax whether on the boat or pontoon. Yes, it does deal with larger numbers, but the area is also much larger with more activities.”
Travel in style on Quicksilvers Wavepiercer catamaran to Agincourt Reef on the edge of the continental shelf. Once at the platform, view the abundance of sea life whilst staying dry, using the underwater viewing platform or Semi-Submersible, or getting wet using complimentary snorkelling equipment.
For the more adventurous, try an Introductory Dive or an Ocean Walker experience. The ultimate way to see the reef though is from above and below. Quicksilver Helicopters can fly you to the reef, showcasing the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from above, before joining the boat at the pontoon for the underwater activities.
This is a “Family Friendly” experience as it caters for all ages and comfort levels with water, is well supervised and offers a diverse way to view the Reef. Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea are all supplied. Editor: “Quicksilver is a one stop shop way to see the reef. Families groups tend to have varied needs. The young ones have lots to do to keep them amused, the older ones can snorkel for hours and for those that just want to stay dry, the options are there to watch the fish have the room to relax whether on the boat or pontoon. Yes, it does deal with larger numbers, but the area is also much larger with more activities.”
Travel in style on Quicksilvers Wavepiercer catamaran to Agincourt Reef on the edge of the continental shelf. Once at the platform, view the abundance of sea life whilst staying dry, using the underwater viewing platform or Semi-Submersible, or getting wet using complimentary snorkelling equipment.
For the more adventurous, try an Introductory Dive or an Ocean Walker experience. The ultimate way to see the reef though is from above and below. Quicksilver Helicopters can fly you to the reef, showcasing the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from above, before joining the boat at the pontoon for the underwater activities.
This is a “Family Friendly” experience as it caters for all ages and comfort levels with water, is well supervised and offers a diverse way to view the Reef. Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea are all supplied. Editor: “Quicksilver is a one stop shop way to see the reef. Families groups tend to have varied needs. The young ones have lots to do to keep them amused, the older ones can snorkel for hours and for those that just want to stay dry, the options are there to watch the fish have the room to relax whether on the boat or pontoon. Yes, it does deal with larger numbers, but the area is also much larger with more activities.”
