Nestled along the stunning Coral Sea, the Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas offers a captivating day of exploration and discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a curious snorkeler, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive encounter with the world’s largest living ecosystem. From the moment you step aboard, the journey begins, leading you to the breathtaking underwater realms of the Great Barrier Reef. What awaits you beneath the surface is a captivating display of marine life and vibrant coral formations, each with its own remarkable story just waiting to be uncovered.
Key Points
- This full-day tour from Port Douglas offers snorkeling and diving excursions at the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
- The tour includes a buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and a guided interpretive reef talk.
- Certified divers can choose scuba diving options, while first-time snorkelers can participate in guided snorkel tours.
- The tour visits three different reef sites, showcasing diverse underwater landscapes and marine life.
- The tour departs and returns to a designated meeting point at 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas.
Overview of the Tour
This full-day Outer Great Barrier Reef snorkel or diving tour from Port Douglas offers visitors the chance to explore three excellent snorkel or dive sites, catering to all levels of experience.
Whether you’re a certified diver or a first-time snorkeler, the tour provides options to suit your preferences. Highlights include a guided snorkel tour, use of snorkel equipment, and an informative reef talk to enhance your understanding of the incredible Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.
With a professional local guide, lunch, and afternoon tea and coffee included, this tour provides a comprehensive and memorable way to experience the natural wonders of the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas.
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Inclusion Details
The tour includes a buffet lunch, afternoon tea and coffee, and a professional local guide to enhance the overall experience.
Guests will also receive:
- Guided snorkel tours with the use of snorkel equipment and an interpretive reef talk to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef.
- The Environmental Management Charge (AUD$7.00) from 1st July 2023, which is required for all visitors to the reef.
Options for scuba diving, including certified dives and introductory dives, for those with the appropriate experience and medical requirements.
These inclusions ensure a comprehensive and immersive day exploring the wonders of the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas.
Meeting Point and Departure
Guests meet at the designated meeting point of 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia, where they’ll board the vessel for the day’s activities.
The tour departs from this location and returns to the same point at the end of the excursion. The meeting point is conveniently situated in the heart of Port Douglas, making it easy for guests to find and access.
Once aboard, the crew will provide a safety briefing and introduction to the day’s itinerary, ensuring everyone is prepared for the exciting adventure ahead.
The return to the original meeting point at the end of the tour allows for a seamless start and finish to the Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise.
Snorkeling and Diving Options
After the safety briefing, guests can choose from a range of snorkeling and diving options to explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Certified divers can sign up for scuba diving excursions, while those new to diving can try an introductory dive.
Regardless of experience level, everyone has the opportunity to participate in guided snorkel tours at the second and third reef sites.
The tour offers three key snorkeling and diving highlights:
- Opal or Agincourt Reef, where guests can snorkel or dive at the first site.
- Guided snorkel tours at the second reef site.
- Guided snorkel tours at the third reef site.
This diverse range of activities ensures that guests of all skill levels can make the most of their Outer Great Barrier Reef adventure.
Reef Sites Visited
Calypso cruises to three exceptional reef sites along the Outer Great Barrier Reef, offering diverse underwater landscapes and marine life for guests to explore.
The first site, Opal Reef or Agincourt Reef, provides a vibrant array of soft and hard corals, along with an abundance of tropical fish.
The second and third sites feature guided snorkel tours, allowing guests to enjoy the colorful world beneath the waves.
Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-time explorer, these reef sites cater to all levels of experience, ensuring an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
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Interpretive Reef Talk
An interpretive talk about the Great Barrier Reef provides guests with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this natural wonder. During the cruise, an expert guide offers an insightful presentation that covers several key aspects of the reef ecosystem:
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The diverse marine life, including vibrant corals, schools of colorful fish, and even charismatic megafauna like sea turtles and reef sharks.
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The intricate balance and fragility of the reef system, and the importance of conservation efforts to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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The rich cultural significance of the Great Barrier Reef to the indigenous Australians, who’ve revered and relied on its resources for thousands of years.
This informative session helps guests develop a profound connection to the remarkable underwater world they’re about to explore.
Additional Information
Guests can confirm their booking at the time of reservation, with dietary requirements able to be accommodated.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and diving is subject to specific restrictions and medical requirements.
Plus, cancellation fees may apply, and the vessel has a maximum capacity of 85 travelers.
This full-day Outer Great Barrier Reef snorkel or diving tour from Port Douglas offers participants the chance to visit three excellent snorkel or dive sites. The experience includes a buffet lunch, afternoon tea and coffee, and a professional local guide who’ll provide an interpretive talk about the Great Barrier Reef.
Guests can choose between snorkeling or diving, catering to all levels of experience.
Booking and Cancellation
Bookings for this Outer Great Barrier Reef cruise can be confirmed at the time of reservation. Dietary requirements can be accommodated, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Specific restrictions and medical requirements apply for scuba diving participants. Cancellation fees may be incurred for changes or cancellations.
A maximum of 85 travelers can be accommodated on this tour.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.
Cancellation fees may apply, so it’s important to review the policy before making any changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is the Boat Journey to the Reef Sites?
The boat journey to the reef sites typically takes around 1.5-2 hours each way. The exact duration can vary depending on factors like weather and sea conditions. Guests should prepare for a relaxing but substantial boat ride to and from the snorkel/dive locations.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
There are no age restrictions for participants on this tour. The tour accommodates all experience levels, from beginners to advanced divers and snorkelers. Children are welcome to join the tour with parental supervision.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkel/Dive Equipment?
Participants can bring their own snorkel or dive equipment, but it’ll need to meet safety standards. The tour operator provides all necessary gear, so bringing your own is optional. They’ll ensure proper fit and functionality before the activities begin.
Is Seasickness Medication Provided on Board?
The tour operator does not provide seasickness medication on board. However, passengers can bring their own seasickness medication if needed. It’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before the tour if prone to seasickness.
Can I Extend My Time at the Reef Sites?
Unfortunately, guests cannot extend their time at the reef sites. The tour has a fixed itinerary and schedule that must be followed. However, the guided snorkel tours at the second and third sites are optional, allowing guests to spend more time exploring the reef as desired.
Recap
The Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas offers an immersive full-day experience for both snorkelers and divers.
With provided equipment, a buffet lunch, and an informative reef talk, this tour provides an enriching opportunity to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
Departing and returning to a designated meeting point, the cruise caters to both first-time and experienced reef enthusiasts, ensuring a comprehensive and memorable adventure.
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