We have spent many years working on the Great Barrier Reef boats so know the options really well, so we can help you find the most suitable reef tour for YOU!
There are a few questions to ask yourself when considering a Cairns reef tour.
ISLAND AND PONTOON REEF OPTIONS
WHO ARE THESE IDEAL FOR?
- FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
- FAMILIES WITH ELDERLY FAMILY MEMBERS
- NON SWIMMERS
- THOSE THAT GET SEA SICK – AS THEY GET OFF THE BOAT WHEN THEY ARRIVE
- GROUPS WITH SWIMMERS AND NON SWIMMERS – AS THEY KEEP EVERYONE HAPPY
Are there any elderly family members or young children or NON SWIMMERS in your group? If so then an island or pontoon option would suit you well – as both are suitable for swimmers and non swimmers as there are glass bottom boats and / or semi submersiable boat tours enabling you to view the reef without getting wet. Young children are also not confined to a boat all day and will love to run around on the white beaches of an island option, or on the pontoon. One of our most popular tours is the green island and outer barrier reef pontoon tour – which combines 2 hours at greenisland in the morning and 3 hours out on the outer great barrier reef pontoon.
Activities available from the pontoon reef tours include:-
- GLASS BOTTOM BOAT reef viewing tour – you are sitting on the surface looking down at the reef through the glass bottom.
- SEMI SUBMERSIBLE reef viewing tour- where you sit under the water level (like a submarine)- providing fantastic views of the great barrier reef, coral formation and a coloural array of reef fish. Even better coral viewing than a glass bottom boat as you can see from different angles (to your left and right) – not just looking below (glass bottom boat).
- SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHTS – spectacular views from above the great barrier reef!
- UNDERWATER OBSERVATORIES – view the reef and marine life from the underwater observatory on the pontoon.
- SEAWALKER /OCEAN WALKER/HELMET DIVING – These are designed for those that want 1:1 encounters with the amazing marine life but dont want to get their face wet or can not swim. helmet diving can even be done wearing glasses! Great fun and easy to do!
- SCUBA DOO – This is similar to Seawalker as it is a form of helmet diving – however it more an underwater scooter that takes you under the water (with an instructor) between the coral. Lots of fun!
These pontoon boats are larger vessels – so ideal for those who do not travel well on boats – as bigger and more stable.
REEF BOATS
WHO ARE THESE REEF TOURS SUITABLE FOR?
- CONFIDENT SWIMMERS
- SNORKELLERS
- INTRO DIVERS
- CERTIFIED DIVERS
Can everyone swim and tread water? If everyone in your family can swim and tread water and feels comfortable being in deeper water (can’t stand up) then the Reef Boat options are perfect for you. These have less people on them – 80- 100 people and visit 2 or 3 outer great barrier reef locations in one day. You swim off the back of the boat and have a huge area of stunning reef to explore. These provide confident swimmers with the best possible opportunity to view the best reef locations with complete freedom and relaxation. Generally most of these boats do not have glass bottom boats or semi subs – they are designed for confident swimmers who want to see the best reefs and have 1:1 encounters with wonderful colourful marine life. Not an ideal option for those with small children or non swimmers as you are either on the boat all day or in the water. Floatation devices are available on most boats for those a little nervous.
Does anybody want to dive – intro or cert dive? Introductory diving is fun and easy and designed for complete beginners and a great way to see the reef! It is an option available on most reef tours min 12 years of age – no maximum age applies as long as you are fit and healthy and have no health conditions such as epilepsy, lung or heart conditions, asthma, pregnant, recent surgery or some medications.
