We can basically divide all the Great Barrier Reef Cruises into 3 categories
- Island Cruises
- Dive and Snorkel Cruises
- Outer Reef Pontoons
Island Cruises
These cruises obviously visit an Island, either for the whole day or as part of the cruise. These are usually the best option for non-swimmers as they usually offer the most non-water activities such as island walks, beaches, glass bottom boat rides, semi submarine rides and animal attractions.
While they suit the non-swimmer all our island options will still offer snorkelling as an option. The snorkelling from an island is usually very easy and safe as you enter directly from the beach rather than directly into deeper water like a boat cruise. This allows first time snorkellers to learn how to use the snorkel equipment while standing in a depth they are happy with. Flotation aids such as life vests and pool noodles are usually available.
Many poor/non swimmers or 1st time snorkellers take advantage of an “Island and Pontoon” cruise to have a “practice” snorkel from the island before getting to the outer reef pontoon.
While Green & Fitzroy Islands are the most well know maybe check out the Franklands or Low Isles for a different island experience
Dive & Snorkel Cruises
These cruises don’t visit an Island or Pontoon, requiring all snorkelling to be done straight from the boat. Usually there will be a short swim across deeper water to get to the fish and coral. You don’t need to be an expert snorkeller or even a strong swimmer to take part – even non/poor swimmers can snorkel the reef using aids such as life vests and pool noodles to stay afloat. This does depend on how comfortable you are in the water.
Both Introductory and Certified scuba diving is available on most cruises. You don’t need any experience to have a go at an introductory scuba dive – just pass a short medical questionnaire.
While some of these style of cruises do offer options such as Glass Bottom Boats and Semi Submarines they are only a small part of the cruise and may not operate in certain wind/tide conditions.
Basically if you don’t intend to get in the water the other 2 types of cruise may be more suited.
Outer Reef Pontoons
Outer Reef Pontoons are man made structures permanently moored on the Outer Reef. Think of them as a small man made island.
While a great option for the non-swimmers they also offer loads of in water activities. We like to describe these as the “prefect compromise” reef cruise. They have something to suit everyone. A family of parents, grandparents, teenagers and younger children would all have something to do on these days, and everyone would have a different favourite activity.
The pontoon is your base for the day and has in water activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, helmet diving and even waterslides. Stay -dry activities include glass bottom boats, semi submarines, underwater viewing areas, touch tanks and fish feeding.
Many poor/non swimmers or 1st time snorkellers take advantage of an “Island and Pontoon” cruise to have a “practice” snorkel from the island before getting to the outer reef pontoon.
