GREAT BARRIER REEF EXPERIENCES

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on earth and is even visible from space! Thankfully, you don’t have to go that far to experience the breathtaking beauty of the coral, marine-life, endless blue sea and stunning blue skies.

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourselves underwater with a scuba diving experience, remain on the surface and snorkel or keep your feet completely dry on board a boat, there are many tourism operators to choose from. You don’t even have to be able to swim to enjoy an activity on the Great Barrier Reef! We have prepared our top picks.

• Quicksilver: Travel in comfort onboard Quicksilver’s Wavepiercing catamaran to Agincourt Reef from Port Douglas. The spacious, air-conditioned cabin also includes a licensed bar as you journey to the one of the floating platforms at the reef’s edge. Once you arrive, there is plenty to do including:
  • Scuba diving (introductory or certified diving)
  • Snorkelling tour with a marine biologist
  • Ocean Walker
  • The walk-in underwater observatory
  • Semi-submersible experience
  • Full buffet meal
  • Sundeck
  Coach transfers are available from the Shantara Resort.

• Sailaway: Sailaway is local, family owned business which takes guests out to the Low Isles approximately 8 nautical miles from Port Douglas onboard their luxury sailing catamaran. The beautiful marine park consists of a small coral cay, a large mangrove island, mudflats, seagrass beds and coral reefs.Catering is second to none from the second you board, to the journey home. Relax and enjoy freshly prepared lunch and afternoon tea or if you’re looking for something extra special, celebrate with a bottle of chilled champagne.
  With a maximum of 40 guests at any one time, Sailaway also offers private charters for those seeking a more intimate experience – there are even sunset sailing options.Private chauffeur transfers are also available.
• Calypso Reef Cruises: Calypso Reef Cruises offers full and half day tours to the outer reef and low isles. The full day experience includes snorkelling for those who wish to see the Great Barrier Reef from the water or for those who are seeking a more adventurous experience, you can upgrade to a introductory Scuba dive (no experience necessary).
  Certified diving options are also available. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is provided, as is all dive and snorkelling equipment.With so much to do and see in and around Port Douglas, those who have less time in our region, may prefer a half day tour in the morning or afternoon to the low isles.With a maximum of 23 guests, you can snorkel, dive or enjoy the reef on board the glass-bottom boat. Explore the island and return to the boat to enjoy muffins, fruit, tea and coffee.Private charters are also available.

THE WET TROPICS

At more than 80 million years old and over 9,000sq kms in size, the Wet Tropics is home to one of the oldest, continually surviving rainforests in the world.

Comprising of over 30 national parks including the Daintree and Kuranda, the bio-diversity of this unique environment is simply astonishing.

With so many ways to experience this ancient land, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities. We highly recommend a guided experience with one of the local tour providers, so you can gain more information and knowledge about this unique environment as well as getting a real feel for this special part of the world.

• Daintree Discovery Tours: Daintree Discovery Tours offers full or half day tours to the Daintree and Mossman Gorge.A full day experience begins in the morning with a trip to Mossman Gorge where you will be introduced the rainforest from the aerial walkway. Next, a short drive up to the Daintree river where you will board your boat and enjoy a cruise – if you’re lucky, you may even spot a crocodile!After the cruise, your discovery tour continues to at Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the reef. Enjoy a delicious lunch followed by a relaxing walk before a visit to the world-famous Daintree Ice-cream Company. Your adventure concludes with a trip to stunning Cassowary Falls where you can swim or feed the fish.The two half day experiences offer combinations of the above activities for those with less time.
• Tony’s Tropical Day Tours:Tony’s unique full day tour Daintree experience will certainly be one to remember. With three options to choose from, you can visit Bloomfield Falls, The Tablelands Crater Lakes and Waterfalls or Daintree Rainforest Cape Tribulation via Mossman Gorge which is the most popular tour.This small, award winning Advanced eco-accredited company includes many activities in small groups and luxury vehicles. With a reputation for excellence, Tony’s Tours deliver an inspiring experience which will leave you with a wealth of knowledge and an insight into the ancient rainforest surroundings. Lunch consists of a barbeque in the rainforest with dietary requirements also catered for.We can help you pick the tour which best suits your interests. Pick up from the Shantara Resort can also be arranged.

GREAT BARRIER REEF HELICOPTER EXPERIENCES

GBR Helicopters provides Cairns helicopter tours and scenic flights over a range of destinations in Far North Queensland. One of the most respected helicopter charter Cairns companies, GBR offers full and half day tour experiences to a reef pontoon, rainforest walk or sandy cay. Private charters are also available.

With five amazing experiences to choose from, the aerial vista provides the perfect vantage point for the keen photographer which will change your perspective forever. Enjoy the majesty of World Heritage Listed Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef in comfort departing from the helipad in Port Douglas.