One-Day Great Barrier Reef Trip
Compass Cruises |
|
This trip is aboard Reef Experience, an 84 foot Catamaran with a maximum of 120 divers and a Dive Staff of 8. It is for 1 day, and allows 2 dives.
Departure Information
Departure is from A Finger, Marlin Marina, Cairns, Cairns at 7:45 AM every day, return time 5:00 PM.
The Dive
This reef trip is one of the best ways you could spend the day out on the reef.
Because this boat, the Reef Experience, is so fast, you will be able to spend 6 hours on the Great Barrier Reef at two different dive reefs, Hastings Reef and Breaking Patches. Divers will be able to make 2 dives, and snorkelers will have ample time to explore these areas to their heart’s content, even try up to 2 introductory scuba dive. There is also a glass-bottomed boat ride with a marine biologist available at no cost.
We like the fact that this trip includes all sorts of great features. For the base price you get an introductory scuba dive or certified scuba dive, transfers to and from your Cairns lodging, a cooked breakfast prior to trip departure, even wine and cheese on your way home!
For an extra price you can purchase Compass Cruises Top Deck Service, a package of services and features that include gourmet food items, personal attendants and dive guides, and comfortable private spaces for your use to make for an even more special experience.
The Boat
Reef Expereince, launched in May 2008, is one of the nicest day boats operatng day trips out of Cairns, if not anywhere on the reef.
This 24-metre long boat can take up to 140 people out to the reef at both quickly and comfortably. Large enclosed areas and sundecks allow everyone to find a spot that's comfortable for the 60-minute ride out to the reef, which the boat can make up speeds near 30 knots.
We like the attention to detail and the guest experence that's evident in the desgn of this boat. From the outdoor grill that's used to serve up breakfast and lunch, to the wide and comfortable day-bed sylte seating on the sundeck, to the unique local artwork you find throughout the boat, all the way to the brand new dive gear on board, this boat is designed with providing guests with a great experience.
Entrances and exits for divers and snorkellers are easy; there is a set of large hydraulic dive decks that lower to allow all sorts of water level entry area.
Trip Prices
Included
 6 hours on the Great Barrier Reef
BBQ breakfast and smorgasboard lunch
All dive gear (with Dive price only)
Wetsuit
Wine and Cheese on the way home
Env. mangement charge and fuel levy (pay on board)
Morning and afternoon tea and snacks
Glass bottom boat tour (with Snorkel price only)
Snorkel briefing (with Snorkel price only)
Transfers to/from your Cairns lodging
Boomnetting
|
All prices are in
US Dollars. |
|
1 Jun 11 -
onwards
|
| Snorkeller, child under 11 |
$88 |
| Snorkeller, adult |
$170 |
| Snorkeller, with 1 intro. Scuba dive |
$170 |
| Certified diver, 1 dive |
$170 |
| Snorkeller, with 2 intro. Scuba dives |
$227 |
| Certified diver, 2 dives |
$227 |
| Top deck service, adult, snorkeller |
$273 |
| Top deck service, certified diver, 2 dives |
$330 |
| Family; 2 adults, 2 children |
$464 |
| Top deck service, family of 4 |
$877 |
| Extras: | |
| Guided certified dives per dive |
$10 |
Children are between the ages of 4 and 11
About Compass Cruises
Compass Cruises is a locally owned and operated company. The owners, John and Lyndell, seem to be everywhere; on the boat, in town and in the office overseeing the operations. The company has been in business since 1988. They operate two different dive boats, the Compass, which takes one day trips, and also servers as the shuttle, taking divers to and from their live aboard boat, the Reef Encounter, which stays for long periods out on the reef.
The company has a diverse set of offerings with options to suit folks and a wide range of budgets. Scuba divers and snorkellers seeking a luxurious live aboard experience can enjoy the top deck club cabins and services and even fly out to the boat on a helicopter. Budget travelers can enjoy a day trip on the reef at the lowest price around, and will find that Compass budget live aboard options are also a great value.
|
