One-Day Great Barrier Reef Sail and Dive Trip
Visiting Upolu Cay
Ocean Spirit Cruises |
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This trip is aboard Ocean Spirit II, an 82 foot Catamaran with a maximum of 100 divers. It is for 1 day, and allows 2 dives.
Departure Information
Departure is from Marlin Jetty, Cairns at 8:00 AM every day, return time 5:00 PM.
The Dive
This trip takes you out to visit up to two different sites on the Great Barrier Reef. The first visit is to Oyster Reef or Arlington Reef, the choice made to provide you the best conditions in the water, based on the day’s tides and weather. Here you can snorkel from the back of the vessel or take an introductory or certified dive. This stop is dependent on weather and tides, and while normally likely, is not guaranteed.
The second visit is to Upolu Cay.
 This U-shaped sandy cay offers great opportunities for certified divers and first-time snorkelers alike. The sheltered areas inside the cay offer calm conditions, and a shallow sandy bottom for first timers to familiarize themselves with their equipment before opting to visit more exposed areas. Snorkelers can also opt to take one or two introductory scuba dives, a great way to experience scuba diving.
Certified divers will be shuttled to the best dive sites that the tides and currents offer that day, using a smaller tender as a way of getting right on top of the dive site. Those not interested in getting wet can opt to take a walk on the cay, or to experience the reef up by taking a tour on the glass-bottomed boat. Typically this boat takes a mix of divers, snorkelers, and reef visitors out to the reef.
A great buffet lunch, including seafood, and live music with a glass of champagne on the way home top off a great day on the reef.
This combination of visitor activities and high comfort level, all at a very reasonable price, makes this a great option for groups and families with a mix of divers, snorkelers, and folks that just want to visit the reef, and might not enter the water.
For a detailed trip itinerary, click here.
The Boat
Ocean Spirit operates two luxury sailing catamarans. The Ocean Spirit II is used for their trips to Upolu Cay, Oyster Reef and Arlington Reef. A single-masted, 82-foot catamaran, it can take up to 100 visitors out to the reef in comfort and style. The boat, launched in 1998 is large and stable, kept in a spotless condition, and come with powerful engines to drive the boat when the wind gives out, or makes sailing difficult. Being a catamaran, there is a huge amount of sundeck and air-conditioned cabin space over and between the two hulls. A feature we liked was the steps built into the stern of the boat that allowed for an easy walk down into the water.
Trip Prices
Included
 Mask, Snorkel, Fins (with Snorkel price only)
1st Intro. Scuba dive (with Snorkel price only)
All dive gear (with Dive price only)
Glass bottom boat tour (with Snorkel price only)
Environmental management charge
Morning and afternoon tea and snacks
Live musical entertainment
Glass of champagne on the way home
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All prices are in
US Dollars. |
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12 Feb 08 -
onwards
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| Child under 4 |
Free |
| Children 4-14 |
$70 |
| Adults |
$103 |
| Adult, with 2 intro scub dives |
$145 |
| Ceritfied diver, one dive |
$154 |
| Ceritfied diver, two dives |
$242 |
| Extras: | |
| Beer, wine, soda, on sale at bar |
- | | Wetsuit |
$5 | | Transfers: Cairns/Northern Beaches per each |
$14 | | Underwater camera hire |
$28 | | 2nd Intro. Scuba dive |
$42 |
Children are between the ages of 4 and 15
About Ocean Spirit Cruises
Ocean Spirit Cruises has carved a niche offering one-day reasonably-priced luxury cruises to the reef. Established in 1995 by a local Cairns couple, in 1998 it was purchased by Macro Corporation, a public company, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. Ocean Spirit Cruises is an autonomously operated venture, operated by a Cairns-based management team.
Due to their success, Ocean Spirit is now launching their third boat, which will be used for a nightly dinner cruise up the calm and scenic Trinity Channel. Their fleet of large and beautiful catamarans make quite a site cruising in and out of the harbor. The company specializes in providing cruises to the reef with great food and a high standard of comfort.
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