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Cruise Whitsunday – Great Barrier Reef Pontoon

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• We are located in Airlie Beach
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Definitions: Infant (0-3), Child (4-14) – There are no Student discounted prices however Youth (15-17) may be entered in the Student section. Seniors ID card required at check-in.

STANDARD/HIGH SEASON: High season dates are applicable for Great Barrier Reef Adventure & Whitehaven Beach products. High Season Dates (inclusive) 29/3-26/4/2024, 14/9-13/10/2024, & 14/12-31/12/2024

Tour Details

This incredible full day experience lets you enjoy an outstanding range of interactive Great Barrier Reef Adventures. The day trip to the pontoon departs Airlie Beach every day, journeying past spectacular islands enroute to the outer Great Barrier Reef.  Once at the reef, board the incredible interactive pontoon and spend the day exploring the colourful underwater world of magnificent corals, colourful fish and marine life.

Reef Vessel Cruise Whitsundays operates a range of comfortable cruising vessels to the Great Barrier Reef. All of their vessels are high speed catamarans with spacious air conditioned lounges, large outer viewing decks, bars serving refreshments and comfortable seating.

Meals All this sea air makes you hungry! Throughout the day curb your hunger with morning and afternoon tea and a sumptuous buffet lunch including selections of meats, seafood, chicken, salads, rice dishes and tropical fruits. The menu is based on seasonality and the best produce available. Free tea and coffee is available and there is also an onboard bar serving a full range of alcoholic and soft drinks and a variety of snacks.

Departure & Return Location

Maritime Terminal, Port of Airlie

Departure Time

Departure 08:00 am, Check in 07:30 am

Price Includes

• All snorkelling gear provided
• An innovative and spacious reef pontoon
• Semi-submersible Guided Tour
• Underwater viewing chamber
• All you can eat buffet lunch
• Morning and afternoon tea
• Presentations by reef experts
• FREE wetsuit and stinger suit usage
• Sun deck for topping up your tan
• Whale watching from June to October

Optional Extras

• Guided snorkelling tours
• Introductory and certified diving
• Scenic helicopter flights (for purchase only on board)
• Full bar and snack foods available for purchase on board
• Return transfers from accommodation houses/resorts

What To Bring

• Swimming costume
• A beach bag including a towel, hat, sunscreen and shoes.
• A jacket during winter to protect you from wind and for warmth after snorkelling.
• Cameras in a waterproof container.
• Money/credit card for optional purchases such as bar and snack items, dives, massages or a helicopter flight
• A sense of humour is always welcome!

It's Tour Day If you have a pick up it is on it's way. If not, make your way to the Maritime Terminal

Check your ticket. Your pick location and time are on your ticket. Enjoy a leisurely drive through town as we pick up your fellow passengers. If you are making your own way, be at the Maritime Terminal at the Port of Airlie by 07:30 Please don’t be late.

Check In Let's get the paperwork out of the way

At the Maritime Terminal proceed to the Cruise Whitsundays counter to complete your check in. From here you will be introduced to your crew and escorted to your vessel.

Let's go! Your tour to the Great Barrier Reef has started

Cruise Whitsundays operates a range of comfortable cruising vessels to the Great Barrier Reef. All of the vessels are high speed catamarans with spacious air conditioned lounges, large outer viewing decks, bars serving refreshments and comfortable seating. Sit inside the air-conditioned cabin or on the open decks above as you cruise through the Whitsunday Islands stopping at Hamilton Island on you way to the Great Barrier Reef adventure.

It's Snorkel time The colourful coral, tropical fish and crystal clear waters are waiting for you

Once you have arrived at the Cruise Whitsundays pontoon the crew will give you a snorkelling safety briefing, fit you with your snorkelling gear then it’s into the warm waters (average yearly water temp 26c) to explore the coral and swim with the tropical fish and maybe a turtle. Cant swim well? No worries! Your crew will fit you out with either a buoyancy vest or other flotation device to enjoy snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t want to get wet? We’ve got you covered with the underwater observation deck on the pontoon or take a ride in the semi submersible as it floats past the magnificent coral and tropical fish.

Lunch and some relaxation? Back on board for lunch then laze on the pontoon

Being at the Hardy Reef pontoon for 4+ hours offers plenty of opportunities to not only enjoy the beautiful corals of the Great Barrier Reef and colourful tropical sea life but also some time to relax and take in the beautiful views of the reef. Help yourself to the delicious buffet lunch and relax under the sails of the pontoon. Enjoy your favourite drink from the bar while working on your tan. Want to see some more sea life and coral but don’t want to get wet? Why not jump on the semi submersible or visit the underwater viewing chamber.

Time to head back This is not just a ride back to Port, It's a tour of the Whitsunday Islands

Get into some dry clothes or just wrap yourself in a towel, settle down on board, grab your favourite drink or some afternoon tea and get ready for your ride around the Whitsunday Islands as you make your way back to Port. The views of the Islands are breathtaking. On arrival at the Port you will be escorted you to your bus to take you back to your accommodation if applicable or make your way back to your accommodation to look back on a great day out with Cruise Whitsundays at the Great Barrier Reef.

Related Tours

Cruise Whitsunday – Reef Sleep – 2 day,1night

All snorkelling equipment Buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea Underwater observatory Semi submersible guided tour 4 hours at Hardy Reef

Ocean Rafting Southern Lights

Visit Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Guided National Park walks Inner Fringing Reef snorkelling Whale Watching June – November Courtesy Bus transfers

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Whitsundays Locals

For Over 20 Years

Queenslands Best

Holiday Destination

Whitehaven Beach

07 49469664

[email protected]

Operator Website

www.exploregroup.com.au

Have Questions ? Contact The Tour Company Directly On the Details Above

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Airlie Beach Great Barrier Reef Tour

This Airlie Beach Great Barrier Reef Day Tour is proudly bought to you by the Explore Group. There is one thing everyone should do while on holiday in North Queensland, and that’s visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling is included in the price and you can purchase scuba dives onboard with the fully qualified dive instructors. 

Tour Highlights

• Visit the outer Great Barrier Reef 
• Snorkelling and equipment included
• Optional scuba dives available to purchase
• Lunch included
• Comfortable, fast vessel
• Minimum 3.5 hours on the ref
• Diving platform
• A small group of only 60 guests
• Toilets and showers onboard

Suitable Tour For You?

Tour departure.

Information For This Great Barrier Reef Tour From Airlie Beach

Guest and crew numbers – .

The tour takes 60 guests and 6+ crew

Locations Visited

Outer Great Barrier Reef, Bait Reef 

Included in the price

Snorkelling equipment, stinger suits, lunch, optional extras available .

Scuba Diving 

Experience a full-day Airlie Beach Great Barrier Reef adventure taking you to selected sites around Bait Reef.  Accessed by our custom catamaran, guests dive directly off the boats diving platform. 

Departing at 8.00am this full day tour will visit two snorkelling locations. Guided snorkelling tour plus in water assistance may be provided if required.

Also featuring lounge-style seating, air-conditioned interior, partially shaded deck and freshwater hot and cold showers onboard.A  buffet style lunch is provided on the vessel, plus morning and afternoon tea.

This Whitsundays Tour Features

Great barrier reef sight seeing tour from airlie beach .

Smaller groups to ensure a more personalised experience. 

Informative commentary en route.

Various sites. Visiting snorkelling sites around Bait Reef including Stepping Stones, Paradise Lagoon and Mantaray dropoff.

Detailed Specifications

• Need To Know
• Terms and Condtions Of Travel

Please note sailing times are subject to change   due to tides and other circumstances, please contact our office to confirm departure times.

Levies:   Prices include a reef levy of $6.50 per person. Due to fluctuations in world oil prices it may be necessary to charge a fuel levy. All prices include GST an Environmental Management Fee (EMC) of $3.50.

Schedule:   Diving available most days but please confirm days of operation when planning your trip (May differ in winter months).

Amenities:   There are toilets and showers onboard.

Capacity:  We operate with up to 60 guests to ensure plenty of room.

Weather:   At times the weather in the tropics can be unpredictable. We will provide up to date weather report before departure and discuss in detail with you the scheduled plan for the day.

Wind and visibility:  On occasions we can operate different destinations to provide the most enjoyable day possible. These options will be explained prior to departure.

  Explore Group Terms and Conditions:

• All tours are subject to weather conditions and a minimum number of passenger bookings
• Explore Group reserves the right to cancel or change all tours at any time and offer an alternative product or tour if we cannot operate the tour originally booked
• Explore Group takes no liability or responsibility for the illness, injury or death of any passenger on board the vessel or during a tour
• Explore Group takes no liability or responsibility for the loss of personal property on board the vessel or during a tour
• All passengers must comply with any instructions given by crew on the vessel or during a tour
• The company reserves the right to refuse to carry any passenger, luggage or goods without reason
• All passengers must only consume alcoholic beverages that have been purchased or supplied on board the vessel
• No liability is taken by the company for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused by the cancellation or change to any tour
• Explore Group takes no liability or responsibility for guests connecting travel arrangements to/from Hamilton Island on the day of their tour
• Age restrictions for each must be strictly adhered to. Explore Group reserve the right to refuse guests if they do not fit within the outlined age requirements

Explore Group Cancellation Policy:

• Bookings made within 24 hours of departure are confirmed
• Cancellations made more than 48 hours prior to departure will not incur a cancellation fee
• Cancellations made between 48 and 24 hours prior to departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee
• Cancellations on the day of tour or no shows will result in 100% charge
• In the event that Explore Group cancels the tour you will be offered a full refund or an alternate date of travel
• These conditions also apply for transferring tour dates

We recommend our passengers hold a comprehensive travel insurance policy in case of any unexpected changes in their travel plans that may incur a cancellation fee. 

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Explore: Great Barrier Reef Scuba Diving Tour From Airlie Beach

Departure Times

Departure Point: Shute Harbour, Airlie Beach

Pricing Options

Scuba dive amongst the Great Barrier Reef with this day trip to Bait Reef! 

• Spacious catamaran offering a comfortable ride from Airlie Beach to the Outer Reef
• Suitable for certified divers hoping to explore the reef
• Visit 2 stunning reef locations full of unique corals and marine life
• Explore the world-heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef
• Attentive and knowledgeable local staff and instructors

Experience the Great Barrier Reef like never before with this amazing full-day Explore tour to the Outer Reef from Airlie Beach ! Board the spacious, modern catamaran and cruise over to Bait Reef, one of the best places for scuba diving in the Whitsundays. You'll visit 2 world-class reef sites during your day tour with chances to scuba dive with stunning marine life and exotic, colourful corals. 

Highlights:

• Air-conditioned catamaran specialising in dive trips
• Plenty of comfortable seating areas
• Onboard showers
• High-quality scuba diving gear provided including stinger suits
• 5-star PADI rating
• All divers are personally guided by our experienced divemasters
• Minimum of 3.5 hours spent on Outer Reef with 2 different reef sites
• Visit unique dive sites including Stepping Stone, Paradise Lagoon and Mantaray drop-off
• Healthy buffet-style lunch 
• Morning and afternoon tea provided
• Professional team providing informative commentary about the nature and landscapes
• Smaller groups to ensure a more personalised and quality experience 

This tour is for scuba divers only. If you prefer to snorkel, you can book the Explore: Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour From Airlie Beach . 

Please note:  Transfers to Shute Harbour are not included within the ticket price, and guests are required to make their own way to Shute Harbour Ferry Terminal for 6:35am. 

Sample Itinerary

Depart Airlie Beach

Departing from Shute Harbour 6:45am, you'll get to admire the tropical island views of the Whitsundays on your way to the Outer Reef. Scuba diving tours with Explore depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There is plenty of space to lounge on this spacious and stable two-level vessel. Air conditioning, showers, and a friendly crew will make your journey more ...

Departing from Shute Harbour 6:45am, you'll get to admire the tropical island views of the Whitsundays on your way to the Outer Reef. Scuba diving tours with Explore depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There is plenty of space to lounge on this spacious and stable two-level vessel. Air conditioning, showers, and a friendly crew will make your journey more enjoyable. Morning tea, buffet lunch, and afternoon tea will be served throughout the day. 

Bait Reef is the closest Outer Reef location to the Whitsunday Islands. Here you'll spend at least 3.5 hours on the reef where you can get up close to marine life and fascinating coral gardens. You will visit two different dive sites, having ample time to check out multiple sections of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Certified diving

Certified divers can also join this Great Barrier Reef tour! Divers need to have dived within the last 12 months prior to this tour, and they must show their certification card or log book at the time of booking. If you're a certified diver, you can have a bit more freedom to cruise around the reef sites. An experienced divemaster will guide you to the best locations and make sure you are staying safe!

More Information

What to bring.

Please bring a small day bag with:

• Change of clothes
• Money for onboard purchases

What's Included

• Full day tour to Outer Reef
• Buffet lunch
• Morning and afternoon tea 
• Certified Divers - 2 dives
• On board toilets and showers
• Two reef site visits
• Quality scuba diving gear
• All divers are personally guided by our experienced divemasters or instructors
• Price per person includes GST and ...
• Price per person includes GST and $6.50 Reef Levy

What's Extra

• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks & snacks.
• PADI ReActivate Programme or refresher course (if required)
• Second intro dive can be purchased for $59pp (at discretion of dive instructor)

Diving information:

As some of our locations at Bait Reef are advanced dives, if your last dive was more than 12 months prior (and depending total number of dives) we may require you to complete either a PADI ReActivate Programme or a refresher programme in the pool prior to diving. 

Your safety in the water is our primary concern. To ensure your comfort and safety diver will require a Divers Medical Certificate for certain medical conditions or if over the age of 45 years.

Please read the following questions carefully:

• Do you currently have an ear infection?
• Do you have a history of ear disease, hearing loss or problems with balance?
• Do you have a history of ear or sinus surgery?
• Are you currently suffering from a cold, congestion, sinusitis or bronchitis?
• Do you have a history of respiratory problems, severe attack of hayfever or allergies, or lung disease?
• Have you had a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or history of chest surgery?
• Do you have active asthma or history of asthma, emphysema or tuberculosis?
• Are you currently taking medication that carries a warning about any impairment of your physical or mental abilities?
• Do you have behavioural health problems or a nervous system disorder?
• Are you or could you be pregnant?
• Do you have a history of colostomy?
• Do you have a history of heart disease or heart attack, heart surgery or blood vessel surgery?
• Do you have a history of high blood pressure, angina, or take medication to control blood pressure?
• Are you over 45 and do you have a family history of heart attack or stroke?
• Do you have a history of bleeding or other blood disorders?
• Do you have a history of diabetes?
• Do you have a history of seizures, blackouts or fainting, convulsions or epilepsy or take medications to prevent them?
• Do you have a history of back, arm or leg problems following an injury, fracture or surgery?
• Do you have a history of fear of closed or open spaces or panic attacks (claustrophobia or agoraphobia)
• Are you over 45?

If any of these conditions apply to you, you will require a Divers Medical Certificate before you can scuba dive.

Please  click here  for a list of doctors who can provide this service.

Terms and Conditions

Important Information:

All dietary requirements must be advised at least 72 hours prior to departure.

All certified divers must produce their certification card or log book at the time of booking. 

Dives are only operated on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. 

Please note as this is a water-orientated vessel, guests must be able to swim to enter the water.

To ensure an enjoyable experience and maximum activity time on windy or inclement weather days, days, the operator may alter the Explore: Great Barrier Reef tour to the following: A full day cruise visiting up to three locations within the shelter of the Whitsunday Islands, which may include a stopover at Whitehaven Beach and up to two snorkel and dive locations situated in the northern section of the islands.

Your Responsibilities:

Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip. 

You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.

It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.

It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.

You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. 

Scuba Diving:

Please refer to the Explore Whitsundays for Diving Terms and Conditions - https://www.exploregroup.com.au/media/1412/dive-booking-termsplusconditions-online.pdf  

Prices/Extra Costs:

All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply. 

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.

We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.

Travel Risk/Insurance:

It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. 

The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies.

Merchant Fees:

Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.

Other: 

Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages. 

All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.

Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees. You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations

Client Cancellations:

Cancellations made more than 48 hours prior to departure will not incur a cancellation fee

Cancellations made between 48 and 24 hours prior to departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee

Cancellations on the day of tour or no shows will result in 100% charge

Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee. 

It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to [email protected]. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.

Supplier Cancellations:

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.

All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.

In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Sailing Whitsundays retail outlet located Airlie Beach, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Mr Travel online department.

All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.

Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.

You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.

Accountability/Misconduct:

All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators. 

Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.

Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.

Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel/Sailing Whitsundays. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.

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Booking For Explore: Great Barrier Reef Scuba Diving Tour From Airlie Beach

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Sailing Whitsundays acknowledges the Ngaro, Gia and Juru people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and seas in which we operate. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.

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• Destinations

Airlie Beach

The Great Barrier Reef

Adult from $349.99 Children (12 & under) from $209.99

• Lunch included!

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Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Ask us about availability and discounted prices, email us here.

Glass Bottom Boat Extras

Glass bottom boat additional trip information.

• $89 Per Adult
• $79 Per Child (2-14 years)
• Infant (0-2 years) Free of charge
• $269 Family (2 Adults & 2 Children)

Glass Bottom Boat What to Bring?

• Hats & Sunglasses

Here’s why you will love the Glass Bottom Boat Tour

This 70-minute glass bottom boat tour allows you to explore the best of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park without getting wet! Guests can get up close and personal with the beautiful fringing reef situated just outside of Airlie Beach.

Your friendly crew will provide informative commentary and insights throughout as you sit back and view the amazing underwater world right from your seat. For a chance to see a colourful array of coral species and a multiplicity of marine life this is a tour not to be missed!

Glass Bottom Boat Tour Plan

Please Note: This is a sample tour plan; your itinerary is based on the weather and tidal conditions experienced at the time of travel.

Glass Bottom Boat Inclusions

• 70-minute Underwater Adventure
• Courtesy Bus Transfers from Airlie Main Street (Base Backpackers)
• All Safety Equipment

AirlieBeach.com Terms and Conditions

“supplier” means any tour operator or other supplier of the services “you” means the guest booking and person named on this reservation booking “we”, “our” means The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre and A.J.LAURENT PTY LTD These terms and conditions apply to all bookings made through The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre. Placing a booking with The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre and paying a deposit constitute acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Booking Conditions

For bookings made more than 30 days prior to travel, a 25% deposit is due to secure your booking with the balance due 30 days prior to travel. For bookings made within 30 days of travel, the full payment is due immediately to secure your booking. If we do not receive your full payment within 30 days of your travel date and you do not contact us to cancel, your deposit is forfeited and your booking may be automatically cancelled by us, the supplier or both.

Prices are quoted in Australian dollars, inclusive of GST, and all payments must be made in Australian dollars. Your reservation will only be confirmed when funds have been received and are cleared. The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre is not responsible for delays in postal delivery, bank or payment system processing. It is your responsibility to ensure that payments are received within the times specified. If the deposit or final payment is not received by the due date, The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre has the right cancel the booking. If your final payment is not paid by the due date and in any event within 30 days of your departure, we have the right to cancel your booking and retain the deposit in full without any reimbursement to cover our costs and those of any supplier.

Cancellations and Amendments to Bookings

If you wish to cancel or amend any booking made you need to contact us in writing. You can only cancel or amend a confirmed booking by contacting us directly. If you do not contact us to cancel prior to your booking departure date, you may forfeit your deposit and further costs.

Cancellation Charges and Amendment Fees

Any cancellation or amendment made more than 30 days before travel will incur an administration fee of 25% of the total booking fee. All cancellations or amendments made within 30 days of your travel date departure will incur both an administration fee of 25% in addition to the individual supplier’s fees. Any changes requested to your booking, including but not limited to dates, are subject to availability and if they are not available, you may be required to cancel and agree to the cancellation terms. IMPORTANT NOTE: Some services and activities may not permit any refund for certain bookings. You should check with the individual supplier or The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre prior to paying for your booking to confirm any special non-refundable conditions.

Travel Insurance

We recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover your reservation, and valuable items (e.g. cameras). Your travel insurance policy should include coverage to protect against unforeseen and last-minute cancellations or medical conditions that may prevent travel and also to cover any medical emergencies during travel at minimum.

Supplier Tours and Services Changes

In the unlikely case of a vessel break down, maintenance or unavailability, the supplier will supply an alternate vessel of a similar standard and quality. Itineraries may be affected by elements beyond our and the supplier’s control such as wind, tide, rain, storm or other weather conditions which make travel dangerous and require a delay or cancellation. It is the skipper's requirement to ensure passenger safety at all times and may use his/her professional judgment in any manner to keep his/her guests and crew safe. In the instance of such delay or cancellation, alternative options will be provided by the supplier. In the event a cancellation or delay occurs and your tour or service is cancelled and rescheduled, you will receive a full refund if you are unable to rebook your tour or service.

You are using these services and taking any tours at your own risk. We are not responsible for any loss or damage, including direct, indirect or consequential loss you may suffer as a result of your reservation, booking or anything related to your tour or services provided by any supplier. You need to ensure you are medically sound, fit and physically able to use the services. We are not liable for the event that you are refused access to any services or tours due to your medical, physical or other reasons, including intoxication. Any such claims should be addressed to the suppliers directly. You should note that sailing can be a dangerous activity and while crews will make every effort to ensure your safety, they cannot be accountable for actions or injury to you that may be ‘beyond their control’. Every effort is make to ensure your safety and you may be required to complete a pre departure questionnaire, and sign a travel agreement waiver during the check-in process of your tour with the supplier directly. We are not affiliated with nor responsible for our suppliers in any way other than as intermediary to arrange their services on you and their behalf. If you have any issues, injury, suffer any loss or damage, you need to take it up with the supplier directly. If we are obligated to cancel your travel arrangements for any reason, the liability of will be limited to a refund of all monies paid by you.

Glass Bottom Boat Terms and Conditions

​Passengers must always adhere to the directions given by the Captain. Passengers agree to indemnify us against any and all claims arising from their participation in the ride, including any and all claims for injury, damage or loss. Clients should note that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of the clients which are beyond our control. A signed release will be required from all participants on departure. We recommend you take out travel insurance & assess your suitability to this activity prior to commencement.

Refund Policy

Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable. If Pioneer Adventures needs to cancel a ride due to inclement weather or for any other reason, rescheduling options (subject to availability) will be made available and in the event no options are available a refund will be issued. No refunds within 24 hours of departure unless the Operator cancels the activity due to waterway, or weather conditions, insufficient reservations and any other unforeseen event or circumstances. Otherwise, refunds are granted solely at the discretion of the Agent according to the Operator's cancellation policy. Where there is a‘no show’ without prior notification or cancellation in required time are not eligible for a refund. Refunds may only be obtained from the Booking Agent. Note no transaction fee is refundable.

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Snorkelling Tour Airlie Beach - Outer Reef Snorkelling Safari

Tour Code: 1115

Departing: Airlie Beach

Tour Highlights

• On board licensed bar - drinking only permitted once all in water activities completed... safety first
• Multi award  Australian owned and family operated business with 11 years of experience
• All snorkelling equipment included including lycra suit and wet suits during winter months
• Travel with an accredited Climate Action Leaders and don't leave a footprint
• The one off opportunity for snorkelling at multiple locations on the outer Great Barrier Reef at Sinker Reef near Hardy Reef.
• Small group tour maximum 40 guests

Description & Tour Inclusions

Included in price.

• 4 hours exploring the Outer Great Barrier Reef
• Experienced & knowledgeable Eco Tour Guides
• Relaxing rooftop area to enjoy the warmth and stunning views
• Morning & afternoon snacks
• Buffet style lunch freshly made locally
• All-inclusive of lycra suits, snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel & fins) and wet suits (winter months)
• On-board toilet
• Travel with accredited Climate Action Leaders
• Australia's only marine accredited Savannah Guide Enterprise
• Multi award winner Australian owned & family operated business for the past 11 years.

Enjoy a full day Outer Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour from Airlie Beach, includes 4 hours on multiple reef locations. All inclusive day to the Reef from Airlie Beach. Fully catered and all snorkelling equipment including lycra suits and wet suits during winter months provided

What a better way to spend your day than swimming and snorkelling in crystal clear waters at Sinker Reef which is the northern section of Hardy Reef, one of the most popular scuba diving and snorkelling spots on the outer Great Barrier Reef.

Enjoy the smoothest, most comfortable ride on a wavepiercer to the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach on a stable catamaran custom-built specifically for the Whitsundays ; perfect tour for those who may suffer from seasickness.

This is a small-group snorkelling eco-adventure with a maximum of 40 guests on board, so come along and join us on our safari adventure to discover the best snorkelling spots on the Great Barrier Reef in the Whitsundays.

Outer Reef Snorkelling Tour Highlights:-

• All-inclusive of lycra suit, snorkelling equipment, fins and wet suit (winter months)
• Ride through the iconic Whitsunday Islands on your way to the Great Barrier Reef.
• Snorkel Multiple sights at the stunning outer Great Barrier Reef
• Full-day tour 8:00 am – 4:00 pm which means more time to spend at iconic locations
• On-board licensed bar for cold drinks plus tea and coffee throughout the day
• Travel with accredited Climate Action Leaders and don’t leave a footprint
• On-board toilet for passenger comfort
• A local supplier with qualified chefs caters for lunch and snacks
• Stable catamaran custom-built specifically for the Whitsundays Perfect tour for those who may suffer from seasickness
• Australian-owned, and family-operated business for the past 11 years.
• We are the elite guiding experience and are proud to be Australia’s only marine-accredited Savannah Guide Enterprise.

Explore multiple Great Barrier Reef snorkelling locations during the day.

Our all inclusive full day Great Barrier Reef trip is fully catered; enjoy a delicious locally made lunch while taking in the sights and sounds of the natural world from the top deck.

Great trip for families who want to bond while reconnecting with nature, couples searching for a romantic escape, or small groups seeking adventure and fun. (not recommended for children under six years) 

This once-in-a-lifetime snorkelling tour experience will deliver unbeatable memories that will last a lifetime.

We depart from the award-winning Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach . Check in is at 7.30am and we depart at 8.00am

***Bonus*** - during winter, you can see Humpback Whales in their natural habitat.

See more snorkelling tours in the Whitsundays that depart from Airlie Beach  and Hamilton Island. 

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Sample Menu

Morning Tea

• Passionfruit and bush lemon cheesecake
• Bread rolls
• Sliced meats – 3 selections
• Tomato, cheese and cucumber
• Spiced chickpea, balsamic beetroot and persian feta salad
• Roasted tandoori pumpkin salad with wild rice, hummus and tomato jam
• Sweet corn, basil and goats cheese slice
• Charred bell pepper, cashew and parmesan risoni

Afternoon Tea

• Seasonal fruit skewers

Learn more about the best things to do and see on the Great Barrier Reef.

Tour Details

Tour languages offered.

Departs From

• Airlie Beach

Departure Time

Check in 7.30am, departs 8.00am, returns 4.00pm

Departure Instructions

Depart from Coral Sea Marina, North End, Meeting Point B

Destinations

Outer Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Monday - Thursday

This Tour doesn't operate on Christmas Day

8 hours approx.

Available for Purchase / Hire

Licensed bar on board

Fitness Level Required

Additional information.

• We reserve the right to alter snorkelling locations due to tidal location changes, safety concerns or weather conditions.
• Recommended for confident swimmers that have previously snorkelled.

What to Bring

• Pack a small soft bag.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel and a hat
• Practical clothing and footwear (warmer items during winter)
• Underwater camera
• Card for purchases, no cash
• Refillable water bottle
• A sense of fun and adventure!

Child Policy

• Minimum age 6
• This tour is not recommended for Children under six years old. However, children under 6 years old must be approved before departure, and there are limitations regarding their participation in water activities. Children under six years old need to supply their lifejackets.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be in writing.

We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.

In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.

Please see our   terms and conditions  for details prior to booking.

Operators policy:

• Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure will forfeit the full ticket price.

Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.

Child: au $209.00 Family: au $829.00

Choose Your Option

15 yrs & over

Ages of Children

(discounts may apply), 1300 231 118, +61 427 074 745, you may also like.

Snorkelling Mission Beach | Dunk Island & Secret Cassowary Islands

Join us on a one day snorkelling tour to discover the Great Barrier Reef's best kept secret islands on a day trip from Mission Beach and also visit Dunk Island.

Departing: Mission Beach

Pickup: Cairns, Mission Beach

Snorkelling Mission Beach | Beaver Reef & Dunk Island

Island exploration and snorkelling tour from Mission Beach. Visit two Great Barrier Reef locations in one day: Beaver Reef and Dunk Island.

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Half Day Sea Kayaking tour suitable for experienced paddlers and beginners. Daily trips from Airlie Beach Shute Harbour.

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Full Day Sail Around Magnetic Island | From Townsville or Magnetic Island | RAG

Full day sail around Magnetic Island. Visit locations only accessible by boat. Small & personalised trip with 10 guests maximum. Departs from Townsville or Magnetic Island.

Departing: Townsville city

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A World Heritage–listed wonder

The reef is a World Heritage–listed wonder, and an essential Australian travel experience – and the Whitsundays are right in the heart of it! Perfectly poised just off the central Queensland coast, access to the reef is easy here: step off the beach from your island resort and see what you can see or explore the mesmerising underwater world of the outer reef at our permanently moored pontoon – with snorkelling, scuba diving, heli-scenic flights and semi-submarine tours.

Great Barrier Reef Experiences

Great Barrier Reef Activities

Reefworld is our pontoon at The Great Barrier Reef, moored 39 nautical miles from mainland Australia. It provides a fun, interactive and safe way to explore the underwater world of Hardy Reef.

Our pontoon sits above colourful Hardy Reef, one of the many thousand small reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef. A coral wall, home to an ecosystem of magnificent corals and marine life runs adjacent to the pontoon. Hundreds of fish species at Hardy Reef will surprise and delight you – especially the giant groper.

Giving the reef that magical feel is an intricate garden of hard and soft coral thriving in sheltered lagoons. The bright colours and amusing antics of anemone, parrotfish and sometimes even turtles and reef sharks, captivate all. It is common to see tusk fish, cuttlefish, morays, barracudas, unicorn fish, surgeonfish, angelfish, starfish, feather stars and much more.

Where is Hardy Reef?

View on Google Maps

Hardy Reef is part of the Great Barrier Reef, off the Whitsundays coast of Australia.  The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres.

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This is the best time for a dive at the Great Barrier Reef

E ver wanted to visit the largest coral reef system in the world? Most experienced scuba divers will agree that the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most jaw-dropping places to dive on the planet.

But when should you visit?

Peak season gets crowded, but if you leave it too late, the weather starts to turn, and the visibility isn't great – not to mention the risk of box jellyfish!

If you're planning to visit Australia, this post will show you the best time to dive in the Great Barrier Reef and what you can expect on your trip.

If you're looking for world-class scuba diving without the crowds, you should check out the different diving sites in Tulum, Mexico . 

Best Time Of Year To Dive Great Barrier Reef

The best time to dive in the Great Barrier Reef is between June and October. This is peak season when the weather is warm, rain is uncommon, and the waters are calm and clear.

The downside is that diving tours fill up quickly, and there are a lot of crowds on the beaches and in local restaurants.

If you want to avoid the crowds, the low season is between November and May. However, there is a high chance of rain, the water visibility isn't as good, and deadly box jellyfish will be floating around – not great conditions for diving!

What To Expect When Scuba Diving in the Great Barrier Reef

The great thing about visiting the Great Barrier Reef is that you can take an intro diving tour without any experience. The crew onboard will give you all the gear you need and show you the basics of diving safely.

If you do decide to go on a scuba dive tour, an instructor will be with you the entire time to show you the route and keep you as safe as possible.

Most tours also have an underwater photographer to snap pictures of you and the wildlife while you're diving, so you won't have to worry about investing in an underwater camera.

If you're an experienced diver with a certification, you can also go diving without an instructor, but you'll need to have all your own gear and rent a boat to take you out.

Where to go Scuba Diving in Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is about 1,429 miles long , stretching across 133,000 square miles, so there are a lot of opportunities to go diving.

If you've never been before, here are some of the top dive sites you should consider visiting.

Agincourt Reef

This reef is on the northern end near Cairns. It's a great spot for beginners and has plenty of options for snorkeling and diving on the edge of the continental shelf.

At Agincourt Reef, you'll see tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the odd reef shark. This is also the spot where you can visit the Blue Wonder Wall, where the coral garden drops vertically for over 40 meters.

Most tours to Agincourt Reef depart from Port Douglas, but a few tours will pick you up directly from any Cairns accommodation.

SS Yongala Shipwreck

Travel about an hour south of Cairns, and you'll find Magnetic Island, home to the SS Yongala shipwreck that sank in 1911. This is Australia's largest and most intact shipwreck and is now protected by legislation.

The only way to visit the shipwreck is with a licensed operator, but it's well worth the trip. You'll get to see eagle rays, manta rays, turtles, and even sharks that live around the wreck.

Yongala Dive is the most well-known licensed operator that organizes tours to the shipwreck if you're interested in going.

Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsundays is a group of 74 mostly uninhabited tropical islands. You can take day cruises from Airlie Beach to take on this incredible scuba dive tour.

Manta ray and batfish call the waters around the islands home, but you'll also see underwater cliffs, submerged offshore reefs (bommies), and flat-topped coral pinnacles.

Museum of Underwater Art

Yes, the Great Barrier Reef has its very own underwater museum for divers to peruse. This is where you'll get to see the world-renowned Coral Greenhouse Structure, a 30-foot stainless steel structure that helps dissipate the underwater currents.

The Underwater Museum is just off the coast of Townsville in John Brewer Reef, and many local tour guides have trips out to the dive site. Although you can see the museum by snorkeling, you can't beat the experience of diving down to explore every beautiful detail.

Capricorn and Bunker Reefs

Toward the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, you'll get to meet whales, nesting turtles, and rare birds at the Capricorn and Bunker Reefs.

The water is shallow, so it's perfect for beginner divers, and it's teeming with marine life. If you're not up for diving, you can snorkel without a guide to see the tropical fish, turtles, and manta rays swimming nearby.

But diving near Lady Elliot Island and Lady Musgrave Island is the best place to see huge fish, coral canyons, and marine turtles that nest on land.

What You'll See When Scuba Diving In Great Barrier Reef

It's hard to picture the sheer amount of marine life surrounding the Great Barrier Reef. If you're a lover of ocean creatures, you won't be disappointed!

• Between June and July is the best time to see a dwarf minke whale gathering.
• Also, through the summer, you'll see beaked whales, sperm whales, and bottlenose dolphins.
• Grouper, cod, and beam fish are also common – and they get pretty big in this part of the world!
• If you love sharks, you might be lucky enough to spot a silky, silvertip, grey reef, or whitetip shark – all of which call the Reef home.

Tips For Scuba Diving In Great Barrier Reef

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a unique experience, so if this is your first trip, here are some helpful tips to make it a great one.

• Get your scuba diving certification before you go so you can take full advantage of all the trips on offer.
• When you choose a dive company, make sure they have permits for multiple scuba dive sites. There could be an issue with overcrowding at the one you planned on visiting, so you want to make sure they can switch to a different one if they need to.
• Cairns is the most popular area, so it's usually the most crowded. Some less popular (but equally incredible) places to visit are Townsville, Port Douglas, and Cape York.
• If you have family members who don't want to dive, many tour operators allow people to join you on the boat and go snorkeling at the dive sites.
• If you want to try out underwater photography, most of the bigger boats have cameras for rent for around 80 AUD.
• If you're an experienced diver, plan a multi-day trip. This gives you more time to explore, and you'll get to visit multiple sites.
• Never touch the coral – it's a living organism, and the oils and creams on human skin can kill it.
• Make sure your travel insurance covers scuba diving – not all policies cover water sports.
• If you're a non-swimmer who wants to try scuba diving, be honest about your abilities with your instructor. They'll have flotation devices to get you started.

Best Dive Shops in Great Barrier Reef

You'll find multiple dive shops in each area of the Great Barrier Reef, all offering different excursions. Here are a couple of the best ones if you're looking to book in advance.

Pro Dive Cairns 

This one covers the Cairns area and is known for trips exploring the most vibrant reefs. If you're an experienced diver, this is the team for you. However, non-divers and snorkelers are also welcome.

They have over 35 excursions on offer, including day trips from Cairns and Port Douglas, which are perfect for exploring as much of the Outer Great Barrier Reef as possible.

Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive

This dive shop is perfect for scuba divers of all levels (as well as snorkelers). They're based in Townsville and offer day trips to the Queensland coast and the Central Great Barrier Reef.

The sites visited range in depth from one to twenty meters, and they aim to help you spot as much marine life as possible on your reef experience.

Lady Musgrave Experience

This team is situated in Bundaberg and takes divers out on day trips aboard a high-speed catamaran. Once you're at the site, you'll get a full day of Great Barrier Reef diving in a protected coral lagoon that covers around 8km.

There's also a chance to sunbathe and relax on Lady Musgrave Island and go snorkeling around the shores. The Great Barrier Reef tour guides also offer a guided island walk where you can spot the turtles nesting during the hatching season.

Ready to Go Scuba Diving?

Most scuba divers will agree that Australia is one of the most incredible places to go diving in the world. And the best time of year to dive in the Great Barrier Reef is during the warmer months.

But if you're looking for a great place to go scuba diving a little closer to home, Florida is a great choice.

Check out our next post for the best time to go scuba diving in the Florida Keys .

This article originally appeared on The Roam Wild and was syndicated by MediaFeed.