Boat to the reef from Cairns or PD
 

My wife just left the USA to visit her home country, see relatives and to do some sightseeing with friends. They will be spending time between Ingham, Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Daintree. They plan to take a boat out to the reef for a day to do some snorkeling. Any suggestions for boats? They would prefer a smaller boat out of either Cairns or PD, not a big cat like Quicksilver.

Thanks! Ralph

Wavelength, a snorkel-only boat out of PD with a maximum of 30 passengers.

Or Sea Star, out of Cairns, also with a maximum of 30 passengers. www.seastarcruises.com.au

Wavelength (AU$190) is snorkelling only and goes to 3 reef sites, Sea Star(AU$165) is both snorkelling and diving and goes to Michaelmas Cay then on out to Hastings Reef, right now is offering a free introductory dive, usual cost is AU$75. This offer is proving popular, so would book a few days in advance.

Thanks Pat and longhorn!

Ralph

Hi!

Yes, easiest way to get to the reef is out of Cairns. Tell them to go to the smaller places in the reef to avoid the tourist crush. Don't go to the easiest, most obvious tour operators and get away from the main path - too many crowds makes it hard to see and enjoy the reef. Also, weather can be an issue, so have them watch weather forecasts to make sure seas are as calm as possible.

Best Regards,
Julia

Just talked to my wife, who's still in Australia. Based on the Fodors suggestions, she took Wavelength out to the reef with her friends. All she could do was rave about how fantastic the snorkeling was, how good the conditions were (great weather and calm seas) and how professional and knowledgeable the staff were on board.

Thanks everyone...

Ralph

I'm glad your wife had a great trip to the reef with Wavelength. We've gone out to the reef with a variety of companies, but we always go back to Wavelength. We've been out with them 5 times and it's always been good.

I tried both Seastar and Osprey out of Cairns last month.

Seastar was quite good. Provided stinger suits. I needed to book a couple of days in advance.

Osprey had a bit of a yobbo element (but cheaper - you gets what you pays for!)

Next time - I'll stay at PD for a bit and give Wavelength a go!

G'day Pat!