I am looking for some suggestions for live aboards for a 2-3 day/night stay around Dec 31-Jan 3. Either Whitsundy's or by Cairns OK. there are 2 adults (possible 3rd) and 2 kids (ages 12 and 8).The 12 year old has a PADI license and the 8 year old has tried "bubblemaker" but will likely snorkel. Looking for something "understated"..not a Quicksilver type experience..less than 15 passengers and not a 20-something beer-fest. No need for extreme luxury, but comforts like hot fresh water shower and diverse, interesting sealife!

Any recomendations??
Thanks,
Barbara

Hi Barbara,

This is a little further south than you specified but I used to go to this Island when I had a home at Bundaberg on the central Qld coast. Actually my house was in a town called Bargara and I over looked the ocean. Anyway the link is to Lady Elliot Island, check it out it might suit your needs:

http://www.ladyelliot.com.au/

Cheers

Paul_S

Sorry Barbara I just reread your post and I must be tired, I see that you want a boat experience. I think there are people on here that know the cairns region much better than I do now so I will leave it to them to advise you on this.

Cheers

Paul_S

Bchen - Tusa Dive's (out of Cairns) liveaboard, Spirit of Freedom is very comfortable and does a 3-day, 3 night trip to Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs near Lizard Island, north of Cairns.

Thanks guys for the info.
Paul, I have heard nothing but great things about Lady Elliot Island. Do you think there are any live aboards going from there? If not, do you think it is more low key with equally good marine life for day trips out?

Hi Barbara,

Lady Elliot is the only true coral cay island on the southern GBR. You do not have to take a boat out to the reef as you are on it.

Diving and snorkling direct from the island is amazing.

You could take a trip over to Lady Musgrave island which is also pretty awsome. You can camp on Lady Musgrave, however as it is a wildlife sanctuary the accommodation is camping only with bush toilets and bush showers.

I am not sure if there are any live aboards out of Lady Elliot Island, it is a low key family oriented island mostly for people who really want to commune with nature and experience the wonders of the southern GBR but still get the good accommodation facilities.

Cheers

Paul_S