If you had only two trips to take to the outer reef from the Cairns area, what spots on the reef do you think would be most likely to give an avid snorkeler the experience of a lifetime? I hear a lot about ribbon reefs and agincourt.

Thanks everyone! I love this forum!

Have you considered a liveaboard if you have two days? You could snorkel more, I think. Do a search here on this site for livaboards and you'll get a lot of food for thought. That said, we went out on the Quicksilver out of Port Douglas and had quite a nice snorkel, but not as long on the reef as we really wanted. I have read a lot of good stuff about Wavelength for snorkelers, but we went out in July and there were high waves and the Wavelength boat is really small and not enclosed (and I get seasick) so we were glad we went to a pontoon. Now there is a new pontoon that Pat W. gives two thumbs up to called Reef Magic, I believe. This one is out of Cairns and the Wavelength is out of Port Douglas. The absolute best snorkeling and a memory-of-a-lifetime experience is to take the day trip to Lizard Island with Greg of Daintree Air (www.daintreeair.com) Although it was low tide when we got there and so didn't get to go in the water as much as others have posted that they did, it was still the best snorkeling ever, if you can afford it. When are you going? Weather would play a part in your decision, I think.
Sally in Seattle

Sally,

Thank you so much for your advice. Actually, it's funny that you mention lizard, because I will be camping on Lizard in early June for nearly a week (hopefully Greg can get me out there). In your experience, do you think that the snorkeling on the outer reef is much better than that on Lizard? Thanks again!
-Russell

ttt

Well, I am no expert since we only went on the Quicksilver and the Lizard Island one day trip, but since others haven't chimed in here, I just want to say that the one time on Lizard was the highlight of our snorkeling career! Giant clams, reef fish right under your nose, etc. It was great--camping for a week will be awesome! We are currently booked on a liveaboard for a three night cruise on a dive boat, so will have more information for you after Oct. 2007. Too late for this trip for you, however! Sorry. Good luck on good weather and snorkeling on your trip!
Sally in Seattle