In the next few weeks we will arrive at Palm Cove, we would like to take advantage of diving /snorkling on the outer reef.
Can anyone suggest a diving company that does both. We prefer smaller groups of people. We have three days and will pack in as much as we can.
Much appreciated

Ellymay, all reef day trips, with the exception of Wavelength which is snorkellers only, cater to snorkellers and divers. Tusa Dive out of Cairns would be a good one for you, it takes only 28 people per vessel, picks up in Palm Cove and if you do three successive days it won't visit the same sites more than once. It has permits for 20 outer reef sites and picks the best of the day for weather and tides.

Forgot to mention - try to visit Reef Teach in Cairns, 6pm every evening except Sundays - Paddy Colwell will gives a very informative and amusing couple of hours for anyone interested in reef.

Hi Ellymay
you have two options, you can either go out from Cairns or Port Douglas. From Port Douglas, you have the Wavelength which caters only for snorkellers (takes you to the best snorkelling sites, 3 different ones during the day) and you have boats like the Poseidon, Calypso and Haba which take around 50 people to up to 3 sites to snorkel and dive. All offer Intro diving (no experience necessary) and certified diving with up to 3 dives. It doesn't really matter from where you go, you will enjoy the reef guaranteed.
Please remember that it is getting into the "winter" season in Australia. This CAN mean that you have stronger winds which can make the reef trip a little (more or less) rough. This might be an issue when choosing a boat. The smaller the boat the rougher the trip. If you are used to it - no problem, if not, you better choose a bigger boat. If you are planning to book in advance, please remember that the companies usually have a 24 hours cancellation policy (no refund).
Depending on how long you are staying in Palm Cove, you might want to wait until you get there, check the weather and then book with your hotel or with one of the tour booking agents. Even during the busy time, you can get on the boats, maybe not the next day, but 2 days ahead is no problem.
If you want to check out some dive operators, just go to
www.wonderfulaustralia.com/linkseng.html

Hope this will help. Enjoy your trip to the most wonderful place on Earth!!!!

Yes, many reef trips will charge 100% cancellation fee for a completely aborted booking within 24 hours and some will have have the hide to hit you with a 48 hour 100% cancellation fee even if the weather is dreadful. All will be happy to let you change the day, no cancellation fee at all. But you often don't know which day that could be. This is why it is not wise to pre-book a day reef trip or book through the many agents you'll find in town(s), who will sell you anything, they're only concerned with their commission - they don't have to face you you after a terrible reef day. Check with your accommodation, they can all book reef trips and any operator who cares about their guests will be watching the weather - fairly accurate 3-day out forecasts are easily available here. If they don't offer this service, give them a miss. A good accommodation house may not be able to put you on a perfect day, but at least they'll book you for the best day for what you have available. It won't cost you any more than booking direct.