Hi - My husband and I will be in Port Douglas in a few weeks. Can anyone suggest cruises to snorkel the reef that won't take too many hours of traveling (my husband gets seasick!), aren't too touristy, and are led by naturalists? Any restaurant suggestions would be appreciated, too. Thanks.

G'day Liz<BR>PD is very close to the reefs and as most of the boats are cats and the water is smooth you will not have a problem, or rather your husband shouldn't have a problem with seasickness. However go to a Chemist here and buy Kwells, they are very cheap and very effective and will make sure that he can travel without a problem. <BR>I don't know what is available but if you do a search of this site for PD, reef cruises, etc you will get lots of answers. Also search the web for Web Wombat and then search that for cruises and reef tours. Come back to us if you have no joy. <BR>Good luck<BR><BR>

There are many dive companies - if you do a search you will find them. quicksilver has very large boats to the outer reef with many people. haba dive is smaller - they will give you seasick pills on board if you need them. Cannot think of any other names at this time.

I tried the Quicksilver line out of Port Douglas three weeks ago, it was a great day out. It is a days cruise to he outer Barrier reef, they have snorkeling and diving. It cost Aus$ 160 per person incuding lunch. They have other cruises to closer reefs. Have a great time.

Liz<BR>If you're in the States - contact your doctor and ask for some patch that you attach behind the ear. I believe its transdermal scop. But you place this behind your ear on the scalp the night before and it works wonderfully. You can also take Green Island Cruises on half day trips out to Green Island to snorkel. At your hotel desk - they set it all up - 1/2 day was about $55 AU. Have a great time!!!!

Thanks everyone! I followed all your suggestions and collected lots of information. This forum has been fantastic in general in planning my upcoming NZ/OZ trip - I've printed out pages of messages to take along, already booked the Australian Natural History Safari because of the enthusiastic recommendations. I can't wait(leaving Thursday)!

Liz...<BR><BR>I really enjoyed the Quicksmart (A Quicksilver company boat, but much smaller). Poseidon was good as well. Haba was recommended when I was out there, but I didn't take it. Have you husband take some of the suggested seasick remedies...the best part of the reef is out a ways, and it would be a shame to miss out. Hopefully the waters will be calm for you...or maybe a bigger boat like the Quicksilver would help (but it seems as touristy as it gets!).<BR><BR>I really enjoyed the Australian Natural History Safari. David may actually remember me (he apparently doesn't get many young, 28 year old, crazy Korean chicks). Tell him Mina said hello. <BR><BR>Enjoy your vacation...

Thanks, Mina, I'll try to remember to tell him. One more question: should I reserve a cruise before we go, or can I wait until I get to PD (will be there mid-April)?

Liz...just call/e-mail ahead and see if they think you should book in advance. They're pretty honest about it. If you're doing the quicksilver, that boat is pretty big...I doubt you'd have to book more than 24 hours in advance. I don't know how busy a time April is. I went in November, and didn't have to book more than a day in advance. <BR><BR>If possible, book when you get there. That way, you'll have some idea what the weather will be for the day of your excursion.

The problem with the patches you stick on is that they have a tendency to come off, especially if you are snorkling, and you don't know about it until you are sea-sick. It happened to me. I prefer to take a pill and know that I will be OK.

Hi there, just book your reef tour when you get to Port Douglas. I live here and worked in the tour industry for years. Bear in mind Quicksilver takes 400 people to the reef, is japanese owned and goes to one reef siite. if you dont plan to snorkel then they are your best bet. if you wish to snorkel, try Wavelength. www.waverlength-reef.com.au<BR>they only take 30 people to three reef sites in one day.<BR>They are the only boat with advanced eco accrediatation and have a marine biologisty on board which takes you for a guided snorkel tour and gives a very informative reef brief over lunch.<BR>I hope you enjoy Port Douglas..I love it!<BR>Also make sure you go to the Inlet seafood restaruant, they have groper feeding at 5 pm and u can get a bucket of fresh cooked prawns and a beer for $15AUD The view is magic.<BR>Cheers<BR>Email me if you want any more information.<BR>Caro<BR>Oh also, Sardis Restaurant is fantastic, and so is Salsa Bar and grill. Best to book all three. And if you go there. tell them Carolynne Sent you and you will get special treatment!<BR>