Cairns Barrier Reef (2 Days / 1 Nights - 5 Dives)

Trip highlights: turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity

Diving environment: beginner divers, very popular, wall diving

Dive sites and activities: Cairns Outer Barrier Reef: Flynn Reef, Milln Reef, Thetford Reef. 25 moorings to choose from.

Day 1
Meet the other guests and crew of your diving safari in the morning and then you will board the liveaboard in Cairns, ready to leave port bound for the outermost reefs. Along the way the dive staff conduct introductory and certified dive briefings, as well as a marine naturalist brief. There is plenty of time for guests to mingle, relax and get to know each other, before arriving at the reef around noon. The 1st dive will then take place, often at Flynn or Milln Reef. These sites have fabulous visibility and diverse marine life. Depths range from 1 to 30 metres, giving both snorkelers and divers a wide range of options, depending on their experience. There are extensive coral gardens with a huge amount of marine life. Expect to encounter turtles, reef sharks and schools of pelagic fish.
Lunch awaits once you are back onboard. Then the vessel moves to a new location for the 2nd dive, where large coral bommies sit alongside a reef wall, making diving and snorkelling truly spectacular. Dive to 18 metres or snorkel the shallow reef flats. Then a cheese platter is served while the guests rest from their in-water activities. Time for some relaxation and mingling with other guests if desired.
Meanwhile, the crew freshly prepares a simple but delicious dinner. Example dishes include curries, stir-fry, gnocchi, Mexican-style burritos, etc. After dinner, the divers are briefed for the night dive, which typically starts around 7 pm (after sunset). Once the night dive is over, it’s time for more relaxing, and perhaps a tea, hot chocolate or a glass of wine or beer from the on-board bar, along with some tall tales from the sea.

Day 2
Awake at dawn and watch the sun rise over the Coral Sea. Throw yourself into the warm tropical water if you need to wake yourself up! This is the perfect time to dive or snorkel as early morning is a fantastic time to see reef sharks, turtles, and cruising pelagic fish. Then breakfast is served (freshly brewed coffee and tea, selection of cereals served with milk or yogurt, toast with spreads (butter, jams, peanut butter and Nutella)) as the boat departs to its next location, often The Whale - a large coral bommie which stands in 24 metres of water with excellent surrounding coral gardens, perfect for diving and snorkelling. It is also a great dive to see more reef sharks. Then morning tea is served. After mid-morning, the boat travels to the final dive location, perhaps Thetford Reef. Coral-draped walls rise from 18 metres in a circular lagoon to ensure great diving and snorkelling. Lunch is served before departure from the reef. This might include a cold meat platter, bean and legume salad, leafy green salad with capsicum, tomato and olive oil, bread, etc.
Upon leaving anchorage the sails will be hoisted. It is common to have dolphins surf the bow wave and, during the winter months, see humpback whales breaching. On the journey home, it's time to relax and enjoy the company of your new friends. Finally, as you leave behind the wonders of the reef, guests are treated to a spectacular view as the boat approaches one of Australia’s most scenic harbours - mountains on the left and right rising high above the beautiful Cairns tropical city skyline.