Quicksilver Cruises Quicksilver Agincourt Reef Pontoon Tour (+ 1 Helmet Diving)

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A Great Barrier Reef cruise from Port Douglas to Quicksilver's activity platform at Agincourt Reef, a ribbon reef, including one OceanWalker helmet dive.

Days

Full day, about 7 hours

Age

12+ and at least 135 cm for the helmet dive

Group size

Large group

Start / finish

Port Douglas / Port Douglas

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

High-speed wave-piercing catamaran from Port Douglas

Meals

Morning and afternoon tea, and a tropical smorgasbord lunch

Route

Map of Quicksilver Cruises Quicksilver Agincourt Reef Pontoon Tour (+ 1 Helmet Diving)

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Included experiences

Agincourt Reef — OceanWalker helmet dive
Snorkelling from the activity platform
Semi-submersible — 30-minute coral viewing
Underwater observatory — fish and coral
Marine biologist reef presentation

Quicksilver Cruises Quicksilver Agincourt Reef Pontoon Tour (+ 1 Helmet Diving)

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: PORT DOUGLAS TO AGINCOURT REEF

Check in at the Quicksilver office at the Reef Marina in Port Douglas, a town founded in 1877 as the port for the Hodgkinson River goldfield. At 10am the Wavepiercer, a fast catamaran with air-conditioned lounges and open viewing decks, heads out for the 90 minute run to the outer reef, about 39 nautical miles offshore. On the way a marine biologist talks you through the reef and shows first-timers how to snorkel. Your destination is Agincourt Reef, one of the ribbon reefs: long, narrow walls of coral along the very edge of Australia's continental shelf, where the seabed falls away into the deep Coral Sea.

MIDDAY: ON THE PLATFORM

At about 11:30am you tie up at Quicksilver's activity platform, moored on the reef, with around three and a half hours ahead of you on the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed since 1981 and some 2,300 km long. Snorkel straight off the submerged platforms with the mask, snorkel and fins provided, while lifeguards keep watch. Prefer to stay dry? The 30 minute semi-submersible tour glides over the coral behind underwater windows, and the underwater observatory puts you eye to eye with the fish while the crew feed them. Lunch is a hot and cold tropical buffet, with morning and afternoon tea either side.

WALK ON THE REEF: OCEANWALKER HELMET DIVE

Your ticket includes an OceanWalker helmet dive, and you don't need to swim for it. After a 10 minute briefing you walk down ramp steps to an underwater platform, wearing a helmet fed with fresh air from the surface. You can keep your glasses on and your hair stays dry. At no more than 4.5 metres deep you stand among the reef fish and corals, with at most four walkers at a time and two dive instructors beside you. Coral trout and striped sergeant major fish are regular company. Walkers must be at least 12 and 135 cm tall, and you take home a souvenir certificate.

AFTERNOON: BACK TO PORT DOUGLAS

At about 3pm the Wavepiercer casts off for the run home. Find a seat on deck or in the cool of the lounge and watch the deep blue of the open water turn to green as the ranges behind the coast come into view. You're back at the marina in Port Douglas at around 4:30pm, with the evening free.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Quicksilver office, Reef Marina, 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas. Free parking at the marina.
Departure time: Check in at 9:15am; boarding from 9:30am, departing 10am.
Please note: Certain medical conditions, medications and height restrictions may stop some people taking part in in-water activities; tell the crew about any medical conditions. Diving can be strenuous. After diving, wait 12 hours before going to an altitude of 300 m or more (24 hours after multiple dives).

What to bring

Swimwear
Towel
Hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Camera or phone
Light jacket
Seasickness tablets (if needed)
Change of clothes
Wallet or card

What is included

Return Wavepiercer cruise from Port Douglas
Morning and afternoon tea
Reef presentation and snorkel demonstration by a marine biologist
Hot and cold tropical smorgasbord lunch
Snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins)
1 OceanWalker helmet diving experience
Qualified lifeguard supervision
Underwater observatory fish and coral viewing
30-minute semi-submersible tour

Not included

Fuel surcharge, collected at check-in: $10 adult, $5 child

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.