Reef Adventures Private Charter - Half Day

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A fast boat, a snorkel guide and a patch of the outer Great Barrier Reef to yourselves: a 4 hour private snorkel charter from Cairns for 1 to 12 people, leaving at the time you pick, with up to 2 hours in the water.

Days

4 hours

Age

6 to 65 years

Group size

Private, 1 to 12 guests

Start / finish

Cairns Marlin Marina / Great Barrier Reef / Cairns Marlin Marina

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Private fast boat from Cairns Marlin Marina

Meals

Snacks, soft drinks and water

Route

Map of Reef Adventures Private Charter - Half Day

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Included experiences

Great Barrier Reef — up to 2 hours snorkelling with your own guide
Upolu Reef — shallow coral garden with clownfish and turtles
Breaking Patches — turtles, reef sharks and stingrays north of Michaelmas Cay

Reef Adventures Private Charter - Half Day

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BEFORE YOU SAIL: CAIRNS MARLIN MARINA

You choose the start time, so the day runs to your clock. Check in at the Reef Adventures office on Finger B at Cairns Marlin Marina half an hour before, meet your crew and get fitted for fins, mask and wetsuit, plus a stinger suit in season. The marina sits at the mouth of Trinity Inlet, the harbour Captain Cook sailed past in 1770 and named the bay outside after Trinity Sunday. With 1 to 12 of you on board and nobody else, the boat goes when you are ready.

THE RUN OUT TO THE REEF

The fast boat takes about an hour to reach the reef. On the way the brown coastal water turns turquoise as you pass Green Island, a coral cay 26 km from Cairns with a rainforest growing on it. Ahead lies the Great Barrier Reef, more than 2,300 km of reefs and islands, World Heritage listed since 1981. Reef Adventures moors at Upolu Reef or Breaking Patches, and the skipper picks on the morning for the wind and tide. Upolu sits about 30 km out, past Green Island, and its shallow coral gardens suit first-timers: clownfish in the anemones, sea stars, stingrays on the sand and green and hawksbill turtles. Breaking Patches, about 40 km out just north of Michaelmas Cay, is the spot for reef sharks, parrotfish and more turtles.

UP TO TWO HOURS IN THE WATER

Then the reef is yours for up to two hours. Your snorkel guide swims with your group alone, so beginners can hold a flotation ring and take it slowly, while stronger swimmers head for the coral edge. Look for the bright blue of giant clams, which can live for more than 100 years, and listen for the crunch of parrotfish biting coral; much of the white sand on a reef has passed through them. Snacks, soft drinks and water wait on board between swims.

BACK TO CAIRNS

When you're ready, it's the fast ride home with salt in your hair, about an hour back across the open water to the marina. Keep an eye out on the way for flying fish skimming off the bow. You step off at Cairns Marlin Marina about four hours after you left, with the afternoon still free.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Reef Adventures office on Finger B, Cairns Marlin Marina. Arrive 30 minutes before your departure to check in.
Departure time: You choose your departure time when you book; on some days the weather or tide can shift it.
Duration: 4 hours return, with up to 2 hours at the reef.
Minimum age: 6 years. Not suitable for guests over 65.
Fitness: Snorkelling in open water can be strenuous, so a moderate level of fitness is needed. Not suitable for non-swimmers, people with low mobility or low fitness, heart or lung conditions, back, neck or hip problems, recent surgery, heavy pregnancy, visual impairment, or those who get seasick easily.
Please note: Reef sites depend on weather and tide, and trips can be called off for unsafe weather. Everyone signs a waiver before departure. Hotel transfers are not included, so make your own way to the marina.

What to bring

Swimmers
Towel
Sunscreen
Hat
A card for anything you buy on board

What is included

Private use of the boat and crew
Snorkel guide
All snorkelling equipment
Wetsuits
Stinger suits (in season)
Snacks, soft drinks and water
Marine Park fees

Not included

Hotel transfers
Prescription masks (available to hire)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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.