Can I cancel my tour or change my tour date?
Yes, you can cancel or amend your tour to a different date (subject to availability) if you notify us 24 hours or more prior to travel. If you need to cancel or change dates within 24 hours of travel a 100% cancellation fee applies Please note a ‘no show’ (where passengers do not turn up to the specified pick-up point or departure point without notification) automatically incurs a 100% cancellation fee.
What happens if the trip is cancelled
On very rare occasions, tours can be subject to the effect of weather or unforeseen circumstances. If a tour does not operate for any reason, passengers will be offered a full refund or an alternative day of travel.
What is the difference between Outer Reef and Low Isles?
Low Isles is a smaller area with roughly 55 acres of coral reef surrounding a picturesque coral cay and a mangrove island. Separated from the main reef system by the shipping channel, Low Isles is home to many giant green sea turtles, beautiful coral gardens and ample marine life.
Will I see a turtle? A shark? What will I see?
The Great Barrier Reef contains thousands of different species of marine life. We cannot guarantee what marine life you will see on your day of travel, however there will be many different species of fish, coral and molluscs. Giant green sea turtles are found around the Great Barrier Reef and are frequently sighted at Low Isles. Reef sharks are quite common and a wonderful sight to see.
How long does it take to get to the Low Isles?
Calypso takes approximately 30 minutes to travel to Low Isles
What do I need to bring? Do you supply towels?
Please bring along swimmers, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and credit card (VISA, MasterCard or EFTPOS, sorry no cash) for any on board purchases. We do not provide towels for guests, however please ask your accommodation provider who will supply beach towels for you.
What if it rains? Does the tour get cancelled?
Operating in the Wet Tropics, we expect rain mainly during the summer months. However, it can rain all year round. Rain doesn’t affect our day to day operations to the Great Barrier Reef. We do not cancel tours due to rain as it does not affect the quality of the reef.
What are stingers? When are they around?
Stingers are a generalised term for jellyfish. During the summer months (November through to May), marine stingers, Irukandjis and box jellyfish, are present in the waters off the coast of Tropical North Queensland. All Calypso vessels are equipped with lycra suits (free of charge) during these summer months. As well as a precaution, lycra suits have other benefits such as sun protection and also reducing the amount of sunscreen in the water.
Will I get seasick? Do you offer medication onboard?
Our smaller Calypso Low Isles boat is still a wide-bodied catamaran for stability and has the advantage of cutting through the waves instead of riding the swell. Vessels do encounter some form of movement no matter what the conditions so prevention is best. Two types of medication are offered on board our vessels. Ginger tablets are provided free of charge to passengers who prefer a natural option and are good for pregnant women. The other form of sea sickness medication is called Travacalm and costs $3 for 2 tablets. Please see the crew on board. If you know you suffer from sea sickness, its best to see a pharmacist prior to your trip to the reef.
I am pregnant, can I still go to the reef?
Yes, you can travel to the Low Isles. There is plenty to do such as Glass Bottom Boat or walks to Lighthouse if you wish to stay dry and relax. Snorkelling is low impact and a non strenuous activity great for pregnant women. Flotation devices are perfect for extra buoyancy and gentle kicking will provide enough propulsion for you to get around and explore the reef. Medicated sea sickness tablets cannot be taken but Ginger tablets are safe for pregnant women to take and are free onboard. If in doubt, see a pharmacist.
Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
Most dietary requirements can be catered for, such as: coeliac, vegans, lactose intolerance and other allergies for the morning or afternoon tea. Please let us know if you have an allergy 24 hours before your departure. If in doubt please contact us on 07 4222 7454.