Calypso The Outer Barrier Reef – Full Day Cruise – Snorkel & Dive
from $309 AUD
Explore the outer Great Barrier Reef in style with Calypso from Port Douglas
About your day with Calypso Reef Cruises
Leave the crowds behind and set off on an unforgettable journey to the Outer Great Barrier Reef to snorkel and scuba dive with Calypso Reef Cruises, departing from the beautiful Port Douglas marina.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned diver, immerse yourself in the reef’s vibrant marine world with a guided introductory or certified scuba dive led by our expert PADI instructors. Dive into crystal-clear waters, glide past colourful coral gardens, and come face-to-face with the extraordinary marine life that makes this natural wonder world-famous.
Trip Overview
On a full-day cruise aboard a custom-designed vessel, you get to visit the outer Great Barrier Reef in luxury and style. Travel from Port Douglas to Agincourt or Opal Reef for scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities at three superb sites. You have the opportunity to complete up to 3 certified dives and try an introductory scuba dive for the first time. No experience required though medical conditions do apply to determine you are fit to participate in scuba diving activities.
Boarding commences at 8.20am
Departs 8.45am Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina
Returns 4.30pm
Highlights
- Experienced PADI dive instructors and dive masters
- Explore up to 3 outer reef sites
- Up to 3 dives daily
- Luxury large catamaran
- Latest dive equipment
- Intro & Certified Diving available
- Interpretive Reef Talk
- Small groups
- On board compressor
- Underwater photographers
What to Bring
- Swimmers, Towel, Sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses
- Change of clothes
- Cash or Credit card for any on-board purchases
Peak Season Dates
- 1st April – 26th April
- 22nd June – 11th October
- 21st December – 17th January 2025
Off-peak Season Dates
- 27th April – 21st June
- 12th October – 20th December
- 18th January – 31st March 2025
Inclusions
- Environmental Management Charge
- Three reef sites on either Agincourt or Opal Reefs
- Dedicated snorkelling vessel (subject to availability)
- Morning & afternoon tea, tropical buffet lunch
- Snorkel equipment incl. lycra suits, wetsuits, flotation devices & prescription masks
- Guided snorkel tour & interpretive reef talk
Optional Extras
- Introductory & Certified diving
- Transfers from Port Douglas, Cairns, Nothern Beaches and Silky Oaks
- Underwater camera hire & beverages
Full Itinerary
- 7:00am to 8:20am: Check in – Free parking is available if making your own way to Crystalbrook Marina Port Douglas. Transfers are available for a small fee, although have limited capacity from Port Douglas accommodation. Upon arrival, checkin directly at the Calypso vessel at 8:20am
- 8:20am to 8:45am: Boarding Commences – Arrive before 8:20am at the Crystalbrook Marina, Port Douglas. As the Calypso crew welcome you aboard you will be fitted out with your own snorkelling equipment before relaxing with light refreshments.
- 8.45am to 10:10am: Cruise Time – It is time to sit back and relax while we travel to our first site. If you are participating in a dive your dive guide will take this opportunity to brief you on your dive.
- 10:20am to 11:15am: First Snorkelling Site – Divers are briefed, enter water while snorkellers enjoy an informative talk on how to snorkel safely. After snorkelling/diving at the first site morning tea is served.
- 11:50am to 1:50pm: Second Snorkelling Site – We travel to our second breathtaking site (for diving and snorkelling) where a guided snorkelling tour is available before a tropical buffet lunch is served. After all that scrumptious food you can partake in a reef interpretive chat by one of our friendly crew.
- 1:50pm to 3:10pm: Third Snorkelling Site – A short trip to our final site for another snorkelling and diving opportunity before enjoying afternoon tea.
- 3:10pm to 4:30pm: Cruise Home – Returning at approximately 4:30pm.
- 4:30pm to 6:00pm: Transfers – Transfers back to your accommodation (if pre-booked)
FAQ
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.
Booking Conditions - If 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 Opal and Agincourt Reefs?
Opal Reef, a very sheltered reef system enables the delicate and colourful marine life to come out and play such as pipe fish, Christmas tree worms, turtles, lionfish, Wobbegongs, etc. Agincourt Reef is surrounded by deeper water with currents enticing schools of pelagic fish such as mackerel and trevally. The reef drops down into the deep water creating amazing walls of coral with a variety of interesting marine life. Our dedicated snorkelling vessel visits Opal Reef because its a shallow reef providing snorkellers with some of the best coral and variety of marine life found on the Great Barrier Reef off Port Douglas. Opal Reef is a highly protected reef system only allowing vessels with less than 100 passengers access. Opal Reef provides vessels with protection from stronger southeasterly winds. Agincourt Reef is a deeper reef system ideal for diving. Snorkellers are catered for as it provides spectacular views from the surface. Agincourt Reef provides little protection from ocean swells and currents which may result in our divers and snorkellers visiting Opal Reef where there is more protection. Calypso will ensure guests receive the best possible experience of the Great Barrier Reef.
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 reef?
Calypso takes approximately 90 minutes to travel to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Our vessels cruise at a very comfortable 18 – 20 knots while travelling to Opal Reef and approximately 22 knots when travelling to Agincourt Reef.
What do I need to bring? Do you supply towels?
Please bring along swimmers, towel, sunscreen, hat, sea sickness tablets (if required), sunglasses, a change of clothes (there are fresh water showers on board) and cash or credit card (VISA, MasterCard or EFTPOS) 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?
You are not alone if you suffer from sea sickness. All Calypso vessels are wide-bodied catamarans for stability and have 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 and take tablets 30mins before departure
I am pregnant, can I still go to the reef?
Yes, you can travel to the reef. 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. The lunch provided on board is a cold buffet which includes a selection of meats, salads, Mediterranean vegetables, breads and condiments. There is plenty of choice for pregnant women even without eating the cold meats. 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. Please call or email us 24 hours prior to your departure so we can have your preference prepared. Vegetarians have a great selection, just avoid the meat platters. All meats are supplied in separate containers. If in doubt please contact us on 07 4222 7465.
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