Best Of Airlie Beach: The Great Barrier Reef Experience
Moderate Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Reef Pontoon
Located at Hardy Reef on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, Your pontoon is a two-story marine playground that offers everyone in the family a day of fun in the sun. A high speed catamaran cruises over the sparkling waters while an on-board marine biologist shares captivating information about the Great Barrier Reef, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once safely on the pontoon, you're free to explore on your own. Lounge on the sun deck, go for a swim or see the underwater world below without getting wet inside an underwater chamber. For an additional charge, you can enjoy a guided snorkel around the reef. Certified and introductory scuba dives are also available at an additional cost.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Hardy Reef is home to over 200 different types of fish, and 150 types of hard and soft coral. The bright colors of anemone, parrotfish and sometimes even turtles and reef sharks are sure to captivate. It's also common to see tusk fish, cuttlefish, morays, barracudas, unicorn fish, surgeonfish, angelfish, starfish, feather stars and much more.
LUNCH
A buffet lunch will be offered onboard the catamaran. On the menu is morning/afternoon tea served with cake, muffins, biscuits, fruit scones plus platters of cold meats, seafood, salads, breads and fruits.
SHOPPING
Shoppers will also enjoy browsing the pontoon's small gift shop for underwater cameras, sarongs and other souvenirs.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your back during the two-hour cruise through open waters that surround the beautiful Whitsunday Islands.
Points of interest
Great Barrier Reef - Outer Reef
Schedule
Special Notes
All guest wishing to snorkel must be fully able bodied with a medium level of fitness. Certain medical conditions including lung and heart conditions may prevent participation in snorkeling activities. Always snorkel with a buddy - Never snorkel alone
Credit cards and local currency are accepted for additional activities, wetsuit rental and purchases onboard the catamaran and pontoon. Towels are not provided therefore we suggest passengers bring their own.
The trip between the ship and pontoon is approximately 2 hours. Transit time varies in accordance to the position of the ship and weather conditions. Passengers prone to seasickness should take the necessary precautions; the passage over open water is sometimes rough.
The maximum age for introductory scuba tours is 55 years. 12 years is the minimum age for all scuba diving activities. There are certain medical conditions that may prevent participation and waivers will be required to be completed for optional activities. Certified divers must present their certification cards.
The box jellyfish and stingers season generally starts with the onset of the wet across the top of northern Australia, usually around October and lasts until April. Stinger suits are included.
Exceptional Value
Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.
Moderate Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Reef Pontoon
Located at Hardy Reef on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, Your pontoon is a two-story marine playground that offers everyone in the family a day of fun in the sun. A high speed catamaran cruises over the sparkling waters while an on-board marine biologist shares captivating information about the Great Barrier Reef, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once safely on the pontoon, you're free to explore on your own. Lounge on the sun deck, go for a swim or see the underwater world below without getting wet inside an underwater chamber. For an additional charge, you can enjoy a guided snorkel around the reef. Certified and introductory scuba dives are also available at an additional cost.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Hardy Reef is home to over 200 different types of fish, and 150 types of hard and soft coral. The bright colors of anemone, parrotfish and sometimes even turtles and reef sharks are sure to captivate. It's also common to see tusk fish, cuttlefish, morays, barracudas, unicorn fish, surgeonfish, angelfish, starfish, feather stars and much more.
LUNCH
A buffet lunch will be offered onboard the catamaran. On the menu is morning/afternoon tea served with cake, muffins, biscuits, fruit scones plus platters of cold meats, seafood, salads, breads and fruits.
SHOPPING
Shoppers will also enjoy browsing the pontoon's small gift shop for underwater cameras, sarongs and other souvenirs.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your back during the two-hour cruise through open waters that surround the beautiful Whitsunday Islands.
Points of interest
Great Barrier Reef - Outer Reef
Schedule
Special Notes
All guest wishing to snorkel must be fully able bodied with a medium level of fitness. Certain medical conditions including lung and heart conditions may prevent participation in snorkeling activities. Always snorkel with a buddy - Never snorkel alone
Credit cards and local currency are accepted for additional activities, wetsuit rental and purchases onboard the catamaran and pontoon. Towels are not provided therefore we suggest passengers bring their own.
The trip between the ship and pontoon is approximately 2 hours. Transit time varies in accordance to the position of the ship and weather conditions. Passengers prone to seasickness should take the necessary precautions; the passage over open water is sometimes rough.
The maximum age for introductory scuba tours is 55 years. 12 years is the minimum age for all scuba diving activities. There are certain medical conditions that may prevent participation and waivers will be required to be completed for optional activities. Certified divers must present their certification cards.
The box jellyfish and stingers season generally starts with the onset of the wet across the top of northern Australia, usually around October and lasts until April. Stinger suits are included.