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Local Connections: The Great Barrier Reef
Local Connections: The Great Barrier Reef

Local Connections: The Great Barrier Reef

4.2 out of 5 stars from 34 reviews
Location Cairns, Australia CNS-100
Location Cairns, Australia CNS-100
Location Cairns, Australia CNS-100
Location Cairns, Australia CNS-100
Duration time 7.5 hours

Moderate Activity

Includes meal; Includes snack

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

WHAT YOU VISIT
Great Barrier Reef
Board a high-speed catamaran and in just 90 minutes you will arrive at a mooring on the outer Great Barrier Reef. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reef is considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Local Connections Expert, Captain Wel Gamble, works closely with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in developing programs for its ongoing protection and preservation, and serves as lecturer to their Reef Guide educational program. Along the way, a presentation by a marine naturalist will prepare you for the exquisitely beautiful underwater world that lies ahead. Once the captain drops anchor, you'll don your snorkel equipment, jump into the water and witness the majestic panoramas of colourful tropical fish and intricate coral gardens.

The more adventurous may wish to try an introductory or certified scuba experience (at your own expense). As part of your memorable day, you can choose to participate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Eye on the Reef monitoring program. This is a chance to give back and help make a difference to the reef as you identify and record the varieties of sea life discovered during your day. This information is used in studies and is a valuable tool in helping the Marine Park continually monitor the reef environment at various locations.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
The many reefs and atolls that make up the reef are rich with coral, fish, mollusks, and visiting sharks, dolphins, and turtles.

LUNCH
Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch, served in air-conditioned comfort aboard the vessel.

WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Stretching over 1,200 miles up and down the Queensland coastline, the Great Barrier Reef is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between the outer edges of the reef and the mainland, there are more than 2,000 islands and almost 3,000 separate reefs. As the largest reef system on the planet, it's home to the world's biggest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusks.

Points of interest

Great Barrier Reef

Snorkel/Dive

Schedule

Special Notes

Swimming/snorkeling is undertaken in a deep-water environment from the back of a vessel, not from a sandy shore or pontoon. Access to the water is directly from the back of the vessel and instruction will be given to those who need assistance. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing; bring a towel, sunscreen and a hat. Please bring cash/card for drinks and purchases, you cannot charge back to your cabin. All swimming/ snorkel activities undertaken at own risk. Certain medical conditions including asthma, lung and heart conditions will prevent guests in participating in snorkeling. A 10-minute walk to and from the Reef Fleet Terminal is required.

Medical Restriction

Certain medical conditions including asthma, lung and heart conditions will prevent guests in participating in snorkelling.

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Location Cairns, Australia CNS-100
Location Cairns, Australia CNS-100
Duration time 7.5 hours

Moderate Activity

Includes meal; Includes snack

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

WHAT YOU VISIT
Great Barrier Reef
Board a high-speed catamaran and in just 90 minutes you will arrive at a mooring on the outer Great Barrier Reef. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reef is considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Local Connections Expert, Captain Wel Gamble, works closely with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in developing programs for its ongoing protection and preservation, and serves as lecturer to their Reef Guide educational program. Along the way, a presentation by a marine naturalist will prepare you for the exquisitely beautiful underwater world that lies ahead. Once the captain drops anchor, you'll don your snorkel equipment, jump into the water and witness the majestic panoramas of colourful tropical fish and intricate coral gardens.

The more adventurous may wish to try an introductory or certified scuba experience (at your own expense). As part of your memorable day, you can choose to participate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Eye on the Reef monitoring program. This is a chance to give back and help make a difference to the reef as you identify and record the varieties of sea life discovered during your day. This information is used in studies and is a valuable tool in helping the Marine Park continually monitor the reef environment at various locations.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
The many reefs and atolls that make up the reef are rich with coral, fish, mollusks, and visiting sharks, dolphins, and turtles.

LUNCH
Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch, served in air-conditioned comfort aboard the vessel.

WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Stretching over 1,200 miles up and down the Queensland coastline, the Great Barrier Reef is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between the outer edges of the reef and the mainland, there are more than 2,000 islands and almost 3,000 separate reefs. As the largest reef system on the planet, it's home to the world's biggest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusks.

Points of interest

Great Barrier Reef

Snorkel/Dive

Schedule

Special Notes

Swimming/snorkeling is undertaken in a deep-water environment from the back of a vessel, not from a sandy shore or pontoon. Access to the water is directly from the back of the vessel and instruction will be given to those who need assistance. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing; bring a towel, sunscreen and a hat. Please bring cash/card for drinks and purchases, you cannot charge back to your cabin. All swimming/ snorkel activities undertaken at own risk. Certain medical conditions including asthma, lung and heart conditions will prevent guests in participating in snorkeling. A 10-minute walk to and from the Reef Fleet Terminal is required.

Medical Restriction

Certain medical conditions including asthma, lung and heart conditions will prevent guests in participating in snorkelling.