Tag Archives: Australia

Learned To Scuba Dive Finally!

Posted on by Maria

After Airlie Beach Cairns must be one of the best destinations to have fun in Australia. It was so impressive I in fact went back three times in the space of my travels. The Great Barrier Reef from Cairns seemed to be just a bonus.

Cairns is where I completed my PADI Advanced Open water scuba diving training course. I achieved it with Deep Sea Divers Den for a 5 day liveaboard dive course which was certainly fantastic. I at first looked at scuba diving with a company called Reef Dive but these guys looked fairly expensive and I had heard a lot of positive things about their particular learn to dive courses. Additionally after a little bit more digging I found out they’d probably just about the finest scuba dive facilities .

Their particular boat has recently been totally rejuvinated and has all the most up-to-date gizmos installed. It has comfortable air-con cabins which accommodate 2-4 persons, has a big saloon, lounge and its own bar. Of course it even has a spa on the fore deck to sit in and chill out . The actual food was as could be expected and created in a rather well built galley, one of the best foods they prepared was steamed Barramundi . Yumm .

The boat is permanently based at the Great Barrier Reef but would shift every so often to different areas of the reef, which would either be carried out through the night if a long way or early in the morning if closeby . This was great as you’re able to dive a variety of reefs and also a truly unique diving experience . These guys had a fast transfer boat that takes you there and back which also enables you to add a further day if you desire.

I absolutely wouldn’t recommend anybody else to teach you to Learn to Dive in Cairns however, if you decide to look elsewhere please be cautious when selecting a dive course in Cairns as most dive schools make use of fixed platforms at sea which you stay on and commute by means of boat for the scuba diving, not quite the live onboard you expected!

Some Info About The Barrier Reef

Posted on by Maria

The Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world running from the northern point of the country to just north of Brisbane. It’s coral reefs stretch over 2000km along the countries coast.

The reef is home to well over 900 fish varieties, dolphins, turtles. An impressive amount of seabirds make their home in the area.

The coral which creates the reef itself is also a living creature, made up of 1000′s of tiny creatures. When it dies it turns white, and forms the basis for more coral growth. Different varieties of coral grow at different speeds, while some are quite fast to grow, some species take well over a hundred years to fully grow. The colours are not formed by the coral but by the growth of algae on it.

The reef lives in a tropical climate as it relies on warm nutrient rich water to survive. Salty water and lots of light is required to maintain the health of the coral.

With 100′s of 1000′s of square miles of reef it is a watersports mecca. Access through boat cruises are available from the towns all along the coast. Even if you don’t go in the ocean you can see the marvels of the reef through reef viewing tours.

The reef is world heritage listed and extensive areas are restricted from fishing and removing coral from the reef is prohibited to preserve it for generations to come.

The colourful and exciting capital of the far north, Cairns is alive with exciting activities. Located in the centre of some of the most scenically beautiful and ecologically important areas in the world, Cairns is the natural gateway to the natural riches of rainforest, tablelands, outback, and The Great Barrier Reef. The CBD itself has many attractions – great bargains, theatres, cinemas, museums, botanical gardens, a casino, and fine contemporary cuisine. Cairns is definately positioned as one of the countries top tourist destinations, being the centre for all the best water based activities. Cairns reef tours are definately the most popular for most tourists, however Cairns is fast becoming famous as the adventure sport capital of Queensland.

A Selection Of Cairns Reef Trips

Posted on by Maria

The Great Barrier Reef, best viewed from Cairns Australia is the planets largest living thing and home to an incredible variety of animal life. There are a large number of trip boats that leave from Cairns, depending on what you want to do.

Sunlover Cruises offers the shortest journey time, longest free time at the Great Barrier Reef. Once moored at their pontoon on Moore Reef, passengers have over 4.5 hours to snorkel, take glass-bottom boat and/or semi-sub cruises, enjoy a full hot and cold tropical lunch as well as afternoon tea on the journey back to Cairns. Full day tour$189/adult, $69/child or $424/family of 4.

Reef Experience is Cairns newest day trip, one all inclusive cost of $169.00 includes breakfast, lunch afternoon tea, fast catamaran to the Outer Barrier Reef, 2 pristine reef locations, 6 hours at the Outer Barrier Reef, passengers choice of guided snorkel, certified dive or introductory dive, city transfers, wetsuit, glass bottom boat, Marine Biologist Reef Presentation, Local Family Owned and Operated

Vagabond Dive ‘N Sail is a 65′ sailing yacht set up for diving, sailing and entertaining for a maximum of 11 guests sailing out of Cairns. The cruise is two days and one night which is spent aboard the boat out on the reef.

Reef Magic moors at a ponotoon on the Great reef with the lowest passenger numbers on the market, giving you 5 hours in which to spend doing whatever you want. Included in the trip is semi-submersible tours, an underwater observatory, all snorkelling equipment included and offer scenic helipcopter joyflights and diving (not included in price).
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $167, Child (4-14yrs) – $87, Family (2A & 2C) – $417. Introductory dive: $88 (additional).

Passions of Paradise is a sleek catamaran that goes to the reef and Michaelmas Cay and is another inexpensive option. This company recently won the Cairns Tourism Award for Adventure Tourism. Journeying to two unique uncrowded destinations you can be sure of a personalized high quality experience.
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $189, Child (4-14yrs) – $85, Family (2A & 2C) – $408. Introductory or Certified dive: $70 (additional). These prices include $10 reef levy.

Silverswift is an ultra modern purpose-designed dive and snorkel vessel. She goes to three reef sites every day at either Flynn, Milln, Thetford or Pellowe Reefs from Cairns. This trip caters for certified divers, introductory divers and snorkellers. Silverswift is the only dive vessel in the area that has a state-of-the-art ride control system for a smooth journey. Advanced Ecotourism Certified. (Sistership in Port Douglas is Silversonic)
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $182, Child (4-14yrs) – $160. With Introductory dive: $223

Ocean Quest This is a live aboard vessel that can best be decribed an a floating 4 star hotel. she is surprisingly spacious. She moves around Norman, Saxon & Hastings Reefs; and visits three sites a day. There are daily transfers to and from the vessel every day so that means you can stay for as little as one night or as many as you like. A perfect boat for both divers and snorkelling alike.

Australians Have A Funny Idea Of Humour

Posted on by Maria

People in Australia like to reassure visitors about the safety of the wildlife and landscape whilst at the exact same time warning of its deadliness. It comes out sounding funny, leaving you unsure whether you should be relaxed or worried for your life. Some Variations I have heard:

“Don’t worry while you’re snorkeling: reef sharks are pretty harmless. Unless you get between them and food”

“Don’t Worry There’s no sharks there………….the crocodiles finished them off”

“You’ll be OK if you stay inside the stinger net, apart from the Irukandji’s, they’re small enough to get through.

“Spiders? Ah, spiders won’t hurt you! They don’t even bite. Well, except for that one. But otherwise, don’t worry

“Hold this snake! It might bite, but it doesn’t look poisonous, so that’s okay.”

“No-ones ever been left behind while diving on the Great Barrier Reef, except that American couple, but they faked it.”

“Cairns is a safe city……………..just don’t walk alone at night.

“Kangaroos can’t hurt you. Well, unless they rear up. Then you’re pretty much dog food.”

Oh, and did you know that koalas, despite their looks, aren’t the most cute and cuddly creatures. They can in fact get pretty nasty, which is why it’s more difficult than you might think to find a place that will let you pick them up.

I will either leave Australia with a healthy respect for animals or with plenty of food for nightmares. Though seeing as how I have already gone swimming with reef sharks, stingrays and crocodiles, I think I’ll be okay. I even enjoy holding snakes, though I do insist on guarantees that it won’t bite me, even in a non-fatal way. Spiders are where I draw the line. I’m fairly certain my arachnophobia is permanent, and I’ve no plans to change in that respect.