Outer Coral Reef Day Cruise

Summary

"Choose to dive, snorkel or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, just one metre underwater. Watch the fish feeding from the underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef. Whichever way you choose, you'll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder."

Itinerary

For your experience of a lifetime, we will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance: Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience first hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef.

Choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, just one metre underwater. Watch the fish feeding from unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef. Whichever way you choose, you'll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder.

Timetable

Snorkelling at Agincourt Reef

Snorkelling is one of the best ways to view the incredible underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. On your way out to Agincourt Reef you can view an instructional video on how to snorkel to teach you the right techniques.

Upon reaching the outer reef, you can obtain your snorkelling equipment from the storage containers on the platform. Easy access to the water is available from submerged platforms. Our friendly snorkelling safety officers can assist you with your snorkelling gear, and give you a few tips so that you can fully enjoy your experience.

If you would like to learn a little more about the Great Barrier Reef whilst snorkelling, you may like to try one of our optional Snorkelling Expeditions with a qualified Marine Biologist.

Semi Submersible Coral Viewing

If you would like to stay dry, then you can explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a sub. The semi submersibles cruise slowly through the colourful coral gardens giving passengers, seated just one metre underwater, the opportunity to experience a snorkellers-eye view of the marine life without getting wet.

The semi-sub experience takes approximately 25 minutes and includes an informed commentary on the marine life observed during the journey and an overview of the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Semi-subs depart every fifteen minutes from the rear of the platform. Anouncements are made to prompt you before departure.

Underwater Observatory

Watch the fish feeding from the unique viewing platform and underwater observatory located directly in front of the platform. From here, you can also view "first time" divers taking part in introductory dives. You can see the reef vibrate with the hues, stripes, and shimmerings of a myriad of fishes.

Butterfly fish, parrot fish, angel fish and elegant nudibranchs dance before your eyes and coral gardens beckon you to explore. Watch, entranced, as a clownfish snuggles into the embrace of a sea anemone.

Optional Activities

Choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, just one metre underwater. Watch the fish feeding from the unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef. Whichever way you choose, you'll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder. The following activities are OPTIONAL and not included in the Cruise fare:

Snorkelling Expedition

Whether you are an experienced snorkeller or a novice, our Marine Biologists will introduce you to a new and exciting world during guided snorkelling tours. You will be part of a small group, guided by our experienced marine biologists who can reveal so much more about the magnificent marine life of this fragile eco-system.

Introductory SCUBA Diving

If you've never dived before, and would like to experience the magic of SCUBA, join our introductory dive with a highly qualified dive instructor. The only requirement is you are over 12 years, pass the on-board medical questionnaire and participate in our 30 minute dive brief.

SCUBA Diving

Certified Diving Scuba diving right at the edge of Australia's continental shelf is simply spectacular. At these unique ribbon reefs, visibility is excellent and the variety of marine life is exceptional.

Ocean Walker

Helmet Diving Now as a non-swimmer, you can see the reef up close during a helmet "dive". Breathing fresh air delivered from the surface into your helmet, you will walk underwater on a reef platform - you can even wear your glasses if you wish! Ocean walker is suitable for anyone aged over 12 years and pass the on-board medical questionnaire. After a short briefing, you will be walking amongst the reef fish and corals.

Scenic Helicopter Flight

10 minute Reef Scenic Flight For an even more spectacular perspective of the jewel like ribbon reefs, a ten minute helicopter flight is available from platforms moored at Agincourt Reef.

Questions and Answers

What is the temperature of the water?
The warm waters of Tropical North Queensland range in temperature from 22-29 Celsius (75-85 Fahrenheit) and make for year round comfort for water activities. Summer 29 c 83f, Autumn 25c 76f, Winter 22c 72f, Spring 25c 76f.
As a guide, average water temperatures in our region are:

What is the weather doing?
As a guide, average air temperatures in the Cairns and Port Douglas region are:

What if the weather is really bad?
Providing we have availability you are welcome to change dates of your cruise. On very rare occasions cruise services can be subject to the effect of weather. Should a cruise not operate for any reason, you will be offered an alternative day or a refund authorised.

Do you ever cancel cruises?
Very rarely. However as we are located in a tropical region, we can experience the effects of a seasonal tropical cyclone and would therefore cancel our operation. This is not common.

General Questions

Can I change the date of my cruise?
Yes you are welcome to change your day of travel providing we have availability. There are no fees to change dates.

What's the best day or time to visit?
We operate year-round, everyday is a holiday! Generally you will find the warm air and water temperatures in the tropics (see our average temperatures charts) make for comfortable conditions year-round for water activities.

If you are visiting between the months of May to October, while certainly not guaranteed, there is the added bonus of potential whale sightings on the journey to and from the reef. Humpback whales regularly migrate from Antarctic waters every winter to the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef. They are most commonly sighted from June to September. The smaller Minke Whales can often be seen at Agincourt Reef from as early as April but from our experience, the most common sightings occur from June to July.

How far out is the Outer Barrier Reef (Agincourt Reef) and how long does it take to get there?
Agincourt Reef is 72km NE of Port Douglas. Travelling time aboard our state-of-the-art wavepiercer catamaran from Port Douglas to Agincourt Reef is 90 minutes.

What do I bring?
Bring along a towel, sunscreen, hat, swimwear and camera to capture your memories. Limited underwater digital cameras are available to hire onboard. A professional photographic service is also available for you to purchase photos of your day. For optional activities or onboard purchases like souvenirs or drinks from the bar, bring along your credit card or some cash.

Where do I wait for the coach pick-up?
Generally at the hotel reception unless otherwise advised by hotel staff or your travel agent

Do you supply towels?
We recommend you bring your own towel. We do have some towels for hire however we have limited stock and cannot guarantee availability.

Does lunch cater for vegetarians?
Yes our daily buffet lunch provides food options for vegetarians. Our meals are prepared daily by our Catering Department utilising local produce wherever possible. All menu options are labelled with ingredients lists. Please contact us directly if you have specific dietary needs.

Can I smoke at the reef or on the boat?
Due to government regulations and comfort of all passengers, smoking is not permitted on board any of our vessels. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas at the outer reef platform and island. Please ensure cigarette butts are disposed of responsibly in the receptacles provided.

Do you have facilities for wheelchair passengers?
We recommend our Outer Reef cruise as the most suitable for wheelchair passengers. At the Outer Barrier Reef (Agincourt Reef) there are ramp facilities from the vessel to the platform, and a wheelchair access toilet on the vessel. However access to the underwater observatory, snorkel platforms and our semi-submersible vessels is by stairs only. For guests confined to a wheelchair, our specially designed water powered lift allows for easy access into the snorkel pool. This is available only at our Agincourt 3 platform. Please make arrangements on booking.

Can we sit anywhere onboard the boat?
Yes, there is no reserved seating and you are free to sit where you prefer. It's up to your personal preference whether you would like to sit inside in the air-conditioned cabins, on the outside decks undercover or in the sun.

Will I get seasick?
Hopefully not. Our wavepiercer catamaran cruise to the Outer Reef provides the smoothest possible ride in all sea conditions. Where there is motion whether in a car, bus, plane or boat, some people will suffer from motion sickness. Motion sickness medication is available onboard for purchase. Ginger tablets are available as a natural alternative motion sickness medication on a complimentary basis. To be effective, motion sickness medications should be taken immediately on boarding prior to travel.

Do you have lockers onboard?
We do not have lockers however we do have safety bags which can be used for smaller items like wallets, passports, jewellery and small cameras. This is at no cost and can be accessed by checking with our bar staff.

Do you supply life jackets?
Life jackets are onboard for emergency use only. Flotation/buoyancy vests are supplied free of charge on the platform for your use if required.

Can I use credit cards on the boat?
Yes Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Bankcard, Diners and JCB are accepted

Are there toilets and change rooms on the boat or at the reef?
Yes, toilets are found at the rear of the boat. Fresh water showers and change rooms are found on the platform.

At the Reef

How big is the platform at Agincourt Reef?
With two levels at 47.5m in length and 23.4m wide, our reef activity platform is permanently moored in a sheltered lagoon at Agincourt Reef. It is the largest and most spacious platform on the Great Barrier Reef. An important point to consider when choosing your reef cruise is the comfort of your day. Together our large stable catamaran and platform provide the most passenger space of any reef cruise. In fact on an average day there will be more than two seats for every person onboard and if you're into space, about 8m2 per passenger!

Is there any shade on the platform?
At the outer reef activity platform, over two thirds of the platform is shaded. You can also sit inside the vessel's air-conditioned cabins throughout the day.

What facilities are on the platform?
Some of the facilities on the platform include undercover tables and seating, change rooms and freshwater showers, buffet servery, underwater observatory, semi-submersibles, snorkelling platforms, specially designed introductory dive areas and carpeted sundeck. The vessel alongside also provides air-conditioned comfort, a licenced bar as well as toilets and change room facilities.

Are there any stingers?
At certain times of the year, jellyfish, commonly called marine stingers, can affect the seas of Northern Australia. Most jellyfish are harmless to man, however certain varieties may cause a serious reaction. Incidents involving serious marine stings in this area are extremely rare. The vessels crew are conscious of the danger of marine stingers and will take appropriate steps to ensure your protection if they believe conditions are such that there is a possibility of encountering these creatures. Lycra suits are available to protect guests from the sun and to reduce the possibility of stings and irritations.

Do you have lycra suits and snorkelling gear for all passengers?
Yes. Our largest lycra suit is XXL and largest fin is size 13. Our smallest lycra suit is size 2. We have small snorkels and masks for toddlers, our smallest fins are size 1-3.

Do you have prescription masks?
Standard masks magnify objects underwater by 25%. However prescription masks are also available ranging from -4 to -7 in strength. Prescription masks are available at no extra charge. To obtain one of these masks, see our safety supervisors on the snorkelling platform.

Can I wear my glasses or contact lenses under my mask?
No. We do not recommend contact lenses are worn as water may get into the mask. Glasses cannot be worn under the masks however standard masks do magnify objects. For prescription masks, see the safety supervisors on the snorkelling platform.

Is there easy access to the water for snorkelling from the platform?
Yes, the snorkelling platforms are situated right on the waterline and there are bench seats on the snorkelling platform where you can put on your fins, mask and snorkel before entering the water.

What time does the boat leave for the Outer Reef (Agincourt Reef) and come back?
Wavepiercer boards at 9:30am for 10:00am departure from the Marina Mirage Port Douglas. The vessel returns to Port Douglas at 4:30pm.

How long are we at Agincourt Reef?
We spend 3½ hours at the reef.

How deep is the water at Agincourt Reef?
The maximum depth around the platform at Agincourt Reef is approximately 8-9 metres.

Are there any sharks at Agincourt Reef?
Yes, but they are harmless white tip reef sharks which only grow to a length of approximately 5 feet. If you are lucky to see one, don't be frightened as they are very timid.

What is the minimum age for Scuba Diving?
The minimum age for diving is 12 years. No experience is necessary for an Introductory scuba dive, however certain medical conditions or medications may preclude some people from diving. Please contact us directly if you require more information.

Travelling with Children

Can I take a pram on the boat / platform / island?
Our Wavepiercer catamarans and reef platforms are pram-friendly with ample room on the boat and ramped areas on the platform. We do not recommend prams on our Wavedancer Low Isles cruise however as the sailing catamaran has many stairs and narrow entries. The beach at Low Isles has quite soft sand and therefore not practical for prams.

Is it safe for babies / children?
Yes, infants and children are welcome however we recommend they are supervised and are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. We suggest buoyancy vests are worn and these are available free of charge. Noodles/flotation devices are also available. There are many activities for children and families to enjoy together at the Outer Reef and at Low Isles.

Do you have lycra suits and snorkelling gear for little kids?
Our smallest lycra suit is size 2. We have small snorkel & masks for toddlers, our smallest fins are size 1-3.

Are there any babysitting facilities if I want to dive with my husband?
We do not have babysitting facilities onboard. Our crew can help you schedule separate dive times to ensure your child is always supervised.

Further Information

What's Included

Return Wavepiercer Cruise from Port Douglas, Hot and Cold Tropical Smorgasbord Lunch, Morning and Afternoon Teas On-Board, Reef Presentation by Marine Biologist, All Snorkelling Equipment Provided, Qualified Snorkelling Safety Officers On-Hand, Underwater Observatory Fish and Coral Viewing, Coral Viewing by Semi-Submersible Vessels, Fish Feeding (Conducted by Crew) .

What to Bring

Your Camera or Video Camera, Swimming Costume and a Beach Towel, Hat, Sunscreen, Shirt for Sun Protection, Money for Drinks at the Bar, Credit Cards for Shopping and Optional Tours, Note: Underwater Cameras are Available for Purchase .

Reef Tax

A Government Environmental Management Charge of $5.50 is levied for all adults and children 4 years and over entering the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area., This additional charge is applicable for all outer reef cruises and is payable direct on the day of travel..