Anyone familiar with Vagabond in Cairns

[karikiwi]

Hello-

My husband and I will be in Cairns for 5 days the beginning of September. This will be our first time diving the GBR so I'm sure whatever reef we go to will be better than anything we've dove in the states. I've read some excellent information here and would love to go out on one of the more northern liveaboards but they all go out longer than our time permits, so I have been looking for a one-night liveaboard. One that sounds good is the Vagabond (http://www.vagabond-dive.com/index.html. Is anyone familiar with this operation? Any thoughts?

Also, is early September a particular busy time? I'd really like to save money and book when we get there but if it's risky due standby rates being less available, then I'll book ahead. I see that there's a festival during that time as well.

A final question - we'd like to hire a car and drive up to Daintree and/or the tablelands for a day. If anyone has any particular warnings or tips about car rentals there, I'd love to hear them!

Thanks for your help!
Kari

 

[RTodd]

Hello-

My husband and I will be in Cairns for 5 days the beginning of September. This will be our first time diving the GBR so I'm sure whatever reef we go to will be better than anything we've dove in the states. I've read some excellent information here and would love to go out on one of the more northern liveaboards but they all go out longer than our time permits, so I have been looking for a one-night liveaboard. One that sounds good is the Vagabond (http://www.vagabond-dive.com/index.html. Is anyone familiar with this operation? Any thoughts?

Also, is early September a particular busy time? I'd really like to save money and book when we get there but if it's risky due standby rates being less available, then I'll book ahead. I see that there's a festival during that time as well.

A final question - we'd like to hire a car and drive up to Daintree and/or the tablelands for a day. If anyone has any particular warnings or tips about car rentals there, I'd love to hear them!

Thanks for your help!
Kari

Never heard of them but they are only going to the same reefs as the day boats, which is what all of the one night liveaboards do. The reefs in that area are not of a quality that I would recommend travelling to dive. They are okay but nothing compared to Osprey where the better longer duration liveaboards go.