Day Trips in Cairns

[BARdiver]

I'll be making a trip to Australia in November and plan on getting a day of diving in at Cairns. I'll have 3 non-divers with me, they will be snorkeling. I know a day trip is not the best but it's what I can fit in. So what’s the best one to fit these needs? May try to sneak a dive in Sydney also so info for there would also be nice. Thanks.

 

[almitywife]

where in Sydney will you be staying??? depending on that i can recommend something for you.

cheers

 

[BARdiver]

In Sydney we'll be staying at the Citigate Sebel on Albion St. Do you have any info on Cairns?

 

[almitywife]

heheh - my experience with Cairns is to 1, not stay at the Cairns Colonial and 2; get the hell out . sorry - im such a Sydney-sider!!! only go to Cairns when traveling Truk/Yap

When in Sydney i can recommend Abyss Diving http://www.abyss.com.au/

or Bondi Dive http://www.divebondi.com.au/bondi/ but they most prob will get you to dive Camp Cove.. a nice dive but you might want something a bit more... well more. Ask about diving the Catherdral at North Bondi but this is weather permitting.

if you want to head over to Manly by ferry - you can check out Dive Center Manly but would most prob only dive Shelly Beach, another nice dive

suggested dives to ask about; Kurnell at Sutherland Shire (aka: The Shire) for weddy sea dragons and Bare Island (La Peruse) for macro and fish.

i dont know when the grey nurse sharks are in but ask about Magic Point at Marubra (not far from La Paruse), its a boat dive.

hope these ideas help

 

[almitywife]

ok, had a bit of a think about Cairns

if it was us, for a day trip, i think you dont have much choice other than a cattle boat

i can suggest looking at something like Quicksilver; http://www.quicksilver-cruises.com/ as this would offer snorkling for your friends. otherwise, send them on a rainforest trip and you go diving

make sure your non diving buddies are aware of our deadlies down here... cone shells and jellys are not to be played with (and dont get me started on our snakes and spiders )

you could try my local forum www.diveoz.com.au for more info on what to do up there

but maybe some others here would have better ideas

cheers

 

[BARdiver]

Thanks for the info. I've looked at Quicksilver, I'm also thinking about Sun-Kist mostly because it's tied to a dive shop.

 

[krause218]

We stayed in Port Douglas last week (much nicer...and pricier) and rode out of the Compass Cruise day boat to get to our Reef Encounter liveaboard. We did do a daytrip from Port Douglas with Quicksilver and, based on what we experienced on Compass (overcrowding, old boat), Quicksilver was a much better bet.

 

[Tsalagi]

I did a trip on Ocean Spirit while in Cairns and had a great experience. They run large sailing catamarans which is kinda neat. They also had an awesome lunch spread.

Since I was there on business there were some who didn't dive and they did a good job of accomodating both divers and snorkelers. Nobody felt left out.

http://www.oceanspirit.com.au/

 

[RTodd]

i can suggest looking at something like Quicksilver; http://www.quicksilver-cruises.com/ as this would offer snorkling for your friends. otherwise, send them on a rainforest trip and you go diving

The snorekelling is really good. The diving is what is so lame. Best bet is to go out of Port Douglas to the Agincourt - Aristocat, Poseidon, Quicksilver SilverSonic. Out of Cairns itself Tusa is okay for diving but one of the Quicksilver boats might be better for snorkelers.

 

[tracy_from_oz]

Hi

If i was you i would go with quick silver.

Between the great food and service, the mini sub, the snorkelling and the snorkelling with a marine biologist, its a great day. It is the one i use when i take the family and non divers to the reef for the day.
The boats are large and comfy.
When you book they will ask for coach or boat from Cairns and return. I always get the boat each way, its much better than the coach to Port douglas where quickie 5 and 8 as well as wave dancer depart from.

tracy