GBR - Where to Snorkel AND Dive

[BobbieESOL]

Hi!
I'm coming to Cairns in October, and I'm looking for a place on the Great Barrier Reef where it's possible to both snorkel and dive without a lot of COT damage. And if it were not expensive, that would be great.

 

[slipslop]

most of the reefs i visited on the gbr were suitable for both diving and snorkeling. I have been to Cairns 5 times both as as a snorkeler and as a diver. i have even done 2 liveaboards as a snorkeller. (Pro dive and Down under dive) I have done most of the day trips out of cairns and only ever saw 1 crown of thorns starfish at oyster reef. I would avoid reefs like norman reef but only because there are too many dive boats going there and the reef is looking a bit worn out.

 

[BobbieESOL]

Has anyone gone on the Reef Encounter at the GBR?
I'm thinking of booking for October so suggestions are welcome.
Thanks!
Bobbie

 

[slipslop]

Has anyone gone on the Reef Encounter at the GBR?
I'm thinking of booking for October so suggestions are welcome.
Thanks!
Bobbie

october is a great time to go. i havent been on reef encounter but im sure you will love it. The best one i have been on is the 3 day 2 night PRO DIVE trip. I dived and snorkelled from that boat. the reefs (milln & flynn) were pristine. the boat was great and the food was excellent. Im sure you will enjoy whichever boat you choose to go on. www.divingcairns.com lists all the liveaboards from cairns/port douglas together with itineraries prices etc.

<:3)~

 

[Mark Goodchild]

I've just come back from the Coral Sea trip on the Spirit of Freedom liveaboard. This was a very nice trip to Osprey reef and the outer barrier reef. However this is not recommended for snorkelling. They do say though that the Cod Hold trip (3 days) is good for divers and snorkellers. I would definitely recommend attempting to get to the outer barrier reef. The inner reef may leave you a bit disappointed.

Don't know too much else about it but I know operations like Quicksilver out of Port Douglas offer day trips to the outer reef. I think Agincourt reef. That said this looks very mainstream diving and touristy. I'm sure someone else can put you straight on this....

If you are serious about seeing the better stuff. Go for a liveaboard.

I'll be posting a report soon.

 

[Andrew Jones]

Hi from Cairns.

Check out my site www.scubadive.com.au . go to Liveaboards and look at Reef encounter for 2 day / 1 night pricing for snorkel and dive.

Spa , sundeck and great boat. Also go to dive courses and look at reef encounter, there are more pictures of the vessel.

P.S Have lived here my whole life and have done every single trip many, many times.
What I do not understand is why people book there trip before they get here when wind plays such an important role in visability and diving.

P.P.S Norman Reef absolutely slaughters saxon, hastings,michaelmus for reefs of cairns. Has and Will always be the best early morning dive out of Cairns in the high traffic spot

Kind Regards
A.J

 

[BobbieESOL]

Hi Andrew
I appreciate your suggestions. Booking a date when you don't know what the weather is IS a risky business. Do you think if I waituntil I arrive in Cairns (October 14) I will be able to book the boat I want?
Here are a few questions about your boat"
Is your boat air conditioned?
What kind of dive equipment do you have?
I will be travelling with a friend. Do you have rooms with 2 beds (hopefully not bunk beds).
Thanks!
Bobbie

 

[Andrew Jones]

Hi Andrew
I appreciate your suggestions. Booking a date when you don't know what the weather is IS a risky business. Do you think if I waituntil I arrive in Cairns (October 14) I will be able to book the boat I want?
Here are a few questions about your boat"
Is your boat air conditioned?
What kind of dive equipment do you have?
I will be travelling with a friend. Do you have rooms with 2 beds (hopefully not bunk beds).
Thanks!
Bobbie

Good Morning Bobbie.

You can get the spots you want if you wait. We do it everyday for people who wait till arrival.

Secondly have a look at our site www.scubadive.com.au which lists just about all of the day, liveaboard and extended departing out of Cairns.

2 beds .... not a problem

Regards Andy.

P.S have just posted some new shots from my spirit trip in 2 knots and 70m vis on my profile. Go to photogallery and search on andrew jones.