One-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip
Passions of Paradise |
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This trip is aboard Passions of Paradise II, an 80 foot Catamaran with a maximum of 70 divers and a Dive Staff of 6. It is for 1 day, and allows 2 dives.
Departure Information
Departure is from Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns at 8:00 AM every day, return time 5:00 PM.
The Dive
A trip on Passions of Paradise is a great mix of comfortable cruising, great diving and snorkelling, all with a friendly upbeat feel that is tradition with this company. The trip itself visits two dive sites. The first site is Paradise Reef, a small reef located on the outer, western edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The second destination is Michaelmas Cay, where the company holds one of the few rare permits which allow passengers access to the beach. This unspoilt paradise is recognised internationally as one of the most important bird nesting sanctuaries on the Great Barrier Reef. Host to over 20,000 sea birds, the cay combines brilliant white sand, warm shallow water and an abundance of marine life making it perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving, glass bottom boat tours or just relaxing on the beach.
The day includes a beautiful chef prepared hot and cold buffet lunch, all snorkelling equipment and the chance to sail on one of the fastest catamarans travelling to the Great Barrier Reef.
Passions of Paradise is an Advanced Ecotourism Certified operator, you can be assured that the crew are trained to the highest levels of customer service and are always happy to share their extensive knowledge and love of the area. Special help is given to nervous or first time snorkellers. An optional fully guided marine naturalist led glass bottom boat tour is available for those who don't want to get wet. And for families, the beach at Michaelmas Cay is the perfect place to practice snorkelling and swimming.
For those passengers who want to try diving, our Instructor led introductory diving is done safely in shallow water, teeming with fish. For Certified divers, we offer two dives at two different sites, which include swim-throughs, wall diving and remote diving from their custom-designed dive tender.
The Boat
Passions of Paradise II is a beautiful sleek sailing catamaran, custom designed for the sole purpose of providing comfortable day trips out to the reef from Cairns. Launched in 2004, and 25 meters long, she makes the trip exciting and fun, but with a classy and comfortable feel.
We liked the smartly designed dive deck, with easy access to and from the water, and the large shaded deck areas. If we could ever remember our sunscreen we would also love the sunny open areas. All in all, there is ample space for up to 70 guests.
Trip Prices
Included
 All dive gear (inc. computer) (with Dive price only)
Guided snorkelling tour (with Snorkel price only)
Mask, Snorkel, Fins (with Snorkel price only)
Guided certified dives (with Dive price only)
Morning and afternoon tea and snacks
Tropical smorgasboard lunch
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All prices are in
US Dollars. |
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1 May 07 -
onwards
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| Snorkeler, child |
$71 |
| Snorkeler |
$123 |
| Snorkeler, with 1 Intro Scuba Dive |
$189 |
| Snorkeler, with 2 Intro Scuba Dives |
$227 |
| Certified Diver, 2 dives |
$284 |
| Family of 4 |
$324 |
| Extras: | |
| Cold drinks |
- | | Wetsuit |
$5 | | Transfers to/from your Cairns lodging |
$8 | | Environmental management charge (pay on board) |
$10 | | Glass bottom boat tour |
$10 | | Prescription masks |
$10 | | Guided certified dives per day |
$10 | | Transfers: Northern Beaches |
$11 |
Children are between the ages of 4 and 13
About Passions of Paradise
Passions of Paradise is a locally owned and operated company. The two owners are both Cairns locals, and have been operating the business together since 1989. They are very much hands on owners, who choose and train their crew, work on the boat, and oversee the office management. While operating a single boat may seem like a small operation, Passions of Paradise took over 19,000 people out to the reef last year!
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