My Day Trip to The Great Barrier Reef with Reef Quest
Tuesday , 21st September, and what a stunning Queensland day to go to the Reef… and what a good decision to try “Reef Quest“, from Cairns which gave us an absolutely unforgettable day at the barrier reef.
After flying from Melbourne the previous day I was looking forward to some balmy weather. It was a bit chillier than I’d imagined and I was glad I had brought along Jeans and a jumper!
I’ve been visiting Cairns for about 12 years and have been out on my share of Reef Trips and let’s face it, they all do just about the same thing: 2 different snorkelling spots, snorkelling gear, lunch and afternoon tea – so it’s the service and little extras that make the difference.
From the moment you check in to the moment you disembark, the service and crew are impressive. The crew to passenger ratio is high, as there was always someone around to help with any queries or requests. The crew seem genuinely content and their service and attention were really good.
Reef Quest issue a wetsuit for free which is usually an extra (usually $5.00 hire) on other tours. As a snorkeller a wetsuit gives you a little protection from the harsh sun and also buoyancy which makes snorkelling easier for beginners.
Reef Quest have a selection of 16 different scuba diving sites and choose the best 2 reefs based on the winds and tides. A guided snorkelling option is also available at both reefs and this is a real plus for first time snorkelers or anyone wanting to find out a little bit more about the reef’s ecosystems. The snorkel guide dives down and picks up things like sea cucumbers and shells and brings them up so people can have a closer look. They also know where all the nemo fish are, so it does add a bit to the snorkelling experience.
The meal was good with lots of variety including pasta salad, bean salad, green salad, tropical fruits, cold meats, bread rolls and prawns. There was tea and coffee and cold water available all day.
All in all it was a top quality day out.