Can’t rate this trip highly enough. Fabulous attentive staff, special mention to Ken (manager), Shaun (chef) and hosts Abbi and Alison. Yes, you travel out with day guests, but you have reserved seats in an air conditioned part of the boat, with crew to het you drinks and give you specific info about the reef stay. Once the day guest leave you are in this blissful place of calm and luxury. Fab food, great company, there were only 18 guests overnight with 4 staff waiting on you hand and foot. Morning snorkel before day trippers arrive and use of the swag beds till 2pm on day of return.
The people were great, good food and worth the money!!! Paige, Brooke and Hannah went above board to make it FUN!!!!!
Unfortunately, any exclusivity which the documents and the pictures promised is missing. The reality is an overcrowded boat with an overcrowded reef in a very confined space including a promotional event (buy this and that on top...). I really expected to be separate from the 300 daytour guests and drive to another place to explore the reef there. This issue should be mentioned before booking - it's a pity to explore this wonder of the nature like this
What an incredible and once in a lifetime experience!! We caught the ferry from Airlie beach, which was around 3 hours to the pontoon, but we had reserved seating and free food and drink for the journey. We arrived with all the day guests and the pontoon is veeeery busy. We booked an introductory scuba dive which occurred as soon as we got onto the pontoon. We were taken to an area to leave our bags and then rushed to the scuba area. It was quite busy and chaotic getting ready. I was very nervous and attempted learning in the pool first, but then didn't go ahead with it. The instructors were really calm and reassuring throughout. They refunded my dive which was really nice of them. We then had lunch with the day guests and then they left at 3pm. You then have the whole pontoon to yourself with around 20 others. It's so peaceful and calm. You can snorkel and drive until around 5pm. All the marine life comes out once it's quieter!! We were fed so much amazing food and drink. The evening was incredible, with so many stars. We stayed on the beds outside. You can snorkel again on the morning before the day guests and we got to swim with two turtles!! Honestly such an incredible experience and the staff are amazing and on hand all the time. Paige and Hannah did a wonderful job taking care of us throughout our stay. We will never forget the experience thank you!
I had an unforgettable trip to the Great Barrier Reef with an overnight stay! Snorkeling among the vibrant marine life was a dream come true. The accommodations were comfy, and waking up to the ocean view was magical. The food throughout the trip was also incredibly delicious. Highly recommend this once-in-a-lifetime experience!