Cairns is considered the “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef”, and we are in port from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. Any travel guide I’ve looked at considers the reef one of Australia’s most unique and remarkable sites. I am surprised that an excursion to the reef, for viewing and snorkeling, is not included in the options available from Regent. It seems like adequate time for a day trip to the reef.

Are we the only people interested? Has anyone looked into to doing one independently?

Arlene and I, especially Arlene, would love to go snorkeling on the reef. Have you found any tour operators? Any descriptions? Arlene is considering bringing her own snorkeling gear; I don't know if it is worthwhile for one day of snorkeling; any thoughts?

You must see the reef!

I'm not sure why there are no tours offered, but perhaps they just haven't firmed up their contracts? I think there are options available on the Pier when you arrive.

Also we have some LCT members that live there. Frank and Wendy, do you have any advice?

The GBR excursion is out of the port of Townsville. You all dock there the day before Cairns.

Editing - Sorry. I didn't read the excursion descriptions before posting this. Maybe a private tour out of Cairns is the way to go.

It takes a good 90 minute boat ride to get to the reefs and most reef boats leave early. They are not to be missed, but I do understand about the logistics involved with you all only being in port one day. Maybe you can get enough people together to hire a boat to go to at least one reef.

If you are not a snorkelers, the skyrail to Kuranda is a wonderful way to see the rain forest. The town part of Kuranda we saw was definitely touristy, but the ride back was amazing. We took the train up and the sky rail back down.

I LOVED the sky rail but you must be okay with heights or it is not your "cup of tea".

Much as we'd love to snorkel at the reef, it sounds like it might be tight time-wise. We're signed up for the skyrail (despite the fact that I'm not crazy about heights). I wonder if the recent flooding has any impact on the quality of snorkeling?

Perhaps the Simpsons (as in Sheila and Ken) can chime in since they live in the "general" area.

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Eugene

We did the skyrail and liked it - but snorkeling the reef was SPECTACULAR.

We're still focused on making it to the reef.

Many of the reef excursions I’ve looked at leave too early—7:30 or 8:00. However, I’ve found a couple that appear to fit the available hours.

One in particular departs at 9:00 from the Reef Fleet Terminal, which they report is a “five-minute stroll” from where cruise ships dock. It returns at 5:00, and there are five hours at the platform. They are favorable reviewed on Tripadvisor and have been very responsive to a couple email questions. www.reefmagiccruises.com

As for equipment, the reef cruises obviously supply it; but I think we will at least take mask and snorkel.

Snorkeling may also be a possibility in Bali. In some places there is apparently snorkeling and diving right from shore.

Gene, are you going to also try to snorkle when in Townsville? Count Arlene in; possible me, too. She also wants to snorkle in Bali but I definitely want to take the island tour, instead.

My thoughts are that if she just takes her mask only, that should be fine. Any old fins will be ok for a day or two. But having a mask that fits well will make for optimal experience.

I'd only take the mask/snorkle. Fins are too bulky to take for minimal snorkeling use. In my case I have to bring my own mask since it's prescription and I can't see anything without it!

I have asked about impact from the floods on the reef. Perhaps predictably, the answer was "happily no impact at all. Only in the supplies in the supermarket." Hopefully, the first part, at least, is true.

As for Townsville, our 5:00 pm departure seems to rule out an excursion out to the reef. I haven't investigated whether there is any snorkeling from shore anywhere. If there is any, it would undoubtedly be nothing even close to reef quality. At best, maybe amusing exercise.

You might consider a helicopter reef trip from Cairns...not sure if they do these from Townsville. Friends of ours have done this and said it was wonderful. More time to snorkel as you don't have the long sea trip and back to get to the reef.

Hoping we get all the cyclones out of the way by the time we're on KANGAROO. Two cyclones forming at the moment and we in Qld are on alert while we wait and see where they will cross land. What we don't need is more rain!!

Ray and I did this when we were in Cairns.Catamaran to the reef and helicopter back.They will pick you up at your arranged time.
Try not to miss the reef....it's like going to Egypt and missing the Pyramids.

Pat, do you remember what tour co you used? I need to really get to researching this if I want to go (AND I DO) as we only have # weeks to go!!

Sorry Arlene,we don't get home till the 2oth. Hopefully I kept a record of the helicopter. there were 6 of us and they wanted our weights.I have photos so it contains helicopter name.
We booked it at our hotel. Will post it on the 20th.We also had our own equipment....it was awesome.

If the helicopter trip was anything like the one Oprah was on, then it is definitely spectacular! Here's a link - short promo video first.

Oprah Tours the Great Barrier Reef

Gene, we saw on reef magic site tour with boat over and helicopter back for $389 per person.I don't know if this includes the guided snorkle tour of the reef or just snorkling on your own. They said they chartered helicopters but not during the normal times. Are you interested?

Is anyone else interested?

Helo back will put less pressure on being late for sail away. The boat tour returns at 1700 but they say that it is not guaranteed. Between less risk on time and chance to see reef from air might make the high cost worthwhile.

Hi KANGAROOS!
Sorry I am a bit late joining this thread! As we live here in Cairns we can give a bit of local knowledge.
The "Reef Magic" trip to the reef is very good.
So is this one;
http://www.sunlover.com.au
And this one http://www.greatadventures.com.au/
All the trips go from the same place which is just a 5 minute walk along the boardwalk from the ship. All the trips depart about 0800 and return about 5-5.30pm. They are very reliable with timing. They all include a good lunch and snorkle gear.
I suggest you do your research before you come but do not book a reef trip til you are about one day away or even on that morning. IF the weather is good, go to reef. If forecast is for strong winds 20kts or more stay on land or do flights!
This link for wind. We are the "Cooktown to Cardwell" area;
http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/northern_qld_coastal_waters.shtml
Also look at this one http://www.cairnsseaplanes.com/
The sea planes do a scenic flight over the reef and land at various places, just as the helicopters do;
http://www.gbrhelicopters.com.au/tourism.html
A ride up Skyrail is superb at this time of year as the "Barron Falls" are flowing well with all the rain and the gondola goes right alongside them.
http://www.skyrail.com.au/
We are happy to answer any other questions you might have!

Thanks for all the information and advice. We will be paying close attention to the winds as we get closer.

We might be interested in the helicopter excursion to the Reef, depending on whether Gail's prescription mask is found following the fire that occurred December 22nd and resulted in her house in Bethesda being completely gutted. Most items from the house are at a warehouse. Long story that I don't want to go into right now.

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Eugene

Eugene and Gail, so sorry to hear about the fire --hopefully you can tell us about it on Kangaroo. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Arlene, I didn't read the whole thread, but you NEED to do the GBR....In my opinion, you don't need to take your own gear. I did it once (took my own gear), and was sorry I did. Make sure their gear fits right, and it will be fine. Just make sure you DO the GBR!! Take a camera. I took a disposable, and actually got some great pics!

It was one of my favorite memories....Right Peggy???

Loved it!! We had it easy since the ship (Mariner, I think) stopped right out in the reef, and we were transported to one of the permanent facilities out there right from the ship. It was a great day--they had a mini submarine, an underwater viewing area and of course, all the snorkeling you wanted.

Frank and Wendy, current forecast for next Monday in Cairns appears to be about 10kts wind and 1.5 meter wave height; I assume this is still good enough weather for the reef snorkle trip?