What is the temperature of the water?
The warm waters of Tropical North Queensland range in temperature from 22-29 Celsius (75-85 Fahrenheit) and make for year round comfort for water activities.
Will I get seasick?
Hopefully not. Our large, stable fast catamarans provide very good sea keeping even in rougher ocean conditions. Where there is motion, whether a car, bus, plane or boat, some people will suffer from motion sickness. Motion sickness tablets are available onboard for purchase. We offer ginger tablets as a natural alternative motion sickness medication on a complimentary basis. To be effective, motion sickness medications should be taken immediately on boarding. If you are concerned about potential motion sickness, being closer to the coast, Green Island is a shorter 45 minute journey and is more protected than a cruise to the Outer Reef.
Do you supply towels?
We recommend you bring your own towel. We do have limited towels available for hire however we cannot guarantee availability. These can be collected from the Pool Bar on Green Island, or from the crew on board the vessel if you are travelling to the Outer Reef.
Do you supply life jackets?
Life jackets are onboard for emergency use only, however flotation/buoyancy vests are available for use whilst swimming or snorkelling. At Green Island, these can be hired from the Dive Shop. For passengers continuing on to the Outer Reef, please help yourself to these from the front of the platform with the rest of your snorkelling equipment.
Do you have prescription masks available?
Standard masks magnify objects underwater by about 25%. We do have prescription masks up to -8.0 available. If you need a prescription mask, please advise us so we can make sure one is available for you as we have a limited supply, especially in the higher prescription strengths. These are hired from the Dive Shop on the Green Island, or included in the price if you are diving.
Is there any shade on the Outer Reef platform?
The main deck on the Outer Reef platform is mostly shaded. The upper deck however is a sun deck with limited shading provided.
Do you cater for vegetarians?
Yes our daily buffet lunch at the Outer Reef provides food options for vegetarians. All menu options are labelled with ingredients lists.
Is drinking water available?
Cold drinking water is freely available on board the vessel. Bottled water is also available for purchase.
What activities are available for non-swimmers?
There are many included activities available at the Outer Reef for non-swimmers.
Do you have facilities for wheelchair passengers?
Wheelchair facilities are available, however there are some restrictions and some mobility may be required.
At Outer Reef platform, there are steps into the underwater observatory and semi-submersible. Access from the vessel to the platform is also via steps. A disabled toilet is available on the reef vessel.
I want a dive instructor/cruise attendant who can speak my language? Do you have multi-lingual staff members on board?
We do have some Japanese and Chinese crew members, as well as other crew who can speak German, Italian and Korean to name a few, but we cannot guarantee that these staff will be working on the day that you travel. We do however always have at least one Japanese crew member rostered. If you would like a personal crew member to escort you for the day, this can be arranged for an extra cost, if we are given advance notice. Pricing does depend on which cruise and the length of time.
Are lockers available at the Outer Reef?
Coin lockers are available at both Green Island and also on the Outer Reef vessels. At Green Island you can hire a locker that can be opened many times during the length of hire.
At the Outer Reef, there are small lockers on board the vessels and are a single-use locker. These lockers are only small but big enough for most valuables and are quite suitable to use while you are in the water.
Can I smoke on the boat or at the Outer Reef?
Due to government regulations and comfort of all passengers, smoking is not permitted on board any of our vessels. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas at the outer reef platform and island. Please ensure cigarette butts are disposed of responsibly in the receptacles provided.
Do you offer coach pick-ups from hotel accommodation?
Our coach service picks up from most major hotels and accommodation in Cairns and the Northern Beaches. If the hotel you are staying at is not one that we pick-up from, we can arrange coach transfers from a pick-up point nearby. We are unable to offer Port Douglas accommodation transfers.
Is there parking located close by to the Reef Fleet Terminal?
Great Adventures is located at the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street Cairns, which is adjacent to the Shangri-La hotel at the Pier Marketplace. There is parking available outside or undercover at the Pier. Other nearby parking is available at the Reef Casino or Cairns Hilton hotel.
Can we purchase photos that were taken of us on the day after we have travelled?
If you travelled to the Outer Reef platform, you can view and order photos taken of you on your trip online. Please visit www.indepthvideo.com.au
Can I use credit cards on the boat?
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners, China Union Pay and JCB. (Minimum spend may apply).
Can I wait until I'm on the boat to book optional activities?
It is always best to pre-book optional activities prior to travel as spaces are often limited. If you don’t pre-book, please make sure you see a crew member as soon as possible after boarding to reserve a space, subject to availability.
What time will my activity be?
Your optional activity time will be advised on your day of travel. If pre-booked, the appropriate crew member on board the vessel will see you to advise your schedule.
Will I be able to try more than one optional activity during my day?
Yes, there is time to do several activities. You will need to inform the crew so they can co-ordinate suitable times for your activities.
If my husband and I would like to Scuba Dive / Scuba Doo / Seawalker helmet dive, can someone look after my child during this time?
Unfortunately not, you would have to take the activities at separate times.
Can my child try Introductory Diving, Seawalker or Scuba Doo?
The minimum age for these in-water activities is 12 years old. The participant also needs to pass a medical questionnaire as some medical conditions may preclude you from being able to join these tours.
Who can try Seawalker and Scuba Doo?
Seawalker is only available on Green Island. Scuba Doo is only available at the Outer Reef platform. These activities are great options for non-swimmers, children or older people not sure about trying scuba diving or snorkelling. It can even be a great experience for people with minor disabilities. You do need to pass a small medical questionnaire to be able to participate and some medical restrictions apply. The minimum age is 12 years.
We have young children travelling with us. What activities are suitable for children at the Great Barrier Reef Platform?
There are many activities for younger children to do and enjoy.At the Outer Reef, you can visit the large underwater observatory any time throughout the day. Children are often mesmerised watching the different fish and corals, and also the divers descending into the water. The semi-submersible coral viewing tour is another favourite with kids and a great way to see the reef without even getting wet. If you would like to take the children into the water, there are buoyancy vests to assist with floatation and they are available in smaller sizes. They are also available in adult sizes which makes it easier for you too so you don't get dragged down by the kids! Snorkelling equipment is available in child sizes. Sometimes it's best to give them the mask first so they get used to viewing the corals and fish underwater, then if they would like to try with the snorkel it's available to use. Sometimes children prefer not to use the snorkel as it's a little different for them to get used to breathing through a snorkel. There are age limits for some activities.The minimum age for diving, Scuba Doo and Seawalker is 12 years old.
Can I take a pram on the boat/platform/island?
All our vessels, platforms and Green Island are pram friendly with ample room on the boat and on the platform.
Is it safe for babies or children?
Great Adventures’ cruises are suitable for people of all ages, including families with infants and children, however, we do recommend children are supervised and accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. For anyone wishing to take their children into the water, we recommend that a buoyancy device is used. If you are travelling to the Outer Reef, these are included in the cruise and can be collected with the rest of your snorkelling equipment.