We are staying in Cairns and only have one day available for a scuba dive (never done it before!) we have a hire car, is it better to drive up to port douglas than go from cairns?
or somewhere else?
cheers
2007-10-20 01:55:22 · 8 answers · asked by limpit 3 in Travel ➔ Australia ➔ Other - Australia
I've always used http://www.greatadventures.com.au/outer-reef-dive-snorkel.html
Take a look at the link and it has info on the Outer Reef Dive Sites, depth, visibility etc... they leave from the Pier right in town.
2007-10-20 11:17:05 · answer #1 · answered by • Koala • uʍop ɹǝpun 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Almost all reef trips leave from Port Douglas. All of the companies offer transfers by bus from Cairns to port douglas (about an hour on bus).
Port Douglas is a boutique type town where the accommodation is a little more expensive than Cairns. It is quiet and a little bit of a retiree town (but beautiful) Cairns is much less expensive but equally as beautiful and a younger, funner town.
I would definitely advise stay in Cairns and take the transfer to port, I have done this many times myself - I live in Cairns.
The best and most reputable dive company is quick-silver, there are alot of other good companies too though. Quicksilver have HEAPS of buses primarily for the transportation of guests staying in Cairns and going to the reef ex port douglas. It will cost you $16 extra for the transfer and sometimes you can take a catamaran back from port douglas to cairns at the end of the day instead of the bus, they let you choose. You will find alost all of your fellow divers will be staying in Cairns also.
Have fun and dont forget the sea sick pills and underwater camera!
http://www.quicksilver-cruises.com/obr_fares.htm
2007-10-20 15:09:10 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. Costington 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would book your trip in Cairns to the great barrier reef, tons of places on the Esplanade to make your booking, you leave at 8 am, you take all your gear with you as there are places to change once you get there, its a fantastic day out and you have plenty of time to scuba dive and chill out, have a wonderful time, Cairns is a fantastic place as is Australia.
2007-10-20 04:20:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Quicksilver is very good
they have a big boat which is good if you get seasick
then the have a pontoon in the middle of the reef with showers and you can go scuba diving, snorkelling and in a glass bottom boat.
they have buffet lunches and overall they are a great company
2007-10-20 17:27:43 · answer #4 · answered by Kayla M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We stayed in Port Douglas and went on the Aristocat. Much smaller boat than Quicksilver tours. There were about 50 of us. They gave us wonderful personal attention. My friend was happy to find a prescription mask that matched her eye glass prescription. Find them at www.aristocat.com.au
2007-10-20 05:05:40 · answer #5 · answered by pt_rower 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went to the reef from Port Douglas
www.quicksilver-cruises.com
Email reservations@quicksilver-cruises.com.
I highly recommend this company I had a lovely day at the reefs.
2007-10-20 02:04:36 · answer #6 · answered by D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went with Ocean Spirit that leaves from Cairns. It was a great day. The catamarans they use are great, as most people don't get seasick on a catamaran.
http://www.ozhorizons.com.au/qld/cairns/ocean/spirit.htm
2007-10-20 03:42:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just one word of warning as you have never dived before. Do not fly for twenty-four hours after you have been diving.
2007-10-20 09:52:51 · answer #8 · answered by NIGEL 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋