Overwhelmed..Great Barrier Reef Trip Advice

Re: Overwhelmed..Great Barrier Reef Trip Advice

• maggie78 member

  March 2012

  Basically I don't think you can go wrong. We did it with Reef Magic , it is a large boat and I can't remember why we chose them but we had a good time. You can read about the trip here

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• bringjoy2theworld member

  March 2012

  Are you snorkeling or diving?  I have a review of two companies on my blog in my signature.  We went two days.  Once with a larger group, Quicksilver, and one with a smaller boat, Tusa.  Very different experiences.  We had rough seas each day, so, being on the larger boat was better for almost everyone.  We had to take ginger on the smaller boat, but most people were really sick.  As for the experience in the water, I liked having the options with Quicksilver to do the submarine tour and go back to a stable platform where there was a lot of room to spread out, eat, etc... It was easy to go in and out of the water as we pleased too.  Tusa was strict about going in and out and made it kind of a hassle because the divers and snorkelers shared the same entry and exit into the water.  Divers were definitely given the edge and had more time in the water. Staff was not nearly as friendly and in fact were rather abrasive with most people. Although we preferred the one snorkeling site they chose, we spent almost 2 1/2 hours getting to the site.  If we go again, we will probably choose a smaller outfit, but one that is for snorkelers only.

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• pdkyle

  March 2012

  If you're more into snorkeling, this tour was great: http://www.franklandislands.com.au/
  

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• evitawylie

  March 2012

  It all depends on whether or not you are comfortable going on a large boat with possibly hundreds of people.  DH and I wanted a smaller boat with fewer people so we'd get more individual attention. We booked a tour with HABA and loved every minute of it.  There were maybe 50 of us total. They took us to two snorkel locations (people scuba dove as well), and the staff was great. The food that they served was even decent.
  

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• pmpknbride member

  

  March 2012

  Thanks ladies!  I've started a comprehensive comparison chart going of a lot of the places - lol, there are just a lot of factors to consider.  This is like my numero uno bucket list item so it's not so much about the money but the experience...but I do want the best bang for my buck.  It would be snorkeling (not scuba diving since I can't do that for health reasons).  I've seen these other tour companies, but I'll have to look into HABA...I'd definitely prefer a smaller group!

  

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• bringjoy2theworld member

  March 2012

  There is a small group that is a snorkeling only boat.  I just found it- It is called Wavelength.  If we go again, that will be our first choice.  No divers to have to wait on or equipment to step over.  Max group size is 30.

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