ocean free sail to the great barrier reef
Ocean Free
Oh the romance of a sail boat! The wind in your hair, the sun on your back. This is the way to experience the Great Barrier Reef on your holiday in Cairns Tropical North Queensland .
"Ocean Free" a 16m schooner sails daily from Cairns to an exclusive mooring on Pinnacle reef just 1km off Green island. You get to experience a small personalised tour where you get to snorkel and dive this private site. Just off the boat view the "bommies" (coral outcrops) which come to just 1m under the surface — great for snorkelling! View a beautiful coral garden — lots of different colours, staghorn, boulder coral and soft corals. Many species of reef fish, sea-cucumbers and giant clams. Turtles and black-tipped reef sharks (totally harmless and very timid!) a common sight. Humpback Whales also love to spend time around here from May to September and they are a spectacular sight when they breach (jump playfully out of the water) they are very gentle inquisitive creatures.
Dive the pretty coral garden and Pinnacle Reef ( 10-12M depth depending on the tide) with an experienced dive crew. They offer 1:3 instructor to diver ratio with confident divers but usually 1:2 for your very first dive ( most boats offer 1:4). The certified divers get a free guide to show you the best parts of this spectacular reef! You will certainly look forward to a self serve buffet of scrumptious meat and chicken platters and three salads and a selection of breads after exploring the depths of the ocean floor. If you have a special dietary requirement just let us know and we can have them arrange something to suit. Board the tender (motorised boat) to go across to Green Island for one hour, the rest of the afternoon or the whole time if you prefer — the choice is totally yours. That is the flexibility of this company they really look after their guests. On Green Island walk around the tropical Island (tide permitting) or along the interpretive boardwalk through the Island, laze on the beach, visit Marineland Melanesia (see the huge crocs in captivity and the giant sea turtles-entrance fee to be payed at door!), swim in the crystal clear waters, watch the sea-birds diving for food. Over 4 and ½ hours to play- plenty of time to snorkel, dive, relax and visit the island, have a look at the shops, relax and have a cappuccino! On the awesome sail home be treated to platters of fruit, cheese and crackers, and selected cake while sipping on a cold glass of wine or a refreshing beer. Return to the Reef Fleet terminal in Cairns around 5.00-5.15pm totally dependant on the wind.
The Tour Specialists tip
"Wow" what a day! is what we commonly hear about this sailboat and her crew. If you love the salty sea air and the freedom of a sail boat then this is the one for you. Not suitable for guests with mobility issues but great for the adventurous kids.
