One of Calypso’s crew likened this aquatic adventure to “an underwater bush walk”. Tropical Journeys is a great family-owned company in Port Douglas with a number of strings to it’s bow. The Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling tours and diving trips, is just one of them.
From my experience of tours throughout Australia and New Zealand, the smaller the boat, the better the experience. This tour takes only up to 65 people and is a step up from the mass market. It’s easier to find your way around the vessel and the crew are very accessible. Boarding is easy from the beautiful Marina which is within walking distance from the central hub.
I am extremely impressed with the professionalism of the crew. These guys are very serious about the safety of their passengers and are constantly doing head counts. They’re very approachable and courteous, but they’re not here to be our mates. In an emergency, it’s the crew who must be in charge and I like that. (It would be helpful if the crew used microphones when giving instructions)
For safety reasons all passengers have removed their shoes. It’s now time to relax with the wake of the surf behind me. Tropical Port Douglas is perfect in these winter months between June and August- the days are still warm and balmy – perfect for travellers.
Hey, this wasn’t in the plan. Didn’t we agree to just snorkel? Michael has decided he wants to do some diving and I’m giving every compelling argument for not doing this… and I think it’s working…
…maybe not…
The diving instructor has just grasped hands with Michael and is about to gently pull him under the water. He needs to get used to a different way of breathing the oxygen that’s been keeping him alive all these years. Maybe this is the definitive way of exploring the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a mysterious, beautiful world where you’re no longer a spectator, but one of it’s respectful citizens. And someone’ always watching over you.
It’s important to note here that if you cannot understand English, you are NOT eligible to dive. After the instruction session, all participants must read through a very important information sheet which they must sign. Obviously they need to be communicate with the diving instructors. Hey, it’s buffet time!
The buffet provides a variety of meat, salad and bread options. It’s tasty and nutritious. The morning and afternoon tea consists of delicious little home-cooked slices and freshly sliced tropical fruit. You may think this brave and fearless man is quietly reflecting on life. Don’t be fooled, he’s only thinking about the next bread roll.
Remember when I mentioned about all the passengers having to remove their shoes? They were all placed in large crates and I was a little concerned about having to sort through them to find mine. No worries. At the end of the journey, they were all laid out in perfect matching pairs on a large platform. It was a pleasant surprise. On the wharf, the crew were lined up in their uniforms to say goodbye to each passenger. Now that’s a nice touch.
Happy travelling.
