Semi-Sub is back!

Sunlover Reef Cruises - Sunlover Reef Cruises News Feed

Sunlover Reef Cruises is excited to announce that our large semi-submersible has made its way back out to the Moore Reef pontoon, and brings with it a $225,000 suite of new improvements and upgrades.

The semi-submersible arrived late this afternoon, and after a few last minute checks is fully operational for tomorrow's (Friday, the 14th June) Moore Reef Sunlover guests.

Chief Engineer Lyall Quaife said that "from an operational perspective the semi-sub has been fitted with two new fuel injected engines allowing for an increase of power and reduction in emissions, and a new state-of-the-art bow thruster to enhance control and manoeuvrability around the sensitive coral reef".

 Another key focus of the improvements was in relation to passenger comfort and viewing ability, and this was achieved through "upgrades to the air-conditioning, and highly polished large curved windows which give unsurpassed viewing experience". Sunlover Reef Cruises would like to thank all of our valued suppliers for their support through this period.

The Semi-Sub has a completely new sound system and includes a dedicated guide on board every trip that explains all about the coral reef systems and the animals that inhabit the area. Cruise close to the corals to get a fish's eye view,.

Sunlover Semi-Submersible Features

• 21 metres long, 4.8 metres wide 
• Holds 47 guests and 2 crew
• Floor to ceiling 4cm thick acrylic windows
• Trips last approx. 20 minutes
• Fully air conditioned

Minke Whale Magic

Poseidon Dive - Poseidon Cruises News Feed

What a wonderful time of year to be visiting Port Douglas! Passengers on board Poseidon on the 11th June, have been fortunate to experience the Minke Whale Magic first hand. Poseidon has a rare Swim with Minke Whale permit and this was a text book encounter after careful briefing of passengers and strict control on the swim float line. Careful rotation of all snorkellers kept the Minke's curiosity and interest in human observation. All snorkellers on board Poseidon had the thrill of a lifetime when at the first site of the day at the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, a 5 meter Dwarf Minke Whale came up to the boat. All passengers were able to view this awesome creature from a Minke float line. The Minke did a multitude of passes over a period of an hour, performing belly rolls as it passed, within meters of the snorkellers. Poseidon reluctantly departing to the second reef site and were welcomed by yet another Minke Whale slightly larger than the first. It glided ever so close to the snorkelers. The response from Poseidon's guests was a combination of silent awe to shouts of joy! Truly a life changing experience! This was an amazing encounter giving passengers plenty of opportunity to get up close and personal. Passengers even managed to view these inquisitive creatures from the top deck as it swam past the boat, while others remained in the water.

Recent Sightings

Billy Tea Bush Safaris - Billy Tea Bush Safaris News Feed

Cape Tribulation With the beautiful weather we are having our Daintree Cape Tribulation 4WD Bloomfield Track Tour have been seeing crocodiles on the Daintree River, Migratory Birds and also in Daintree Cape Tribulation we have been seeing regularly 2 male Cassowaries with chicks a rare sight. Spectacular views, and we have also been seeing regularly the rare Buff Breasted Paradise Kingfisher that is down from New Guinea and nesting in the area. Chillagoe The Mareeba Wetlands are pretty spectacular at present with recent rain everything is nice and green, lots of Kangaroos, Wallaroos, and Emus, the wetlands are closed to the general public at present but Billy Tea still have access so very personalised tour. As you head further west through the outback historical towns they are also seeing Wedge Tail Eagles and many more species of Wild Life. The Chillagoe Caves are spectacular at present with the recent rain the stalagmites and stalactites are glisten with tiny water droplets like diamonds and the caves are beautiful and cool. The caves where formed some 420 million years ago, certainly worth seeing.

Tip/ Fact of the week from Silver Series;

Quicksilver - SilverSonic News Feed

Did you know… both SilverSwift and SilverSonic are the fastest small vessels in town! Our high powered engines allow us to travel up to 32 knots and combined with our unique ride control feature we can travel to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef quickly and comfortably for our passengers. Our swift enjoyable journey to the Great Barrier Reef gives passengers more relaxed time to spend in the water, while exploring the many wonders of our beautiful reef so accessible from Cairns & Port Douglas.

Tip/ Fact of the week from Silver Series;

Great Adventures - Silverswift News Feed

Did you know… both SilverSwift and SilverSonic are the fastest small vessels in town! Our high powered engines allow us to travel up to 32 knots and combined with our unique ride control feature we can travel to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef quickly and comfortably for our passengers. Our swift enjoyable journey to the Great Barrier Reef gives passengers more relaxed time to spend in the water, while exploring the many wonders of our beautiful reef so accessible from Cairns & Port Douglas.

Introducing Reef Magic III

Reef Magic - Reef Magic News Feed

There was a buzz down at the Marlin Marina the NEW catamaran Reef Magic III departed full for Marine World platform on its maiden voyage! Reef Magic have always strived on providing a personalised, interactive and unique experience for all passengers on board. This starts by limiting daily cruise numbers to a maximum of 190 passengers. With over 300 seats onboard, there was PLENTY of room for everyone to move around. Reef Magic III has become the new primary reef vessel, so next time you're in Cairns make sure you get onboard!. :)

New GoPro cameras

Tropical Journeys - Calypso Snorkel & Dive News Feed

Calypso Reef Cruises are now introducing the new GoPro cameras on board for guests to hire. This great package includes use of a GoPro for the day and guests can take home the 16GB Micro SD card with all their footage from their snorkelling/diving adventure. Great opportunity to take home amazing footage from your day on the Great Barrier Reef. — with Aquarius Low Isles and Daintree Tours.

Sei Whales

Quicksilver - Quicksilver Pontoon News Feed

Over the weekend 2 Sei Whales excited passengers on board SilverSonic with a unqiue and rare sighting. Sei whales are Summer whales that come through our waters during the warmer temperatures and are the 3rd largest whale species.

Tree farm offsets carbon emissions

Poseidon Dive - Poseidon Cruises News Feed

Tree farm offsets carbon emissions Port Douglas tourism operators Steve and Katrina Edmondson are so passionate about preserving the Great Barrier Reef they established a tree farm to offset their carbon emissions. The Edmondsons own Low Isles Sailaway, a 33-passenger luxury catamaran that takes tourists to Low Isles near Port Douglas in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. "We've set up our operation to be much more than 100 per cent carbon neutral. The vessel is powered primarily by wind, we have low-emission four-stroke outboards and we use recycled bio-diesel wherever possible," Mr Edmondson said. They managed their residual carbon emissions by buying a 28 hectare former cane paddock on prime wet tropics land and turning it into a tree farm. "We used the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Emissions Calculator to estimate our residual emissions and found we needed to plant 51 trees per year to become carbon neutral," Mr Edmondson said. "In the first year we planted 7000 permanent rainforest trees to establish nature corridors between the World Heritage rainforest adjoining our property and the creeks and wetlands feeding into the Great Barrier Reef adjacent to Port Douglas." Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Tourism and Recreation Director Chris Briggs said Low Isles Sailaway was among a number of high standard tourism operators working with marine managers to reduce their impact on the Reef. "A healthy Great Barrier Reef is vital for a healthy tourism industry and we commend operators who are taking action to minimise their impact on the marine environment," he said. "We've worked with tourism operators to establish a Great Barrier Reef Tourism Climate Change Action Strategy to guide operators on how they can improve reef health and the viability of their industry. "Reef-friendly carbon offsetting is a key action identified in this strategy." The agency is recognising marine tourism operators who are taking powerful action on climate change to encourage other operators to adopt best environmental practices. Mr Edmondson said he and his wife had planted about 15,000 trees on their Eco Shamba Tree Farm since purchasing it in 2010. "These include wetland trees to control erosion, native cabinet timbers for sustainable harvesting and Pongamia pinnata 'diesel' trees for our own biofuel use and as a trial for larger projects." Low Isles Sailaway is accredited by Ecotourism Australia as an Advanced Ecotourism operator and a Climate Action Leader.

Minke Whale at Agincourt Reef!

Poseidon Dive - Poseidon Cruises News Feed

Passengers on board Poseidon were thrilled to have the opportunity to swim with a Dwarf Minke Whale on Monday!

Poseidon holds a special permit to swim and interact with Dwarf Minke Whales, which visit our area from May to September.

 Yesterday, whilst at the third site of the day at the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, a large male Minke Whale approximately 5-6 Metres in length approached the vessel. Minke's are well known for being inquisitive creatures and seem to enjoy the personal contact with people.

 Luckily, all the passengers on board Poseidon had the chance to enter the water and experience seeing this amazing creature close up.

The Minke stayed around the vessel for some time giving everyone on board a chance to swim with him. Despite the stronger winds and cloudy conditions, the passengers had a grin from ear to ear after this once in a lifetime experience.!"

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