CW: Great Barrier Reef Express
Departure Times
The Reef is your oyster on Cruise Whitsunday’s action-packed, flexible and wondrous Great Barrier Reef Express day tour!
- Gain a magical insight into the Great Barrier Reef with an array of hands-on activities that will show you the Whitsundays like never before!
- Explore the Heart Pontoon at Hardy Reef for exclusive snorkelling access at one of the best, flourishing fringing reefs in the region!
- Add-ons such as scuba-diving, snorkel safari and group underwater photos provide a flexible, personalised itinerary.
- Learn about the deep blue on our semi-submarine guided tour and discover the ocean while keeping dry at our underwater observatory!
- Relaxed, scenic cruising will take you on a charming boat tour of the picturesque Whitsunday Islands.
Jump into a day of marine discovery with the unforgettable Great Barrier Reef Express tour! Take advantage of a flexible, guided and colourful array of underwater activities such as snorkelling, scuba-diving, observatory and semi-submarining. The perfect trip for families, small groups, couples and solo travellers, the experienced team at Cruise Whitsunday is bound to make your trip out to the Reef something of a dream!
Top it all off with some incredibly picturesque boat cruising amongst the enchanting Whitsundays, that will take you to world-famous snorkelling spots in style! Not to mention, your adventures will be fueled by a fresh, buffet-style lunch. Let the wonders of tropical bliss fill your senses and take you away on a day of discovery, adventure and fun that you truly can't find anywhere else.
With an impeccable mixture of relaxation and ocean exploring, you cannot miss the unique Great Barrier Reef Express experience!
Highlights & Features:
- Snorkel the flourishing Hardy Reef
- Explore the Great Barrier Reef
- Perfect for families, couples, groups and solo travellers!
- Relax on the stable Heart Pontoon
- Delicious buffet-style lunch
- Semi-submersible submarine boat
- Underwater viewing chamber
- Friendly, knowledgeable crew
- Scuba-diving available
- Snorkelling gear provided
- Insightful facts about the reef's ecosystem
- Scenic, spacious and comfortable cruising
Known for its flexibility and ability to please everyone and anyone, the Great Barrier Reef Express is the best way to tailor your day on the reef to your needs. Whether you're a hands-on snorkeller, an avid marine life learner or you prefer to lounge in the sun, this day of marine bliss is sure to impress!
Important Information:
- This tour is currently not operating. See all alternate Great Barrier Reef day tours here .
Sample Itinerary
Snorkelling at Hardy Reef
Dive in for the underwater adventure of a lifetime! Rub shoulders with marine critters big and small, such as turtles, tropical fish, hard and soft corals, manatees, starfish and more! The intricate, wondrous world below is bound to take your breath away as you venture through one of the world’s seven natural wonders - the Great Barrier Reef! Perfect for first-timers, ...
Dive in for the underwater adventure of a lifetime! Rub shoulders with marine critters big and small, such as turtles, tropical fish, hard and soft corals, manatees, starfish and more! The intricate, wondrous world below is bound to take your breath away as you venture through one of the world’s seven natural wonders - the Great Barrier Reef! Perfect for first-timers, as well as seasoned snorkellers, with all gear, suits and instruction provided by our friendly and experienced crew! So, what are you waiting for? The deep blue is beckoning!
Do you want to explore the vibrant, kaleidoscopic reefs without even getting wet? The state-of-the-art underwater observatory at Heart Pontoon is the perfect place to witness the ecosystems of Hardy Reef like never before! Immerse yourself amongst weird and wonderful creatures and corals found in this slice of paradise! The relaxing ocean bubbles, the rainbow underwater cities below combined with knowledgable commentary create a comprehensive, educational and modern method of reef adventuring!
For another unique perspective of the Great Barrier Reef, hop aboard our semi-submersible vessel! Venture just below the waterline, as you bob around with schools of glimmering fish, turtles and more! With half of the boat sitting below the vessel, and the other half sitting above, you really will get the best of both worlds during this creative, unbeatable experience!
Take some time out to unwind and put your feet up on Heart Pontoon! This stable platform is situated in Hardy Reef, and is the perfect place to base your marine activities during your adventure-filled day! Equipped with luxury sun lounges, laze in the sun as you listen to the gentle splash of water activities just at your doorstep. You’ve never seen island relaxation like this!
Whether you’re an experienced dive enthusiast or first-timer, Cruise Whitsundays welcomes both beginners and certified divers. This optional addition to your Great Barrier Reef Express tour is simply a magical way to see the reef and check off scuba-diving from your bucket list! With instruction from experienced PADI/SSI certified instructors, you will be in and amongst the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef in no time!
Make the very most of your day, with an array of additional add-ons for those who crave even more island adventure! Enquire with our friendly travel agents to add on a scenic flight over the reef for yet another outlook of our slice of paradise! Or, book into a snorkel safari for an illuminating and educational underwater journey guided by a qualified marine biologist… you really will learn about the mysteries of the reef! And don’t forget to grab your optional souvenir group photos to immortalise your day of reef adventures! Please note that optional extras incur additional costs per activity.
Departs/Returns
- The Great Barrier Reef Express departs from Airlie Beach at 9:00am
- Check-in - Please meet at the Port of Airlie Marina 30 minutes prior to departure
- Return to Port of Airlie at 4:00pm
More Information
What to bring.
Please bring only a small bag with:
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses etc)
- Beach towel
- Jumper or jacket (seasonal)
- Cash or credit cards for onboard purchases
What's Included
- Snorkelling equipment and instruction
- Wet/stinger suit
- Buffet lunch
- Morning and afternoon tea and coffees
- Semi-submarine/glass bottom boat tour
- Underwater observatory
- Pontoon access
What's Extra
- Onboard purchases s...
- Onboard purchases such as drinks, alcohol and snacks
- Photographs
- Scenic flights
- Guided snorkelling tours
- Scuba diving (subject to medical conditions and age restrictions)
Terms and Conditions
Important Information:
Infants 0-3 years travel free of charge, however no infant meals are included. Guests must be able to show valid ID at check in to support their ticket type (i.e Senior or Child ticket). If you cannot produce the valid identification to meet your ticket requirements, you will not be able to travel without paying a surcharge/difference in fare.
Scuba diving is reserved for guests 12 and above. Medical restrictions also apply to diving activities. A medical questionnaire must be completed before diving.
Your Responsibilities:
Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip.
You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.
It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.
It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.
You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time.
Scuba Diving/Medical Disclosure:
Age and medical restrictions apply to diving activities. A medical questionnaire must be completed. Divers cannot fly for 24 hours after diving and the company accepts no liability for medical conditions experienced as a result of flying after diving. All diving is operated by Reef Safari Pty Ltd and booking to dive with them deems acceptance of the terms and conditions as published on their website www.reefsafari.com.
Prices/Extra Costs:
All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply.
The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.
We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.
Travel Risk/Insurance:
It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances.
Transfers are at an additional cost. Please enquire if you would like to add transfers to your booking.
The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies.
Merchant Fees:
Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.
Other:
Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages.
All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.
Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:
Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value.
E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees. You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.
Cancellations
Client Cancellations:
No shows or client cancellations made within 48 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price.
Sailing Whitsundays are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period (48 hours). It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9am-5pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider.
Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee.
It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to [email protected]. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.
Supplier Cancellations:
The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.
All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.
In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Sailing Whitsundays retail outlet located Airlie Beach, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Mr Travel online department.
All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.
Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.
You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.
Accountability/Misconduct:
All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators.
Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.
Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.
Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel/Sailing Whitsundays. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.
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