After such a disappointing trip to the reef during my first visit there (as an adult) – back in 2008, I decided that snorkelling was crap and a waste of time. It wasn’t until a friend convinced me to try it again in the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Dahab, that I realised how cool it could actually be. So when a nature-loving friend came to Australia earlier this year, I knew I wanted to take him to see the Reef.We decided to launch from Port Douglas and after tons of research I choose a smaller company and boat to take us out. In the end we went with Wavelength – and after spending the day with the guys – I can’t recommend it enough. The boat only fits around 30 people and there is about one staff member (including a marine biologist) for every five guests. Their attention and interest in us all was fantastic.
The trip didn’t come cheaply – it was $245 per person – including snorkeling gear, morning tea and lunch – but it was worth every penny.Once the day rolled around, we met bright and early at 0755 at Wavelength’s office at the Port Douglas Reef Marina. After everyone checked in we boarded the boat and began the 90 minute journey out to the reef.
The trip didn’t seem to take too long – the weather was great and the water was calm. The staff went around introducing themselves and taking the time to get to know us. They were super friendly and informative. Once we began to near the reef we had a brief and got all suited up and jumped in.
The good thing about the trip is it’s solely for snorkeling. The boat has access to areas where the bigger vessels aren’t allowed. So there were no crowds and plenty of sea life. From what I understand the company has the exclusive rights to several sports on the reef and each morning, the team chooses the best three sports to showcase the reef.
I can’t remember the order in which we saw them – but during the day we snorkeled at Opal Reef, St Crispin’s Reef and Tongue Reef. I don’t know if it was planned like this – but each was better than the last.
Between snorkels we’d get back on the boat, eat snacks and relax while the staff would tell us about the sort of animals we saw. They also told us about some of the scientific and conservation work they’re doing.
Several staff members accompanied the group on the snorkels – to make weaker swimmers feel more comfortable, but also to take great underwater pictures of all of us, and the sea life.
On our second snorkel one of the staffers took us on a guided tour – stopping every few minutes to point out something, show us something or explain what we were seeing.
At the end of the day we cruised back into town satisfied, but pretty tired.Everything about the trip was fantastic – the food, the equipment, the staff – the entire day was so well organised and professional from the very get go – I can’t recommend it highly enough.
For more details check out the official Wavelength website.