I thought I’d revive this topic! My wife and I will be travelling to Queensland this August and are very much looking forward to it. I have been to Cairns before and took my diving course there, but this time we will only go snorkeling (my wife can’t dive and I’ll just join her snorkeling, not diving). Could anyone tell us whether the snorkeling options are better from Port Douglas or from Cairns? Is there a difference in reefs – and particularly, giving the best snorkeling experience – which you will visit departing from either of the two? We would also love to hear if anyone has a particular company which you can recommend for a snorkeling trip. (it does not necessarily have to be a trip without divers on board, as long as that does not compromise the snorkeling experience (for example because you then may go to deeper sites which are good for divers, but not so much for snorkeling).

Are live-aboards also available for snorkeling, and if so, does anyone know a company that offers it?

Many thanks in advance! Best regards,
Jelle

Hi Cintia,
I think it depends on how comfortable you are in the water already, and whether you have been snorkelling already and want to spend as much time in the water as possible. If you are very happy swimming, snorkelling etc, then I’d recommend Silver Sonic, as you can dive your first dive and then add on 2 more dives afterward on different sites. You can also choose to snorkel at the other sites if you don’t want to dive, although there are no ‘out-of-water’ activities (besides sunbaking!). They are a very good operator, safe, experienced and a beautiful boat.

If you’re a bit less comfortable in the water then Quicksilver’s trip out to the reef pontoon is good because you can still do your first-time dive, and then have other options such as underwater observatory, semi-submersible submarines, snorkelling and snorkel tour with Marine Bio, Oceanwalk dive, helicopter, etc etc. You can also choose to do a second dive, however it will be at the same site.

Depending on the time of year, Quicksilver can get very busy (max people over 400!) whereas Silver Sonic is only max 80, so it could pay to check with Quicksilver (who own boat boats) how many people are booked on for the day. Don’t worry though, the reef pontoon can take 250 people or more without seeming busy as it is huge

I hope this helps!

We decided to do one day onboard Silversonic and one day aboard Calypso. We can’t do the live aboard because there are a few other things we wanted to do, like race cane toads at one of the local bars.

Osprey is THE best! You just have to jump on a live aboard to get out there. I think there’s a couple of companies but Spirit of Freedom is a great one. If you have enough time to do a 5 day trip then it is worth every cent!
PS avoid Quicksilver’s pontoon out at Agincourt if you dislike cattle cars. Also not the best option for divers anyway. Check out Silver Sonic or Poseidon, I’ve been out a number of times on Sonic and always have a good day.

Like you, we’re very experienced and dive around the world. A good dive master makes all the difference in the world. Some boats have em, some do not. A site can be large and you may/may not be able to see it all so finding a specific structure (or animal) unless you know where it is, can be impossible.
Find out if the boat provides dive masters and how large the group is. If you are going to pay these gross prices, might as well pay a little more to ensure satisfaction. I would hate to spend this kind of money and be disappointed

Steve, We’re right behind you arriving 3rd week of Oct. I just sent an email to ScubaDave myself and we’re also trying to decide on boats and destinations, so, please let me know whatever you find out.

I hear tell Osprey is the best, but requires overnight to get out there. I also saw a posting that there was some permanent moored entertainment platform at Agincourt but I’m not sure of size and scope. There looks to be multiple reefs at Agincourt so it might be OK. We do not like cattle cars and rushed dives.

my email is jjsilver@yahoo.com, so please let me know whatever you find out and how it goes. Maybe we’ll be in front of you for the next trip.