Calypso Outer Reef Cruise

Overview

The outer reef is where the Great Barrier Reef earns its reputation, clearer water, denser coral, more life. Calypso's day trip works it properly: up to three different sites across Agincourt and Opal Reefs, so if the fish are quiet at one, you've got two more swings at the good stuff. The luxury catamaran runs about 90 minutes out of Port Douglas, then it's in the water: snorkellers get all gear and stinger suits included, while divers can add introductory or certified dives, up to three a day, with experienced PADI dive masters and dive computers provided. The coral gardens here host sharks, rays, turtles and clouds of reef fish. Between swims there's a tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and an interpretive reef talk from the crew. Parking at Crystalbrook Marina is free, and the small-group format keeps the back deck civilised. Eight hours, three reefs, one very good day.