Whitsunday Islands-Reef & Dive - Backpacker by Awesome Adventures Oz

Tour Itinerary

Experience the ultimate outer Great Barrier Reef trip with Awesome Adventures OZ! Discover the underwater wonderland of magnificent corals, colourful fish and marine life.

The Great Barrier Reef is truly one of the great wonders of the natural world and a "must-see" for any visitor to the region. Formed millions of years ago, this colourful living reef continues to grow and flourish just off the coast from the Whitsundays. Hundreds of different types of fish and hard and soft coral thrive in the sheltered lagoon.

We have two pontoons at two different reef sites. Both locations will give you a fantastic reef experience however, you will only visit one site on the day you travel. Our pontoons have a choice of areas to relax and a great range of activities. There is undercover seating and tables, sun decks for topping up the tan, freshwater showers, change rooms and full access to the air conditioned comfort of our reef vessel. There are numerous ways to explore the reef, from the underwater viewing chamber, to the semi-submersible submarines, or snorkelling like a fish beneath the sea!

The pontoons are adjacent to coral walls, the length of which you can explore. Protected as it is, it has its own ecosystem with magnificent corals and a diversity of marine life found only in sheltered areas. It provides a unique world for you to explore. The prolific fish life will surprise and delight you - especially the giant groper!

Lunch options

Morning tea, afternoon tea and a sumptuous buffet lunch are included. Leading and award winning restaurants from Airlie Beach supply our catering, taking care to base the menu on seasonality and the best produce available. Free tea and coffee is available and there is also a bar onboard serving a full range of alcoholic and soft drinks.

Our care for the environment

Awesome Adventures OZ has a strong environmental ethic. We believe the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays natural environment are the most important aspects of our operation. We want to ensure the reef will be preserved for the future, so our activities and operations are designed to follow world-best environmental practices.

Activities at the Reef

Included in your day at the Great Barrier Reef is full use of the pontoon facilities. But if you want to take your experience to the next level, why not take a guided snorkelling tour, dive at the best spots, indulge with a massage or - the ultimate experience - enjoy a helicopter flight over famous Heart Reef!

Highlights & Inclusions

• Unbelievable snorkeling with all gear provided

• Guided snorkelling tours (additional cost)

• Intro and certified diving (additional cost)

• Scenic helicopter flights (additional cost)

• An innovative and spacious reef pontoon

• Semi-submersible

• Underwater viewing chamber

• Waterslide and kids club

• All you can eat buffet lunch

• Morning and afternoon tea

• Presentations by reef experts

• FREE wetsuit usage

• Complimentary coach pickup and drop off

• Massage (additional cost)

• Sun deck with shaded areas

• Buoyancy aids and instructions for first time snorkellers

• Rest stations in the water

• Lifeguard station

• Paddle pool

• Changing rooms

• Fresh water showers

• Air conditioned lounges (onboard the vessel)

• Dive station

• Spy boards (perfect for the kids!)

DEPARTURES/PICKUPS

Complimentary transfers to/from Airlie Beach accommodation to vessel departure point in Airlie Beach are available. Please advise reservations of your accommodation prior to departure/arrival.

Great Barrier Reef Adventures departs Airlie Beach, Daydream Island*, Hamilton Island, Long Island* daily.

*Guests departing from Daydream and Long depart by ferry to join the reef vessel at Hamilton Island.

Please note that cruise schedules are subject to change at any time. Passengers MUST contact Cruise Whitsundays 24hrs prior to departure to reconfirm departure times changed.

Note: this is the backpacker rate for Great Barrier Reef Adventures. Please see Cruise Whitsundays product for the standard adult rate.