Hi All and thanks a bunch for watching todays video on Exposing the downsides of a Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Adventure from Airlie Beach I appreciate the support , thanks for watching and don’t forget to Subscribe ! Check out more in-depth videos throughout Queensland, click here: ua-cam.com/play/PLtDsuclgH938F6PCEUc99LeAhnyzSj6Ep.html
I worked on a dive/snorkelling boat some years back and we stayed in the sheltered bays with fringing reef if the wind was blowing more than 20kts. Too many people got sick otherwise and the surface conditions where choppy onsite once we arrived. Not worth it for anyone. Slightly different story with a big pontoon like Cruise Whit has but I agree that they should have cancelled.
@@buildingbetterbrainsaustra5968 Thanks a bunch for the comment. Sounds like your boat had some common sense and Happier customers that they still got to see something. To be honest I think some of the fringing reef closer to the shore is better than these big pontoon areas.
I’ve personally done this before, it’s a long way out yes it takes a while but that’s the nature of it, I had a lot better conditions but I feel you guys made it seem a lot worse than it was because you had bad weather.
I've done this trip a few times too. I had staff yell at me for wanting to move away from people throwing up and others were yelled at for not wearing a life jacket.... honestly, I didn't say half as much as I wanted to in this video and it was very disappointing. Will it stop me from going again, No, but this experience will make me think twice under the conditions and only book last minute. In the end, I hope people take this video for what it is and come prepared with their expectations.
This has been my experience too. The best snorkeling I have done is on fringing reefs. I can recommend Magnetic Island from Townsville. Jump on the island bus to Arthur bay. It's so easy and protected. If you stay a few days you can go to the snorkel trails at Nellie and Geoffrey bays and snorkel at Florence just around from Arthur. I rate Great Keppel - you need to walk about 30 mins to the reef. Another good place is just off the mainland at Bowen-Rose Bay is my favourite. Go on a low tide. Bowen also has Horseshoe and Murray Bays. Now you won't get the iridescent purples and pinks of some outer reefs but the healthy coral is typically brown and green. All the places I've mentioned have giant clams, plating and staghorn corals and great sealife in terms of turtles,fish and reef sharks. I honestly can't see myself bothering with another outer reef trip. I also liked the day trip to lady Musgrave although sea sickness tablets are recommended. Heron and lady Elliott islands if you want to stay at least 4 days are also amazing. Around the headland at Bowen or around lady Elliot, Heron island and even great Keppel islands you will have snorkel spots even if the wind ruins one of them. For instance, at Great Keppel Island Monkey beach was being battered by wind but shelving beach (a bit closer to where you arrive/depart from) is slightly more orientated to the west and was totally calm and clear. The winds were 35km/hr. Not to mention as foot traffic it costs in the vicinity of $40-55 return boat trip to Keppel and Magnetic island. It's insanely cheap for a quicker more pleasant trip and better snorkeling.
Wow, Thanks so much for the detailed response! I have mentioned the inner/fringing reef in most of my blogs and often prefer them to Outer reef trips. But these are advertised more and tourists think they need to get there for the best coral, which is not the case. I Have snorkelled off Florence Bay on Magnetic and only did Great Keppel last Year and found it very economical. We did Monkey Beach, and will try Shelving next time! Your right about lady Musgrave, but I find I need tablets on all boats - Just to make sure..LOL, but also leave out of Agnes, for a shorter boat ride! Still yet to do Heron too, but Elliot is good and very similar to Musgrave. We were in Bowen last year, but only found out about the snorkelling after we left, so guess I will try that next time too . Your right, I've done the outer reef trips so many time, I'm not sure I'll do it again (unless I stay overnight) - it's just too long a trip and rushed as a day trip!
@@AquariusTraveller absolutely. It might sound bad but there is a lot of waiting for not a great deal of time in the water (and the cost is up there) and then you don't know what conditions you are going to get. And it's great to be around an island or a headland so you can pick a better spot if it is blowing a gale. As far as Bowen goes, I have found Horseshoe to be constantly windy. One of the underwater sculptures is there so that's a draw card. The other spots were always protected enough and orientated just right that visibility was amazing. For people only making it as far as Brisbane, the tangalooma wrecks are incredible too. Surprising diversity for not being on the GBR
@@kattytee9901 The cost is definitely way up there and the reason I did this video - so people could understand that the conditions might not be good. Truthfully, with the amount of yelling at the snorkellers to get life jackets etc - I thought this trip of mine should have been cancelled, but I couldn't do it without losing my money. I live in Brisbane and have dived and snorkelled the Moreton wrecks hundreds of times. I must say that I find them less appealing since they cut the structures a wave height, but yes, the fish live around the wrecks are diverse.
Best thing to do is to check sea conditions forecasting for the reef before you book. More chance of picking and choosing if you go at quieter times. We went in April. It was brilliant, nice and calm. Other days that week were rough.
@@vicariousaviator9742 absolutely correct 👍👍 We booked too far out and was already too late to cancel without losing the 600 bucks. Honestly... I think they should have cancelled on us but at least I know where there priorities lie now
I did this a few years ago when I was working on Hamilton Island it was good, but a long time on the boat heading to the reef. I did the helicopter tour to the heart reef which was extra but an awesome reef to see! It was a windy day in the 2nd half of the trip and there was a heap of passengers sea sick, which made the trip home interesting haha
I've done it several times and can always be touch and go on how it will be. 3 hours from Airlie or 2 hours from Hamo, It's still really long travel time and makes it less worth it for what you see. I took a scenic flight from Airlie instead of from the pontoon, which allowed for more time on the pontoon - Plus it wouldn't have been a good experience on this day! Thanks for sharing your experience - I know there can be better days - but for the cost, I wanted to make people aware of the bad things!
I have done similar in nice weather and it was fantastic. You have to take pot luck on this type of tour. If they refunded every group that did not have the best weather they would be out if pocket half the time.
I've done it it twice in Good weather too and your right - It comes down to pot luck! Although I think there needs to be a leeway point between bad weather and the tourists enjoyment!
Thanks for the informative video! I'll be grabbing the seasick med straight away. And is there cloaking/locker on the pantoon? I'm travelling along and not sure how to manage the camera/phone/wallet situation while I'm in the water. Cheers!
Handy tip.... I start taking my sea sick medication the night before. I've always been told it helps to add the extra protection. 👍😁 I'm trying to think if there were lockers but I can't be certain which boat I've seen them on sorry. I get a bit unsure if my gear will be safe while swimming but you'll see most people leave their gear lying around near the tables and chairs on the pontoon. I think we shoved ours in a corner.
@@charlottewang2536 With the many tours I've taken snorkelling off the coast of Queensland, I've never once had an issue with theft. Hope you have better weather than I did on this tour and have a fantastic time!
if you havent been yet, and prone to seasickness, stay outside with fresh air and look at horizon, same with car sickness. I wrote a long comment to someone else above. but damn do not go inside! vomit vs paradise
thanks for posting this..... many travel adventures show only the good side as they have lots of videos to use. The destinations are usually so crowded and many of the popular reefs are devastated and rubble from too much tourism. Because they are so crowded...it's eays to feel like cattle being herded around.
@@dogloverjb6873 definitely like cattle on all these pontoon tours from Cairns, Port Douglas and Airlie. There are other ways to see the reef that don't involve a 5 to 6 hour return, expensive boat trip. Glad you liked my video....this was probably my sixth time doing this trip and while they were all still crowded, this particular trip should have been cancelled 😀
Call me clueless!! I've snorkeled on Maui, Cozumel, Florida Keys but had no idea Great Barrier Reef boat tours go to a stationary pontoon? Is this the norm for all tour boats in the area? Great video! First time seeing your UA-cam channel, If I'm going all the way to Australia and the GBR... I'm booking a snorkeling excursion regardless of possible drawbacks. 😁
The great Barrier reef stretches over 2000 kilometres, but there are only four pontoons available leaving from Port Douglas, Cairns, Airlie Beach and Bundaberg. Know that these outer GBR tours are different in the inner reef tours (more than 10 towns) where you can either jump off the boat or walk off small island beaches. Thanks for watching, but know this wasn't to deter people from visiting the GBR. I was just wanting to inform people about picking a good day to visit and maybe consider an alternative in bad weather. That being said, I love the GBR but since I've dived and snorkelled most areas...I do have my favourites 😀 and probably more likely use the port Douglas pontoon,than Cairns or Airlie.
Thanks for the great video, Chris! Wow, 3 hours (!) on the ocean each way? That sounds tedious. We are currently staying in Port Douglas and did a snorkel tour to the Agincourt Reef, which was a 90-minute boat ride each way, and we thought that was long! The reef was amazing, however. I'm used to snorkeling in Hawaii, where you just park the car and walk into the water from the shore, which is a lot easier, but the corals aren't as healthy as we saw on the Agincourt reef.
Since snorkelling nearly everywhere off the coast of Queensland - I have to admit that Port Douglas has some of the best looking coral (you picked a good one there). Either that or in the Southern GBR. But yes, The very long boat trips make it less appealing. Either that, or you have to sell body parts to afford staying at any of the resorts with closer access. I have a video on the Port Douglas Pontoon Tour too - We really enjoyed that one, but still busy with crowds! Loved Hawaii too, especially diving with the Mantas :)
@AquariusTraveller Thanks for the tips! We also did a tour of the Opal Reef with Wavelength. It was breathtaking. One day I hope to stay on Lizard Island and snorkel/dive there. Until then, I'll be following your videos for more recommendations while we're roadtripping around QLD! cheers
How was the crowds to opal reef? I will have to add that one to the list 😀 Same with lizard island,as I have heard its pretty good ❤️❤️ Too many places, so little time 🤣🤣 Glad you're enjoying the videos, I have covered alot along the coast and still some I haven't released yet... plus I want to update my Brisbane to Cairns one soon too.
I went with Fantasea cruises back in 2002and they took us out to the outer reef with really bad weather and they wouldn’t refund my money . We were warned by the employees of the accomodation we stayed at not to go with them because they are bad operators . I wish they told us why ? I returned to the Whitsundays and saw some lovely coral there .
It's sad to hear more and more stories like this that operators are more concerned about money, than people safety or enjoyment. Truthfully I found the inner reef much nicer to see than the outer reef 😁👍
@@AquariusTraveller I agree with you and these bad operators wanted to move their pontoons to another spot but the authorities wouldn’t allow it because they are not taking care of the reef .
Ive git this coming nect year. Nothings like it is in a magazine but at end of the day i just think im going to one of the Most Gorgeous places on the Planet & i Honestly feel Lucky. Im just Grateful to be going really 🙏🤞
If you're coming off a cruise, then sea sickness shouldn't be an issue... but it is a smaller boat and will rock alot, so take some if you're not sure how you will go. I hope the weather and winds are good for you, but this you won't know until closer to the time. Is this your only day in Airlie? What's the reason for picking this trip over anything else?
@@AquariusTraveller all the other great barrier reef tours in cairns etc are sold out already. So this is all that’s left and our only opportunity to do it.
Thanks. I had a similar experience from Port douglas yesterday. Don't believe the beautiful pictures in the brochures is what I learned. More often than not windy and water not that clear. Very disappointed.
So sorry to you got bad weather too. I know these trips can be good but they are expensive and a long way out to risk it. I think I'll stick the the inner reef next time, some of it can be prettier there
We went today. The weather was bad, although we didn't see anyone throw up, but the waves made snorkeling with the kids impossible. The Reef near the pontoon wasn't very colourful and we saw no turtles or large fish. I'm a good swimmer so was out there for over an hour. After dealing with the kids, getting changed both ends and eating something, had no extra time to wander the pontoon. The submersible was a waste of time, through the glass all the Coral looked white and we saw no fish.
I'm so sorry you had bad weather too.... I just checked the forecast and seems the winds have been a bit high for the last couple of days. Plus it looks a bit chilly too, so I'm surprised you lasted a hour in the water. Did you find they reduced the snorkelling area and had someone in a small boat telling people to swim closer to the pontoon? I'm just trying to work out if this us a bad weather thing or normal now as it was so much smaller than I remember. Did you think the 6 hours travel and the price was worth it for your experience? Would you do it again? I think your comment helps others expectations of the trip, so I appreciate it 😀
@@AquariusTraveller we are from Melbourne so the water was lovely. We wore wet suits but really didn't need them. There was a boat watching over the snorkelers but the engine from that dingie was very noisy under water so for me, it was just annoying. The snorkel area was reduced compared to the promotional material and to be honest, not even sure how far I could really go, the current can sweep you away pretty quickly out there. 6 hours in a boat is a long time from Airlie beach. However, if you really want to see the reef what are alternative options? The wind made it cooler than it would have been otherwise. Was it worth it? Tough question. Lots of up selling, the food was very very basic , ham, plain rice, buns, meatballs, all frozen and just reheated so nothing fresh. But it was well run, didn't have to worry about anything for the day. I feel like my Overall experience would be better if the wind wasn't so bad but that isn't their fault.
@@fademan77 Appreciate the opinion, It's always nice to know others prospective :). But, know there are alternative options. The Fringing reefs and the areas other tours go to in the inner reef, I find sometimes better. Plus you don't have to travel as far. I think there is another comment on this video relaying the same. Check out my Whitehaven beach video (much better weather) and see the snorkelling section - there are other boats that just do snorkelling too, but been a while since I've done them. Maybe consider it when your next travelling up this way :). You right though, bad weather can't be controlled and not the tour company's fault, hence why I did this video. It's wasn't to deter people going, instead to advise, lower expectations if the weather is bad and to prepare.
ive been twice, and wind & tide makes all the difference. 1st time very calm, and height of water above shelf was very shallow. less than a meter. I just folded my arms and floated over shelf, in awe of VIBRANT COLOUR of the myriad of life / little critters. No wetsuit needed. An hour or more passed in a flash. i didnt even get a chance to eat i was out there so long and missed lunch. 2nd time, was windy, choppy , and the height of water above shelf was way deeper. Colour is rapidly absorbed inch by inch in water. The shallower, the more colour. Also you had to basically dive down to be close, VS having the critters just under my nose the first time. Edit: thinking back, i should say the 1st time was back in 1994, 2nd time 1998. Maybe the coral has discolored a bit by then. Funny story : on the 2nd trip, we on the pontoon, and we hear this loud american voice say 'Cmon gang, lets do some pushups!' . We like, who is this wanker? and turn to see David Hasselhoff and some of the baywatch crew (my friend knew the other names , he said david chokachee(sp?)) Onya Dave! :) right place and right time lol. It is hard to maintain the bod though. lot of upkeep.
@@fredfinks omg... so much awesome information there and experience. I think the first time I did it was the early 2000. I remember it being so much better back then too. But imagine 200 people a day for the last 20 years on the same area of the reef... I think it has taken its toll. However, I did see a second pontoon there where they ended a drift dive for the scuba divers. So maybe they built a new one. Dave hasselhoff... now that's a story you'll continue to tell over the years and thanks very much for sharing
There is only one company that goes to the Reef Platform but you can find all your options in this blog aquariustraveller.com/how-to-get-to-the-great-barrier-reef-from-airlie-beach/ This particular tour is listed under the Great Barrier Reef Outer Reef & Pontoon Experience. May is a great time, it will be on the cooler side starting to get into winter, but a lot less stingers around. You'll still need to wear a stinger suit though.
I’m going to Australia in October 2025. This is good to know, primarily the sea sickness. That’d really ruin a day out. I just hope the weather is good!
I'm glad it helped and fingers crossed that the weather is much better for you. Let me know if you need help finding anything else in Queensland that you want to check out :)
Ok! Picture this, on top deck of that large catamaran boat in the vid, we on our way back to shore. The sun is shining, there are whales jumping in the distance, its absolute tropical paradise heaven, with approx 20 people. I was traveling with my brother and 2 friends. after chatting with other people for awhile on top, im 'where the hell are my friends?' (they are down below inside). I go down stairs and open the door, and get punched in the face with the most pungent smell of vomit ive ever had the displeasure to smell. I forced myself inside to see basically a boat full of asian tourists, and my bro and friends, all green with seasickness and throwing up. To this day i have never seen such a contrast juxtaposed in my life. Paradise & the pits of hell within a few feet. 'i begged them to 'GET THE EF OUT OF HERE!' and come up top, but they wouldnt listen. Every second inside was agony for me and i beat a hasty retreat back to paradise. Wind in our hair , smiling, getting a tan, more whales to see. Lesson: stay outside if you can. If youre prone to seasickness or car sickness, look at the horizon. Being rocked while reading a book or looking down is asking for trouble. Enjoy the fresh air. Dont be silly and sit in a vomit filled room with no fresh air. i mean really, boggles my mind still. total paradise vs horror
@@fredfinks I love this comment and it explains the situation way better than what I could and you are completely right. Fresh air, look to the horizon and I even start taking my sea sickness tablets the night before. Unfortunately when I saw this going on inside, I did escape and sat just outside the glass doors to watch the horizon. A manager came up to me and was very rude, yelled at me that it was unsafe to be outside and that I had to sit in the vomit filled room. I asked if it was that unsafe, then why is the boat still going out there. She had no reply and continued to force me back inside
I would have been so disappointed in this experience for the cost. I agree that it should have been cancelled. Could you imagine trying to snorkel for the first time in those conditions?? No thank you 😆
I've seen overseas tourists give up easily when they aren't use to these Aussie conditions. As much as I hate bad weather and tours cancelling, it's much better to save the money for another time than to have a bad experience. I've done about 5 tours like this to the outer reef, but first time it should have been cancelled
We did the reef pontoon yesterday. It was a horrible experience. Cattle class tourism. I would not recommend any does this trip with Cruise Whitsundays. It was unacceptable problem, one after another.
@@FairdinkumErskine 😪😪 so sorry you had this experience and your right... very cattle class I do still like the inner reef snorkelling and can sometimes see some better creatures here too. I hope the rest of Airlie Beach made for a great holiday ❤️
What a shame Chris, the weather was S H I T! I agree the tour should have been cancelled. I imagine there would have been a few chuckers in that swell. I love ginger beer, particularly with a liberal dash of Bundy 😉
Haha... both Matt and I are partial to a ginger beer...even the alcoholic ones. I'll put a dash in with vodka and always a go to at the brewhouse. But yes, as for the tour, as much as a cancelled tour is disappointing.. having a bad experience is worse. I'm sure some would have had a great day but when comparing to brilliant days I've had before, it was pretty bad 🤔 Maybe next time 😁
@@AquariusTraveller Cancellations do create problems logistically, but usually for a small minority. You can't please everybody unfortunately. The video is handy though, it makes people aware of what to look for and expect 👌
Different video to what I normally post but I think it's good to know that not everything goes to plan. FYI my Whitehaven trip got cancelled for the next day and I had to drive up a month later for a 2 night/one day tour. It was a loooong weekend 😂😂 But worth it when the Whitehaven trip was a complete prime day on the second trip 💖
@@AquariusTraveller Ooh yeah, travel doesn't always go to plan or runs smoothly like we wish. But that is what makes the process so exciting. Good to hear Whitehaven went well.
This review seems unfair… Always check the weather forecast before heading out. I can’t imagine any water activities being enjoyable in 16-20 knots winds lol Hopefully you’re blessed with better conditions next time👍
Thats the unfair part I guess...I had it booked well in advance and when it come to finding out the winds were high, we weren't allowed to cancel without losing our money. (about $300 PP) I honestly thought the trip should have been cancelled by the operator, but it was still borderline safe enough to do it. 😥 Not the first time I've done this trip and never had a bad experience before, so it why i wanted to explain to other's - if they have the choice, to look at the weather first. Appreciate the comment and thanks for watching 😁
Fyi... just looked up the winds for the day of our tour and listed between 50 to 57klm/hr... about 28knots Do you think the operator should have cancelled ?
Agreed @C.Wise - we just did this experience - including staying overnight at the ReefSuites and it was AMAZING and couldn't complain about anything whatsoever. Seems harsh that "exposing downsides" = bad weather.
Growing up in QLD. I stay as far away as possible from anything TOURISTie! Almost all (Not all) TOURIST attractions are Cheap and Tacky! But boy they sting Ya!!!
@@markrowley8177 you've nailed it there. I like a lot of touristy things and most sting the budget... but it's really annoying when paying that amount is the only way to see it 😒
It's deeper waters so you tend to see more of the larger creatures like sharks and turtles, they are always cool to see. But, If your looking for the pretty coral then I did find it better on a tour or through the inner reef. 😁
@@rcast3763 check out this one on Whitehaven beach...we did some snorkelling at the start of the day 👍 ua-cam.com/video/5HsB6dahDdg/v-deo.htmlsi=7CscINtI4riuoyEZ I'm sure there are more tours just based on the snorkelling, if thats what your looking for 😁 Let me know what you think 👍
well if u go in a crowded environment its gunna be pea soup conditions. if u go on shitty weather its also going to be not the best, the reef anytime is beatiful people but pick your destinations wisely and ur crowd and ur fitness experience level its a wonder land the barrier reef I know these video exposing the truths are only guided for likes from the Karen who wants to dish the locals.... /////
So you decided to do a water activity coming into Winter and you’re complaining about the weather? It is low season for a reason. The weather on the day is pot luck, but I think what Reef World can control is more than adequate: the staff, the facilities and the overall experience. You know what else you can control? Your attitude.
@@MichaelChen-n5s winter is actually a high season for southerners coming up to the northern areas of Queensland. It's also one of the best times to visit due to more tolerable temperatures, less rainy days and no stingers. After seeing the staff yell at passengers in the less than ideal conditions, its not something I would recommend, but the purpose of the video wasn't to stop people from going, but to keep their expectations in check for the pot luck weather. Especially after paying the high costs and travelling 6 hours return.
After snorkelling here a few times over the past 15 years...there was never that much colour. But colour also doesn't mean that it's a dead reef. I've seen much more colour in the southern areas or maybe port Douglas
Hi All and thanks a bunch for watching todays video on Exposing the downsides of a Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Adventure from Airlie Beach
I appreciate the support , thanks for watching and don’t forget to Subscribe !
Check out more in-depth videos throughout Queensland, click here:
ua-cam.com/play/PLtDsuclgH938F6PCEUc99LeAhnyzSj6Ep.html
Any question please put them in the comments and I'll try my best to answer :)
I worked on a dive/snorkelling boat some years back and we stayed in the sheltered bays with fringing reef if the wind was blowing more than 20kts. Too many people got sick otherwise and the surface conditions where choppy onsite once we arrived. Not worth it for anyone. Slightly different story with a big pontoon like Cruise Whit has but I agree that they should have cancelled.
@@buildingbetterbrainsaustra5968 Thanks a bunch for the comment. Sounds like your boat had some common sense and Happier customers that they still got to see something.
To be honest I think some of the fringing reef closer to the shore is better than these big pontoon areas.
Well said, whether it's worth it is indeed a good question.
Thanks so much...I'm glad you liked it 😁
Such a good and comprehensive review. I love how you balanced the pros and cons!
@@stacieberries thanks so much... really appreciate that.
It can be a good tour but preparation and planning helps 😀👍
I’ve personally done this before, it’s a long way out yes it takes a while but that’s the nature of it, I had a lot better conditions but I feel you guys made it seem a lot worse than it was because you had bad weather.
I've done this trip a few times too.
I had staff yell at me for wanting to move away from people throwing up and others were yelled at for not wearing a life jacket.... honestly, I didn't say half as much as I wanted to in this video and it was very disappointing.
Will it stop me from going again, No, but this experience will make me think twice under the conditions and only book last minute.
In the end, I hope people take this video for what it is and come prepared with their expectations.
This has been my experience too. The best snorkeling I have done is on fringing reefs. I can recommend Magnetic Island from Townsville. Jump on the island bus to Arthur bay. It's so easy and protected. If you stay a few days you can go to the snorkel trails at Nellie and Geoffrey bays and snorkel at Florence just around from Arthur. I rate Great Keppel - you need to walk about 30 mins to the reef. Another good place is just off the mainland at Bowen-Rose Bay is my favourite. Go on a low tide. Bowen also has Horseshoe and Murray Bays. Now you won't get the iridescent purples and pinks of some outer reefs but the healthy coral is typically brown and green. All the places I've mentioned have giant clams, plating and staghorn corals and great sealife in terms of turtles,fish and reef sharks. I honestly can't see myself bothering with another outer reef trip.
I also liked the day trip to lady Musgrave although sea sickness tablets are recommended. Heron and lady Elliott islands if you want to stay at least 4 days are also amazing. Around the headland at Bowen or around lady Elliot, Heron island and even great Keppel islands you will have snorkel spots even if the wind ruins one of them. For instance, at Great Keppel Island Monkey beach was being battered by wind but shelving beach (a bit closer to where you arrive/depart from) is slightly more orientated to the west and was totally calm and clear. The winds were 35km/hr. Not to mention as foot traffic it costs in the vicinity of $40-55 return boat trip to Keppel and Magnetic island. It's insanely cheap for a quicker more pleasant trip and better snorkeling.
Wow, Thanks so much for the detailed response! I have mentioned the inner/fringing reef in most of my blogs and often prefer them to Outer reef trips. But these are advertised more and tourists think they need to get there for the best coral, which is not the case.
I Have snorkelled off Florence Bay on Magnetic and only did Great Keppel last Year and found it very economical. We did Monkey Beach, and will try Shelving next time!
Your right about lady Musgrave, but I find I need tablets on all boats - Just to make sure..LOL, but also leave out of Agnes, for a shorter boat ride!
Still yet to do Heron too, but Elliot is good and very similar to Musgrave.
We were in Bowen last year, but only found out about the snorkelling after we left, so guess I will try that next time too .
Your right, I've done the outer reef trips so many time, I'm not sure I'll do it again (unless I stay overnight) - it's just too long a trip and rushed as a day trip!
@@AquariusTraveller absolutely. It might sound bad but there is a lot of waiting for not a great deal of time in the water (and the cost is up there) and then you don't know what conditions you are going to get. And it's great to be around an island or a headland so you can pick a better spot if it is blowing a gale. As far as Bowen goes, I have found Horseshoe to be constantly windy. One of the underwater sculptures is there so that's a draw card. The other spots were always protected enough and orientated just right that visibility was amazing. For people only making it as far as Brisbane, the tangalooma wrecks are incredible too. Surprising diversity for not being on the GBR
@@kattytee9901 The cost is definitely way up there and the reason I did this video - so people could understand that the conditions might not be good.
Truthfully, with the amount of yelling at the snorkellers to get life jackets etc - I thought this trip of mine should have been cancelled, but I couldn't do it without losing my money.
I live in Brisbane and have dived and snorkelled the Moreton wrecks hundreds of times. I must say that I find them less appealing since they cut the structures a wave height, but yes, the fish live around the wrecks are diverse.
Best thing to do is to check sea conditions forecasting for the reef before you book. More chance of picking and choosing if you go at quieter times. We went in April. It was brilliant, nice and calm. Other days that week were rough.
@@vicariousaviator9742 absolutely correct 👍👍
We booked too far out and was already too late to cancel without losing the 600 bucks.
Honestly... I think they should have cancelled on us but at least I know where there priorities lie now
I did this a few years ago when I was working on Hamilton Island it was good, but a long time on the boat heading to the reef.
I did the helicopter tour to the heart reef which was extra but an awesome reef to see! It was a windy day in the 2nd half of the trip and there was a heap of passengers sea sick, which made the trip home interesting haha
I've done it several times and can always be touch and go on how it will be.
3 hours from Airlie or 2 hours from Hamo, It's still really long travel time and makes it less worth it for what you see.
I took a scenic flight from Airlie instead of from the pontoon, which allowed for more time on the pontoon - Plus it wouldn't have been a good experience on this day!
Thanks for sharing your experience - I know there can be better days - but for the cost, I wanted to make people aware of the bad things!
I have done similar in nice weather and it was fantastic. You have to take pot luck on this type of tour. If they refunded every group that did not have the best weather they would be out if pocket half the time.
I've done it it twice in Good weather too and your right - It comes down to pot luck!
Although I think there needs to be a leeway point between bad weather and the tourists enjoyment!
Thanks for the informative video! I'll be grabbing the seasick med straight away. And is there cloaking/locker on the pantoon? I'm travelling along and not sure how to manage the camera/phone/wallet situation while I'm in the water. Cheers!
Handy tip.... I start taking my sea sick medication the night before. I've always been told it helps to add the extra protection. 👍😁
I'm trying to think if there were lockers but I can't be certain which boat I've seen them on sorry.
I get a bit unsure if my gear will be safe while swimming but you'll see most people leave their gear lying around near the tables and chairs on the pontoon. I think we shoved ours in a corner.
I just tried to Google but there is only mention of large luggage lockers in their airlie beach facility
@@AquariusTravellerthanks! I have to say Aus is pretty safe compared to other countries. I’ll try find a discrete corner😂
@@charlottewang2536 With the many tours I've taken snorkelling off the coast of Queensland, I've never once had an issue with theft. Hope you have better weather than I did on this tour and have a fantastic time!
if you havent been yet, and prone to seasickness, stay outside with fresh air and look at horizon, same with car sickness. I wrote a long comment to someone else above. but damn do not go inside! vomit vs paradise
thanks for posting this..... many travel adventures show only the good side as they have lots of videos to use. The destinations are usually so crowded and many of the popular reefs are devastated and rubble from too much tourism. Because they are so crowded...it's eays to feel like cattle being herded around.
@@dogloverjb6873 definitely like cattle on all these pontoon tours from Cairns, Port Douglas and Airlie. There are other ways to see the reef that don't involve a 5 to 6 hour return, expensive boat trip.
Glad you liked my video....this was probably my sixth time doing this trip and while they were all still crowded, this particular trip should have been cancelled 😀
Call me clueless!! I've snorkeled on Maui, Cozumel, Florida Keys but had no idea Great Barrier Reef boat tours go to a stationary pontoon? Is this the norm for all tour boats in the area? Great video! First time seeing your UA-cam channel, If I'm going all the way to Australia and the GBR... I'm booking a snorkeling excursion regardless of possible drawbacks. 😁
The great Barrier reef stretches over 2000 kilometres, but there are only four pontoons available leaving from Port Douglas, Cairns, Airlie Beach and Bundaberg.
Know that these outer GBR tours are different in the inner reef tours (more than 10 towns) where you can either jump off the boat or walk off small island beaches.
Thanks for watching, but know this wasn't to deter people from visiting the GBR. I was just wanting to inform people about picking a good day to visit and maybe consider an alternative in bad weather.
That being said, I love the GBR but since I've dived and snorkelled most areas...I do have my favourites 😀 and probably more likely use the port Douglas pontoon,than Cairns or Airlie.
Thanks for the great video, Chris! Wow, 3 hours (!) on the ocean each way? That sounds tedious.
We are currently staying in Port Douglas and did a snorkel tour to the Agincourt Reef, which was a 90-minute boat ride each way, and we thought that was long! The reef was amazing, however.
I'm used to snorkeling in Hawaii, where you just park the car and walk into the water from the shore, which is a lot easier, but the corals aren't as healthy as we saw on the Agincourt reef.
Since snorkelling nearly everywhere off the coast of Queensland - I have to admit that Port Douglas has some of the best looking coral (you picked a good one there). Either that or in the Southern GBR. But yes, The very long boat trips make it less appealing.
Either that, or you have to sell body parts to afford staying at any of the resorts with closer access.
I have a video on the Port Douglas Pontoon Tour too - We really enjoyed that one, but still busy with crowds!
Loved Hawaii too, especially diving with the Mantas :)
@AquariusTraveller Thanks for the tips! We also did a tour of the Opal Reef with Wavelength. It was breathtaking.
One day I hope to stay on Lizard Island and snorkel/dive there.
Until then, I'll be following your videos for more recommendations while we're roadtripping around QLD! cheers
How was the crowds to opal reef? I will have to add that one to the list 😀
Same with lizard island,as I have heard its pretty good ❤️❤️
Too many places, so little time 🤣🤣
Glad you're enjoying the videos, I have covered alot along the coast and still some I haven't released yet... plus I want to update my Brisbane to Cairns one soon too.
I went with Fantasea cruises back in 2002and they took us out to the outer reef with really bad weather and they wouldn’t refund my money . We were warned by the employees of the accomodation we stayed at not to go with them because they are bad operators . I wish they told us why ? I returned to the Whitsundays and saw some lovely coral there .
It's sad to hear more and more stories like this that operators are more concerned about money, than people safety or enjoyment.
Truthfully I found the inner reef much nicer to see than the outer reef 😁👍
@@AquariusTraveller I agree with you and these bad operators wanted to move their pontoons to another spot but the authorities wouldn’t allow it because they are not taking care of the reef .
Wow...that is interesting
Thanks for sharing and hopefully help others watching this video 😁
Ive git this coming nect year. Nothings like it is in a magazine but at end of the day i just think im going to one of the Most Gorgeous places on the Planet & i Honestly feel Lucky. Im just Grateful to be going really 🙏🤞
@@jennygrant7484 hope you have a blast for your trip 😀👍
What’s a low season for cairns in terms of tourist numbers?
@@sammyidris1002 i find the numbers are in Cairns all year round but less in the shoulder seasons and out of holiday periods
We are going at the end of March 2025. It’s an excursion from celebrity cruises whilst docked at Airlie Beach. Any advice would be appreciated
If you're coming off a cruise, then sea sickness shouldn't be an issue... but it is a smaller boat and will rock alot, so take some if you're not sure how you will go.
I hope the weather and winds are good for you, but this you won't know until closer to the time.
Is this your only day in Airlie? What's the reason for picking this trip over anything else?
@@AquariusTraveller all the other great barrier reef tours in cairns etc are sold out already. So this is all that’s left and our only opportunity to do it.
@@BasilsTravels I'm guessing these are booked as part of the cruise?
There was no Whitehaven tours?
@@AquariusTraveller yes part of the cruise. We need the security of an official cruise tour so the ship doesn’t leave without you.
@@BasilsTravels yep... definitely the better way to go booking with the cruise ship .... especially with a long day with this tour
Thanks. I had a similar experience from Port douglas yesterday. Don't believe the beautiful pictures in the brochures is what I learned. More often than not windy and water not that clear. Very disappointed.
So sorry to you got bad weather too. I know these trips can be good but they are expensive and a long way out to risk it.
I think I'll stick the the inner reef next time, some of it can be prettier there
We went today. The weather was bad, although we didn't see anyone throw up, but the waves made snorkeling with the kids impossible. The Reef near the pontoon wasn't very colourful and we saw no turtles or large fish. I'm a good swimmer so was out there for over an hour. After dealing with the kids, getting changed both ends and eating something, had no extra time to wander the pontoon. The submersible was a waste of time, through the glass all the Coral looked white and we saw no fish.
I'm so sorry you had bad weather too.... I just checked the forecast and seems the winds have been a bit high for the last couple of days.
Plus it looks a bit chilly too, so I'm surprised you lasted a hour in the water.
Did you find they reduced the snorkelling area and had someone in a small boat telling people to swim closer to the pontoon?
I'm just trying to work out if this us a bad weather thing or normal now as it was so much smaller than I remember.
Did you think the 6 hours travel and the price was worth it for your experience?
Would you do it again?
I think your comment helps others expectations of the trip, so I appreciate it 😀
@@AquariusTraveller we are from Melbourne so the water was lovely. We wore wet suits but really didn't need them.
There was a boat watching over the snorkelers but the engine from that dingie was very noisy under water so for me, it was just annoying. The snorkel area was reduced compared to the promotional material and to be honest, not even sure how far I could really go, the current can sweep you away pretty quickly out there.
6 hours in a boat is a long time from Airlie beach.
However, if you really want to see the reef what are alternative options?
The wind made it cooler than it would have been otherwise.
Was it worth it? Tough question. Lots of up selling, the food was very very basic , ham, plain rice, buns, meatballs, all frozen and just reheated so nothing fresh.
But it was well run, didn't have to worry about anything for the day. I feel like my Overall experience would be better if the wind wasn't so bad but that isn't their fault.
@@fademan77 Appreciate the opinion, It's always nice to know others prospective :). But, know there are alternative options. The Fringing reefs and the areas other tours go to in the inner reef, I find sometimes better. Plus you don't have to travel as far.
I think there is another comment on this video relaying the same. Check out my Whitehaven beach video (much better weather) and see the snorkelling section - there are other boats that just do snorkelling too, but been a while since I've done them. Maybe consider it when your next travelling up this way :).
You right though, bad weather can't be controlled and not the tour company's fault, hence why I did this video. It's wasn't to deter people going, instead to advise, lower expectations if the weather is bad and to prepare.
ive been twice, and wind & tide makes all the difference. 1st time very calm, and height of water above shelf was very shallow. less than a meter. I just folded my arms and floated over shelf, in awe of VIBRANT COLOUR of the myriad of life / little critters. No wetsuit needed. An hour or more passed in a flash. i didnt even get a chance to eat i was out there so long and missed lunch. 2nd time, was windy, choppy , and the height of water above shelf was way deeper. Colour is rapidly absorbed inch by inch in water. The shallower, the more colour. Also you had to basically dive down to be close, VS having the critters just under my nose the first time.
Edit: thinking back, i should say the 1st time was back in 1994, 2nd time 1998. Maybe the coral has discolored a bit by then. Funny story : on the 2nd trip, we on the pontoon, and we hear this loud american voice say 'Cmon gang, lets do some pushups!' . We like, who is this wanker? and turn to see David Hasselhoff and some of the baywatch crew (my friend knew the other names , he said david chokachee(sp?)) Onya Dave! :) right place and right time lol. It is hard to maintain the bod though. lot of upkeep.
@@fredfinks omg... so much awesome information there and experience.
I think the first time I did it was the early 2000. I remember it being so much better back then too. But imagine 200 people a day for the last 20 years on the same area of the reef... I think it has taken its toll. However, I did see a second pontoon there where they ended a drift dive for the scuba divers. So maybe they built a new one.
Dave hasselhoff... now that's a story you'll continue to tell over the years and thanks very much for sharing
Hi can you suggest which is the preferred tour company for outer reef experience and how is the month of mid May to plan this activity
There is only one company that goes to the Reef Platform but you can find all your options in this blog
aquariustraveller.com/how-to-get-to-the-great-barrier-reef-from-airlie-beach/
This particular tour is listed under the Great Barrier Reef Outer Reef & Pontoon Experience.
May is a great time, it will be on the cooler side starting to get into winter, but a lot less stingers around. You'll still need to wear a stinger suit though.
I’m going to Australia in October 2025. This is good to know, primarily the sea sickness. That’d really ruin a day out. I just hope the weather is good!
I'm glad it helped and fingers crossed that the weather is much better for you. Let me know if you need help finding anything else in Queensland that you want to check out :)
Ok! Picture this, on top deck of that large catamaran boat in the vid, we on our way back to shore. The sun is shining, there are whales jumping in the distance, its absolute tropical paradise heaven, with approx 20 people. I was traveling with my brother and 2 friends. after chatting with other people for awhile on top, im 'where the hell are my friends?' (they are down below inside). I go down stairs and open the door, and get punched in the face with the most pungent smell of vomit ive ever had the displeasure to smell. I forced myself inside to see basically a boat full of asian tourists, and my bro and friends, all green with seasickness and throwing up. To this day i have never seen such a contrast juxtaposed in my life. Paradise & the pits of hell within a few feet. 'i begged them to 'GET THE EF OUT OF HERE!' and come up top, but they wouldnt listen. Every second inside was agony for me and i beat a hasty retreat back to paradise. Wind in our hair , smiling, getting a tan, more whales to see. Lesson: stay outside if you can. If youre prone to seasickness or car sickness, look at the horizon. Being rocked while reading a book or looking down is asking for trouble. Enjoy the fresh air. Dont be silly and sit in a vomit filled room with no fresh air. i mean really, boggles my mind still. total paradise vs horror
@@fredfinks I love this comment and it explains the situation way better than what I could and you are completely right. Fresh air, look to the horizon and I even start taking my sea sickness tablets the night before.
Unfortunately when I saw this going on inside, I did escape and sat just outside the glass doors to watch the horizon. A manager came up to me and was very rude, yelled at me that it was unsafe to be outside and that I had to sit in the vomit filled room. I asked if it was that unsafe, then why is the boat still going out there. She had no reply and continued to force me back inside
Hello may I know when you went there? Thanks
If your trying to avoid the bad weather, high winds can happen at any time of year and hard to avoid. However, this footage was April 😁
I would have been so disappointed in this experience for the cost. I agree that it should have been cancelled. Could you imagine trying to snorkel for the first time in those conditions?? No thank you 😆
I've seen overseas tourists give up easily when they aren't use to these Aussie conditions.
As much as I hate bad weather and tours cancelling, it's much better to save the money for another time than to have a bad experience.
I've done about 5 tours like this to the outer reef, but first time it should have been cancelled
We did the reef pontoon yesterday. It was a horrible experience. Cattle class tourism. I would not recommend any does this trip with Cruise Whitsundays. It was unacceptable problem, one after another.
@@FairdinkumErskine 😪😪 so sorry you had this experience and your right... very cattle class
I do still like the inner reef snorkelling and can sometimes see some better creatures here too.
I hope the rest of Airlie Beach made for a great holiday ❤️
What a shame Chris, the weather was S H I T! I agree the tour should have been cancelled. I imagine there would have been a few chuckers in that swell.
I love ginger beer, particularly with a liberal dash of Bundy 😉
Haha... both Matt and I are partial to a ginger beer...even the alcoholic ones. I'll put a dash in with vodka and always a go to at the brewhouse.
But yes, as for the tour, as much as a cancelled tour is disappointing.. having a bad experience is worse. I'm sure some would have had a great day but when comparing to brilliant days I've had before, it was pretty bad 🤔
Maybe next time 😁
@@AquariusTraveller Cancellations do create problems logistically, but usually for a small minority. You can't please everybody unfortunately.
The video is handy though, it makes people aware of what to look for and expect 👌
Different video to what I normally post but I think it's good to know that not everything goes to plan.
FYI my Whitehaven trip got cancelled for the next day and I had to drive up a month later for a 2 night/one day tour. It was a loooong weekend 😂😂
But worth it when the Whitehaven trip was a complete prime day on the second trip 💖
@@AquariusTraveller Ooh yeah, travel doesn't always go to plan or runs smoothly like we wish. But that is what makes the process so exciting. Good to hear Whitehaven went well.
@@adventurewithbernie you of all people should know that 😂... so many videos with massive rain storms and losing your phone just to name a few 😁
This review seems unfair… Always check the weather forecast before heading out. I can’t imagine any water activities being enjoyable in 16-20 knots winds lol
Hopefully you’re blessed with better conditions next time👍
Thats the unfair part I guess...I had it booked well in advance and when it come to finding out the winds were high, we weren't allowed to cancel without losing our money. (about $300 PP)
I honestly thought the trip should have been cancelled by the operator, but it was still borderline safe enough to do it. 😥
Not the first time I've done this trip and never had a bad experience before, so it why i wanted to explain to other's - if they have the choice, to look at the weather first.
Appreciate the comment and thanks for watching 😁
Fyi... just looked up the winds for the day of our tour and listed between 50 to 57klm/hr... about 28knots
Do you think the operator should have cancelled ?
Agreed @C.Wise - we just did this experience - including staying overnight at the ReefSuites and it was AMAZING and couldn't complain about anything whatsoever. Seems harsh that "exposing downsides" = bad weather.
Growing up in QLD. I stay as far away as possible from anything TOURISTie!
Almost all (Not all) TOURIST attractions are Cheap and Tacky! But boy they sting Ya!!!
@@markrowley8177 you've nailed it there. I like a lot of touristy things and most sting the budget... but it's really annoying when paying that amount is the only way to see it 😒
It seems the reef in that area are pretty in awful condition? I was expecting better 😪
It's deeper waters so you tend to see more of the larger creatures like sharks and turtles, they are always cool to see.
But, If your looking for the pretty coral then I did find it better on a tour or through the inner reef. 😁
@@AquariusTraveller which tour is that?
Thanks
@@rcast3763 check out this one on Whitehaven beach...we did some snorkelling at the start of the day 👍
ua-cam.com/video/5HsB6dahDdg/v-deo.htmlsi=7CscINtI4riuoyEZ
I'm sure there are more tours just based on the snorkelling, if thats what your looking for 😁
Let me know what you think 👍
@@AquariusTraveller yes that's more like the one we are after. Thanks for sharing!
No worrys...glad to help 👍😁
😊
😁👍
well if u go in a crowded environment its gunna be pea soup conditions. if u go on shitty weather its also going to be not the best, the reef anytime is beatiful people but pick your destinations wisely and ur crowd and ur fitness experience level its a wonder land the barrier reef I know these video exposing the truths are only guided for likes from the Karen who wants to dish the locals....
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@@howies.chanel13 🤣🤣🤣
A swarm of fish 🤭
@@theperfectthermal3343 😀😀👍
So you decided to do a water activity coming into Winter and you’re complaining about the weather? It is low season for a reason.
The weather on the day is pot luck, but I think what Reef World can control is more than adequate: the staff, the facilities and the overall experience. You know what else you can control? Your attitude.
@@MichaelChen-n5s winter is actually a high season for southerners coming up to the northern areas of Queensland.
It's also one of the best times to visit due to more tolerable temperatures, less rainy days and no stingers.
After seeing the staff yell at passengers in the less than ideal conditions, its not something I would recommend, but the purpose of the video wasn't to stop people from going, but to keep their expectations in check for the pot luck weather.
Especially after paying the high costs and travelling 6 hours return.
nothing more foul than being confined to decks swimming in spew, what a filthy health hazard?
I will hire a private boat, cheers
I'm pretty sure that's what I'll be doing next time 👍😁
Ningaloo reef is better , u can walk in off the beach
Thanks for the comment. I've done the whale sharks over there but still yet to check out the reef. I'll keep it in mind for next time 👍👍😀
Reef has lost its colour 😢
After snorkelling here a few times over the past 15 years...there was never that much colour. But colour also doesn't mean that it's a dead reef.
I've seen much more colour in the southern areas or maybe port Douglas
@@AquariusTraveller I am old, I am comparing it to 40 years ago.
I never returned to fnq. I always wanted to but I have settled for the south Coast of nsw. No coral but pristine beaches.
I loved the colour of the water around the reef
Nsw has some awesome beaches for sure... love jervis bay 💖