We’d love to here your feedback about your WAVELENGTH experience. Where did you go and what did you see. What was your favourite site, fish, coral etc? If you’d like to say a special thank you to a crew member just post your message here. If you’re thinking about joining WAVELENGTH for your Outer Reef experience why not read what past WAVELENGTH guests say about their experiences.

Accolades from Trip Advisor

Port Douglas: Wavelength Reef Charters: "What a great way to see the Great Barrier Reef!" MtnVwPilot, San Francisco  Jan 27, 2007

We had a great time with Wavelength, and highly recommend them for anyone visiting the Great Barrier Reef. They do a number of things differently from most tour operators, which all added up to a better experience for us. First, their boats are relatively small, only 30 passengers max (most other operators take double or triple that number on each boat); this means a less crowded and more personal experience (especially since, on the day we went out, the boat was only half booked). Second, they only do snorkeling, not SCUBA diving; the other boats are primarily geared towards SCUBA divers, and the staff is focused on getting the divers equipped, into, and out of the water, which can lead to a "second class" experience for snorkellers. Third, they've been doing this for a long time, and doing it because they love it; that shows in how they treat their guests. And fourth, they're one of the original "eco-tourism" operators in the area, with a strong focus on education, appreciation, and responsible stewardship of the reef. Anyway, like I said, we had a great time with them, and highly recommend them.

Port Douglas: Wavelength Reef Charters: "Amazing Wavelength" SuperDazle, Elwood  Oct 11, 2006
Hi there everyone, firstly thanks so much to everyone on this forum...your advice made my Port Douglas Holiday a vacation to remember. I read lots of reviews on reef tours and decided upon Wavelength for our snorkeling tour. We didn't want to travel with a large group of people, and we didn't see the point in going on a dive/snorkel boat as we figured that with divers on board the reef trip might go to sites that were too deep for snorkeling, so Wavelength was perfect for us. Our only concern was the weather as the winds were 20-25 knots and my wife is not a good sailor. Wavelength reassured us that the tides were great for snorkeling on the day we chose, but that due to the strong winds we would have a bit of "rock and roll" on the trip to the reef. However, they gave us some seasickness medication and off we went to the reef. The trip to the reef was actually an adventure- the seasickness tablets did the job for my wife and once we got in behind the reef, it was quite calm. You could see the white caps and big waves outside the reef, but where we were snorkeling it was calm! The sites were fantastic, we saw heaps of turtles and a million different coloured fish. I have to say how friendly, professional and enthusiastic the crew were. My wife had never snorkeled, and the marine biologist Vanessa actually took my wife on a hand held snorkel tour! The lunch was delicious as well, lots of fresh salads, prawns and bread rolls. They also had some local cookies from Kuranda I think, they were a treat. After lunch we had a very in depth reef brief which further added to our appreciation of what we were actually looking at, then we went for a guided snorkel tour with Vanessa. At the last site we all jumped in and snorkeled around a huge "bommie". Our day with Wavelength was truly amazing. I could not speak highly enough of the day, the staff and the boat itself. The boat was comfortable, fast and traveled well in the water. I asked the skipper and he said that the boat traveled well for its size because it is very heavy and that prevents it rolling around in heavy seas. All in all I give Wavelength a ten out of ten for the whole experience. I cant wait to come back to Port Douglas and do a Wavelength day in ideal conditions...because even on a rough day we had a ball!

Port Douglas: Wavelength Reef Charters: "Loved their professionalism and passion for the Reef" Most-bald-one., Christchurch, New Zealand  Oct 9, 2006

I have twice been taken by corporate sponsors on the big boats. They were ok but the Wavelength experience was much more! Even the startup briefing on how to ensure that your gear was correct, to change it if need be and then how to aim at being relaxed in the water was most reassuring for novices. There was instant recognition of my medical condition and the reassurance that I would be under quiet but supportive observation. There were no dramas. The love of the Reef was the paramount ethos of the crew who could spend all day giving a highly informed commentary if need be. Every person was made to feel special be they young or old and at all times it seemed that everyone was smiling. These were not mechanical smiles but an expression of genuine pleasure due to their love of what they were doing and of the Reef. I would not go anywhere else now

Port Douglas: Wavelength Reef Charters: "Best for Snorkeling by far!" snorkellersrule, Melbourne  Sep 29, 2006

Hello there snorkellers!!!!! If you want to snorkel the Outer Reef of the Great Barrier Reef then Wavelength is the ONLY boat to go on. I went snorkeling on another boat that went to the Outer Reef but it also had divers as well. The 2 problems with this was; 1) it went to Dive sites only and not snorkel sites (and believe me there is difference - the snorkel sites I went to on Wavelength were so much better. More fish, turtles and colourful coral - everything was better) 2) there were too many people on the dive boat and so much equipment everywhere! Sometimes you had to wait to get in the water 'coz all the divers wear gearing up and occupying the landing. On Wavelength you just 'flipper up', goggles on and jump in. Wavelength takes only a small amount of people in comparison and the boat is simply ACE - fast and stable. We got lovely Fresh food.....oh the fruit........, smiley faces on the crew and personal attention. They all took an interest in where we were from and what we wanted to get out of the day - It was just great! And make sure you get them to take the photos as they are the experts and then buy the cd with all the shots. It was only $25 for over 200 shots plus they put their best 100 shots on it as well - no charge!! So once again if you only want to snorkel, and believe me it is spectacular, then go with Wavelength. I have also included in my review here a copy of the 'thankyou' letter I sent Wavelength after my trip. (It's worth the read.) "Dear Wavelength, I would like to say what an unbelievably brilliant time I had out on the reef (and on the boat) during our trip, Friday 1st September. The skipper Aaron, with the bikey beard, drove that boat to the best spots I could have imagined. What a friendly, helpful and a great sense of humour he has......it's not too many times that you even find the safety briefing enjoyable! Kenny with the shaved head also was extremely helpful and knowledgeable (and Passionate) about the reef. His love for the place showed and his passion typified by his instruction "don't stand on my reef" ensured we paid even more attention to it's qualities than we might have initially. Vanessa the Marine Biologist gave us a wonderful presentation during our lovely fresh lunch about all the types of sea life we had encountered and would likely encounter at our final site. As with Aaron and Kenny you can tell that she has a passion for what she is doing and it is evident in just how 'stoked' she is with her work. At one point Ness and I were just 'hanging' with a sea turtle for about 10 minutes, she got a great shot of me with it, and afterwards when we finally looked up we were so far away from the boat but that didn't matter at all - the excitement in her about what we just did was amazing considering she gets to do it every day - wow what a buzz it was. I'd like to thank you for employing such a great team, they all showed a tremendous interest in the people on board and in ensuring we had an amazing time. I'll never forget it. Thankyou thankyou and thankyou again! Please pass on my feedback to the crew and also please let me know which websites are the best ones for me to put a recomendation on for your company. Sincerely (and still smiling), Gary T. Richmond Victoria

Port Douglas: Wavelength Reef Charters: "Love Wavelength Port Douglas!" kerrieom, sydney  May 26, 2006
The best reef trip available from Port Douglas. The staff are passionate and knowledgable, the 3 sites visited are fantastic and you don't have to share them with 300 other people. I have done trips with several of the operators up there, and this is by far the best.

Port Douglas: Wavelength Reef Charters: "A Really Great Experience" A TripAdvisor Member, Foothills above Sacramento, California  Mar 6, 2006

This was our first trip to Australia. Our traveling companions had snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef with another company before and were disappointed then. They went with us just to be company, not expecting to see much. We were all thrilled with Wavelenth's trip! It was a tough day weather-wise for ocean viewing, but we were taken to three excellent spots. We were able to see healthy coral up close and for the third dive we even had some sunshine, which helped picture taking immensely. The varieties and colors of coral and fish were amazing. The crew was great, and the lunch was delicious, too!

Port Douglas: Wavelength Reef Charters: "Best part of your holiday - don't miss it!" A TripAdvisor Member, Northampton, England  Nov 28, 2005

For our trip we had 25 on the boat, which left plenty of space to move around and be comfortable. The day consisted of snorkelling at 3 sites, which are selected on the day depending on weather and tide conditions. Now, I am not a good swimmer, and was quite nervous about what to expect having never tried snorkelling before. However, the crew (skipper and two marine biologists) went out of their way to put us all at ease, and improve our enjoyment. Having had the equipment explained and helped with putting it on, I grabbed a 'noodle' and in I got. WOW. The feeling of swimming with so many brightly coloured and totally wild fish is just amazing. The sheer diversity of fish and coral is incredible, and although most of us have seen something of it in aquariums and on TV, to actually be there and experience it first hand is totally different. The first site was quite shallow and sheltered to allow us novices to feel more secure whilst we got to grips with breathing under water. After an hour in the water it was a short trip on the boat to the next site which was a little deeper. After splitting into novice and advanced groups we were given a guided tour with 'in the water' stops and explanations of what we were seeing. A nice buffet lunch with something for everybody, and on to out final stop which was the deepest (in places) but also most diverse location, where saw a shark and a turtle, along with the various smaller fish. In all a fantastic day out, and my highlight of 3 weeks in Australia. If you only do one thing in Port Douglas, this should be it.

Port Douglas: Wavelength Reef Charters: "Great experience" A TripAdvisor Member, Wokingham, UK  Oct 5, 2004

I chose this company for my day out on the Barrier Reef based on the other recommendations posted here and was not disappointed with what I got. The boat might not be as impressive as some of the big Quicksilver catamarans, but the experience is much more personalised and enjoyable as a result. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly and went to great lengths to make sure everyone had a good time whilst getting the most out of the day. There was great emphasis on safety at all times, with the group being split into experienced snorkellers and those less experienced. As for the Barrier Reef, well ... all the hype is worth it. A fantastic day out.

"I am writing to thank you and your staff for the fabulous time we had on your tour.  Your crew and captain were excellent hosts as well as being helpful, knowledgeable and entertaining. The experience we had on the reef will never be forgotten and this is due in no small way to the excellent conduct of your company. Thank you again from all of us for adding to what was an excellent holiday...."
Noel, Carla and Donna, St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia .
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"My self and my wife recently had the pleasure to enjoy a snorkel & cruise with your company. Naturally the Great Barrier Reef was spectacular. However, I am writing you to let you know how wonderful your staff was. Unfortunately, I can only remember the marine biologists name, Ben, but all of the crew were fabulous.

Ben was very informative and passionate about explaining the marine and reef life while the others were extremely friendly and helpful in fitting masks, fins etc. I wish you and your staff all the best and your continuing support of the environment. Please let your crew know that their attitude is second to none! Keep up the good spirits.
Thanks again."

Jim & Jenny, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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Hello Wavelength Team

"Thank you for this marvellous trip out to the reef today! This was a real great day and we could even see the whales. You are still as good as 6 and 7 years ago when you brought us out for snorkelling before. We already look forward to our next stay in Port Douglas in ??? years to go out to the reef with you. Thanks a lot and keep on doing so.See you next time"

Stefan and Sandra

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Well what an awsome day yesterday out on the reef. My friend and I had a ball!  Although I didn't realise Wavelength went to Opal reef ( I thought you went to Agincourt) it gets prettier every time I go there.There were fish galore and with only 9 of us on the boat the comfort factor was high.  Aaron the skipper and Burnsie were brilliant ( you would think they work elsewhere as a comedy duo!) My friend Sally had never been to the reef before let alone snorkelled. 

She says she is now hooked and I caught her raving about her day to everyone she spoke to at the Courty afterwards.Its always a good idea for us locals/agents to "remember" how good Waves is and thanks to you we were able to.Can I also say after working / playing on lots of the boats here in Port, yours is the only one whose toilets don't stink! ( I'm not good with bad smells).Anyway thanks again Waves and I'll send some more guests your way asap!

Last Minute Lou (Port Douglas Retreat)

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Hi folks,

Last Monday, 25th September, I had the pleasure of taking a snorkelling trip with your good selves.

I have been out on the Reef on a couple of previous occasions.These were organised by my corporate hosts and were on the larger boats of your competitors. They were pleasant enough but your operation was much better!!!The others seemed, in hindsight, to point out the gear and tell the customers to go help themselves.

And then it was over to each individual to find out the hard way how to get set up and eventually into the water. By contrast, Wavelength spent a lot of quality time explaining to everyone what to do. This included relaxation when in the water and breathing in and out slowly. I felt that any novice would have been greatly reassured by the approach taken.

There was always the backup in that if anyone felt that their gear was not right, it could be quickly changed over.It seemed to me that everyone regardless of expertise or confidence was recognised both in and out of the water. Personal attentiveness was superb. I had explained a  medical condition and left my nitro-lingual puffer out in case it would be required. On leaving the boat I was asked if I had remembered to pick it up.Please keep up the good work.

Thanks for a great day.

Kind regards Pat Dolan

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I would like to thank you and your staff for providing our family (McKenzie/Brooks)with wonderful memories. Our 12 and 15 year old sons, myself and my husband joined your group, Monday, July 31st for a day of snorkeling. 

My husband and sons returned to snorkel with you the following Thursday and had a great time again.  Aaron kindly let my youngest son “take the wheel” for a time as well!  I would specifically like to make you aware of the professional, calm and empathetic manner in which Vanessa helped a passenger in distress on the July 31st outing.  Hopefully, the passenger sang Vanessa's praises as well but in case a bout of machismo overtook him, I would like to make you aware of the event as well.

The passenger was doing some snorkeling when he suddenly felt “out of breath” and fatigued. Vanessa quickly and calmly    took him and swam toward the boat until the little motor boat could be launched. 

Once on board again, Vanessa made the passenger feel comfortable without drawing attention to him.  It's hard to imagine that anyone could have handled the situation more professionally.  With Vanessa on board, there truly are “no worries”.

Kind Regards,
Terry Brooks
Oregon, USA

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I am writing to thank you and your staff for the fabulous time we had on your tour. We availed ourselves of your boatdue to advice received from John at the Reef Club. We are so glad we took it. Your crew and captain were excellenthosts as well as being helpful, knowledgeable and entertaining. The experience we had on the reef will never be forgotten and this is due in no small way to the excellent conduct of your company. Thank you again from all of us for adding towhat was an excellent holiday....

Noel, Carla and Donna,

St Kilda, Melbourne,

Australia

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My self and my wife recently had the pleasure to enjoy a snorkel & cruise with your company.  Naturally the Great Barrier Reef was spectacular.  

However, I am writing you to let you know how wonderful your staff was. Unfortunately, I can only remember the marine biologists name, Ben, but all of the crew were fabulous. Ben was very informative and passionate about explaining the marine and reef life while the others were extremely friendly and helpful in fitting masks, fins etc.  

The entire crew were jovial, friendly etc. The cruise was a moment in our lives that we will not forget. We wanted to return the next day and go again but you were fully booked.  Under desperation to see the reef again, we went with "name withheld". 

I must tell you that it was a real eye opener to good and bad crew.  The "name withheld" crew were very stale, unfriendly and had no passion for the environment or reef.  The marine biologist (if he is one) I actually stood on the reef while holding a starfish out of the water! I wish you and your staff all the best and your continuing support of the environment.  

Please let your crew know that their attitude is second to none!  Keep up the good spirits.
Thanks again.

Jim & Jenny
Address withheld
Toronto, Ontario
Canada

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We have finally come down to earth after a really super holiday in late May. Part of which was a day trip out to the Barrier reef with your organisation on 25 May. Being pick at Coral Sea Villas and taken on an experience we will never forget was just awesome.

We went on Wavelength 11 for the day trip to the Barrier Reef and included snorkelling at three different locations. The crew we fantastic hosts and with a Marine Specialist on board we learned a great deal. We thoroughly enjoyed being on an escorted snorkelling tour as he displayed huge knowledge and an obvious understanding of the reef and its residents.

There were only thirty people on board and it meant your crew had lots of time to spend with us, discussing the reef and the efforts at conservation. Jan and I spent 8 years in Papua New Guinea so we really appreciated the snorkelling on the reef having been regular snorkelers in PNG.

It was a truly fantastic experience we will never forget and hope someday to do it all over again. Whilst in Port Douglas we stayed at the Coral Sea Villas in Port Douglas.

Your tour was highly recommended by the managers, Rob and Sharon Ramage. They helped us choose a number of exciting visits during our holiday and your tour was a  highlight. They booked it directly with you for us.
Many thanks for the experience you provided for us.

Kind regards

Janice and David
Hamilton
New Zealand

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Dear Rod and Ben

RE TRIP ON 16TH MAY

Rod, you asked me after the trip if my experiences are what I expected and I  was unable to answer - too many stimuli wrapped up in a variety of emotions.    However, I have thought about the question and now propose to bore you with an answer. I've always liked to look at the sea and have, within limited experienced  found sea journeys pleasant, fearsome and magical.  However, in the sea I've  felt inadequate, terrified and out of control - and that's when I can put my foot on the bottom!

When we reached our first destination, the vastness and our smallness were camouflaged by the excitement of what was to come.  We sorted out equipment and then the eager-beavers were surging forward. 

I prepared my mask and put it on, relinquishing my sense of smell.  I struggled into the water and lowered my head, clinging to the step all the time. Everything that is natural had gone and only my thoughts remained and these were out of control - I'd have run at this point if there had been anywhere to go to. 

Then Ben held my hand and, as a child, I was towed through places of wonder. This alien world where the mountains are complex floral structures and valleys are studded with skeletal trees, some the blue of aquamarine, and where 'forget-me-not blue' coral shrubs stud the white sand, etc, etc.

You asked what it was like, well how do you say to a virtual stranger - orgasmic.  I wanted to laugh and cry, I wanted the whole world to know but  wanted to keep it a secret because it was too beautiful to share.  Did it meet my expectations - those silly ignorant musings - NO, NO, NO these were exceeded a thousandfold.

THANK YOU BOTH

Elizabeth

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The Manager ( Steve ? ),

Sheila & I had a memorable trip in your monohull to Tongue & Opal reefs on Thurs. 19th Oct 2000 and would like to compliment your skipper & his offsider, John, whom we now believe is a marine biologist. Apart from having to take off my own boat sandles, which in itself may indicate the care which is applied to your gear, the whole day was excellent.

The day commenced (what better way is there?) with Rod ,in a low-keyed way, showing us all a marine map of where we would be going. Later John, whom I had noticed had lots of laminated colour photographs of the reefs & their inhabitants, gave us a clear account of what we might see - I almost thought to myself that I might be at a conference ,or on a university excursion !

Later, of course, that's just what happened when John took us on two trips. Much appreciated.When we slid into the water, instead of nearly drowning (I'm an ex surf life saver) as I partly did on an earlier trip from Cairns, I noticed that the whole group -including those who had never snorkelled before-simply put on their gear and set off. Even the flippers, which were rubber (not plastic) appeared to be the right length. Both John & Rod, on separate occasions, noticed that the flippers I had on were too tight so I swapped them for 11-13s (I have an 8 1/2 foot & had been reluctant to change from 8-9s) which were fine.

Then of course, I couldn't help noticing that the snorkels & masks were clean -instead of having algae in the joints & being rinsed after each swim in putrid water, which happened on the Cairns trip. Quite a relief, I can tell you.

The lunch was just right: good food, whole meal rolls with seeds in them, & lots of dips & sauces to complement the meal. Then ,to top it off, a pleasant journey back up on the fly-bridge, light seas, a good sailing wind and a bit of spray. What better way to return to port!Our compliments to Rod & John, and the organisation.

We've already recommended your firm to our grown up kids in Sydney that weekend (one of whom commented that he understood that there was a Precision 70 at the Marina, something we'd noticed before we had Barrumundi & bugs at La Marina). Good on you,

Peter & Sheila

OLD JUNEE

NSW 2652

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Our trip to the reef was booked for Thursday 10th of July 2003. We'd done our research on the internet and had decided Wavelength was right for us. Never having been to Cairns let alone the reef we had great expectations of what we would see. We were not disappointed.

Despite an overcast and sometimes rainy day we had an absolutely fantastic time. Every minute we spent in the water was like being in wonderland. Sean (9) and Elissa (7) have not stopped raving over the highlight of our 10 day stay in Cairns - the time we spent snorkelling with you on the reef. We really appreciated the small group size and the personal attention that everyone got from Emma and Ed.

Sean and Elissa went from never having snorkelled to being totally confident in 10 minutes flat - a testimony to how well we were looked after. It was really refreshing to see the passion and enthusiasm Emma, Ed and Pete had for the reef and how committed they were to ensuring we had a great time. So, our compliments to Wavelength - you've got the right recipe - small group & personal attention, and our sincere thanks to your dedicated team.

Thanks again for a very memorable experience.Please feel free to use this, and more importantly please pass our appreciation on to Emma, Ed and Pete.Kind regards

Paul and Jo Barton

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Greetings from sunny Whakatane.

 Just a quick message to thank you and the Wavelength crew - my memory and names don't co-operate but to my recollection, Steve and Ben were our crew - for providing our reef experience. It was totally awesome and unforgettable.

Our experience with Wavelength has certainly been the main topic of conversation when telling friends and family about our holiday and during the three weeks was the highlight of our holiday. We have told many that if
 you get to Port Douglas, go and see "Aunty Carolynne" and definitely join a Wavelength experience.

The reef speaks for it self but making the experience exceptional was the friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful wavelength crew. Nothing was rushed, safety was important, and the crew made our enjoyment their priority.

Twenty passengers, free access to the snorkel sites, and an excellent guided reef tour added to the experience. And for someone with poor eyesight, an optically corrected mask was a bonus.

Confession time. We enjoyed the reef and Wavelegth so much that on the spur of the moment, the day before we left Australia, we decided to join Wavelength again to go out to the reef. Alas we made our decision to late in the morning to catch Wavelength so we opted to join one of the larger operators.

After having 20 passengers on Wavelength it was a shock to join three hundred plus passengers on the other operators vessel - and most of those appeared to be in love, retired, or there solely to see how many prawns they could pile on their plate at lunch time! We enjoyed the reef again but felt crowded and confined. The day did not even come close to Wavelength experience.

 It is safe to say that we are planning our next trip to Port Douglas to catch more of the reef and Cape Trib. You can be guaranteed that we will head straight to see you Carolynne.

 Thanks once again for an awesome and special experience.


 Ian, Ruth, & Elyse Pepper
 Whakatane
 New Zealand

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