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At Wavelength we strive to do everything possible to provide the best outer reef experience available in a day trip, in a low impact way. Being locally owned and operated by marine biologists, we’re focused on small groups with a high level of interpretation. It makes the day more rewarding and more fun for everyone.
Your day begins with checking in at the boat at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina at 8.10am. After boarding tea or coffee is available and our crew will then introduce the itinerary and provide a safety briefing.
Wavelength 4 has been designed and built in Australia utilising the latest technology to enable access to the outer reef with the most comfort and least impact.
We visit three outer reef sites each day. The skipper picks these on the day, from our wide selection of exclusive outer reef moorings. Our aim is always to show you the best reef, and the diversity of reef types.
Snorkelling is the perfect way to see the reef allowing maximum freedom to swim at your own pace where you want. The small group allows a more intimate, genuine, close to nature experience.
After boarding at 8.10am, Wavelength departs Port Douglas’ Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina taking you on a 90-minute trip to the edge of the continental shelf. Passing Low Isles en route, we often encounter dolphins and in winter may see dwarf minke or humpback whales. The journey is a good opportunity for our crew to get to know you and answer any questions you have about the day. During this time, you’ll be fitted out with quality snorkelling gear and shown how to use it. One of the marine biologists will give tips on what to look out for to get the most out of your day.
On arrival at the outer reef the snorkel advisor conducts a comprehensive safety brief and, if it’s your first time snorkelling, we have plenty of time to help you feel comfortable. Once in the water guests are free to explore the reef under the expert advice of our crew. A difference with Wavelength is that the crew spend more time in the water with you to help you get going and to point things out.
After morning tea (and some time to reflect on the weirdness of invertebrate life) we move along to another one of our many sites, chosen to suit the conditions on the day. Here, with passengers having mastered their snorkelling skills, we conduct guided snorkel tours. Our marine biologists help snorkellers discover aspects of the new site that might otherwise be missed, and point out some of the multitude of life forms. On a guided snorkel tour it’s possible to be handed a small number of different creatures, though we have strict guidelines on what can be touched so as to protect the integrity of the reef.
The delicious deli-style lunch consists of gourmet rolls or food bowls for special diets. Due to Covid-19 hygiene requirements we’ve stopped buffet-style food, fruit platters and cake platters, but still have plenty of tasty, quality food available to keep you going! Water, soft drinks, coffee and tea are also available. Wavelength can cater for different dietary requirements including lactose and gluten free. We don’t serve prawns due to the significant by-catch associated with them and we don’t serve red meat as reducing meat consumption is one of the easiest ways an individual can reduce personal carbon emissions.
During lunch, our marine biologists conduct our interactive reef talk. This is where you can ask questions on anything that you’ve seen through the day or simply sit, relax and learn all about the ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef.If you’d rather just chill out you don’t have to listen to the talks.
Once everyone’s appetites have been satisfied and all questions answered we head to our final site of the day, where, with a better understanding of the reef, guests are free to adventure further. This is a good chance to make sure you have some great in-water photos. These are free of charge and forwarded by a Dropbox link along with a selection of our favourite Wavelength wildlife pictures.
Following afternoon tea we head back with the wonderful view of the sun dropping towards the rainforest clad mountains. Wavelength arrives back in Port at approximately 4.00pm.
We will provide wet-suits, snorkelling equipment, food, water and all the things that you need to see the reef, however, we do recommend bringing along a small bag with some personal essentials. All equipment is very carefully sanitised for your use. We suggest you bring:
Passengers are more than welcome to bring their cameras along, but you should be careful with salt spray on the boat. We can’t be held accountable for the safety of your equipment. You can always let us worry about the photography!
© Wavelength Reef Cruises 2024
