Cairns Travel Forum

Hi,

I really want to see the Great Barrier Reef. My problem is that I don't know how to swim or know how to snorkel.

Are there tours in Carins that specialize in us non-swimmers and non-snorklers who really want to experience the Great Barrier Reef?

If not, I guess that is no reason in coming to Carins.

I don't know about Cairns but from Airlie Beach there is a trip out to a moored pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef (can't remember the name at present). There they have a semi-submersible and an underwater viewing chamber so you can take a trip along the edge of that part of the reef in the semi-submersible and go underwater in the viewing chamber as well. Might be worth checking online to see if there is anything similar from Cairns. Will re-post if I remember the name.

You could go to the outer reef for a day trip with companies such as Quicksilver and Sunlover.
They have pontoons out there with underwater viewing chambers and a semi-submersible in which the passengers sit under water. They have marine biologists on board to explain things, a good buffet lunch etc.
Check them out on www.quicksilver-cruises.com
www.sunlover.com.au

Most of these places have 'glass-bottomed' boats so you shouldn't have any problems. I know at Ningaloo (WA) you can even hire glass-bottomed canoes and paddle around yourself. These types of places are geared to cater for everyone.

The company I went, Down Under Dive, with had a glass bottomed boat that the none swimmers could go out on, their more expensive day trip has a semi-submersibal which might be more interesting for none swimmers.
http://www.downunderdive.com.au/index.htm

I'm not the best swimmer(scared of it in fact). I used a noodle to stay afloat, stayed in the middle of the group.Ihad so much fun I went back in the water after lunch. There is tons to see and do in Cairns apart from the reef. Kuranda skyrail/skytrain visit the markets in Kuranda and go to Tjapukai village. Daintree day trip. Atherton tablelands, Paronella Park

I would recommend the Quicksilver outer reef experience for you.
This is excellent for non swimmers. You as a non swimmer will still be able to put your toes into the water and see the fish. There are life guards on duty all the time and also you have the little semi submersible sub to go in.The staff will show you how to snorkle, there is a rope area where you can hold on too, this is close to the pontoon. You will feel very safe.
There is heaps of room on the pontoon, once you have done what you would like you can sit and soak up the sun.
The price of this experience is a lot, but in my book it is worth every dollar.
Just the ride out to the pontoon is lovely.
The staff will look after you.
Have a great time in Paradise.