Cairns Travel Forum

I am interested in a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef area. I see that two companies seem to offer a platform over a reef, Great Adventures, and Quicksliver. Both look good, so which do I choose? What should be my decision criteria, or which do you recommend and why? Thank you.

G'day from Cairns:)

Everyone that comes into this forum will know what I am going to say:)
I always recommend the Quicksivler. I have been on this trip many many times over the last 15 years.
I will admit I haven't been on the others, I haven't had any reason too as Quickie is my way to go:)
Why do I think the Quicksilver is great, because the staff do an excellent job of organising the days events.They are there for you to ask any questions and they will help without hesitation.It is well organised.
It is very safe. You have a lifeguard on duty. There are roped areas to guide you when Snorkling. If you aren't a confident person in the water, that isn't a problem as you can just go for a quick snorkle off the steps of the pontoon, then you can hang onto the ropes and go a little further.
Snorkles etc are included,semi sub is included, great buffet lunch is included.If you aren't driving you can have a wine or two with lunch.( Yep, I have been known to have a few Bloody Mary's:))
The pontoon is large and comfortable. Chairs, tables and showers etc there.

If you are leaving from Cairns, the bus will pick you up from your accommodation, or close too it. The trip from Cairns to Port is about 50 minutes.Large comfortable buses.
You will then be taken to the Marina where you leave from, around 9.30am is boarding time.If you are staying in Port, you can walk to the Marina or be picked up by Quicksilver.
You can sit outside or inside of the Quickie boat.Here you will be given a morning cuppa and a video of the Reef will be played, they will inquire if you want to do any extras, eg. Copter flight,dive, or helmet dive thing.

I haven't met a person ( I speak to heaps of tourists at Cairns Airport ) that hasn't loved this trip.
So there it is, my biased opinion:)

Thank you. Quicksilver does sound great. How much time is spend on the platform, and what time do they return back to Port Douglas? Thanks again, great information.

Steve

G'day Steve.
ummmm , you leave at 10.30 from Port, about an hour to the reef.( or less)
Then you come back about 3.30 , back at Port about 4.30

You have plenty of time to do all that there is to do out there.

I now also see two other companies to consider, Sunlover and Reef Magic. Which to choose? Who has the best reef location?

I still say the Quicksilver:) and I always will as I haven't heard a bad report on this company from all that have done it, I always ask the travellers at the airport( where I work) and it's always a great report from them.
The all go to the outer reef areas, pretty much the same really...
The just have their pontoons at different locations, but much the same fish and water:)