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Quicksilver Outer Reef Info
QUICKSILVER - Australia's most awarded reef cruise company
For your experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver's wave piercing catamarans and friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance... Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef.
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Why we like it:
- Agincourt Ribbon Reef - clear & pure waters
- Rich coral & spectacular marine life
- Large spacious stable reef activity platform
- Smooth, state-of-the-art, Wavepiercer cruising
- Professional crew and service
- Hot & cold buffet lunch
- Ideal for families & non-swimmers
- Highest ecotourism accreditation
- Great Barrier Reef Post Office Box
Daily Departures:
- Check in time is 9.15am at the Quicksilver office, at Crystalbrook Marina, Wharf Street, Port Douglas.
- Departs Crystalbrook Marina Port Douglas at 10:00am
- Returns to Crystalbrook Marina at 4:30pm
- Free Parking is available
- Return hotel transfers from Port Douglas, Cairns & Northern Beaches available
- Cairns pick-up times from 8.00am
Features
- 3.5 hours at Agincourt Reef
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Hot and cold tropical smorgasbord lunch
- Reef presentation by marine biologist
- Snorkelling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel), Buoyancy vests and flotation noodles.
- Snorkelling instruction provided
- Underwater observatory fish & coral viewing
- Semi-submersible coral viewing
- Fish feeding conducted by crew
- Change Rooms & Freshwater Showers
- Sun Deck
- Lycra suits
- Undercover tables and seating
Your day at a glance:
9.30am
10.00am Depart Reef Marina, Port Douglas
10.30am Snorkelling demonstration and Introductory dive information presentation
11.30am Arrive Outer Barrier Reef - Reef activities commence:
- Enjoy free swimming and free snorkelling from submerged platform
- Underwater observatory open for coral and fish viewing
- 20 minute Semi-sub tours depart every fifteen minutes from the rear of the platform
- Pre-booked guided snorkelling tours with Marine Biologist ( extra cost )
- Diving and helicopter scenic flights ( extra cost )
- Fish feeding conducted at snorkelling platform at advertised times
12 noon Hot and cold five star tropical buffet lunch including fresh prawns, pastas, meats, salads and fruit. There are full bar facilities available where you can purchase drinks. The platform has tables for you to enjoy lunch and undercover seating
1.30pm Lunch finishes. Time for more activity or just relax and take in the view!!
3.00pm Depart Agincourt Reef for Port Douglas. Reef video and photo viewing on board
4.30pm Arrival at Reef Marina, Port Douglas
Additional Information:
The Platform at Agincourt Reef Site: Floating like an island in a coral sea the platforms have tables for you to enjoy lunch, undercover seating, fresh water showers and change rooms to allow you to enjoy your day. There is also a water powered lift to allow easy access for all passengers.
Semi-Submersible Coral Viewing: If you would like to stay dry, then you can explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a Quicksilver sub. The semi submersibles cruise slowly through the colourful coral gardens giving passengers the opportunity to experience a snorkelers-eye view of the marine life. The semi-sub experience takes approximately 20 minutes and includes an informed commentary on the marine life observed during the journey and an overview of the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
Underwater Observatory: You can also see the coral and watch the fish feeding from Quicksilver's unique viewing platform and underwater observatory located directly in front of the platform. From here, you can also view "first time" divers taking part in introductory dives and snorkelers.
Snorkelling: Snorkelling is one of the best ways to view the incredible underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, and Quicksilver's friendly staff are on hand to show you how. On your way out to Agincourt Reef you can view an instructional video on how to snorkel to teach you the right techniques.
Agincourt Ribbon Reefs: The very edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, special reefs known as 'ribbons' run parallel to the Continental Shelf. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognised as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef's environment. Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth and supports spectacular marine life. As the region's outer reef pioneer, this is the best location available to view nature's finest.
Optional Extra Costs:
- Certified diving
- Introductory diving
- Ocean Walker Helmet Diving
- Underwater cameras available for purchase
- Underwater digital cameras available to hire
- Professional photo service available on-board
- Reef Scenic Helicopter flights
- Cairns & Port Douglas Accommodation Transfers, Pick up times start at 8am from Cairns. Return to Cairns at 6pm.
If you would like to learn more about magnificent marine life of this fragile eco-system, you may like to try a guided snorkel tour. Our University qualified marine biologists will intoduce you to a new and exciting world. We offer two different snorkel tours designed to enable passengers to enjoy an amazing in-water experience on the reef regardless of snorkelling skill level.
10 minute Heli flight from Outer Reef Pontoon: While at the reef, take a scenic helicopter flight and marvel at the sheer magnitude and beauty of one of the world's most fascinating natural wonders.
Introductory Snorkel Tour - for beginners
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Designed for the novice/beginner snorkeller
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Provides an introduction to the marine environment
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Tailored for families and those wanting educational experience
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Marine biologist tows safety float and whistle
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Duration: 30-40 minutes depends on conditions and passenger experience.
Advanced Snorkel Tour - some expererience recommended
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For the more adventurous - some snorkelling experience is recommended.
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This tour is more about exploring, and the marine biologists encourage and teach passengers how to duck dive (if you would like to learn).
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Tours generally leave from the platform, but sometimes may involve a drop-off from a small tender, so participants can cover a greater distance, and have the chance to ?drift with the current?, before returning to the platform.
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Distance travelled can be up to several hundred metres.
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Duration: 45-60 minutes depends on conditions and passenger experience.
Ocean Walker or "Helmet Diving" Unique & Fun!
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Experience the feeling of diving wearing a helmet and breathing normally
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No swimming involved - just walk down the steps to the platform
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You can wear your glasses and keep your hair dry!
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Souvenier certificate on completion of your helmet dive
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Min age 12 yrs., Min height 135cm.
What To Bring:
- Camera
- Swimming costume and beach towel
- Hat, sunscreen and shirt for sun protection, sunglasses
- Credit cards for shopping and optional tours
- Cash for drinks at the bar
Multi-lingual staff members: Quicksilver does have Chinese crew members on this boat all year round. Please request this option when booking so that we can make sure the staff member is working on your day of travel.
GREAT NEWS! All payments made to Travstar do not incur a credit card surcharge.
Guest Reviews
Quicksilver best way to visit the reef.
Amazing service , no hassles, has amazing time
Posted By LUISA hoogwerf
Wonderful experience
Wonderful experience must visit if going to Cairns
Posted By Shamik Banerjee
Fantastic
Thanks Gene all the booking were great, really loved the Quicksilver Cruise, brilliant well worth the money. The transfer was waiting for us upon arrival, which was fantastic.
Thanks again.
Kind Regards
Susie Flynn
Posted By Susanne Flynn
Very good
The whole trip was very good especially the staff onboard the boat. We would also recommend you go with the marine biologist for the snorkeling portion of the trip as it was well worth the extra cost.
Posted By Ross Brunson
A must do
We cannot wait till next time
Posted By Scott Allen
Exceptional day!
It was an exceptional day! Great service and care by Quicksilver staff.
Posted By Terri Anisko
Excellent day
Was an excellent day, a little rushed with so many people, a little overcrowded! Very promt service, right on time!
Posted By Barry Ayres
Amazed at the experience
We had a fab day the 4 grandchildren were just amazed at the experience have not stopped talking about the swim the dive the fish etc
Posted By Maxine Schofield
Very good
Need to be active and fit with good swimming to get best from visit by snorkelling. Sub was very good as was underwater view. Buffet was good but a bit rushed. Too much hard sell on trip. Take lycra suit option for water.
Posted By Bernard Doughty
Fabulous
Fabulous trip for all ages. Organisation & all staff excellent.
Posted By Elaine Hudson
Highlight of my trip.
I was really impressed with the scuba instructor that I had for my introductory dive. Her name is Lynsay. She was fantastic at putting me at ease (I was very nervous)and explaining what I needed to do. It was a fantastic experience and a highlight of my trip.
Posted By Emma Cooper
Had a great time
Had a great time, the day was over before we knew it.
Posted By Shireen Kent
A great experience for everyone.
As we were a group of 15 the quicksilver check in gave us vouchers for the lycra suits and a drink which was very much appreciated. A great experience for everyone.
Posted By Wayne Watson
Once in a lifetime experience
Outstanding, a once in a lifetime experience, which Quicksilver organised very well
Posted By Alan Bodley
Great day!
Great day! Very well organised. You get fed very well all day. Would recommend this tour company to a friend.
Posted By Charlotte Salmon
Well presented operation
A very well presented operation
Posted By Barry Lancaster
Great fun and a great experience.
Loved it. Family thought this was the highlight of our trip to FNQ. I am a non swimmer and just loved snorking with the wife and kids...felt very safe in my vest and equipment, ogling at the wonders of the reef. Great fun and a great experience.
Posted By Jason S
Great day.
So glad it was a very calm day as I tend to get seasick, but your staff even had tips for that. Great day.
Posted By Irene Canonico
Amazing tour and extremely organised
Quicksilver - amazing tour and extremely organised. Lovely food and friendly, approachable staff. Loved every second.
Cheers Gene for arranging some fabulous tours for us! Leaving Port Douglas with VERY happy memories. Easy booking and great communications! Would defo use again. ;D
Posted By Lisa Marsden
We had a lovely day
We had a lovely day with Quicksilver and we did our first 2 dives. The employees were professional and communicated well all the instructions, would have liked more time out there!
Posted By Patricia Williams
It was fantastic
My two boys and I did the Advanced Snorkelling with the Marine Biologists, it was fantastic.
Posted By Kerri
Fun!
Fun fun fun :D
Posted By Mursal Gudaz
Amazing
What an amazing day out!
Posted By Paul Clark
Snorkelling with the marine biologist
Really good trip the snorkelling with the marine biologist and the submersible were great.
Posted By Neil Bray
Fantastic
Brilliant, Fantastic, Awesome
Posted By Brett Oneill
Trip of a life time.
Had a fantastic time and it is a trip of a life time. Many activities on offer and the staff were very friendly and helpful.
Posted By Mooi
Great for all the family
We enjoyed our day on the outer reef
Great for all the family
Posted By Paul Leonard
Excellent trip
Excellent trip and will recommend to my friends and family
Posted By Anjula Candiah
All things are excellent
All things are excellent. Only bad thing is far from cairns city and must catch very earlier
Posted By Xia Xiao
Quicksilver
Good day all over
Posted By Pat Paterson
The reef tour was our favourite.
We went on three tours and had a great time at each one. The reef tour was our favourite. While on the reef we participated in the guided Eco snorkelling tour and would recommend this to anyone. Lunch was great as well.
Posted By Susan Corke
Quality of Facilities is excellent,
Quality of Facilities is excellent, but we do not have enough time to enjoy it.
After spending 15 min for changing, 20 min to queue for lunch and having food, 15-20 min queue and waiting for the submarine,another 15-20 min to queue for chaning back, we have less than 1.5 hour to enjoy at Pontoon...
Posted By Melody Shieh
Wished it could have lasted longer.
Had a fantastic time. Great crew and service and wished it could have lasted longer.
Posted By Karen Smith
Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef
The best way to discover the Reef.
Posted By Ayla Fitzgibbon
Fanastic for all ages.
Fanastic for all ages. We did the one from Port Douglas this year, and the one from Cairns via Green Island last year. It was good going from Port Douglas but I think it would be good to be able to do an hour at the low isles on the way like the Cairns trip via green island.
Posted By Jill Glover
Had to shoo fish out of the way
For novice adventurers this was the best day out we were flooded with fish and turtles we had to shoo fish out of the way to sit on the step to go snorkelling so we could put on our flippers. The facilities were excellent and we had loads of opportunity to see the coral and the fish.
Posted By Cheryl Stott
Quicksilver
Fantastic! Staff were lovely, facilities are awesome, overall the best day in Port Douglas
Posted By Nikki White
A most enjoyable day on the reef
A most enjoyable day on the reef. Buffet was excellent and the staff very attentive and courteous.
Posted By Jose Fernandez
My first dive was an amazing experience.
My first dive was an amazing experience. Wavepiercier enable me to discover a love for diving!!
Posted By Doris Chan
Wavepiercer
We really enjoyed our brief visit to Port Douglas.
Posted By Michael & Kathy
I had a fantastic day.
I had a fantastic day. Staff were helpful and friendly. I would go on this tour again in a shot. I have never snorkled before and I know it will now not be my last time. many thanks.
Posted By Michelle Johnson
A good family day!
A good family day. Well organised and excellent food.
Posted By David Bell
What a Magical day!!
What a Magical day!!! a must do tour for anyone wanting to visit our beautiful reef.
we just had to turn up to reception for our bus and the rest of the day was organised beautifully for us.
really enjoyed ourselves
the only Criticism we had was the morning tea and afternoon tea could have been better. We had travelled out to the reef in Hamiltion Island and the food was much better for the same price. over all excellent !!!
Posted By Davina & Wayne Bodey
Overall a reasonably enjoyable experience
Overall a reasonably enjoyable experience. Staff were friendly and welcoming. Facilities ok but not enough included for the cost - did not find it very good value for money compared to other similar cruises available (eg snorkelling tours additional cost - these should have been included).
Posted By Lauren
Reef viewing was magnificent
The trip to the reef and the time there were truly fantastic. The staff were informative and friendly . They were always willing to help. The reef viewing was magnificent and was the highlight of the trip to North Queensland for a 40th Birthday celebration.
Posted By Anonymous
North Queensland must do
This is jusy something anybody who comes to North Queensland must do! Quicksilver just do this better than the others, Their experience and their friendly, capable staff make it a wonderful day to remember forever.
Posted By Phil & Maryann Wall
made you feel really welcome
Great staff, made you feel really welcome.
Posted By Robin Vincent
very informative and professional operation
great day had snorkling and sight seeing many fish to see.cral was interesting to view.very informative and professional operation.
Posted By Sue Tottle
Well organised
Well organised and planned excellant service thank you.
Posted By Sarah Jones
The best experience ever!
The best experience ever!
Posted By David Bayliss
A very well organized tour
A very well organized tour with great staff and good equipment. The semi-submersibles are great to see the reef. I wish there was more time at the pontoon with this quicksilver great barrier reef tour. You only get 11:30 am to 2:45pm at the pontoon. They took us to agincourt reef #3. Food was plenty but just Ok. If you like to see the reef and fishes I suggest you skip the lunch at the pontoon and just snorkel and/or dive all of the 3hrs. The reef is just beautiful and renting a high megapixel digital camera for 45-60$ is a great idea. Pictures taken by our own camera in the submersibles came out blue but the ones we took with the rented waterproof digital camera came out great with a lot of colors.
Posted By AVI, Maryland USA
positive experience
An excellent tour with a very friendly and knowledgeable tour staff. They were able to deal with a multitude of different nationalities and ages in a courteous and inclusive way. Made our Reef trip a hugely positive experience for baby, parents and 10yr old.
Posted By Corinne Mann
A very slick operation
A very slick operation with the staff well prepared for the days activities
Posted By Alex Mackenzie
The reef is fantastic
The overall feeling of Wavepiercer is pretty good. The reef is fantastic and the crews are very friendly and helpful, Natasha of the reservation team is simply extrodinary!
My only comment is the time at the reef seems a bit short comparing to other tour operators, arrivig around 11:30 and leave by 2:45, just a bit more than 4 hours, while other reef tours offer around 5 hours reef time. If the boat could leave Port Douglas an hour earlier, it will be much better.
Posted By Charlie Zhang
The day was well organised
The day was well organised and the staff very proffessional
Posted By Euan Cooper
loved the trip
loved the trip to the Barrier reef. We were expecting a smaller boat. The food was good considering the amount of people they were catering for. We have snorkelled many times in different oceans. Had this been the first time it would have been out of this world. very enjoyable.
Posted By Allanna Redman
we all enjoyed the lunch
All six of us had a great time. We had no idea how massive the barrier reef was. Snorkelling was great fun and we all enjoyed the lunch.
Posted By Fay Kairn
prompt efficient polite
prompt efficient polite accurate friedly service. thankyou
Posted By Cheryl & Ramesh Ramchand
was money worth
The Semi-sub .
Posted By Cecilia Lau
very enjoyable
Great day although weather was not the best.While wiunding on the reef the snorkling opportunity was very enjoyable.
Posted By Greg Palmer
vey informative briefings
Well organised trip, with vey informative briefings for novices on their first snorkelling experience, also safety was a priority so we felt comfortable.
Posted By Brett and Stephanie Pilcher
one I will never forget.
A fantastic way to spend Christmas day. One I will never forget.
Posted By Jonathan Gill
enjoyed the ride
We enjoyed the ride out to the reef and the glass-bottom craft. Lunch was very nice.
Posted By Hazel Ashworth
Very well organised
Very well organised, very professional, and plenty to do for all tastes once you get out to the reef.
Posted By Gary Williamson
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