Reef Encounter Dive and Snorkel Adventure!

The Great Barrier Reef is, without doubt, Australia's most spectacular natural wonder.

Composed of over 2,000 individual reefs, the distinct line of reefs that form the Great Barrier Reef system is the only sign of life on the planet that is actually visible from the moon!

One single reef can be home to over 500 species of fish, more than have been recorded in the entire Atlantic Ocean.

Visit up to six spectacular reef locations aboard "Reef Encounter' and experience one of the most visually varied and exciting places in the world. 

Reef Encounter is a 35 metre luxury catamaran designed for the utmost stability and comfort at sea. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout and features spacious decks as well as roomy dining and recreation areas. 

We even have an onboard SPA!! The large easy access water platform allows hassle free diving and snorkelling. Cabins feature two or three berths whilst staterooms have double or twin beds, all with ensuites. All of these features, combined with friendly, experienced crew makes Reef Encounter the ultimate diving and snorkelling adventure vessel.

Michaelmas Reef
Located 40 kms off Cairns, offers shallow coral reefs, and a dazzling array of exotic marine life including Giant Clams over 100 years old.
Norman Reef
The very Outer Reef 70 kms from Cairns, on the Continental Shelf, yielding incredible visibility. Many canyons, swim throughs, and prolific large fish life. A must to see, the best location for 'Night Diving'.
Saxon Reef
Renowned for huge Manta Rays, friendly inquisitive moray eels, great for diving or snorkelling. Transfer for return trip home.
Hastings Reef
58 kms off Cairns, lies 10 sq. kms of colourful coral gardens. Famous for Tame Friendly Reef Sharks, finally the Giant Wrasse, and thousands of tropical fish.
Breaking Patches
Forests of stag horn coral, large black coral trees, wall diving and lion fish to photograph.

EXAMPLE ITINERARY:
This itinerary is an example of what to expect on your liveaboard adventure with Reef Encounter.

Departure Day :
7:45am: Marlin Jetty - transfer to Compass Cruises
(Complimentary Coffee & Tea served)
8.00am: Depart Marlin Jetty onboard Compass Cruises
Dive & Snorkel briefing
9.30am: Reef Video presentation
10.30am: Arrive Hastings Reef - transfer to Reef Encounter
Dive, snorkel, sunbake & relaxation time
3.00pm: Cruise to Norman or Saxon Reef for the night
Dive, snorkel, sunbake & relaxation time
Dinner, Night dive & relaxation time

Depending on how long you stay aboard Reef Encounter, your time will be spent diving or snorkelling at the many different reefs and locations that we travel to and from.

Return Day :
6.30 am: Dive & Breakfast
10.30am: Cruise to Hastings Reef - Transfer to Compass
Glassbottom Boat Tours, diving, snorkelling & sunbaking, relaxing time
1.00pm: Lunch, cruise to Breaking Patches
1.45pm: Arrive at Breaking Patches, dive, snorkel, sunbake, relax
3.30pm: Depart Breaking Patches for Cairns, Boomnetting
Complimentary Wine and Cheese
5.45pm: Arrive back in Cairns

Itinerary and locations may change due to weather conditions.