Cairns Student Hub take on the Great Barrier Reef with Down Under Cruise and Dive. 

Our all-day reef trip with Down Under Cruise and Dive was a day well spent; we were blessed with unbeatable weather and only 15 knots of wind (which is said to be unbeatable this time of year). We started off with coffee and cakes on board Cairns’ fastest, most luxurious super-yacht, the Evolution, before embarking out to the Great Barrier Reef. Our activities included everything from snorkelling and diving to exploring the reef through a semi-sub tour, and even concluded the day with a breath-taking scenic helicopter ride. This experience was nothing short of extraordinary.

1. Snorkelling in 1 of the 7 wonders of the world:
The moment we slipped into the crystal-clear waters we were transported to an underwater wonderland. The vibrant coral formations were  teeming with marine life, and the sheer beauty of the reef left us in awe. Floating effortlessly, we immersed ourselves in this breath-taking ecosystem, encountering colourful fish, graceful turtles, and even a curious reef shark. The experience was nothing short of magical.

2. Introduction to Scuba Diving:
For those seeking a more immersive experience, Down Under Cruise and Dive offers an introductory dive course. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, we learned the basics of scuba diving and had the opportunity to explore the reef’s depths up close. The feeling of weightlessness and the tranquillity of the underwater world were simply unparalleled.

3. A Sumptuous Lunch:
After working up an appetite, we were treated to a mouth watering  lunch on board. The culinary delights on offer catered to various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone’s satisfaction. They whip up a fresh Aussie BBQ lunch with prawns, fish, steak, vegetarian options, vegan options and salads (our favourite was the pasta salad!).

4. Exploring the Reef through a Semi-Sub Tour:
To gain a different perspective of the reef, we hopped on the semi-submersible tour. Descending into the underwater observatory, we marvelled at the diverse marine life through large viewing windows. The marine biologist who lead the tour shared fascinating insights about the ecosystem and fish behaviour, making the experience both educational and visually stunning. It was an opportunity to witness the reef’s magnificence from a unique vantage point. We saw countless fish colonies, sea cucumbers, sharks and Nemo!

5. A Scenic Helicopter Ride:
Now to the best part – the scenic helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef. The aerial view showcased the vastness and intricate beauty of this natural wonder. From above, the vibrant colours, mesmerising patterns, and sheer magnitude of the reef left us breathless. It was an unforgettable way to conclude an already remarkable day.

Our all-day reef trip with Down Under Cruise and Dive surpassed all expectations, every moment was filled with wonder and excitement.

If you would like to book your own Full Day Reef Cruise experience with DUCD please come and see us in the Hub and we can help you book with a student discount code to save you some $$

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