Port Douglas – The Great Barrier Reef – Cook Town – Lizard Island – Cape Tribulation
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by Ocean Alliance.
DAY ONE
Board Beluga at 12.00pm – Steam to stunning Opal Reef (30NM – approximately 3 hours cruising) for an afternoon of snorkeling, swimming and exploring the stunning Great Barrier Reef directly off the platform of Beluga.
DAY TWO
A morning of diving – Board your exclusive chase boat to dive the pass at at the southern end of Opal Reef followed by a dive at the northern most past of Opal Reef. Enjoy a well deserved late lunch on board Beluga whilst we cruise north to Escape Reef. Enjoy a late afternoon dive at Escape Reef or jump on board your chase boat to try your luck bottom fishing for a sought after Coral Trout – Perfect for lunch the following day!
DAY THREE
Steam to Ribbons Reef #2 (overnight or early morning cruising) – Pinnacle Dive and Wall Dive on southern tip of Ribbons #2. If fishing is your preference, your chase boat is available for a morning of fishing – weather it be trolling for pelagic species such as tasty Spanish mackerel or bottom fishing for reef species such as Nannygai and Red Emperor!
Enjoy lunch on board Beluga then relax on the deck sunbed whilst you cruise into the small town of Cooktown.
5.00pm Sunset cruise (2hr) by Riverbend Tours.
Experience the Endeavour River at its most special time of day. Explore the harbour in the long afternoon light and then head upstream to watch the sunset over the distant ranges. While navigating the maze way of smaller creeks you will served a complimentary gourmet cheese platter to accompany your drink of choice. After dark, spotlights add a whole new perspective to the impenetrable walls of mangrove that line the river. Listen to some stories about Captain Cook’s infamous passage along the Cape, about devastating cyclones, about the glory days of pearling luggers and about the new Cooktown, gateway to the frontier. This sunset cruise can make for a wonderfully peaceful way to end the day. (Tour is due to availability on requested date)
DAY FOUR
Adventure Day! – Aboriginal Historic Experience (land-based) & cruising.
7.45am – Guest pickup from Fishermans’s Wharf for an exclusive aboriginal discovery morning tour (Approx. 5 hours) Rainbow Serpent Rock Art.
This tour takes you through a dramatic landscape to six rock art sites, including the Rainbow Serpent cave and an ancestral Birth Site where Willie’s (tour guide) grandfather was born. You’ll gain an understanding of the spiritual meanings and stories behind the paintings, and along the way learn some of the survival techniques of the Nugalwarra people – and maybe taste a green ant or two! Includes an estimated 30-minute bush walk; there is a short climb to two of the sites, but generally the terrain is easy.
Arrive back to Beluga approximately 1.30pm.
Cruise out to Ribbons Reef #3 for late a afternoon dive at the world famous ‘Steve’s bommie’.
DAY FIVE
Cruising day on board Beluga. Relax and unwind whilst steaming to Ribbons Reef #7 – Dive a patch reef in the afternoon, just north of the Marina Park preservation zone.
Alternately, guests wishing to try their luck trolling for pelagic species and marlin – head out onboard your chase boat for a day of fishing on the outer reef. (Guest number limitations –Fishing options change depending on the time of year and season)
Sunset BBQ dinner and jacuzzi on the sundeck overlooking the Great Barrier Reef.
(Beluga to cruise to Lizard Island overnight or early morning)
DAY SIX
Wake up to the picturesque views of Lizard Island. Tender over to beautiful Lizard island to explore the island and hike up to Cook’s lookout (stunning views!) – Back to Beluga for a late lunch, followed by an afternoon of leisure – swimming, snorkelling and stand up paddle boarding in beautiful Mrs. Watson’s Bay.
DAY SEVEN
Leisure/Land Option: Enjoy a sleep in or awake to the smell of coffee and the sun rising over the reef. A short move to North Point, an exclusive and private little bay located just north of Mrs. Watsons Bay for breakfast and a morning stroll along the beach as well as a dip in the crystal clear water. Stand up paddle board or kayak your way around the bay to capture a fantastic photo of your tropical getaway – or fall asleep on the warm sand of the beach. The choice is up to you!
Divers Option: Morning steam north to the renowned Cod Hole for a dive (or two) of a lifetime, including ‘Shark Alley’! (if you’re game!)
Settle into your favourite spot for the afternoon – cruising south to your next destination.
DAY EIGHT
Ribbon Reef #9 – Amazing drift dive between Ribbon 8 & 9, followed by Pinnacle dive on Light House bommie.
Those those more interested in fishing – try your luck at heavy tackle marlin fishing outside the reef (dependant on weather and fishing season) – Find out why this region is known as the Giant Black Marlin capital of the world!
If relaxation is on the cards – grab your favourite book and curl up on the day bed under the warm sun to zone out and enjoy the serenity. (You’ll likely have the reef to yourself!)
DAY NINE
Awake near the coastal mainland of Cape Tribulation at Mackay Reef/Undine Reef for a day of land-based adventures in the tropical rainforest! (weather dependent)
Transfer in to Cape Tribulation Beach via chaseboat/tender and walk up to beautiful Cape Trib Beach House nestled amongst the surroundings of the Daintree Rainforest. Enjoy morning tea whilst you await your pickup for the adventure of a lifetime!
Stand heart-to-heart with the world’s oldest rainforest on a fully-guided 2 hour ziplining tour between six tree canopy platforms. Open to all ages and no experience necessary. View the world heritage listed Daintree Rainforest in way unlike any other!
Alternative options include diving and/or fishing if weather undesirable for transfer to shore.
Return to sea early afternoon for a late lunch followed by a well deserved spa and relax on the Sundeck.
Late afternoon – Jump into the tender and cruise over to a secret sand cay for a surreal experience watching the sun setting over the reef. Your very own beach on the ocean!
DAY TEN
Jump aboard your chase boat for a day of fishing around the diverse reefs. Troll for sports fish and get the family/group involved – have a bottom fishing competition and see who proves victorious!
Or… Head out for a day of diving to ensure you’ve experienced all the greatness the GBR has on offer.
DAY ELEVEN
Steam to the unique island of the Low Isles, located 8nm east of Port Douglas – Here you will find an abundance of sea life, coral and is home to a large population of turtles. Snorkel in the lagoon directly off the beach and wander through the walking track on the island. Arrive back to Beluga late morning be back on dry land inPort Douglas by lunchtime.
Plan your experience on board BELUGA in the Great Barrier Reef.
BELUGA is available for charter through Ocean Alliance.
Please enquire or call Laurie Foulon for more information: +61 424 599 889
Media and PR enquiries: info@oceanalliance.com.au to find out more.
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