Family Friendly Reef Experience

Apr 1

“This is the best reef experience by far, because I went Scuba Diving” said Charlie, my 12 year old after a day out on Reef Experience.

**Charlie enjoying her first ever dive**

Charlie’s no first timer when it comes to reef experiences but donning a tank and a set of regulators and descending beneath the surface to try something new truly blew her away…

Josh about to try diving for the first time

Reef Experience includes a dive in their $$$ package

MY first dive was off Cairns in 1985 (yes I know, showing my age now!!) and it was nice to be reminded by my daughter just how special the opportunity to do it is. Both Charlie and Josh (age 14) took the opportunity to Scuba Dive thanks to Reef Experience's all-inclusive package.

**Josh was totally comfortable underneath the waves**

Sure you can go to the Great Barrier Reef with any number of boats that operate out of Cairns BUT how many offer a Scuba Dive in the standard price. And it’s not only for Introductory Divers, that includes Certified Dives too!!

**Frank the Maori Wrasse came and said HI!!**

If you want a family friendly price that gets your kids beneath the waves then this is the boat for you. Some even say Scuba Diving is a lot easier than snorkelling because you’re not struggling to stay on the surface and it’s a lot more peaceful down there. According to Charlie she loved the sounds of her own bubbles and not having all the surface sounds like the lifeguards whistle or other people talking to each other whilst snorkelling. Most of all they loved being visited by Frank the Maori Wrasse who acted like a BIG puppy dog around the Scuba Divers.

What’s Included

So what did our day involve with Reef Experience? An early morning start to meet the boat at 7.30am down at the Marlin Marina in Cairns. A decent set of mask, snorkel and fins when we got on the boat , together with a lycra suit to protect you from the sun. A much appreciated BBQ breakfast roll of bacon and egg (yum!!), together with tea or coffee. A safety talk before setting out into the open water, and a dive brief and a Marine Biology talk on the reef when we got closer to our destination.

Tasty breakfast roll first up

Lunch was a hot & cold buffet

Thanks to the weather we visited two reefs, Saxon and Norman Reef. There was also a snorkel before our dive took place, and time for a snorkel after our last dive. A yummy hot lunch with salads awaited us at noon, and cheese and crackers and wine later on our trip home. And, if you had no car, there is the option for a bus transfer to and from your accommodation.

**Plenty of time to go snorkelling as well**

Honestly, when you add up all the included items in the price of your ticket, Reef Experience have gone above and beyond their duty to provide you with an epic day out on the reef. I know my 12 year old will never be the same after her first Scuba Dive. She’s already talking certification and doing the Open Water Course…….which funnily enough this local Cairns company offers on their liveaboard boat, the Reef Encounter, but that’s another story to be told…

Good things to Know:

• If you are over 12 and have no medical conditions, then you can go scuba diving.

• There’s unlimited snorkelling at two locations (weather permitting).

• All snorkel/dive equipment inc. – wetsuit, lycra suit, flotation devices.

• Glass bottom boat tour and commentary included (weather permitting).

• Bus transfers to and from Cairns City area accommodation included.

• Reef tax/fuel levy/admin fees included in price.

Does this sound like the reef trip for you? Would you like your kids to try Scuba Diving too? Share with me any questions you might have regarding a trip out with Reef Experience.