There is some great dive news this week, with Reef Quest extending its specials over into May. This means some great savings [...]]]>

Hello everyone. It’s a long weekend here in Australia, so to all those enjoying some extra vacation, I hope you are making the most of it and having a wonderful long weekend.

There is some great dive news this week, with Reef Quest extending its specials over into May. This means some great savings on day trips to the Reef. Over $100 saved is you are a certified diver. Only $174 for the trip and 1 dive including taxes.

Taka (remember she took over from Ocean Quest to do the Outer Reef overnight trips). Has just announced she will be offering some trips to the Ribbon Reefs (Cod Hole etc.) and Coral Sea areas.

This is great news for those wanting to go to visit the best the Barrier Reef has to offered and do it on a budget. Taka offers the same dive sites as Mike Ball and Spirit of Freedom, but you do not fly one way up, so the saving is greater.

Also, as well as discounting these trips, they offer standby rates which are easily the best value around. A Coral Sea trip for just over $1,000!

So if you want to risk it then stay in touch and also keep check on our Facebook page, as we put the standby rates up there.

Enjoy the ret of your weekend and below is the 3 day Reef Report from Reef Magic.

Water Temperature: 27 degrees

Underwater Visibility: 5m

CURRENT OBSERVATIONS

As of 4pm Today

Marine World: SE winds 15 knots

Low Isles: SE winds 20 knots

Cairns Airport: ESE winds 15 knots

3 DAY OUTLOOK

As per Bureau of Meteorology – Cooktown to Cardwell at 4pm

Sunday: SE 15-20 knots

Monday: SE 15-20 knots

Tuesday: SE 15-20 knots

Today’s Magic Moment: When dog food is new and improved tasting, who tests it?

They visited and also inspected from the air port development sites. As well as studied some of the key [...]]]>

An international monitoring mission representing the World heritage Centre / UNESCO and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) visited north Queensland recently to assess the state of conservation of the GBR world heritage area.

They visited and also inspected from the air port development sites. As well as studied some of the key management approaches being applied to the GBR. This included the Vessel Management System (restricting travel through the reef areas to certain ships etc.), and also the efforts made by sugar cane growers to minimize their impact on the Reef through improved farming processes (used to have a lot of issues with fertilizer run off into the ocean causing algal blooms).

Overall, it was a very favourable report back, and the group was very complimentary about the high standard of Reef management.

But despite the high standard’s of management and the ongoing efforts to minimize any man made impact, they also suggested the Reef was at a cross roads and many decisions made in the next few years would be critical to the long term longevity of the Reef

We all have our part to play and we need to remember to minimize our impact on not only the Reef,but also the planet as a Whole.

I still have photos I took at certain dive sites here in 1990 when I first started teaching here, and compared to now they are in a much more pitiful state.

Recent years has definitely shown an improvement with the cessation of fertilizer run off and the reduction in the Crown of Thorns starfish. Also over night boats have to have holding tanks o the bilge and toiles cannot be pumped out close to the Reef areas. Si I would like to hope that by the time my kids (3 and nearly 5) can dive out here that it will still be as beautiful as it is now.

Here are a few of the specials on this week (not so many now)

Pro Dive 3day 2 night trip for certified divers reduced to $525 standby until Monday 23^rd. Snorkeler $425.

Last week of ReefQuest specials too. Not sure if they are going to carry them over into May yet.

Here’s the Reef Report from Reef magic, for the next 3 days.

Water Temperature: 29 degrees

Underwater Visibility: 12 meters

CURRENT OBSERVATIONS

As of 3:30pmToday 

Marine World:        ESE winds 12 knots
Low Isles:                   E winds 7 knots
Cairns Airport:         E winds    9 knots

3 DAY OUTLOOK

As per Bureau of Meteorology – Cooktown to Cardwell at 3:30pm

Sunday:                         SE 15 – 20 knots
Monday:                       SE 15 – 20 knots
Tuesday:                       SE 15 – 20 knots

Today’s Magic Moment: Every year the sun loses 360 million tons.

For those of you who got in early, there were some great overnight deals gong on for this weekend, but with the onset of the beautiful weather, and of course the holiday season kicking off, boats are filling up fast.

Taka [...]]]>

Hello and Happy Easter to all of you people enjoying an extended weekend break.

For those of you who got in early, there were some great overnight deals gong on for this weekend, but with the onset of the beautiful weather, and of course the holiday season kicking off, boats are filling up fast.

Taka is full until 13^th April and Kangaroo Explorer and Scubapro are not far behind. So if anyone is looking to book 2 or 1 night stays on the Outer Reef you had better get in quickly, as these trips are going fast.

This time of year its to be expected and we always advise people to book 2 or 3 weeks in advance as a MINIMUM to get the cabin and trip you want. If you are looking at any of the Ribbon Reef trips (Spirit of Freedom or Mike Ball) you should be looking at 2 months in advance. Especially as Taka is now no longer doing these trips.

As of April 1^st all the price rises (except for Spirit of Freedom who has theirs on July 1^st) went into action, and most of the low season specials ended.

Reef Quest are still running their good deals and it’s worth looking at this trip for some great savings (up to $100 off).

Tusa have also decided to continue the certified diving offer of 3 dives for the price of 2 until June 30^th. So that’s great news.

Until next week, here is the Reef Magic Reef Report

 Friday 6^th & Saturday 7^th

April 2012

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL 

With conditions like today it’s easy to see why the helicopter tours are so popular. Soaring high above majestic Moore Reef, guests took in the amazing sights of both the coral formations and marine life far below. The sighting of reef sharks, stingrays and turtles certainly impressed.

The adventure snorkellers and certified divers took in the wonders of the reef wall.

 The coral formations along the drop off are larger structures to that of the shallow snorkelling area, and house an unimaginable number of our marine life.  Guests were spoilt to see a black tip reef shark meandering along the ocean floor!

Water Temperature: 29 degrees

Underwater Visibility: 12 meters

 CURRENT OBSERVATIONS

As of 4pmToday

Marine World:           SE winds    8 knots
Low Isles:                     SE winds  12 knots
Cairns Airport:          SE winds  11 knots

3 DAY OUTLOOK

As per Bureau of Meteorology – Cooktown to Cardwell at 4pm

Saturday:                     SE  10 – 20 knots
Sunday:                       SE  15 – 20 knots
Monday:                     SE  15 – 20 knots

Today’s Magic Moment: 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are made for Easter each year!!

April 2012

Our Marine Biologists were busy with Adventure Marine Snorkel Safaris on the Drop Off at Moore Reef; this tour is for the more advanced snorkeler who is keen to venture out into deeper waters. The coral formations along the Drop [...]]]>

Sunday 1^st & Monday 2^nd

April 2012

Our Marine Biologists were busy with Adventure Marine Snorkel Safaris on the Drop Off at Moore Reef; this tour is for the more advanced snorkeler who is keen to venture out into deeper waters. The coral formations along the Drop Off are larger structures to that of the shallow snorkelling area making it quite the adventure indeed.

So why not see for yourselves!   Visit the reef direct from Cairns, spending as little time as possible travelling.  Reef Magic’s fast, stable catamaran cruises at 22 knots arriving at our stable outer reef platform, Marine World, in only 90 mins, providing a comfortable alternative to being confined to a boat all day.

Water Temperature: 26 degrees

Underwater Visibility: 7 meters

CURRENT OBSERVATIONS

As of 3:30pmToday

Marine World:                 SSE winds 10 knots

Low Isles:                           ESE winds 16 knots

Cairns Airport:                ESE winds 14 knots

3 DAY OUTLOOK

As per Bureau of Meteorology – Cooktown to Cardwell at 3:30pm

Monday:                          S/SE   10 – 15 knots

Tuesday:                          S/SE   10 – 15 knots

Wednesday:                     S/SE   5 – 10 knots 

Kangaroo Explorer is back in the water an offering some great saving until the end of the month. 2 day 1 night trip is only $300!

Ocean Quest has sadly done its last run and is out of the water preparing for a [...]]]>

Quite an eventful week on the boat front.

Kangaroo Explorer is back in the water an offering some great saving until the end of the month. 2 day 1 night trip is only $300!

Ocean Quest has sadly done its last run and is out of the water preparing for a years private charter. She is off to Western Australia to act as accommodation for one of the mining companies over there. Cheaper than building hoses and of course she stays moored up at the jetty. Not a bad place to live compared with some of the old mining camps I have seen.

Taka will be taking Ocean Quests place and will be used for all Deep Sea Divers Dens Outer Reef trips. This means of course that Taka will no longer be offering Cod Hole or Coral Sea trips.

Don’t forget that as of April 1^st most of the operators have their yearly price increases.

Check out our site here and don’t forget to see all the latest specials on offer by joining our Facebook page.

So take care and happy diving. Below is the latest Reef Report.

Saturday 24^rd & Sunday 25^th

March 2012

While you are snorkeling out at Marine World look out for some critters hiding in the reef structure. It is easy to get absorbed in the fish life and overlook the thousands of other creatures that call the coral reef home. One such family is the Echinoderm group. The name echinoderm, meaning spiny skin, relates to the animals outer surface which is covered with limestone plates that are often formed into spines. The variations of shapes range from sausage and star shapes to a ball of spikes. Some echinoderms you may be familiar with are sea stars, or starfish, sea urchins, crinoids and sea cucumbers.

 Water Temperature: 28 degrees

Underwater Visibility: 6 meters

CURRENT OBSERVATIONS

As of 4pm Today

Marine World:           SE winds 15 knots
Low Isles:                    SE winds 12 knots
Cairns Airport:         SE winds 10 knots

3 DAY OUTLOOK

As per Bureau of Meteorology – Cooktown to Cardwell at 4pm

Sunday:          S/SE 10 – 15 knots
Monday          SW/NW  10 – 15 knots
Tuesday:         S/ SW    10 – 15 knots

Today’s Magic Moment: Water is the only substance on earth that is lighter as a solid than a liquid.

The glass bottom boat toured the [...]]]>

The divers enjoyed a spectacular array of wildlife today at Marine World. While gliding along underwater bommies on the outer wall at Moore Reef, divers sighted a Bull Ray, several Black Tip Reef Sharks, plenty of colorful parrot fish and long nosed emperor.

The glass bottom boat toured the southern end of Marine World allowing the guests to view the magic of the ocean whilst keeping dry. The wildlife seen today included the Beaked Coral Fish, Six Banded Angel Fish, Yellow Tailed Fusiliers and Turtles. Large schools of Bengal Sergeant Fish could be seen swimming amongst large structures of Branching corals, Vase corals and Plate corals.

Water Temperature: 27.5 degrees

Underwater Visibility: 10 metres 

CURRENT OBSERVATIONS

As of 3:30pm Today

Marine World:           N winds 14 knots

Low Isles:                     N/NE winds 27 knots

Cairns Airport:          E/NE winds 8 knots

3 DAY OUTLOOK

As per Bureau of Meteorology – Cooktown to Cardwell at 3:30pm

Monday:                         N/NW 15 – 20 knots

Tuesday:                         N/NW 15 – 20 knots

Wednesday:                   N/NW 15 – 20 knots

 Kangaroo Explorers repairs are taking longer than expected (she was blown up on the Reef a few weeks ago in the bad storms we had) but expects to be back in the water the first [...]]]>

With continuing beautiful summer weather and no signs of monsoonal rains, numbers on the Reef are certainly picking up.

 Kangaroo Explorers repairs are taking longer than expected (she was blown up on the Reef a few weeks ago in the bad storms we had) but expects to be back in the water the first week of March, so fingers crossed.

Most companies have finished their annual refits so all scheduled trips are back to normal.

 As for specials, thee will be fewer and fewer as we move into busy season, so make sure you make the most of any that come up.

Mike Ball are offering 15% off their trips (25% off the 7 day ones) for all trips taken prior to June 1^st.

Ocean Quest still have their 3 day 2 night trip for $470 which is $110 off, and their 2 day 1 night is also around $100 off.

 From April 1^st most companies have a price increase, so make sure you check out the updated prices on the site if you are looking to travel after April 1^st.

 Here is the Weekly Reef Magic Reef Report:

The lucky snorkelers and divers were spoilt with an underwater visibility of about 20 metres today. Those on the guided snorkel tour were fortunate enough to spot a turtle gliding along the ocean floor. A black tip reef shark was spotted from the Glass Bottom Boat tour, whilst touring the northern end of Marine World.

Others chose to dive the crystal waters of Marine World with our certified divers enjoying a spectacular array of wildlife. While gliding along underwater bommies on the outer wall the divers sighted a Bull Ray, several Black Tip Reef Sharks, plenty of colorful parrot fish and long nosed emperor.

Water Temperature: 29 degrees

Underwater Visibility: 15-20 metres!!

CURRENT OBSERVATIONS

As of 4:00pm Today

Marine World:           SE winds 12 knots

Low Isles:                     N/NW winds   4 knots

Cairns Airport:           E/SE winds   9 knots

3 DAY OUTLOOK

As per Bureau of Meteorology – Cooktown to Cardwell at 4:00pm

Sunday:                        E/SE 15 – 20 knots

Monday:                       E/SE 20 – 25 knots

Tuesday:                      E/SE 15 – 20 knots

The glass bottom boat toured the [...]]]>

Our divers enjoyed a spectacular array of wildlife today at Marine World, while gliding along underwater bommies on the outer wall at Moore Reef. Divers sighted a Bull Ray, several Black Tip Reef Sharks, plenty of colorful parrot fish and long nosed emperor.

The glass bottom boat toured the southern end of Marine World allowing the guests to view the magic of the ocean whilst keeping dry. Spotted today was the Beaked Coral Fish, Six Banded Angel Fish, Yellow Tailed Fusiliers and Turtles. Large schools of Bengal Sergeant Fish could be seen swimming amongst large structures of Branching corals, Vase corals and Plate corals.

Water Temperature: 30.3 degrees

Underwater Visibility: 15-20 metres

CURRENT OBSERVATIONS

As of 4pm Today

Marine World:          ESE winds 9 knots

Low Isles:                  ENE winds 6 knots

Cairns Airport:       NE winds 11 knots

3 DAY OUTLOOK

As per Bureau of Meteorology – Cooktown to Cardwell at 4pm

Sunday:                   SE       15 – 20 knots

Monday:                  SE       15 – 20 knots

Tuesday:               SE       15 – 20 knots

Today’s Magic Moment:  On the keyboard of life, always keep one finger near the escape key.

This time of year most of the boats take advantage of the quiet season to do [...]]]>

With Kangaroo Explorer out of the water for another week for repairs, Ocean Quest and Scubapro are filling fast for the over night trips. Ocean Quest will be coming out for refit in the next couple of weeks too.

This time of year most of the boats take advantage of the quiet season to do annual refits and maintenance. So if you are looking to book a trip make sure you check this before booking.

There is some exciting news on the course front, with Cairns Dive Centre now offering a budget 5 day Open Water learn to dive course. It’s SSI (Scuba Schools International) not PADI, but if this doesn’t worry you, then it is a great offer.

First 2 days in town doing your pool and classroom then you go to Fitzroy Island to do the first 2 training dives from the island.

4^th day you go out to the Reef on their day boat – Sunkist, for the last 2 training dives. The 5^th day you go back out on Sunkist as a certified diver for 2 fun dives! Not bad for AUD$460 + $60 Reef taxes. See here for details.

Pro Dive have a 48 hour standby rate going, so if you are in town and prepared to chance it you can get up to $100 off the overnight trips.

Below is the Reef Report for the next few days.

Water Temperature: 30 degrees

Underwater Visibility: 10 metres

CURRENT OBSERVATIONS

As of 4pm Today

Marine World:          ESE winds  6 knots

Low Isles:                  E  winds    10 knots

Cairns Airport:       NE winds   11 knots

3 DAY OUTLOOK

As per Bureau of Meteorology – Cooktown to Cardwell at 4pm

Sunday:                     SE       10 – 15 knots

Monday:                    SE       10 – 15 knots

Tuesday:                   SE       10 – 15 knots