Passions of Paradise

Passions of Paradise sails a twenty-five metre catamaran from Cairns to the outer Great Barrier Reef, and actually sails it — the boat is under canvas on the run home rather than motoring. Check-in is at the Reef Fleet Terminal at Marlin Marina from 7am for an 8am departure. Two outer reef locations are visited each day, chosen on the morning to suit the conditions, drawn from twenty-four private moorings across Hastings, Norman, Flynn, Milne, Thetford and Upolu reefs, plus Paradise Reef which is exclusive to this operator. Snorkelling gear is included along with a free guided snorkel tour. Introductory dives are available for those who have never dived, and certified divers get wall dives, drift dives and swim-throughs with equipment provided. A chef-prepared tropical buffet lunch is included, along with morning and afternoon tea. An eco-accredited marine naturalist is aboard and gives presentations on the coral and fish life. Group sizes are kept small, and the operator holds the Australian Tourism Award for Adventure.