Ever wondered if you could be spending your time off better? Here’s what seven days exploring the Great Barrier Reef by superyacht looks like.
Day 1
Embark your superyacht at Cairns Marlin Marina.
Enjoy a lazy lunch underway to Opal Reef for the first of the many opportunities you’ll have to experience the outer Great Barrier Reef. The outer reef affords great protection from the Coral Sea as you enjoy a peaceful night’s rest at anchor. Dinner tonight is a simple but elegant affair and a chance to plot your adventures for the week ahead.
Day 2
Awake to being surrounded only by natural reef and the sounds of the sea. After an early departure and a scenic cruise along the inside of the Barrier Reef, arrive at the beginning of the Ribbon Reefs. Enjoy a spectacular dive at “Steve’s Bommie” with the chance to visit an isolated pinnacle, frequented by large schools of pelagic fish and superb hard and soft corals. For snorkelers, the numerous large coral heads within the lagoon offer the excitement of swimming with a tremendous variety of colourful tropical fish.
In the afternoon, prepare for a dive at Ribbon Reef No. 5, known as “Andy’s Postcard” and home to an abundance of underwater life. During certain times of the year, this stretch of coast is visited by migrating minke whales, which will swim right up to the yacht’s stern and normally allow guests to join them in the water for a firsthand experience. After dinner, venture on deck for the opportunity to appreciate the southern sky and the chance to star gaze at the constellations.
Day 3
An early arrival at Pixie’s Pinnacle, renowned for its vibrant coloured marine life and exceptional visibility. Lunch is at anchor in Dynamite Pass and the afternoon can be spent snorkelling at the world class Cod Hole site. Then a sunset cruise to Lizard Island to anchor in picturesque Watson’s Bay for the night. Dinner is a feast of freshly caught seafood, followed by the entertainment of the illuminated underwater lights attracting huge grouper and schools of trevally off the stern all night.
Day 4
An early morning swim in the crystal clear waters of Lizard Island followed by a shore excursion to climb Cook’s Lookout. Alternatively, follow the State Park nature walk across the island to “Blue Lagoon” – a beautiful setting for a picnic lunch and a chance to explore one of the island’s 16 beaches. In the afternoon, an offshore fishing expedition, beach volleyball or possibly a dive at “snake pit” for the more adventurous. A short scenic helicopter ride offers an aerial appreciation of the panoramic colours of the reef.
Music and cocktails on the fly bridge deck as the sun sets, uninterrupted over the coastline in the west.
Day 5
An early departure with breakfast underway while enjoying the sun and scenery before arriving late morning at Cooktown, a quaint country town and the site of Captain Cook’s landing. An expert guide can take guests on a “safari” back out to one of the Ribbon Reefs and share his extensive knowledge of the region, whilst diving for crayfish or trolling for large billfish. After re-joining your Yacht, indulge in water sports or enjoy champagne with friends in comfort and style, whilst the crew discreetly decorate the yacht for a theme night, with costumes and entertainment worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster!
Day 6
Start with an early morning swim in the turquoise shallows and sample breakfast ashore on the picturesque and remote Mackay Sand Cay? Then either take a private tour of the world heritage listed rainforest at the Daintree National Park or continue to anchor off fashionable Port Douglas. Enjoy lunch at one of the outstanding restaurants and indulge in some boutique shopping. Invigorate your senses at Port Douglas’ fantastic day spa, before re-joining your Yacht for a sheltered late afternoon coastal cruise to the private Double Island retreat.
Day 7
A final breakfast on board as you prepare to bid farewell to the crew, while your yacht heads along the coastline bound for Cairns Marlin Marina, signalling the end to a memorable and unique charter experience