Useful Stuff
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BUMPER WHALE WATCHING SEASON PREDICTED IN CAIRNS! |
REEF GOERS are in for a whale of a time this winter, with the first humpbacks spotted on the Great Barrier Reef weeks earlier than expected.
Humpback whales are annual visitors to the Far North, migrating from Antarctica for breeding in the sheltered, warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
The world’s most famous humpback, Migaloo, the white whale is usually among them.
Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre director Prof Peter Harrison said so far there had been no reports of Migaloo sightings.
There are estimates at least 13,500 whales will head north this year.
This is about half the population last century, before hunting saw numbers fall to about 200.
"It’s a bit over 10 per cent increase each year, which means we’ll possibly have close to another 1500 whales born … this year," Prof Harrison said.
So, what are you waiting for, book online now for a great day out with the whales!
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"LIKE" US ON FACEBOOK
TO GO IN THE DRAW TO WIN A FAMILY REEF TRIP |
Check out our new FACEBOOK page and share it with your friends to go into the draw to win a Family Pass on Osprey V.
Winter in the Cairns region – from June to August - is considered the best time to visit with crystal clear skies, cool breezes and perfect scuba-diving on the Great Barrier Reef and the best chance to spot the Humpback and Minke whales.
We are giving away a full day reef trip for 2 Adults and 2 Children which includes:
- Scrumptious BBQ Lunch with Tropical Salads & Complimentary Tea & Coffee
- Large Full Length sundeck, comfortable Air Conditioned Saloon
- One of the Fastest trips to the true outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef
- Visiting 2 spectacular Outer Reef locations
- Fully equipped state of the art Snorkel & Dive equipment
- Glass-bottom boat tour
- Live musical entertainment and cheese platter with complimentary champagne on homeward journey
So check us out on FACEBOOK now! |
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REEF ETIQUITTE |
“take only pictures and memories… leave only bubbles!”
The Great Barrier Reef is a very special, but fragile environment. Please help to look after it by using good diving and snorkeling practices:
- Go slow - Slow down while diving and snorkeling – you are less likely to bump into things accidentally and cause damage to yourself or the reef. You are less likely to get a cramp or tire yourself out, and you’ll also be amazed how much more you see when you slow down.
- Don’t touch - Although not all marine life is dangerous to us, we can easily damage many things without realizing it. For example, by touching coral, even gently, you are scraping away the protective layer of mucus that protects the coral from picking up an infection. .. unless the boat staff hand something to you… please don’t touch anything.
- No souvenirs - Please don’t take anything away from the reef, except rubbish. The Great Barrier Reef is a marine park with strict laws on collecting to protect marine life for future generations to enjoy. Items such as shells and corals can be bought in souvenir shops around the world, but there is no guarantee they've been collected legally or sustainably, and there may be laws on importing them to your own country. We believe that photos and books make better souvenirs!
- Keep your distance - Be mindful of your position in relation to the reef! Snorkellers: don’t touch or step on the reef. Coral is sharp but also very fragile, so it’s easy to cut yourself or damage the reef. If you need to rest, float on your back or hang on to a float or rest station – don’t stand on the coral. Divers: be careful not to accidentally kick the coral (or your buddy) or kick up the sand and sediment with your fins and make sure none of your equipment is dangling down where it damage the coral by bumping into it or dragging on it. Attach your hoses to your BCD. If you’re confident in your buoyancy aim to be at least 1m away from the reef at all times. If you’re not yet confident, stay out of kicking distance!
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