![]() ![]() As scuba divers, our preferred dive style is to take our time and observe the motion of the animals in their underwater homes. Our dive guide – Mathilde – provided an excellent briefing and was wonderful in the water. This was not a compulsory presentation, and some guests opted to just relax in the sunshine outside, but it was super interesting and we recommend it. On the journey back to Cairns, she provided an excellent presentation, covering the size and scale of the reef, some of its interesting creatures and the steps being taken to protect it. The eco-accredited marine naturalist circulated around the boat throughout the day, with fish ID books and charts, helping people identify the marine life they had seen. On the day we travelled there were 90 guests on board their 25m catamaran. Apart from the reef sites, which as you’ve just read, were fantastic, it’s the crew and the way they help shape the day for guests. So what was the Passions of Paradise difference for us. Passions of Paradise Cairns Reef Day Tour Review We were diving through schools of hundreds of fish and it was magical. We saw a sleepy green turtle resting on the corals, a school of barracuda, humphead maori wrasse, diagonal-banded sweetlips (we love these guys!), coral trout, blue-lined snapper and so, so, so much more. As well as outstanding coral cover, diversity and colour, the marine life here ticks pretty much every bucket list. The Three Sisters is an amazing Great Barrier Reef dive site! Each of the ‘sisters’ is a massive coral bommie and one of the swim throughs takes you right through a beautiful display of gorgonian sea fans, feather stars and soft corals. This is where Richard completed his Open Water Scuba Dive course in 2011. The second site we visited with Passions of Paradise is one of our favourites, the Three Sisters at Milln Reef. The reef was just metres below the surface, providing snorkellers with every opportunity to enjoy its beauty. Diving done, we jumped back in and did some snorkelling which was also excellent. The diving was excellent and the guide took her time, allowing us to really enjoy and explore the site. The coral cover was excellent and we saw a white-tipped reef shark and a multitude of fish, including anemonefish, butterfly and angel fish, chromis, fusiliers, wrasse, snappers and more. This was a wall dive, taking us alongside hard and soft corals with some bommies. As soon as you giant-stride entered the water, the 20m visibility revealed beautiful coral gardens teeming with fish. The first one was ‘Point Break’ at Flynn Reef. ![]() We know what you really want to know, is what was the reef like? It was incredible! We travelled with them on 4 March 2023 and visited two Cairns outer reef destinations and sites. Passions of Paradise Tour Review Cairns’ Great Barrier Reef We had a great day and so did every one else on the boat.” – Julie Johnston Their sites are great and the crew are really invested in ensuring every single guest maximises their experience, exploration and learning on the reef. So we love Passions of Paradise, not only for sentimental reasons, but for the amazing experience they provide to their guests, each and every day on the reef. So good was the experience, he went on to become a certified diver and has since done over 250 dives on the Great Barrier Reef. “Richard did his first ever dive – an introductory dive – with Passions of Paradise over 12 years ago. Guests have about 3 hours of water time, exploring the beautiful Great Barrier Reef. A hot and cold buffet is served for lunch with an afternoon tea of fruit and biscuits provided for the return journey, which gets you back into Cairns around 5pm. All sites are suitable for divers and snorkelers. Passions of Paradise visit 2 reef sites and have 24 private moorings to choose from they’ll pick the best sites on the day of travel, to maximise experience pending weather, wind and tides. Maximum of 2 dives during the day and all equipment is provided and included in the dive price. For certified divers all diving is guided and for those wanting to try diving, there’s the option of introductory diving with no experience necessary. There’s a fresh fruit platter with complimentary tea and coffee on board the boat and during the 2 hour journey to the reef, they provide dive and snorkel briefings. ![]() Your Passions of Paradise day commences with check-in at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal from 7am, followed by boarding from 7.30am for a 8am departure. Passions of Paradise Trip Review (March 2023) ![]()
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