Falla Reef Trips
Falla Reef Trips
5
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Full view
About
The Falla is a wooden ship, built in Broome, W.A. in 1956 to dive for mother of pearl. She worked with the ancient bronze helmet dive gear until 1963 when demand for the material dwindled due to the advent of plastics. For all of the next half century she has managed to make a living for herself, fishing, then cray fishing. In 1988 she made her way to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. She has been treating guests to this wonder, in small groups ever since. She is still diving. You can do your first SCUBA dive aboard this classic Pearl Lugger and become part of her history or go for a snorkel. Either way, you can soak up the atmosphere of those historical days gone by or enjoy the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef.
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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5.0
534 reviews
Excellent
492
Very good
20
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
9
Allan
Melbourne, Australia3 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
Very knowledgeable and passionate Captain Doug and crew. Best way to see the reef. Beautiful open air wooden boat with sails and motor. Completely non commercial experience in a small intimate group. Very personalised. They really went out of their way to make sure everyone had a great time. Our captain took us to two alternative islands (weather permitting). We were literally the only ship and just a couple of small fishing boats around. Lunch was freshly made. Served hygenically in a packed lunch. My recommendation is wear usual sun protection as you get to be out in the open air while travelling. Highly recommend especially if u don't want to be just a number on a huge commercial ship that monetises you.
Written 1 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica U
Perth, Australia14 contributions
Apr 2021
I loved every minute of my trip out to the Great Barrier Reef with Captain Doug and the Falla! I was really hoping to find an experience that didn't involve one of the big motor boats with 50+ passengers and this was perfect. A few highlights:
- The laidback vibes and personalised experience. As a confident swimmer I really liked not having to snorkel in a group and being given plenty of freedom to explore the reef!
- Doug diving in and showing us a shark chilling in a cave. He seems to know the secret spots.
- Turning off the engine just before cruising back into Cairns and enjoying sailing in the wind with wine and cheese. Accompanied by some great stories about the history of the Falla and her roots as a Pearl Lugger up in Broome.
You can really tell Doug has a genuine passion for the Falla and taking people out to the GBR. His enthusiasm is infectious and it really made the trip something special. Sure, it's not the most comfortable boat (compared to the bigger boats that head out to the reef) and it doesn't have the fanciest gear, but I loved relaxing on the deck in the shade and just enjoying being on such a unique boat.
Thanks Doug for an amazing day!!! I'll be back to crew someday :)
- The laidback vibes and personalised experience. As a confident swimmer I really liked not having to snorkel in a group and being given plenty of freedom to explore the reef!
- Doug diving in and showing us a shark chilling in a cave. He seems to know the secret spots.
- Turning off the engine just before cruising back into Cairns and enjoying sailing in the wind with wine and cheese. Accompanied by some great stories about the history of the Falla and her roots as a Pearl Lugger up in Broome.
You can really tell Doug has a genuine passion for the Falla and taking people out to the GBR. His enthusiasm is infectious and it really made the trip something special. Sure, it's not the most comfortable boat (compared to the bigger boats that head out to the reef) and it doesn't have the fanciest gear, but I loved relaxing on the deck in the shade and just enjoying being on such a unique boat.
Thanks Doug for an amazing day!!! I'll be back to crew someday :)
Written 8 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jessica20072015
Cleveland, OH14 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
The Falla was a beautiful ship and the crew was super nice and relaxed. The ship gets you to the Reef slower than the larger boats but instead of going to Green Island where there are approximately 1500 tourists being guided along ropes while diving you go to the Upolu Reef which is a little further out and only has 2 other small ships that bring tourists there. We had about 30 people on the ship but only 8 people actually went diving on the first dive and 3 on the second so and I didn't see any other divers but the ones in our group. During the dive we got to see a sea turtle and pet a sea cucumber and hold a star fish. Our dive guide Bridget was so nice and patient for those in our party that had a hard time with diving. All in all it was one of the best days of my life!
Written 3 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janine B
Sydney, Australia28 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
I booked a holiday from Sydney to Cairns as a surprise 21st present for a friend. As a young traveller I booked through a website called BookMe and after reading fantastic reviews about this tour and a bargain of a price I booked without hesitation. A week before arriving, I received a phone call claiming we'd booked under children's tickets and would have to pay the difference at the end of the trip.
We arrived at the dock at 8.15 and were told to come back at 8.30 for boarding.
We came back at 8.25 and were again turned away. I found this to be a bit ridiculous but we were able to get to know our group of travellers on the dock.
In the last half an hour after a near perfect day, I showed the crew our voucher that specified we had in fact, paid an adult ticket, we were then told by the crew that we should make up the difference in tips (as legally they could not make us pay the difference if that was the advertised price.) This became very uncomfortable very quickly, and we were approached a number of times before docking for tips. We had other friends pay a very similar price who were not approached and another friend who paid far more through booking with them directly.
Highly disappointed as it had been a wonderful day and we had made some amazing friends who were also travelling through QLD. The reef itself is breathtaking and they did take us to some fantastic spots, but the pursuance of money made it very uncomfortable for my friend and myself and we raced off the boat as quickly as we could in the end.
We arrived at the dock at 8.15 and were told to come back at 8.30 for boarding.
We came back at 8.25 and were again turned away. I found this to be a bit ridiculous but we were able to get to know our group of travellers on the dock.
In the last half an hour after a near perfect day, I showed the crew our voucher that specified we had in fact, paid an adult ticket, we were then told by the crew that we should make up the difference in tips (as legally they could not make us pay the difference if that was the advertised price.) This became very uncomfortable very quickly, and we were approached a number of times before docking for tips. We had other friends pay a very similar price who were not approached and another friend who paid far more through booking with them directly.
Highly disappointed as it had been a wonderful day and we had made some amazing friends who were also travelling through QLD. The reef itself is breathtaking and they did take us to some fantastic spots, but the pursuance of money made it very uncomfortable for my friend and myself and we raced off the boat as quickly as we could in the end.
Written 16 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Their seems to be some confusion as to events here. Several days prior, when I received the 2 bookings from an agent, with names preceded by 'Miss', at far less than child's price, I took notice as it was also school holidays. I wanted to be sure I wasn't taking minor aged females out without parental permission. I contacted them. After this was sorted, I explained that our current child's price is such a deal that it is less than MY cost and suggested as a compromise, as adults, they either voluntarily accept a full refund or pay the extra $30 upon boarding, to bring their reef experience up to my present COST of a child (still a great deal). She consulted her mate and said that would be fine, no problem. I never gave it any more thought.
During the day I remembered, no $30 had been offered, as was arranged. When I asked about it she showed me the agent's booking. Somehow she had managed to obtain a child's price from an earlier year, labelled 'adult'. Very odd. I then suggested that to be fair dinkum, she could 'make a donation to the preservation of the old classic' or 'give the crew a tip or something to show appreciation'. As always, professionally, the crew was left unaware of any of this and are certainly not inclined to 'ask for tips'.
As we are in the business of making people happy, I find this all a bit odd. I wasn't going to dignify this with a response but I suppose all of our guests deserve a proper response .
As far as price is concerned, please compare ours with other GBR trips. We also have no surprise add on costs. No gimmicks, just good ol' skool Aussie: good times at a reasonable, fair price.
Douglas Meyer Owner/ Operator/ Shipwright/ Captain: Pearling Lugger "Falla"
Written 1 August 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kerry N
Melbourne, Australia21 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
There are a ton of cruises of the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Going through a stack of brochures, the one from Falla stood out when I went through the task of ranking them. Not because it was slick and flashy, promising a scrumptious seafood buffet, a fast ride on a shiny stainless steel boat, boat staff decked out in fancy uniforms, but because it just looked like a simple honest boat cruise getting you out to the reef and getting you in the water to see it.
And it turned out to be exactly that. The Falla is a lovely old historic pearl hauling vessel. Lunch was a simple but plentiful amount of chicken, pasta, salad, etc. Most of the crew seemed to be friends/family who might or might not have been getting a salary. The wine was cask wine. Everybody was friendly and loved what they were doing. Doug, the captain/owner, is very personable and loves his boat (having rebuilt it from a wreck at least once). The prices was a bit cheaper than all the rest of the cruises ($130/pp). I can't imagine Doug is making a whole lot of money out of this. So, I'm quite happy that I'm supporting a small local business, not one of the many major companies running the other cruises. Our cruise had 33 aboard, probably 25 or so were passengers.
It consisted of a cruise 18 miles out to the reef. Stopping for 1 1/2 hours at a Coral Garden where you could snorkel or dive. There were options to do dives there, either an introductory one, or as we were already certified, we did a regular dive ($65/pp). Then lunch and then move onto Upolu Cay, a sandbar surrounded by reef. More snorkelling there and then cruising back to Cairns.
I guess if you are not comfortable in the water (don't want to snorkel or dive), they will try to accommodate you, but really, this cruise is for somebody who wants to see the reef from in the water. If you are looking for a birding experience, maybe not this one either. There were a few terns and other things out there but you don't land on land like some of the other trips.
I'm extremely happy with my experiences. Sure I would have loved to had a seafood buffet, but then again, I didn't really pay for that, just a really excellent trip out and around the reef.
And it turned out to be exactly that. The Falla is a lovely old historic pearl hauling vessel. Lunch was a simple but plentiful amount of chicken, pasta, salad, etc. Most of the crew seemed to be friends/family who might or might not have been getting a salary. The wine was cask wine. Everybody was friendly and loved what they were doing. Doug, the captain/owner, is very personable and loves his boat (having rebuilt it from a wreck at least once). The prices was a bit cheaper than all the rest of the cruises ($130/pp). I can't imagine Doug is making a whole lot of money out of this. So, I'm quite happy that I'm supporting a small local business, not one of the many major companies running the other cruises. Our cruise had 33 aboard, probably 25 or so were passengers.
It consisted of a cruise 18 miles out to the reef. Stopping for 1 1/2 hours at a Coral Garden where you could snorkel or dive. There were options to do dives there, either an introductory one, or as we were already certified, we did a regular dive ($65/pp). Then lunch and then move onto Upolu Cay, a sandbar surrounded by reef. More snorkelling there and then cruising back to Cairns.
I guess if you are not comfortable in the water (don't want to snorkel or dive), they will try to accommodate you, but really, this cruise is for somebody who wants to see the reef from in the water. If you are looking for a birding experience, maybe not this one either. There were a few terns and other things out there but you don't land on land like some of the other trips.
I'm extremely happy with my experiences. Sure I would have loved to had a seafood buffet, but then again, I didn't really pay for that, just a really excellent trip out and around the reef.
Written 27 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sabine R
The Hague, The Netherlands138 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
After reading all the great reviews and information on the website we were expecting a lot from this trip. We were however slightly disappointed. Don't get me wrong we had a good day out and did a solid 3 hours of snorkeling (the website promised 4 hours). It was however just very average.
Firstly, the snorkeling, we went to two different locations somewhere midway on the reef. The bits of coral reef were small and fairly scattered. As the tide was quite low we could have a real close look at it but we had expected a bigger reef. It might be that our expectations were wrong but it is our understanding that you will have bigger reefs on the trips that visit the outer reef. Also, the website promised a "world famous Falla snorkel tour", we did not get this.
Secondly, the crew seemed not very engaged. They were mostly just sitting in the sun and chatting amongst themselves. Also, they were not very knowledgeable about the reef. It seems that at least a large portion of them are volunteers who need to help out a little in return for a free trip to the reef. That would explain the lack of engagement or service you would expect from a trip like this.
Lastly, the way Doug approaches his guests seems to be a bit off. I am sure he means well but his way of explaining things is just utterly confusing. For instance, his explanation of Coral reefs could have been very interesting and engaging but ended up being a lengthy talk where lots of stories are told through each other and he keeps losing his own train of thought. We were stuck listening to a lengthy talk twice while the boat was not moving, once on our way home for a lengthy speech on the history of the Falla and once to explain how to snorkel. Both would be interesting (if delivered better) but if that would be done during the lengthy boat ride the guests would have more snorkel time!
All in all it was not a bad trip, it is just too bad it was not good either. If you only have one trip on the reef I would just accept the large groups on the outer reef trips and do one of those!
Firstly, the snorkeling, we went to two different locations somewhere midway on the reef. The bits of coral reef were small and fairly scattered. As the tide was quite low we could have a real close look at it but we had expected a bigger reef. It might be that our expectations were wrong but it is our understanding that you will have bigger reefs on the trips that visit the outer reef. Also, the website promised a "world famous Falla snorkel tour", we did not get this.
Secondly, the crew seemed not very engaged. They were mostly just sitting in the sun and chatting amongst themselves. Also, they were not very knowledgeable about the reef. It seems that at least a large portion of them are volunteers who need to help out a little in return for a free trip to the reef. That would explain the lack of engagement or service you would expect from a trip like this.
Lastly, the way Doug approaches his guests seems to be a bit off. I am sure he means well but his way of explaining things is just utterly confusing. For instance, his explanation of Coral reefs could have been very interesting and engaging but ended up being a lengthy talk where lots of stories are told through each other and he keeps losing his own train of thought. We were stuck listening to a lengthy talk twice while the boat was not moving, once on our way home for a lengthy speech on the history of the Falla and once to explain how to snorkel. Both would be interesting (if delivered better) but if that would be done during the lengthy boat ride the guests would have more snorkel time!
All in all it was not a bad trip, it is just too bad it was not good either. If you only have one trip on the reef I would just accept the large groups on the outer reef trips and do one of those!
Written 8 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fakemuseum
Chiang Mai, Thailand6 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
Clearly, you will have a good service, personal atmosphere because of small number of passengers and staffs are quite friendly and helpful but you might have to pay off something as well.
although the boat is beautiful, it very slow. I saw many boats were passing away and the time for snorkeling was just 2 hours including both spots. moreover cause the boat is very slow it can't go out to the real outer reefs so the snorkeling spot is Upulu cay,which is very close to green island and isn't fantastic as I expected (the reef condition isn't much difference from green island)
So if you just want to sailing around green island talking with each others, listening some story of the boat. this is very suit for you, But if you want to experience the wonderful reef you might have to choose others tours ?
although the boat is beautiful, it very slow. I saw many boats were passing away and the time for snorkeling was just 2 hours including both spots. moreover cause the boat is very slow it can't go out to the real outer reefs so the snorkeling spot is Upulu cay,which is very close to green island and isn't fantastic as I expected (the reef condition isn't much difference from green island)
So if you just want to sailing around green island talking with each others, listening some story of the boat. this is very suit for you, But if you want to experience the wonderful reef you might have to choose others tours ?
Written 14 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nwillis2
Atlanta, GA276 contributions
July 2017 • Family
We came to Cairns with our 2 young children specifically to be on the Falla and see the Great Barrier Reef. Unfortunately, even though it's dry season, there was a storm that prevented us from going to the normal first snorkel spot and we had to divert to Fitzroy Island instead. The storm also made for murky conditions and lower visibility. This was a bit disappointing, but Captain Doug and crew still worked to help us find some healthy coral that had some good fish and other marine life. Captain Doug and crew are simply amazing. The storm made the waves pretty rough, my son was pretty scared and screaming and a crew member (Thanks Mary Lou!) came over and helped us comfort him through the rough patches. We had a wonderful lunch and on the way back had fruit, cake, and wine and cheese! Ronui (sorry if spelling wrong) was also super knowledgeable about diving, had the visibility been better we would had definitely done a dive! Captain Doug also takes time at the end to educate you on the history of the Falla and the pearl industry. All in all the staff more than made up for the weather! I can't wait to come back someday and try it again with hopefully better conditions!
Tips for future passengers: be more prepared than we were. Bring a towel! We forgot ours. Bring a sweatshirt/sweater to wear when you get out of the water! It's cold, no matter how hot it actually is outside! Take the clothes you are wearing over your swimsuit off before you get in the dingy! Ours got totally soaked and we didn't have extra!
Tips for future passengers: be more prepared than we were. Bring a towel! We forgot ours. Bring a sweatshirt/sweater to wear when you get out of the water! It's cold, no matter how hot it actually is outside! Take the clothes you are wearing over your swimsuit off before you get in the dingy! Ours got totally soaked and we didn't have extra!
Written 14 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prickly M
Melbourne, Australia14 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
Would not recommend taking the Falla for your reef trip to snorkel or dive. The locations for the snorkeling and diving were "the reef", no specific location such as Michaelmas Cay. The water at both locations was very rough and it was difficult to get on and off the boat to snorkel and dive. Instead of jumping off a dive ledge directly into the water, we were hoisted into a dingy and then taken to the location. It was very cumbersome and difficult to get in/out of the dingy. The lunch food provided was terrible and the bathroom was unsanitary.
Written 23 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna M
10 contributions
Aug 2013
We had an amazing day visiting the reef on the boat. We saw whales, sharks, sea turtles and amazing parts of the reef. Going with a smaller group is much nicer and makes the snorkelling a lot better too! Lots of food and captain Doug is great telling you some stories and interesting facts about the reef and the history of the falla boat. You can steer the boat and pull the sails yourself of you want, much nicer than being on a big monster boat with tons of people!!
Written 10 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi -- is Falla Reef Trips still open and active? I don't see any reviews since 2021 but also can't find any announcements about it closing.
Written 30 September 2023
Has anyone ever gone to Upolu Cay / sandbar on this yacht as advertised? Did everyone just go to Fitzroy island?
Written 19 January 2019
My friend and I took the Falla trip last September and the same thing happened. We were taken to Fitzroy Island and spent both stops there. The Captain declared it was his decision to make.
Written 1 August 2019
Yes! I do recall there being a restroom aboard
Written 8 November 2018
Hi there, can we take our 8 month old on board?
Written 3 September 2018
I personally wouldn't.There is very little space to crawl around.
Written 4 September 2018
Hey guys! Does anyone know if there is any vegan options for lunch or should I bring my own? Cheers
Written 1 August 2018
In addition to lunch meat for sandwiches, Captain Doug offers a few salads. You could always make yourself a cheese sandwich if you eat dairy. Enjoy! It’s a wonderful experience!
Written 2 August 2018
This looks like a wornderful trip. My wife and I are coming to Cairns 3-6 July this year and would like to check availability and costs - how do we do this? Also we are both in our 50s I assume this is still suitable?
Written 25 May 2018
It is a fabulous trip to the reef.... you will Love it, no other trip is comparable, and I have tried the other trips. You need to contact the company directly for availability... this is the number 0400195264
Written 28 May 2018
marybeth b
Naperville, Illinois
can I book for may 17 for 2 adunts? one snorkkler and 1 diver
Written 30 April 2018
I’m pretty sure the person asking the question can do this thru their website or thru Viatour.
Good luck and have fun!
Written 30 April 2018
If one is coming individually and one is virtually a non-swimmer, can one have a good time snorkelling? Will one still get attention from the crew with snorkeling assistance and supervision - the crew's attention will not be focused on the expert swimmers in terms of snorkelling?
Written 27 March 2018
It is our specialty to make sure everyone gets to see the reef one way or the other. We have low numbers of guests and make sure attention is given to all of those who need this kind of assistance.
Written 29 July 2018
marybeth b
Naperville, Illinois
hello I am interested in booking for 2 adults on May 17, 2018? Is this possible? I would like to dive (was certified but haven't in 9 years) and my friend would snorkle
thanks
Written 25 March 2018
Several people were diving and others snorkeling. No experience needed but would email for full details. We had a great day.
Written 26 March 2018
Hi Doug,
Will Falla be in operation on Thursday, April 5? We will be coming in on the Celebrity Solstice on Wed. April 4, leaving Thursday evening.
Thanks,
Warren
Written 25 March 2018
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