On the Water
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$308
per adult
Calypso Reef Cruises
Calypso Reef Cruises
5
Full view
About
Great memories are built on great experiences and Calypso delivers both. From the dive enthusiast to the less experienced swimmer, Calypso Snorkel & Dive provides a unique and personalised experience for each guest. Calypso pride themselves on providing a fast, stable and enjoyable ride to the outer reef without over crowding the vessel. As an advanced eco certified operator, Calypso is committed to the protection of the reef through continual innovation, conservation and preservation processes.
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
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Half-day Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 94% of travellers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$235
per adult
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5.0
3,628 reviews
Excellent
3,060
Very good
393
Average
91
Poor
44
Terrible
40
michellep459
Market Bosworth, UK137 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
THE BEST EXPERIENCE EVER!! I can’t recommend this company enough and in particular our crew Davina, Taylor and Ricky. Having always wanted to snorkel but never having the confidence to do it, the guidance on how to use the equipment from Davina and the patience of Taylor in the water meant that I succeeded!! Sea Turtles; an array of fishes; sea cucumber and star fish along with the most incredible coral was my prize for finally mastering this skill. I can’t thank the Crew for the most incredible afternoon on the Low Isles; the glass bottom boat tour by Ricky started the trip brilliantly and the Isle tour (& meeting some of its residents and caretaker) to finish make it a trip none of us will ever forget; I can’t recommend this trip highly enough whether a novice like me or experienced snorkel user like my hubby, you won’t be disappointed!! Thank you Crew - you are the best!!!
Written 24 February 2020
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.
Joan Grimes
Nuku'alofa, Tonga22 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This company deserves their reputation as one of the best tour operators at the reef. They run these tours like a well oiled machine.
They had everything organized and scheduled perfectly. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and always around when needed them. They all had a quiet confidence that was very reassuring given we were out in the middle of Great Barrier Reef in a sea of snorkelers staying afloat with pastel noodles. Quite the sight!!
Highlights were snorkeling tour with Pam. Morning tea and cakes were also lovely. It was great that we went snorkeling for one hour at 3 different places on the Opel Reef. It was also great that they had full bodysuits for everyone to protect us from stingers and sun!!
Truly an amazing day!!
They had everything organized and scheduled perfectly. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and always around when needed them. They all had a quiet confidence that was very reassuring given we were out in the middle of Great Barrier Reef in a sea of snorkelers staying afloat with pastel noodles. Quite the sight!!
Highlights were snorkeling tour with Pam. Morning tea and cakes were also lovely. It was great that we went snorkeling for one hour at 3 different places on the Opel Reef. It was also great that they had full bodysuits for everyone to protect us from stingers and sun!!
Truly an amazing day!!
Written 15 February 2020
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.
Wow, what lovely feedback Joan,
Thanks for taking the time to write in with your recommendation.
Regards,
Chris
Written 16 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
theoldgirl2015
Adelaide, Australia15 contributions
Oct 2021
I have just spent 4 days diving on the outer reef from Port Douglas, the Reef was fabulous. The Crew were amazing, every day they all came to work, friendly and happy, calypso only had small groups of divers, as a posed to their competitors, silver sonic had 8 divers in a group, I thought it was too many.
I felt like I was treated with respect from all the staff, for an old person, they stoped to chat as they walked by, in particular Jork was very accommodating, let me make choices on different dives, and encouraged me to use some of their equipment, a lovely genuine man, very experienced diver, who showed me many sea creatures. I also had the pleasure to dive with Ludi, although I called her LUNI, (lunatic) until the last minute, she had a great eye for finding sea creatures, she was gorgeous ,a vivacious young girl, who was loving life, very professional but such fun. The other cast member I dived with was Mark, wow it was the most relaxed dive I’ve ever been on, he was terrific and he listened to me, which was reassuring. All of the staff on the boat and in the office, made my diving from port Douglas a real pleasure, already planning a return trip to port Douglas, couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
I felt like I was treated with respect from all the staff, for an old person, they stoped to chat as they walked by, in particular Jork was very accommodating, let me make choices on different dives, and encouraged me to use some of their equipment, a lovely genuine man, very experienced diver, who showed me many sea creatures. I also had the pleasure to dive with Ludi, although I called her LUNI, (lunatic) until the last minute, she had a great eye for finding sea creatures, she was gorgeous ,a vivacious young girl, who was loving life, very professional but such fun. The other cast member I dived with was Mark, wow it was the most relaxed dive I’ve ever been on, he was terrific and he listened to me, which was reassuring. All of the staff on the boat and in the office, made my diving from port Douglas a real pleasure, already planning a return trip to port Douglas, couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
Written 8 November 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.
Hey there,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful and detailed review of your experience visiting the outer Great Barrier Reef with us! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your day and we look forward to welcoming you back onboard Calypso when you return to Port Douglas :)
Written 15 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nick1000000F
2 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
I must say this was the most enjoyable reef trip I have ever done. It was quite a windy day and the 90 min crossing was a bit bouncy.
The catamaran goes to three different places on the reef, each different and very unique.
Geoff our snorkelling guide, did a great circuit of each of the reefs we visited and was super pleasant and informative, and then we were left for 45min to explore on our own in each reef. 3 hours was the perfect time.
The water temp was around 24oC so a simple surfing rashy was all that was needed, they had free wetsuits if you felt you needed them.
Excellant chicken lunch and fruit...
Really couldn't fault it all all.
I've been on Quicksilver, and felt you were on a conveyor belt, dye to the volume of people in their boats. Calypso had about 30 people on our trip, so felt really personal and attentive.
Great trip, and would certainly go with them next time we are in Port Douglas.
The catamaran goes to three different places on the reef, each different and very unique.
Geoff our snorkelling guide, did a great circuit of each of the reefs we visited and was super pleasant and informative, and then we were left for 45min to explore on our own in each reef. 3 hours was the perfect time.
The water temp was around 24oC so a simple surfing rashy was all that was needed, they had free wetsuits if you felt you needed them.
Excellant chicken lunch and fruit...
Really couldn't fault it all all.
I've been on Quicksilver, and felt you were on a conveyor belt, dye to the volume of people in their boats. Calypso had about 30 people on our trip, so felt really personal and attentive.
Great trip, and would certainly go with them next time we are in Port Douglas.
Written 18 September 2020
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.
What wonderful feedback Nick,
Thanks for your recommendation.
Regards,
Chris
Written 23 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
martymcfly2030
Weymouth, UK52 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Toured the half day low isles trip, didn’t fancy a full day at sea however we weren’t disappointed or left wishing we had done the full day outer reef trip.
Very friendly and knowledgable guides and we also got to swim side by side with a sea turtle and a reef shark which was an amazing experience. There were a few options for people to choose depending on what they wanted to get out of the tour however it’s a very safe and family friendly environment for sure and all equipment was provided and included in the cost which isn’t always the case!
Very friendly and knowledgable guides and we also got to swim side by side with a sea turtle and a reef shark which was an amazing experience. There were a few options for people to choose depending on what they wanted to get out of the tour however it’s a very safe and family friendly environment for sure and all equipment was provided and included in the cost which isn’t always the case!
Written 10 January 2020
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.
Karl L
2 contributions
Jan 2022
Went diving today with me as a certified diver (3 dives) and my two teenage daughters doing intro dives, then snorkelling. Staff were absolutely fantastic, and could not have been more helpful and accomdating. Following the first dive there was an option for my daughters to do a 2nd dive, its was great to see no hard sell for this. Following the dives, Pamela the dive master taken the time to go through what the fish and other sealife were that we seen today, the enthusiam was clear and the time to so this much appriciated. Big shout out to Ludi as well for looking after my girls today.
Cant fault the service, would definately go again with Calypso.
Cant fault the service, would definately go again with Calypso.
Written 16 January 2022
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.
Hey there,
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a great review - we are so happy to hear that you had an enjoyable time visiting the outer Great Barrier Reef with us!
Written 20 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sam H
Elsternwick, Australia8 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
We had a great time onboard Calypso Blue, visiting three great sites on Opal Reef. It was a busy day and the crew did a great job managing everyone’s needs, with a mix of certified divers, intro divers and snorkellers. My 12 year old son did an intro dive which I joined and he absolutely loved it, with great visibility and a collection of nice bombies to dive around with some cool fish and coral. I highly recommend trying an intro dive with Calypso as they are so safe and friendly and know all the best sites, so give it a go if you’re sitting on the fence! In general, they were very good at managing kids with a few of the younger ones needing extra help and buoyancy aids which they had at hand. Lunch was delicious and the staff were great hosts, happy to help in any way. Good value for money if you’re comparing with other providers. Thanks again team!
Written 17 January 2024
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.
Isabora B
Box Hill, Australia29 contributions
Mar 2021 • Friends
The Calypso crew are amazing, this is our 3rd trip with this company and we are never disappointed. Highly professional & friendly from booking, to pick up, to onboard service & impart their great knowledge on our beautiful Great Barrier Reef. Thank you Louise, Michelle, Rick Chris & all the crew on the Calypso Ten. We enjoyed Chris’s jokes !
Written 8 March 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.
Thanks for your kind feedback Isab, we appreciate you taking the time to write in.
Regards,
Chris
Written 14 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nat80
2 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
My husband & I did both the outer reef & low Isle cruises, honestly the outer reef was super overwhelming for me Initially, along I’ve snorkelled many times before, to be out in the open like that was scary, until Pete gave me a few tips to help me feel more confident in the water, which I was incredibly grateful for, to have missed all that beauty underwater due to fear would of been a shame. Young Jake helped me in the water also & was just had helpful on the low Isles day cruise too, Jake was a wonderful snorkel guide, filled with humour & knowledge about the reef, and we saw 3 turtles which seriously made my day! Can’t wait to return & I would recommend starting at the low lsle if you haven’t snorkelled out in the open sea before, it can be done at your own pace and not as scary. Thank you so much Pete & Jake & all the Calypso Crew, you’re all amazing 🙏🙏
Written 18 February 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.
Thanks for choosing Calypso Reef Cruises Gingersnaps, it looks like you had an awesome day with the team.
Thanks for writing in with your comments.
Regards,
Chris
Written 25 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tobes6
Adelaide, Australia48 contributions
Nov 2021
What a great experience! I've been on many dive boat day trips and this was as good as it gets.
Safety was of the highest standard. I noticed that the staff were watching people very closely throughout the day and assisting where necessary.
The crew were fantastic and obviously enjoyed themselves. From the skipper Dave, Pamela the dive master, Angelina the photographer, Seb, Ludi and others, they were all accommodating and made the day amazing. They also went out their way to cater for my partner who is vegetarian.
I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting to dive, snorkel or just chill on the boat.
Safety was of the highest standard. I noticed that the staff were watching people very closely throughout the day and assisting where necessary.
The crew were fantastic and obviously enjoyed themselves. From the skipper Dave, Pamela the dive master, Angelina the photographer, Seb, Ludi and others, they were all accommodating and made the day amazing. They also went out their way to cater for my partner who is vegetarian.
I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting to dive, snorkel or just chill on the boat.
Written 20 November 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.
Hey there,
Thank you so much for leaving such a detailed & wonderful review of your experience with us! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time on the outer Great Barrier Reef with us.
Written 22 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How many people on average would there be on the dive and snorkel trip? (Start of April) thanks
Written 4 March 2020
There was about 45 when we went. But during peek season there may be a lot more. Not sure when that would be though.
Written 16 March 2020
Do we wear just swimming gear and you provide the wetsuits etc?
Written 6 November 2019
Yes, swimsuits and as Max says, sun protection - you'll need it. You get fitted for fins when you board and the crew guards your footwear until you arrive back in Port Douglas. They provide wetsuits for people in case some people find the warm water too cold for them, or for additional buoyancy if you want. While they are not really needed for the temperature of the water, if you dont have a tee-shirt or rash vest to swim in, consider asking for one so as to prevent sun-burn on your back. In 3 hours with your head down looking at this incredible place, your back picks up a LOT of rays!!
Written 9 November 2019
Yes about 90 mins. It can be a little rough on windy days so take travel calm tablets before. Or look to go to the Low Isles rather than the outer reef, it’s not as far.
Written 3 October 2019
How are personal items handled - just left on the boat or locked? I will need my mobile phone for later - OK to leave it in the boat?
Written 13 December 2018
Hi Europelover, we don't have locker facilities on board, however there is no issue bringing your phone, wallet etc.. maybe if you have a small dry bag ? But, yes no problems in leaving belonging on the boat. Hope you have a great day with us. Regards, Chris
Written 17 December 2018
Hi , i was thinking of booking Half Day to Low Isles - Afternoon Tour (21st Feb) . I will be staying at Pullman , Cairns. So do you also provide Hotel Pick up and Drop Off as i couldn't see this option while booking the tour ?
Written 27 January 2018
When we booked our reef tour they picked us up at our hotel in Port Douglas (Ramada Port Douglas) as part of the fee. I’m not too sure that they go all the way into Cairns but you could enquire via phone?
Written 28 January 2018
Email provided here not correct. Please fix the email attached here
Anyone know their email?
Thanks
Written 8 January 2018
How far in advance do i need to book or can i book when i arrive in PD next March?
Written 23 October 2017
You will be able to book when your arrive. We booked a fortnight out and I would suggest doing that to ensure getting a seat.
Written 5 November 2017
Hello,
We are thinking of taking our two children 8 and 6 for an outer reef snorkel (both are competent swimmers and have snorkelled) but I'd also like to squeeze in a dive. Is it advisable to book the dive as a separate tour given my hubby and i will probably have to supervise one child each? I also haven't dived for three years so may need a refresh. (Have Padi)
We're in port Douglas from the 20th till 27th September so would like to book a day in that range- preferably low wind and good visibility.
Thank you!
Alyson
Written 9 September 2017
Hi. I agree with the earlier comments. Calypso is great and will do their best but given the ages then 1 child per adult. They do 3 snorkel/dives which would be tiring for the children - so think about them doing 2 snorkels and you having a dive on the 3rd. No worry re the dive. It is easy and they look after you and it's fantastic!
Written 12 September 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.