Eye to Eye Marine Encounters
Eye to Eye Marine Encounters
Eye to Eye Marine Encounters
5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
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Eye to Eye Marine Encounters
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5.0
21 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
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Sally W
Hythe, UK1,165 contributions
July 2013 • Couples
This is the reason we came to Australia. The trip is simply fantastic and entirely ethical with no harm ever coming to the whales. It starts with a wonderful flight in a small plane over the Great Barrier Reef. Everyone should do this once in their life! Then we got on the boat and began snorkelling or diving on a amazing reefs and looking for minkes. We found them almost immediately. The motor is turned off, two ropes are let out, and the guests hold on to the ropes and drift with the boat. The whales are really curious and playful, and choose to come up and interact with the people. The whales hang around for hours, so you can get in and out of the water as you like. On the first day we had 11 different whales. The only downside for me is that I got very seasick in the water which I gather is not uncommon. I would not recommend this trip if you are very prone to seasickness. The combination of looking down into the blue water, drifting, and waves, proved too much for me despite strong pills. I spent a lot of time in my bed! My husband had a whale of a time (excuse the pun) as he does not suffer from this affliction! I got in every time the whales came (frequently) but didn't stay in for too long to avoid the nausea. That worked fine. The crew are just incredible - really helpful and understanding. The boat is fine - very workable for the purpuse if not luxurious! The food is really great, and the Captain John Rumney is adorable. Special love to Courtney for looking after me when I was poorly. The British Naturalist is passionate about his research and his talks became a little repetitive (!) but his love for the whales is obvious. We have done several trips swimming with humpbacks in the Dominican Republic, and this trip is equally awesome. Both trips can be described as one of the best wildlife experiences in the world - one is not better than the other, just different. Then it was finished off with a wonderful drive through the rainforest back to Cairns. I can't recommend this trip and this company highly enough.
Written 21 July 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.
Joan G
Portola Valley, CA7 contributions
July 2014 • Friends
This trip far exceeded my expectations on every level and provided one of the best weeks of my life; six days way off shore on the Great Barrier Reef at some of the world heritage snorkeling sites like Pixie and Princess. John Rumney and his entire dive and boat team and the research team are smart, organized, passionate and provide a great environment for learning about and experiencing the Minke Whales up close. The research team provided updates on their activities every evening and the boat team ensured we could all participate. Beside the whales, the boat was well appointed, the meals healthy, balanced, excellent, the cappachino machine was always on. The dive staff was supportive and helpful, even to someone like me without too much snorkeling experience. Where else can you get help with your mask from an M.D. who is a divemaster or be guided out to new vistas by Captain Courtney? The fellow passengers were part of the experience, and had great experience. I was the only American on our trip and the Aussies made me feel so welcome. this truly is the trip of a lifetime.
Written 14 August 2014
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.
Boof-di-ay
13 contributions
July 2013 • Friends
I've have done the Eye to Eye Minke Whale trips for the past three years and have absolutely loved every trip. Words can't describe how incredible it is to literally come eye to eye with a minke whale in the wild. There is nothing on earth quite like it! The trips were extremely well organised and run by the Rumney family. There were even chocolates on my pillow when I arrived! The food on board is exceptional, dive gear is modern and well maintained and the crew are incredibly friendly, experienced, approachable and are the absolute experts in their field. I am a nervous beginnner diver and not very intrepid and I felt very at home on these trips. There is no pressure to dive or even get in the water if you don't feel like it. There is plenty of time to relax and chat with the other awesome characters on board. I can't recommend this experience more highly. The minke whale trip with Eye to Eye is an experience that will change your life and a decision you won't regret!
Written 6 January 2014
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.
JT_TJ321
Brisbane, Australia12 contributions
July 2013 • Friends
I went on the Eye to Eye Marine Encounters Minke Whale Expedition a couple of years ago and all I have wanted to do since is go back and do it again. Words can hardly describe the amazing beauty of the Dwarfe Minke Whale up close and super personal experience or the colours and diversity of the ocean/reef. You just have to experience it yourself! One of the highlights of my life.
Written 8 October 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.
Briony B
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
June 2013 • Friends
The Eye to Eye Marine Encounters Minke Whale diving trip was truly the most amazing trip of my life. I cannot recommend the Eye to Eye team more highly! If you want to see the Great Barrier Reef at it's absolute best and have the most remarkable wildlife encounter you will probably ever have in your life then these are the guys to go with.
The whales were absolutely astonishing. Over the course of one day we had about 25- 30 individual Minke Whales swimming with us. The whales approached our boat stayed with us for about 7 - 8 hours in the water. It was really quite overwhelming incredible and the whales are so beautiful and gentle that you feel extremely safe.
As well as that at all times you know the whales care is being put first and foremost.
The crew were absolutely sensational. Professional, highly skilled and not to mention so much fun!
The food on board was amazing and in plentiful supply as well as being fresh and healthy!
Do this trip if you get the chance!
The whales were absolutely astonishing. Over the course of one day we had about 25- 30 individual Minke Whales swimming with us. The whales approached our boat stayed with us for about 7 - 8 hours in the water. It was really quite overwhelming incredible and the whales are so beautiful and gentle that you feel extremely safe.
As well as that at all times you know the whales care is being put first and foremost.
The crew were absolutely sensational. Professional, highly skilled and not to mention so much fun!
The food on board was amazing and in plentiful supply as well as being fresh and healthy!
Do this trip if you get the chance!
Written 7 October 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.
Pinky D
Sydney, Australia56 contributions
June 2013 • Couples
There are liveaboards and there is THE liveaboard.
Eye to Eye Marine Encounters' Swim with Dwarf Minke Whales liveaboard is a trip that truly moved me.
The ship itself may not be the most luxurious nor the biggest vessel around, but it is one with heart! And her crew .. is one with a tender soul and a deep passion for the sea.
My husband and I have gone onboard a number of diveboats but our experience with Eye to Eye Marine Encounters is one that has evoked strong emotions and feelings mainly because it was a trip that supported a worthy cause - one that needs dire funding and awareness - The Minke Whale Project.
Aside from this, what also made the trip memorable is the special group of people running Eye to Eye. We consider it a privilege to have met and known award winning conservationists John and Linda Rumney and their wonderful hard working daughters and crew members. We were also fortunate to have been in the company of Dr Alistair Birtles, renowned dwarf Minke whale researcher-scientist. All these passionate people showed commitment not only to the Dwarf Minke Whales, but also to other conservation and environmental causes. We are humbled and inspired by their dedication! We strongly cheer them on as the world needs more people like them.
If you have a chance to join a John Rumney liveaboard, be it swimming with dwarf Minke whales or tagging sharks etc, don't even think twice about it. Go and book your space. Not only will it be an unforgettable experience, you will also be supporting their conservation causes and projects.
I won't go into detail about the trip, as you can read it here in my forum post when this review site was not yet launched. Other passengers also gave their full support to Eye to Eye Marine Encounters.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g255069-i482-k6636631-We_Swam_with_Dwarf_Minke_Whales_in_the_Great_Barrier_Reef-Cairns_Cairns_Region_Queensland.html
Eye to Eye Marine Encounters' Swim with Dwarf Minke Whales liveaboard is a trip that truly moved me.
The ship itself may not be the most luxurious nor the biggest vessel around, but it is one with heart! And her crew .. is one with a tender soul and a deep passion for the sea.
My husband and I have gone onboard a number of diveboats but our experience with Eye to Eye Marine Encounters is one that has evoked strong emotions and feelings mainly because it was a trip that supported a worthy cause - one that needs dire funding and awareness - The Minke Whale Project.
Aside from this, what also made the trip memorable is the special group of people running Eye to Eye. We consider it a privilege to have met and known award winning conservationists John and Linda Rumney and their wonderful hard working daughters and crew members. We were also fortunate to have been in the company of Dr Alistair Birtles, renowned dwarf Minke whale researcher-scientist. All these passionate people showed commitment not only to the Dwarf Minke Whales, but also to other conservation and environmental causes. We are humbled and inspired by their dedication! We strongly cheer them on as the world needs more people like them.
If you have a chance to join a John Rumney liveaboard, be it swimming with dwarf Minke whales or tagging sharks etc, don't even think twice about it. Go and book your space. Not only will it be an unforgettable experience, you will also be supporting their conservation causes and projects.
I won't go into detail about the trip, as you can read it here in my forum post when this review site was not yet launched. Other passengers also gave their full support to Eye to Eye Marine Encounters.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g255069-i482-k6636631-We_Swam_with_Dwarf_Minke_Whales_in_the_Great_Barrier_Reef-Cairns_Cairns_Region_Queensland.html
Written 9 September 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.
LumiePerez
Dublin, OH102 contributions
May 2016 • Business
A great way for having an adventure, visit the GBR and learn about conservation. John Rumney and the rest of the team were very attentive, friendly and knowledgeable.
Few things: Most of my interactions with "Eye to eye" were associated to a study abroad program, so we spent more than 3 hours with them (and on several days). However, after the academic activities some of us enjoyed diving and other excursions as well. Very professional people.
Few things: Most of my interactions with "Eye to eye" were associated to a study abroad program, so we spent more than 3 hours with them (and on several days). However, after the academic activities some of us enjoyed diving and other excursions as well. Very professional people.
Written 29 March 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.
IndependentIan
Reno, NV11 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
This is the most... picturesque, beautiful and astounding Great Barrier Reef experiences I could imagine. Our trip was a lifelong highlight.
Written 10 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.
mak_jeng_12
Mudgeeraba, Australia192 contributions
July 2015 • Friends
We signed on a the dwarf Minke whale expedition and it was was a seriously good 5 days. Plenty of whales, great mix of guests, researchers and staff, good food, adequate cabin with ensuite. Overall top marks to John Rumney and his team.
The balance between research and guest requirements was finely balanced. The whales were the focus and snorkeling and diving came next. Researcher presentations were interesting and informative ... what a dedicated group!
Places are limited with only 6 licensed operators and a short season so book early.
The balance between research and guest requirements was finely balanced. The whales were the focus and snorkeling and diving came next. Researcher presentations were interesting and informative ... what a dedicated group!
Places are limited with only 6 licensed operators and a short season so book early.
Written 22 July 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.
Miriam H
Sutton Australia55 contributions
July 2015 • Solo
This is not a cheap trip but worth every cent. The experience of being in the water with the whales is indescribable. The whales come to you and are extremely inquisitive. They will come to within a couple of meters or less and swim past looking you straight in the eye. If you are planning a trip to the Great Barrier Reef you should plan it around this. You can be assured of the most amazing experience in you life. To top it off the food on-board is fabulous and there was always some hot soup ready to warm you up after a few hours in the water with the whales. The crew were knowledgeable and always ready to help or answer questions. One of the great aspects of the crew was their respect for the environment and the whales. They are intent on keeping this encounter a positive experience for all concerned - especially the whales.
Written 16 July 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.
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