View of Upolu Cay on Ocean Freedom
What to expect on the Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef day trip
Take a day trip on the three-story boat across the Pacific Ocean and the wonderous Great Barrier Reef. Bounty of food and selection of beverages and sunshine await. This review gives you the details of what to expect on the Ocean Freedom day tour with two dives.
I have done other dives in Australia! Check out my review of the Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Dive. If you are curious between the two, here is my recommendation.
Why Ocean Freedom?
The Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef tour is a full-day experience out on the water operated by one of the few remaining local companies. The boat leaves promptly at 8am and returns to shore at 5pm. Light breakfast and tea is provided in the morning with lunch served midday. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase throughout. Even if you never step foot off the boat, this is a great experience to be out in the sun and on the ocean. The crew is energetic and respectful.
Making the Reservation
Ocean Freedom allows you to book online. In order to guarantee a spot, I suggest booking 2 – 4 weeks in advance. That said, if there is more flexibility in your schedule, you can book up to 24 hours in advance. You will fill out information for each diver and pre-pay for the dives. If you are scuba certified, be sure that you are signing up for “Certified Diver” dives. There are introductory dive options for those not certified. Note: my review is based off a Certified Dive experience so I cannot speak to the introductory dives.
Price $AUD 300 + $95 Scuba Dive Tour (2 dives)
What to Bring
Everyone should bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses, towel, etc. as if travelling to the beach. If you are a certified diver doing a certified dive, you will need to bring proof of your certification (certification card) for the crew to review on board. If you have your own diving equipment (mask, fins, goggles) you may bring those too.
If you get seasick or aren’t sure, I suggest bringing some motion sickness medication. There is nothing worse than feeling sick on a boat! The catamaran is pretty stable but better to have and not need!
Ocean Freedom has a bar on board selling snacks, beverages, and souvenirs. Cash and credit card is accepted.
Lunch is provided.
Checking in
You must pick up a physical ticket prior to your departure for your scuba day trip.
Almost all the larger scuba companies require you to check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal. This building, much like the rental car section of the airport, has various companies where you may wait in line to get your physical ticket. Be sure to get there at least twenty minutes before your departure time to allow for this check-in process.
Once you have your ticket, you will head down to the pier to identify your boat.
Scuba Agenda:
The following is a sample agenda of what to expect on your Passions of Paradise two-dive experience. Note, the actual dive times may vary but for those who are selecting two dives, you can expect to dive before lunch and after lunch.
7:15am – 7:45am — Check In at Reef Fleet Terminal
8:00am — Departure for dive site
8:00am – 10:00am — Travel to dive site. Enjoy the sunshine and light breakfast on board
10:00am – 11:30am – Dive preparations and dive 1 in Upolu Coral Cay
11:30am – 12:30pm — Lunch and travel to dive site 2
1:00pm – 2:00pm — Dive preparations and dive 2 at “Wonder Wall”
3:00pm – 4:00pm — Return to terminal
Scuba Dive Review
Divers in groups of up to five (four divers, one dive master) go over safety information as well as validating certification. Then you go to get kitted up. This includes a wetsuit, weights, BCD, and regulator along with your mask, snorkel, and fins. While sitting on the bench, you do another round of safety checks with your buddy and then you are assisted as you exit the boat from the second deck. You descend with the divemaster to the bottom and follow them along the reef. The first dive is shallow as you swim and admire the fish and aquatic life. You may see reef sharks, turtles, giant clams, sea stars
The second dive takes you on a dingy to the “Wonderwall” dive site. Feel like a true diver as you enter the water backwards like James Bond or a Navy Seal. This is a wall dive where we saw a variety of fish, coral, and anemones.
Non-Scuba Activity Review
While scuba diving is the draw and the primary attraction, there are plenty of activities for non-divers or between dives.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling and equipment is included in the $AUD 300 price. When you are snorkeling, you will be supervised by a crew member. You may choose to go on a guided tour where they will point out some areas on interest beneath the water. Think of it like swimming at a community pool with lifeguards. You may be given a flotation device or life vest as your comfort allows.
Sun bathing
Enjoy some rays while lounging on the various sun decks. You can also walk up and down the deck to find the perfect spot. Be sure to use sun protection (sunscreen, hats, etc,). That Australian sun is no joke!
Snacks and Meals
You will get a light breakfast and tea when you arrive. Lunch is served with Queensland prawns, Tasmanian smoked salmon, roast chicken, salads, and breads. There is also a light snack selection of cheese, fruits, crackers, and cakes on the trip home.
Glass Bottom Boat
If you need a break from swimming or diving, learn about the wildlife and environmental conservation by one of the crew members aboard a glass-bottom boat. Learn about the different ways the government and environmental groups have tried to conserve and protect this important ecosystem. I will admit, we didn’t see too much on the boat but it was still interesting to hear about.
Comment on seasickness. I will admit, this boat was rocky. If you have any risk of seasickness, consider bringing some medication. The other suggestion is to move the back and center of the boat, near where the scuba equipment is stored. This is the most secure location. Avoid being near fumes or exhaust. DEFINITELY do not go to the bathroom. If you are ill, being rocked back and forth in a tiny box is going to make it worse. if you need to hurl, do it over the side!
Is Ocean Freedom scuba tour worth it?
When you look at the price tag and see $245 AUD plus $135 for scuba, you may think that is a hefty bill. The crew is nice and the food was fine. I really enjoyed the variety of international travelers on this boat but know that may come with a varying degree of needs. I do recommend a day trip to the reef but thought that my experience with Passions of Paradise was better.
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