What to expect on the Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef day trip
Imagine cruising on a stylish catamaran then diving in the world’s 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 Passions of Paradise day tour with two dives.
I have done other dives in Australia! Check out my review of the Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Dive. If you are curious between the two, here is my recommendation.
Why Passions of Paradise
The Passions of Paradise 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. Passions of Paradise is a large catamaran with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and a signature sunbathing net on the bow. The crew is energetic and respectful. This is the perfect bucket list item.
Making the Reservation
Passions of Paradise 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 260 + $130 Scuba Dive Tour (Two 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!
Passions 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.
7:00am – 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
11:30am – 12:30pm — Lunch and travel to dive site 2
1:00pm – 2:00pm — Dive preparations and dive 2
3:00pm – 5:00pm — 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. 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. There is an underwater photographer that takes a photograph of you and your buddy which you can opt to purchase for $40+ back on the boat.
The second dive brought us through two columns of rock. It was like in that scary scene in Finding Nemo where they didn’t go through the trench and got stung by jellyfish. Okay, so for us, we went through it and I am glad we did. It was such a cool experience to see the depths below and the swim along the trench. This was definitely the highlight of the dive.
The dive masters were organized, energetic, and attentive. I felt safe the entire time and that we were going to make it safely through our dives. The only thing that I found a little cheesy was the photo op but I could see the appeal. I couldn’t justify the extra money to show someone that yep, that is me underwater. Otherwise, I thought that the 2-tank scuba dive was excellent.
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 220 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. The most popular is the netted deck in the bow of the boat. 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
A chef prepares a tropical buffet including hot and cold dishes for everyone on board. We had cold pasta salad, pickled vegetables, warm potatoes, and chicken. Allergies can be catered upon request. After time out in the sun and in the water, the food was extremely refreshing. It was like having a picnic on a hot summer day.
Maritime Presentation
Learn about the wildlife and environmental conservation by one of the crew members. Learn about the different ways the government and environmental groups have tried to conserve and protect this important ecosystem.
Is Passions of Paradise scuba tour worth it?
When you look at the price tag and see $260 AUD plus $130 for scuba, you may think that is a hefty bill. However, this experience is truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific. The Passions of Paradise felt both intimate and expansive. I would totally say that this tour is worth the money!