The Great Barrier Reef is on every backpackers east coast bucket list, and once you visit you will see why. This place is E P I C and one of our faves when it comes to exploring the underwater world. We’re talking turtles, sharks, coral for days and a ridiculous amount of fish!When it comes to visiting the Great Barrier Reef you have many different options of boats, we’ve tried and tested many of these and selected the best ones when you combine experience and fits in to that all important backpacker budget! Passions of Paradise is a beaut new catamaran that goes out each and every day to the outer section {aka the beautiful part} of the reef.
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Why Passions?
Passions is an epic option for those who want to snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef, this super chill awesome catamaran is one of our favourites for sure as not only does it go to the premium part of the reef but it’s also great value for money, it’s a perfect in between those budget trips and the pricey all singing all dancing trips that you’ll find the oldies on {soz mum}.
This catamaran is unreal for heavy chills after a long day of snorkelling/scuba, they have the BEST spot for just that, so kick back with a bevvy and take in those views! Expect from this trip – epic food {trust us, this buffet is a good un}, a day getting up close and personal with marine life that you’ll never forget, scuba dive for the first time and you’ll meet onboard legends who will take photos, give you snorkel tips and are on hand all day to make sure you have an epic time!
The itinerary
Where does it start?
This trip starts from Reef Fleet Terminal, you’ll need to check in between 7 and 7:30am {so you might want to think twice about that night out at woolshed before!}.
From the major hostels aka Giligans and Mad Monkey we say allow 15 mins to walk there.
What does the day look like?
- 8am – Safety Briefing & tea/coffee!
- 10-12 – Snorkel stop number 1
- 12-1 – Lunch yewwwwww
- 1-3 – Snorkel stop number 2
- 3-4:30 – Snack, bevvy and chill time
- 4:30pm – Arrive back in Cairns!
What should you bring?
- Sunscreen {trust us, those UV rays yoooo}
- Water
- Hat/cover up
- Swimmers
- Go Pro with a wrist strap {don’t learn the hard way haha}
- A hoodie for the way back
- $20 for your national park fee
Fancy a scuba?
With these guys you have two choices on how you want to see the Great Barrier Reef, you can choose to snorkel or scuba dive! If you have never scuba dived before and fancy trying it out for the first time then where better to start!
Pre book the dive option before you go – they will provide all the equipment and tuition – an intro dive will give you 20 – 30 mins to discover the reef & you’ll go to a maximum depth of 10 metres! You do not need any prior experience so it’s perfect for first timers. We get this on a special BackPacker rate >> $45 yewwww > hit us up if you fancy it?!
About the Author: Sammy
with RatPack Travel?
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From our RatPackers
Absolutely recommended to anyone wanting to take the stress out of booking a camper van! Ben made the process for me so smooth and he genuinely cared for what my trip entailed and catered right to it! Blown away with his kindness and couldn’t be more happy with the price and deal we go for our van!
10/10 service! So helpful and friendly! Looking forward to heading on the trip already 😊
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This shout out is for James! He took all of our worries,stress and anxiety about our up coming snow road trip and chucked them out the window. In under 30 minutes he had us booked with a better deal,upgraded vehicle and many laughs. Just for his service alone we will be back for every holiday! Thanks heaps James we look forward to our holiday because of you, now I can drive to Sydney today with a clear mind and no worries of having to sleep on my bike in the middle of the snow ⛄️ I have to mention his concern for safety was top notch with not wanting myself or my partner to have a bed fall on our heads again 😂
Jenna and Ryan were very helpful from the beginning to the end of the booking process. They shared all the details needed for our trip and in good time. Once our trip had been confirmed Ryan supported us through the phone call explaining next steps, payment and the process. We are very happy with the service we received! Thank you again and we look forward to our trip!
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Mikey was very efficient and easy to deal with, we booked a camper and the whole process took around 1 hour from him getting us prices, speaking to different dealerships and us paying our deposit. He was happy to answer any questions we had and shared lots of information regarding routes, campsites and the day to day travel in a camper. We would definitely recommend!
They were super helpful in finding me a motor home at the last minute—-received great assistance from James
Ben from Ratpack Travel was absolutely amazing in helping find the perfect van & best deal for our dream WA holiday. Best customer service ever! They know their products inside out & I would use them again & again!
George was awesome to deal with! Really knowledgeable and very helpful. Highly recommend!
The service at RatPack-Travel is absolutely great! Ryan took a lot of time to answer all my questions and always clarified everything very quickly. The telephone consultations were easy to understand and everything was clearly explained. Even when my plans changed and I had to adjust my booking, he clarified everything directly with the car rental company and I was able to adjust my booking very quickly and without any problems. I always received an answer within minutes. I am extremely satisfied, thank you Ryan from RatPack-Travel!
James Help us in all the proces and was an absolute Legend! He found the best deal posible for what we wanted to do and withing the buddget. Also provided us with some helpfull information for sugesting itinerarys on things to do and see, as well of apps for finding campsites and campervan sites. 1000% recomended! what a grat custumer service And if this wasnt enought all the service was free!
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Just booked a van for NZ for 2 weeks. Ben made the booking so easy and hassle free, will definitely be recommending RatPack in the future
