OVERVIEW

Spend time on a spacious pontoon moored atop the Outer Reef and discover the exquisite beauty waiting below in the world’s richest marine habitat. Your adventure begins with a scenic 90-minute sail by luxury catamaran to the Marine World activity platform on one of the Outer Great Barrier Reef’s most pristine and versatile sites. You’ll enjoy about four hours on this floating resort, dividing your time among several inclusive activities that showcase this breathtaking environment. Perhaps you’ll take a ride on the semi-submersible to observe the reef’s intricate coral gardens and colorful fish without getting wet. Or slip into the inviting aquamarine water with provided snorkel and mask to explore the reef al fresco. Optional scuba diving and escorted snorkeling tours are also available at an extra charge. The comfortable Marine World platform has multiple decks with sun lounges up top, ample undercover seating, freshwater showers and changing rooms, and its own Underwater Reef Viewing Observatory. Reef life is just meters away, making this a suitable choice for guests of all ages and swimming/snorkeling abilities. Morning and afternoon tea complement your day aboard, and an extensive hot and cold buffet lunch will be laid out for you.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a leisurely 90-minute sail to the Outer Great Barrier Reef by luxury catamaran.
• Arrive at a pontoon atop the world’s lushest marine habitat, your playground for the next few hours.
• Choose from a range of activities offered – semi-submersible ride, independent snorkeling, onboard underwater viewing chamber, optional scuba or escorted snorkeling, and more.
• Experience breathtaking views of colorful reef fish and intricate coral gardens.
• Graze an extensive buffet lunch with soft drinks included; bar drinks are available for an additional cost.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable clothing and/or swimsuit with cover-up.
• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes are strongly recommended.
• Bring a hat, towel from the ship, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Snorkel an inner section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park that is a protected sanctuary for all sorts of marine life. You will sail there on the Island Explorer, a 79-foot catamaran custom-built for snorkeling and diving. The vessel features two air-conditioned levels and plenty of deck space for basking in the sun or relaxing outdoors in the shade, if that is your preference. Along the way, you will pass seemingly endless unspoiled and uninhabited islands that comprise the Whitsundays. Once the catamaran moors at the reef, you will be free to snorkel for several hours and come back on board whenever you wish to relax and enjoy the hearty buffet lunch. While there is no telling what you will see while snorkeling, brightly colored angelfish, parrotfish, groupers and gobies are often spotted. You may even catch sight of green sea turtles and rays gracefully swimming by.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax on board a catamaran while cruising to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
• Spend hours snorkeling a protected inner reef that is teeming with marine life.
• Relax on the catamaran and enjoy a buffet lunch between snorkeling outings.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sun protection.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with closed toes.

OVERVIEW

Embark on a mid-morning escape aboard a luxurious catamaran for a perfect blend of adventure and indulgence. Skip the early wake-up call and snorkel at one of Maui’s top spots, home to native Hawaiian Honu (Green Sea Turtles). Swim alongside these graceful creatures from a respectful distance as they drift over vibrant coral reefs. Relax onboard with the premium amenities of our catamaran, including freshwater showers, shaded cabin seating, and relaxing bow nets. Savor a tropical taco bar featuring island-inspired flavors like huli chicken, kalua pork, and jackfruit topped with Maui Gold pineapple slaw. Sip handcrafted cocktails, local spirits, and refreshing Maui Brewing Company beers while soaking in the beauty of Hawaii’s crystal-clear waters.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a 3-hour luxury snorkeling experience featuring a gourmet tropical taco bar.
• Snorkel at a local favorite location like Turtle Town or the Pali Coast.
• Sip seasonal specialty cocktails, Maui Brew Co. beers, and local spirits from the open bar.
• Enjoy complimentary snorkel gear, flotation devices, and local reef-safe sunscreen.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Bring a swimsuit, and any additional sun protection needed.
• Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear for boarding, with the option to go barefoot on deck.

Gain an understanding of the Big Island’s history through attractions that highlight the life of the early Hawaiians and the influence of Catholic missionaries. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park will offer a glimpse into the early culture, as it was a place of refuge for those that had violated the sacred laws known as kapu. There, you will see a temple where criminals could be absolved of their transgressions and safely return to society. To complement the experience, you will visit the 19th-century Painted Church. Its interior features frescoes and murals of biblical scenes that a Belgian priest painted to teach the islanders Catholicism. The missionaries were also instrumental in dismantling the harsh kapu laws. You will also learn how coffee was introduced to Hawaii in the 1820s and how it is processed today at the Royal Kona Coffee Center. It is an excellent setting to enjoy a cup of fresh-brewed Kona coffee.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit one Hawaii’s most sacred sites, where criminals could find safe refuge.
• View the biblical murals and frescoes that adorn the Painted Church.
• Enjoy a cup of Kona coffee and learn about its production at a coffee mill.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Experience local life in the tiny village of Keamu on the neighboring island of Aneytium.

On the short boat ride over, you can take in the beautiful tropical setting and prepare for the experience that lies ahead. As an introduction to the island, a group of warriors decorated with body paint will greet you somewhat ominously to demonstrate what the first meeting between the Europeans and islanders might have been like in 1793.

It’s all in fun, as the warriors will then lead you into Keamu to meet the chief and show you how the villagers live. You will learn about their way of life, how they prepare and store food, and weave mats and baskets from palm fronds. You will also see how they live off the land by hunting and fishing. The villagers in Keamu are extraordinarily resourceful and still practice many of the traditional ways of their ancestors.