Includes day cruise, all dive and snorkel equipment and dive guide and 1 dive.

What's included on your Calypso reef cruise

• Transfers from accommodation in the Port Douglas area (transfers from Cairns & Northern Beaches are available at an additional charge)
• Morning, afternoon tea and a delicious tropical lunch included – special dietary needs can be catered for (please advise on booking)
• Tea and coffee are available all day free of charge
• Our day includes an interpretive reef talk and a guided snorkelling tour at no extra charge
• All snorkelling equipment is included – we have a variety of masks, snorkels and fins to fit different faces and feet
• Wetsuits, lycra suits and prescription masks are available at no extra charge

Available onboard

• Hot showers are available to rinse off the salt water when you are back on board after swimming, snorkelling and diving
• We sell underwater cameras including flash cameras for diving, caps, shirts, fish cards and charts and digital photos taken by our onboard photographer
• New Digital, water proof Olympus cameras are available for hire on board
• Soft drinks, beer, wine and champagne can be purchased onboard
• PADI Log books

What to bring
For our day trip from Port Douglas to the Great Barrier Reef we suggest you bring the following items to help enjoy your day.

• Swimwear & towel
• Sunscreen & hat
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Credit card or cash (we accept Bankcard, MasterCard, Visa & EFTPOS)
• Hot showers are available to rinse off the salt water when you are back on board after swimming, snorkelling and diving

Our Port Douglas Reef Tours.....

7:00 to 8:40
Our transfer from your accommodation starts your Port Douglas reef tour.

8:40 to 9:00
Boarding commences at 8:40am at the Marina Mirage, Port Douglas. As the Calypso crew welcome you aboard you will be fitted out with your own snorkelling equipment before relaxing with a tea/coffee and some cake.

9:00 to 10:20
It is time to sit back and relax while we travel to our first site. If you are participating in a dive your dive guide will take this opportunity to brief you on your dive.

10:20 to 11:15
First Site – Divers are in and snorkellers enjoy informative briefing on how to snorkel safely. After snorkelling/diving at the first site morning tea is served.

11:50 to 1:50
We travel to our second breathtaking site (for diving and snorkelling) where a guided snorkelling tour is available before a tropical buffet lunch is served. After all that scrumptious food you can partake in a reef interpretive chat by one of our friendly crew.

1:50 to 3:10
It is off to our last site for another snorkel and diving opportunity before enjoying afternoon tea.

3:10 to 4:30
Cruise home returning at approximately 4:30pm.

4:30 to 6:00
Transfers back to your accommodation.

For a unique sightseeing cruise to the Great Barrier Reef travel aboard our purpose built 25 metre catamaran. This vessel is designed for snorkelling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.

'Calypso' will hold 125 guests. We travel with a maximum of only 65 guests to ensure maximum comfort for those onboard. Space has been utilised on every part of this magnificent vessel. Guests enjoy the top deck sunlounges which provide 360 degree views of the reef.

Another feature of this sleek catamaran is the nine metre wide back deck. This provides room, comfort and ease to enter the water for marine activities. Large, spacious upper and lower foredecks have been designed with comfortable day bed seating to maximise outdoor relaxation

* Wide stern decks and submersible platforms (9 metres wide) provide easy access for getting in and out of the water
* All seating, inside and out, is upholstered for your comfort
* The maximum number of passengers per vessel is 65.
 

10 Great Reasons to Choose Calypso
1. A personalised and unique reef experience for every guest.

2. New wide bodied catamarans which are fast and sleek .

3. Locally owned and operated by the Jones family.

4. Our vessels were designed for maximum space to make your day more comfortable.

5. We operate two vessels. Calypso taking snorkelers and divers and Pure Dive catering for adventure diving.

6. Calypso has the largest submersible platforms for easy access into the water from the huge open plan dive deck.

7. Indulge in our exclusive top deck with sun lounges or escape to one of our shaded “day-bed” style lounges.

8. We have access to spectacular sites, including the “gem of the ocean”, pristine Opal Reef.

9. A delicious buffet lunch is freshly prepared by our own chefs at the Calypso Café .

10. Our vessels are fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. We are committed to the protection of the reef.

Mission Statement
To supply a superior outer Great Barrier Reef experience to all our customers by:
* Delivering a top quality product with high safety standards.
* Providing excellent customer service in addition to an enjoyable and interactive presentation of the Great Barrier Reef marine environment.

To achieve this, Calypso Reef Charters is committed to maintaining high levels of safety, service and presentation.

This family owned and operated small business enterprise, dedicates time into developing the most efficient, safe, comfortable and sturdy vessels all custom designed. This ensures that their guests receive the best possible experience on the outer Great Barrier Reef.

Calypso provides day cruises from Port Douglas, catering for non-swimmers, first time snorkellers, introductory divers and dive enthusiasts. Calypso is dedicated to ensuring guests will partake in the ultimate reef experience and with their large comfortable vessels travelling with small groups only, this is easily achieved.

Private Boat Charters and Cruising Charters
Calypso operates a catamaran from the Marina Mirage Port Douglas which is available for private charters, catering from 1 to 100 passengers.

* Calypso’s motor boats have been custom built for comfort and maximum stability while cruising and mooring, all with large deck areas and spacious saloons. They are specially designed for snorkelling and diving and are available for day charters to the Great Barrier Reef.

* All Calypso’s vessels have roving permits which allow access to the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas to Cape York and Lizard Island.

* Each charter is custom designed to meet your individual desires and requirements.

* Pricing of each charter cruise is comprised of vessel hire, number of passengers, catering and activities – certified Diving, introductory diving and snorkelling.

* Catering options include meals – morning and afternoon tea and a scrumptious lunch with gourmet and seafood options.

* Private charter or corporate experience, Pure Dive is the perfect vess for up to 32 guests for day trips to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Let us design a day  especially to suit your needs. Overnight charters for small groups are also available.

* You can unwind while you cruise, snorkel and admire the amazing marine life, take a dive or just relax on board and enjoy a refreshing drink – our boats are fully licensed.

Calypso Company History
The founders and directors of Calypso, Cathie and Graham Jones arrived in Port Douglas in 1992 and began working in the tourism industry. This included starting Sail Port Douglas, skippering boats for commercial day cruises and charter boat companies and managing Port Douglas tourist information centres.

Graham has always had an interest in boating and has competed in 19 Sydney to Hobart Yacht races as well as representing Australia in Admiral Cup racing, 12 metre yachting, Etchells, Solings, competed in the China Sea Races and won the Quarter Ton Worlds.

Graham and Cathie purchased a permit from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) for operations to the outer Great Barrier Reef in 1998 and commenced building their first vessel, Calypso 1, which was launched in June 1999. Calypso 2 was launched in May 2001, Calypso 3 in September 2003, the first Eclipse in September 2004, Eclipse 2 in July 2006 and the newest boat ‘Calypso’ was launched in June 2007.

Having now sold their original vessels, Calypso Reef Charters currently operates one vessel ‘Calypso’, which has been custom designed for comfort, stability and cruising speed with large spacious desks and comfortable saloons. Calypso is now waiting for the arrival of their new dive vessel, Pure Dive, due to arrive after Easter. All of Calypso’s vessels have been specifically designed for both diving and snorkelling, with large duckboard/dive decks to provide guests with easy access in and out of the water.

Eco Certification
Calypso has achieved Advanced Ecotourism Certification by committing to the ‘best practice’ procedures. These practices ensure that the ecological sustainability, natural area management and the quality in ecotourism experiences continue.

The Eco Certification Program is a world first; it has been developed by industry for industry addressing the need to identify genuine ecotourism and nature tourism operators in Australia.

Location - Port Douglas, Australia
Hire a car or motor scooter to travel around Port Douglas.

Once a sleepy seaside village, Port Douglas has become a vibrant resort town yet has retained its timeless air. It's not just the reef, rainforest, the golf and the fishing…it’s also the fabulous bars, cafes, restaurants and warm, sea-touched breezes that make this haven a must.

This is the perfect base to explore the Atherton Tablelands, an enchanting blend of rainforest country and rustic towns… and the Daintree National Park, the oldest rainforest in the world - home to unique birds, pythons and crocodiles.

We are lucky to live and enjoy the best destination in the world…& we want to share it with you!

* Indulge in our world class restaurants
* Funky & unique boutique shops
* Heart thumping fun & adventure tours
* Meet the locals & enjoy their pubs
* A coastline of beautiful beaches
* Stunning waterfalls & swimming holes
* An array of local & unique markets

Weather
Port Douglas weather is comfortable and tropical all year round with maximum temperatures of 31º C in the summer and 26° C in the winter. Tropical North Queensland generally enjoy two distinct weather seasons. The dryer winter months from April to December, and the wetter summer months of December to April.

The green season is often dramatic, wildly beautiful and eagerly awaited by the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforests. Without our annual rainfall, there would be no rainforest and, as many visitors discover, our ‘liquid sunshine’ doesn’t interfere with diving, snorkelling or touring.

Comments from our Visitor's Book
"The sites are great each one a little different from each other. After the first site we said ‘that couldn’t get better’ but then we went to the next & we said it again & then next. Just magic!"
- Debra Sutton

"My wife and I would just like to thank you for making our whole trip so memorable."
- Sam & Jennifer Lancaster, Lancashire, England.

"The ship was excellent, the crew great and the whole operation was something anyone could recommend with full confidence."
- Heather & Mike Johnson, Rotorua, NZ

"We all had such a fantastic time. The food was spectacular (do you have the recipe for the carrot cake - it was divine?), and the crew were really friendly and lovely people."
- Debbie Wallace.

"I think the smaller group numbers is fantastic and makes for an intimate experience."
- Dr Lydia Lozzi

"We were lucky enough to see Marvin on our day and the Humpback Whales put on a show for us too. We had plenty of space on the boat which is great for families like us, especially with little ones."
- Janine

All cruises are inclusive of morning & afternoon tea, tropical buffet lunch, interpretive reef talk, snorkelling equipment, guided snorkel tour, lycra suits and wetsuits.
Transfers from accommodation in the Port Douglas area are included in the rates. Cairns and Northern Beaches transfers are available upon request – fees apply.

Environmental Management Charge: $5.00 (payable on board)

Fuel Levy: May be payable on board (contact us for further information)

Cancellation Policy
The initial deposit paid is non-refundable. In addition to forfeiting your deposit, the following charges also apply: A full refund on bookings only applies if 4 days notice is given prior to travelling. On the rare occasion of extreme weather conditions, Calypso may cancel a trip. In the case of cancellation due to weather conditions, Calypso will attempt to reschedule passengers to another day or provide a refund.

Restiction
Pets are not allowed on our boats, and smoking is acceptable.

Terms of booking on this website

Information disclaimer
The rates on this website are often heavily discounted. This is due to our negotiated rates and bulk buying power. On very rare occasions, a rate may be displayed incorrectly due to our, or a supplier's error. In such a case, if you book with us at a quoted rate that is incorrect, we will notify you of any price change and give you the option to proceed or cancel. We make every effort to keep information on our site up to date, but we cannot guarantee this website is free of errors or omissions and retain the right to update or change the information published at any time.

Liability
To the extent permitted by law we/the owners of this website will not be liable to you or to any third party (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage (including but not limited to any accident, injury, delay or loss of enjoyment) arising out of your reliance upon information contained on this website, including but not limited to your use (or inability to use) any products or services described or procured through this website.

On departure day, before you commence your trip, you may be required to sign a rental agreement (in the case of boat charters) with the supplier of the vessel. Your rental and use of the vessel will be governed by the terms of the rental agreement and any other documentation or information provided to you by the supplier at the time you pick up your vessel. The rental agreement is between you and the supplier and we will not be liable to you or to any third party in relation to the terms of the supplier rental agreement or any other documentation provided to you by the supplier at the time of pick up.

While we will make reasonable efforts to ensure we are representing only reputable suppliers, we make no warranty about the fitness or suitability of any third party (supplier) product or service and will not accept responsibility for the quality or fitness of any vessel. We welcome feedback from our customers on their experience with our suppliers. We may, at our discretion, provide you with reasonable assistance in resolving any dispute you may have with a supplier.

Our total liability to you in relation to your use of this website and the information contained on this website will not exceed the dollar amount of the deposit we have received from you in relation to your booking/rental. Refunds will not be made for bookings cancelled due to inclement weather. Again, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance. Your use of this website is governed by the laws of New Zealand and the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

Booking information
To make a booking, you must complete our no-obligations reservations enquiry form which is easy to follow and secured with the latest encryption technology. Once we receive your enquiry, we will contact you via phone or email, to advise of availability and confirm the final price is correct - and discuss payment options. A booking is confirmed when you have been emailed a confirmation notice and at this stage the deposit is processed on your credit card and becomes non-refundable and any cancellation fees stated in the terms apply. Upon receipt of your confirmation, please check your details carefully and notify us immediately if there are any incorrect details, as it may not be possible to make changes at a later date.

Please note we accept Visa and Mastercard and the credit card fees are: 
1) 1.75% for the deposit amount.
2) 1.75% for the balance of payment.

If you are booking via phone, please first make sure you have read the terms and conditions of your selected sailing adventure. Our reservations consultant will ask you if you have read the terms and agree to them before proceeding. The onus is always on the renter to ensure they make themselves fully aware of the terms displayed on our website.

Information disclosure
In booking on this website you acknowledge that we disclose your information to your selected Supplier in order to provide the requested rental, trip or charter services.

Amendments
Please check the terms of each vessel to see whether amendment fees apply. Please also note that for some vessels an amendment is treated as a new booking and the rate current at the time the amendment is made to recalculate the entire booking amount (not just the days changed). In the case of boat rental/yacht charter, if the hire or number of days is increased, an additional deposit may be required, while reduction in rental periods or price may reduce the total, but the deposit amount will remain unchanged.

Vessel Capacity and fitness to charter (for Bareboats only)
Under no circumstances are you permitted to carry more passengers than the vessel you charter is legally registered to carry, and if you do your insurance may be invalidated. The number of passengers allowed is indicated next to each vessel on this website. It is your responsibility to choose a journey that is within your capabilities. A boat or trip supplier can refuse to hire a vessel to any person who is in their opinion unfit to skipper or does not meet eligibility requirements. In such circumstances we will have no further liability to you.