GREAT BARRIER REEF TURTLE TRIPPER ADVENTURE

Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef Turtle Tripper Adventure Overview

Embark on an exhilarating adventure to swim with turtles and snorkel the stunning Great Barrier Reef with the award-winning team at Ocean Safari. Offering two half-day tours departing from Cape Tribulation beach, Ocean Safari offers a thrilling 25-minute ride before exploring two exceptional locations at Mackay Reef and Cay. Travel aboard the semi-rigid inflatable vessel, based on the original design of an open-air rescue craft, offering an immersive experience from the tropical shores of the Daintree Rainforest to the pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Both of Ocean Safari’s morning and afternoon tours take you to two distinct snorkelling sites, showcasing an incredible variety of marine life and coral species. Following an invigorating ride, you'll be ready to snorkel and swim in the magnificent waters of Mackay Reef. On most days, you'll have the chance to snorkel alongside abundant sea turtles gliding over vibrant reefs filled with colourful coral, tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams, and starfish. 

Accompanied by our friendly and knowledgeable Skipper and Eco Host or Master Reef Guide, you’ll explore the ecological treasures of this precious environment, ensuring an unforgettable reef experience!

It is recommended that you listen to the corresponding audio guide before you take your tour, as the open-air vessel may make it difficult to listen to any audio commentary and there will likely be music playing during the ride to add to the thrill-seeking experience. It is also worth noting that mobile reception may be patchy or non-existent in most areas of this tour. 

The Ocean Safari Difference

Offering both a morning and afternoon tour option, Ocean Safari offers the quickest access to the Great Barrier Reef, allowing you to snorkel and swim just 25 minutes after departing from Cape Tribulation. This is particularly ideal for those with time constraints, as the half-day tours maximise the reef experience while minimising time spent on the boat. The adventure seamlessly combines the coastal rainforest of the Daintree with the Great Barrier Reef, showcasing two of the oldest natural world heritage areas side by side.

The Ocean Safari vessel allows for a maximum of 25 people, ensuring your experience remains authentic and uncrowded. The semi-rigid inflatable vessel reaches speeds of up to 30 knots through the crystal-clear waters, providing an adrenaline-fueled, yet secure, ride. 

With seating options ranging from relaxed rear seating to adventurous wing-rider positions, the Ocean Safari experience remains authentic and uncrowded, but with a spot for all adventure levels!  You’ll absolutely feel invigorated, smelling the fresh, salty air, zipping along with the wind in your hair. The boat is open-air, so hold onto your hat! 

Ocean Safari has Advanced Ecotourism Certification and is Green Travel Leader, having been certified for over 10 years. As a proud ambassador for sustainable tourism, protection, research and education, Ocean Safari adopts environmentally-friendly practices into everyday operations and undertakes key research initiatives, with the team’s commitment to the Marine Park and Kuku Yalanji Country providing world-class educational experiences.

Through Ocean Safari’s work with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and contributions to their Eye on the Reef program, our knowledgeable Master Reef Guides and Eco Hosts educate guests through our research activities and our Reef Seeker citizen-science program. 

With onsite dining at Turtle Rock Café and accommodation options at Safari Lodge, guests have the choice to stay longer and enjoy a complete reef and rainforest retreat.

The Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest

Ocean Safari’s Great Barrier Reef Turtle Tripper Adventures, guests will have the unique opportunity to explore not one, but two exquisite reef sites—Mackay Reef and Cay —snorkelling for two hours in breathtaking waters. Ocean Safari provides pristine snorkelling experiences that cater to both beginners and experienced snorkellers. The crew offer snorkelling instructions and will highlight fascinating details of the marine species, ensuring all guests can engage with the underwater world.

'Turtles' Reef at Mackay Cay boasts excellent visibility of 10 to 15 metres and is protected alongside a sand cay with a gradual change in depth, allowing guests to observe fish and turtles even on overcast days. Known for its resident turtles, this reef offers unforgettable encounters and the chance to swim with these gentle creatures.

Ocean Safari provides educational commentary from Master Reef Guides and Eco Hosts, enriching the guest experience with insights into the historical, geographical, and ecological nature of two World Heritage Areas, the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef.

The Secret to Snorkelling

The crew will always pick the spots at Mackay Reef which offer the best snorkelling conditions and the best chance of seeing the most coral and marine life on the day. Swim amidst turtles, reef fish, Manta Rays, and hundreds of species of soft and hard coral, in a variety of vibrant colours. 

As the coral is protected, guests cannot be encouraged to touch or pick up the coral. To describe the texture, hard coral may feel jagged and solid, like underwater rocks. Soft coral sometimes has the spongy texture of mushrooms, or can even grow upwards in stem-like formations. 

Guests should also note that prior knowledge of snorkelling is not necessary, as you will be guided throughout the experience. If you’re new to snorkelling, or a bit rusty on how it’s done, you’ll be pleased to know that the experienced crew offer personalised instruction. All the snorkelling gear and equipment you will need are supplied, so there is no need to worry about bringing your own, unless you prefer to, of course. Visitors should note that most snorkelling will take place in deep water. Please advise the Ocean Safari team if you are not a confident swimmer. 

Our collaboration with GBRMPA encompasses our involvement in their Reef Protection Initiative and contributions to their Eye on the Reef program, with our Master Reef Guides and Eco Hosts educating guests through our research activities and our Reef Seeker citizen-science program. 

Stay Longer in Paradise 

From the lush greens of the Daintree Rainforest to the blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef, this is the only destination in the world where two natural World Heritage areas meet side by side.

Ocean Safari offers one convenient vicinity, which is also home to Safari Lodge and Turtle Rock Café, offering a complete reef and rainforest experience. Before or after your tour, or if you prefer to stay on shore and enjoy the tropical rainforest environment, you can enjoy alfresco dining at Turtle Rock Café, offering a delicious breakfast and lunch menu using fresh, local produce. 

Stay longer in paradise and fall asleep in the jungle at Safari Lodge, lulled by the sounds of the Daintree Rainforest. Just 400 metres from the beach, Safari Lodge offers guests a choice of huts or campsites and facilities including a swimming pool, camp kitchen and barbecue areas.

For further details about Safari Lodge and Turtle Rock Café, please refer to their individual audio guides. 

Accessibility

Wherever possible, Ocean Safari's warm and welcoming team delight in enabling people of all abilities to enjoy the unforgettable rush on the quickest ride to the Great Barrier Reef.

The Ocean Safari vessel is suitable for most ages from 6 months upwards (weather permitting). Unfortunately, tours are not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are pregnant.

Ocean Safari tours depart from the beach at Cape Tribulation, which is a short 5-minute walk from the check-in office. Boarding the vessel is via a set of stairs which drop down onto the sandy beach from the front of the vessel. Due to the nature of the day’s activities, the accessibility of the boat, and the necessity of beach boarding, some guests with limited mobility may require additional assistance or may be unable to participate, depending on individual circumstances. Ocean Safari will always strive to accommodate where practical and possible, within the constraints of existing infrastructure.  Please contact Ocean Safari’s supportive team to discuss your unique access requirements by phoning (07) 4098 0006 or emailing tours@oceansafari.com.au.

Please note that snorkeling can be a strenuous activity with additional risks for some guests. You will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire prior to boarding, which can also be completed ahead of time using your own device. Please ensure you answer this honestly for your own safety. If you are not a confident swimmer, please make sure you notify staff at check-in. Life jackets and pool noodles are offered on board for extra buoyancy, and a range of prescription masks are available for hire. Please note that a ladder is the only means of water entry and exit at snorkel sites. 

The Ocean Safari office is located onsite at Turtle Rock Cafe, which is also home to Safari Lodge. Free car parking is available and Ocean Safari offers a courtesy pick up from most Cape Tribulation accommodation houses.