Pure Snorkelling in Cairns has launched a new purpose-built A$1.5 million (US$945,000) vessel, offering visitors with limited time the chance to experience the Great Barrier Reef on a half-day snorkelling tour to a site not visited in nearly five years.
A joint venture between two Cairns family-owned reef operators who together have more than 60 years’ combined experience showcasing the Great Barrier Reef, Pure Snorkelling’s primary destination will be Briggs Reef, 24 nautical miles south-east of Cairns, where Pure Snorkelling has an exclusive permit allowing guests to experience the site’s extraordinary coral cover.
There are also 14 other reef sites to choose from including Sudbury Cay, Thetford, Moore, Upolo, Oyster, Breaking and Pretty Patches, which will be used if weather conditions are more favourable in those locations.
The 12-metre aluminium boat features a Z bow designed for passenger comfort, redirecting waves away from the vessel as they hit. The vessel can carry up to 48 passengers, but passenger numbers have been capped at 40 to ensure comfort.
Wide-opening side doors have been designed for easy loading of research equipment, while the front loader enables the boat to beach, allowing passengers to walk directly from the vessel to the shore. Additionally, ladders at the rear provide convenient access to and from the water.
Other features on the vessel include two toilets, two 40-inch TVs, bar, three steering stations, a fully accessible top deck for lounging and sunbathing, and more.
For more information, visit Pure Snorkelling.
