FAQ

We board Compass at 7:30 am for an 8:00 am departure.

We arrive back into Cairns at approximately 5 pm.

You can either make your way to the Marlin Jetty, or we can organise a bus to pick you up from your accommodation house cost return bus pick up. Cairns city district $12.00 Cairns Northern Beaches $22.00 You can add bus transfers from your accommodation during booking.

Approximately 2 hours to get to our first location which is generally Hastings Reef.

Most people can try scuba diving while onboard Compass Cruises. Age, medical and health restrictions apply for resort/introductory & certified scuba diving in Australia – and are stricter than in many other countries. *If you are thinking about trying a scuba dive, please read the Important Information page to ensure that you are fit to dive according to Australia’s regulations for diving. Age limit Minimum age for participating in a resort dive is 12 years old. There is currently no maximum age limit, however, scuba diving is a potentially strenuous activity and should be undertaken by fit and active people of all ages. Medical & Health Restrictions It is important that if you are thinking about going scuba diving while onboard Compass Cruises, that you read the Important Information’ page first, to ensure that you are fit to dive according to Australia’s health regulations for diving. You will be required to complete a medical questionnaire before participating in any scuba activities. Some medical conditions, health issues and/or medications may prevent you from scuba diving (both past and current).  For example: Heart disease, asthma, epilepsy or diabetes, high or low blood pressure or anything that may cause fits, faints or blackouts. If you have ANY medical condition (past or current), health concern or ANY medication, please contact our friendly team before booking your dive – we’re here to help you have the reef trip of a lifetime and most medical restrictions for scuba in Australia can be addressed in advance with a simple email, whereas once you’re at sea it can be extremely difficult for us to get clearance for people to go scuba diving with a medical condition and/or medication – causing disappointment during the trip. Please contact our office if unsure or for any questions.

• Unlimited snorkelling at 2 outer barrier reef locations
• All snorkel equipment with the exception of wet suit
• Snorkelling instruction
• Scuba diving demonstration
• Boomnetting activity – weather permitting
• BBQ and salads lunch prepared daily at the reef
• Fresh fruit platters
• Tea & coffee all day (while the vessel is stationary)
• A glass of wine, cheese & crackers on the return journey
• Reef tax/fuel levy/admin fees

Boom netting is where we get a giant cargo net and tow it behind our boat with passengers on it

No, the seats are not allocated, however, there is plenty of room and seating both upstairs and downstairs on Compass and a lovely big sundeck to work on your suntan and get some fresh air.

Yes, Compass is air-conditioned.

Yes, Compass has 4 toilets.

• Hat & sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Sun protective clothing, like a t-shirt or rash vest
• Swimming costume
• Beach towel
• Cash for drinks at the bar (soft drinks, beer, wine)
• Credit card for on-board shopping and optional adventures

Yes, it is a good idea to bring some money. Our optional extras

• Certified diving $55.00 for 1 dive or $100.00 for two dives
• Introductory/resort dives for 1 dive $65.00 or $115.00 for two dives
• Glass bottom boat & commentary $15.00
• Wet suit Hire $5.00
• Prescription mask $10.00
• Underwater cameras to purchase onboard
• Licensed bar with drinks and snacks available for purchase
• Purchase photos taken of your day

Up to 4 hours at the Outer Barrier Reef.

Yes, weather permitting we do operate every day of the year.

No, Cairns is located in Tropical North Queensland so the water temperature is pleasant all year round. The average temperature throughout the year is: December-February 29c, 83fA wet suit will also keep you warm if you are prone to feel the cold

Often when the weather is cloudy or rainy in Cairns it doesn’t necessarily mean the weather is the same out on the reef, however, if you wish to change the date of your tour then we are more than happy to do so for you (subject to availability). We advise you to give us as much notice as possible to avoid disappointment.

Rarely!Cancellations are usually due to the threat of a cyclone which can happen on occasion during the summer months in Cairns. The only reason we would cancel a tour would be for the safety and comfort of our guests. If we have to cancel due to weather then we endeavour to contact our passengers with as much notice as possible and are happy to offer an alternate date for your tour.

Hopefully not, we do have complimentary ginger tablets onboard and stronger medication is available for purchase.

Yes, we accept Mastercard & Visacard onboard

Metered outdoor car parking is available at the pier shopping complex car park adjacent to the terminal for around 80 cents per hour, undercover secure car parking is also available for around $13 per day, or if you don’t mind a short walk then outdoor car parking is available at Trinity Wharf for $6.50 per day.  There is also some free all-day car parking in Abbott and Florence Streets.

Compass guests enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch with fresh salads

Yes, we cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements – please note we need to be made aware of your dietary requirements prior to the day of travel.

It is always our aim to show all of our guests the Great Barrier Reef at its best if you can’t swim or are nervous we don’t want you to miss seeing the Great Barrier Reef – we have crew on board who will help you in the water – you can even do a scuba dive.

NO experience is necessary, for an introductory/resort dive, its fun, safe and a lot of fun  – our friendly dive instructors onboard are professional at taking people diving that have never scuba dived before – so relax you will be in excellent hands  – please read our medical information, children need to be 12 years old to scuba dive

Please contact our office with your full name, date of birth, where and when you got certified and with what type of certification you have i.e. SSI or PADIAnd will do our best to find your certification details for you –  if we are not successful you can still enjoy an introductory/resort dive

Unfortunately, we don’t have a child-minding on the boat so we cannot cater to infants, or anyone needing close supervision. However, if your children are old enough to go snorkelling on their own, we do have lifeguards watching the snorkelling area so they are in good hands. If you just let the lifeguards or any member of staff know that your children are entertaining themselves while you are heading off for a dive; they will be happy to keep a close eye out. Also, we can certainly sort it out that you can both scuba dive at different times so there is always one of your with your child or children.

Jellyfish at the reef – just to clarify we don’t actually get any box jellyfish at the Great Barrier ReefThey breed in the freshwater streams and creeks and when the wet season arrives normally late January early February they get flushed back along the beaches which is the reason that you can’t swim at the beach in Tropical North Queensland unless you use a net – we have some of the most beautiful rainforest waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes in the World and of course you can swim at the Outer Barrier Reef all year round there are also Irukandji sometimes at the reef but they are rare ….and it would be far worse odds to travel by plane or car and be involved in an accident than it would be to be stung at the Great Barrier Reef however we think it is a great idea to wear a wet suit.

We are in the tropics it really is hot here and yes you should certainly have sun protection what we recommend is the use of wet suits – full protection from the sun, they also protect you and the coral if you were to accidentally come into contact with any coral, keep you warm and provide some buoyancy – all advantages whilst you are on the reef – we hire them for $5.00 per day also the less sunscreen on the reef in my own opinion the better

Yes, sharks in all the oceans of the World, at the reef we often see white tip reef sharks, blacktip reef shark, epaulette sharks – they are quite shy and pose no threat to any of our passengers – sharks are mostly nocturnal and are very timid during the day