Published on Feb, 2025

Amazing to ‘camp’ on the barrier reef. Seeing sunrise and sunset over the ocean was magical. Food and drink was superb. Definitely worth the extra as the day trip looked chaotic and far too brief with too many people. When they left there were just 8 of us on the pontoon, free to eat, drink, snorkel or sunbathe whenever we wanted. All equipment provided too.

Published on Jan, 2025

This is a once in a lifetime experience, not to be missed! I booked the experience for my husband's 60th birthday on Boxing Day. From the time of booking through to the end of our stay the service we received from everyone at Cruise Whitsundays was first class, which was a significant factor as to why our stay on the reef was so wonderful. Those staying on the reef were given priority boarding on the boat and a reserved seating section so it was nice not to have to worry about rushing to get a seat as it was a peak time of year, although the boat was plenty big enough. It was also an opportunity to get to know the other guests who were staying overnight, who were all lovely. As it was for my husband's birthday, I had booked one of the underwater suites. It was absolutely fabulous ! - like staying in a 5-star hotel, with lovely eco friendly toiletries and bathrobes in the ensuite for us. It was air conditioned so made sleeping easy. We were checked in to our suite as soon as we arrived on the pontoon so were able to sit in our suite and watch all the many species of fish swim past our windows, including a large turtle, which was magical, while waiting for all the day visitors to leave. Once all the day visitors had left, we had the pontoon to ourselves which was brilliant. We could snorkel easily - my husband and I went on the snorkel safari (which was included with our package), led by Jess who was excellent. My husband also went on his first scuba dive and absolutely loved it. All the equipment and the stinger suits were of excellent quality, although we were lucky not to see any jellyfish! The staff who looked after us on the pontoon, Charlotte, Grace and Hayley, couldn't do enough for us - they were so helpful and friendly at all times. We had dinner, breakfast and lunch on the pontoon, cooked by the resident chef. All meals were absolutely delicious and the wines were excellent and plentiful. In between, snacks were served - we certainly didn't go hungry! The weather was perfect too - we got to see a gorgeous sunset and sunrise. All in all, this was an absolutely amazing experience, never to be forgotten. I would definitely recommend booking the underwater suite if budgets allow. Thank you all at Cruise Whitsundays - you did an amazing job!

Published on Jan, 2025

A great way to spend time out on the reef, the staff were informative, instructive and friendly. Well organised, catering was really good and sleeping pods comfortable. My only issue is the intrusive noise of the generators on the reef pontoon, obviously they are necessary to provide the necessary power but the mechanical noise detracts from the the experience, if solar or wind power can be harnessed to do the job then this would be an enhancement.

Published on Dec, 2024

From the moment we got picked up, the crew was so kind and welcoming. They supported all passengers with any questions or requests with a smile. The first part of the day you head from your pickup spot out to the reef with the day travelers. Everyone is welcome to sign up for extra excursions or snorkel off the pontoon. Once 3pm hits, you are checked into your reef sleep spot and the pontoon feels very quiet now that it’s just the staff and overnight guests left on board. You have plenty of time to relax and snorkel with less guests if you’d like. The team provides plenty of food and drinks and dinner with the other guests is very fun! Sleeping in the Reef sleep pod is very comfortable and intimate. There is nothing like waking up to the sunrise on the Great Barrier Reef! On the 2nd day, you have plenty of time to eat breakfast, snorkel or do another excursion before the second wave of guests arrive. While they’re on board, you have your own private section and can continue to lay in your sleep pod while you look over the Great Barrier Reef. Overall, it was an incredible experience. Shout out to Haley, Brooke and Grace for being wonderful staff!

Published on Nov, 2024

I stayed at the Reef Sleep, and im highly recommended. First of all, when you stay overnight, whether in a Reef Sleep or at a Reef Suite, you have the opportunity to experience the reef by scuba diving or snorkeling without all the people who come for a day visit, and there is a more relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. But for me, although im a scuba and freediving enthusiast, i found actually the accommodation to be the real deal. The staff who stayed with us and hosted us were simply wonderful and friendly. We started our stay with wine and cheese, the chef's meals were great, and the intimate atmosphere creates wonderful connections between the other people who are also staying. I am a solo traveler and felt very comfortable. At night, you can meet Georgia/George at the underwater observatory, and sit and watch the sky full of stars. It was absolutley amazing. It is highly recommended to book a stay at Reef Sleep or Reef Suite, and totally worth the price. A huge thanks to the amazing team that hosted us, and to the other people who stayed.