Destination Great Barrier Reef, one exclusive site visited at leisure
Duration Day Tour
Departs Port Douglas 8:30am
Returns Port Douglas at approximately 4.30pm
The Cruise
Once you have boarded the vessel, you will be offered pastries for morning tea and freshly brewed tea and coffee. After you have been introduced to the vessel facilities, safety information, the friendy crew and your fellow passengers, Synergy will then depart on a two hour sail to the Great Barrier Reef. Upon arriving at the reef there will be ample time to snorkel (almost an hour and a half) before lunch is cooked on the barbeque and served to you at Synergy's outdoor dining table. After a delicious and relaxing lunch you will be invited to join a guided snorkelling tour or you may prefer to explore the reef at your own leisure (or simply soak up the sun on the spacious foredeck). Light refreshments including a fruit platter and dessert will be served prior to departing the reef and a gourmet cheese platter will be served on the voyage home. You will arrive back at Port Douglas at approximately 4.30pm.
Synergy's sites are renown for hundreds of species of colourful reef fish (Finding Nemo has never been easier!). The sites also have numerous giant clams, sea cucumbers and starfish. It is not uncommon to see small reef sharks and turtles. You will also spot at least fifty types of coral (there are over 460 species to choose from!). Synergy's crew, reef compendium and library of reef books will assist you in learning more about this amazing ecosystem.
The average underwater visibility for the sites we visit is between 10 – 30 feet depending on tidal and wind conditions.
Synergy is currently the only scheduled tour visiting Tongue, Chinaman and Rudder Reefs. You may see the occasional private boat as recreational users are also allowed to visit the area but mostly the reefs will be exclusively yours.
The Vessel
Synergy II is a 62ft, visually exciting, high performance, sailing catamaran offering superb style inside and out. The vessel is fully air-conditioned and possesses state of the art satellite navigation equipment. Synergy carries 12 guests on day trips to the Great Barrier Reef.
Synergy II operates under sail or motor at a cruising speed of 10 knots, reaching speeds over 16 knots under the right conditions. A yachtsman's dream, Synergy II offers superb style inside and out. Deciding to travel with Synergy II will be like boarding your own private yacht for the day. Guests are free to do as much or as little as they please. You will be invited to take part in the sailing process - take the helm, trim the sails or have the intricacies of navigation explained. The vessel's computerized chart system makes it fun and easy.
As a catamaran of 30 foot beam (width), Synergy II is unsurpassed in terms of stability so the journey is smoother than with most powered and sailing mono-hulls, making Synergy II more appealing to those who are unsure of their compatibility with ocean vessels! Shallow draft allows Synergy II to explore and anchor in places denied to other craft. And its high performance sail plan and asymmetrical spinnakers generate exhilarating sailing in complete comfort.
Rates
Snorkelling
*This tour is unsuitable for children under 4 years of age
* Child Policy - Families with children under 4 years of age can still enjoy a day out on Synergy by chartering the vessel. In this way, Synergy can choose the destination according to the specific needs of those with children.
Includes
Optional Extras
A selection of Beer, Wine, Spirits & Softdrinks are available on board for purchase
Day Charter Lunch Menu
Morning Tea
Freshly brewed tea/coffee & Danish Pastries
Lunch
Caramelized onion and olive tart
Prawn and spring onion kebabs with a honey, soy & mild chilli marinade
Fresh red emperor with basil and olive oil
Breast of chicken marinated with semi sun-dried tomatoes, capers
and seeded mustard and oregano
Salads
Bocconcini, roma tomatoes, fresh basil drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette
Chargrilled eggplant & roast capsicum salad
Goats cheese salad with coral lettuce, semi sun-dried tomatoes,
asparagus and topped with pine nuts
Potato salad encased in banana leaves with chopped herbs & mild chilli
Bakery fresh breads
Condiments
Mango and Paw Paw Chutney, Sweet chilli sauce & Pesto mayonnaise
Afternoon Tea
Cheese platter with brie, blue & tasty cheeses, dried figs & apricots
Served with crispy water crackers
A selection of fresh seasonal tropical fruits from the region
A selection of Chocolate Mud Cake, White Chocolate Cheesecake,
Shortbread & Nougat Slice fresh from our pastry chef