Calypso Company History

The founders and directors of Calypso, Cathie and Graham Jones arrived in Port Douglas in 1992 and began working in the tourism industry. This included starting Sail Port Douglas, skippering boats for commercial day cruises and charter boat companies and managing Port Douglas tourist information centres.

Graham has always had an interest in boating and has competed in 19 Sydney to Hobart Yacht races as well as representing Australia in Admiral Cup racing, 12 metre yachting, Etchells, Solings, competed in the China Sea Races and won the Quarter Ton Worlds.

Graham and Cathie purchased a permit from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) for operations to the outer Great Barrier Reef in 1998 and commenced building their first vessel, Calypso 1, which was launched in June 1999. Calypso 2 was launched in May 2001, Calypso 3 in September 2003, the first Eclipse in September 2004, Eclipse 2 in July 2006 and the newest boat ‘Calypso’ was launched in June 2007.

Having now sold their original vessels, Calypso Reef Charters currently operates one vessel ‘Calypso’, which has been custom designed for comfort, stability and cruising speed with large spacious desks and comfortable saloons. Calypso is now waiting for the arrival of their new dive vessel, Pure Dive, due to arrive after Easter. All of Calypso’s vessels have been specifically designed for both diving and snorkelling, with large duckboard/dive decks to provide guests with easy access in and out of the water.