Dive & Snorkel - Agincourt & Opal Reefs

Both Opal & Agincourt Reefs offer spectacular snorkelling and diving locations. Opal Reef, a very sheltered reef system enables the delicate and colourful marine life to come out and play such as pipe fish, Christmas tree worms, turtles, lionfish, Wobbegongs, etc.

Agincourt Reef is surrounded by deeper water with currents enticing schools of pelagic fish such as mackerel and trevally. The reef drops down into the deep water creating amazing walls of coral with a variety of interesting marine life. Our dedicated snorkelling vessel visits Opal Reef because its a shallow reef providing snorkellers with some of the best coral and variety of marine life found on the Great Barrier Reef off Port Douglas.

Opal Reef is a highly protected reef system only allowing vessels with less than 100 passengers access. Opal Reef provides vessels with protection from stronger southeasterly winds. Agincourt Reef is a deeper reef system ideal for diving. Snorkellers are catered for as it provides spectacular views from the surface. Agincourt Reef provides little protection from ocean swells and currents which may result in our divers and snorkellers visiting Opal Reef where there is more protection.

Calypso will ensure guests receive the best possible experience of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef contains thousands of different species of marine life. We cannot guarantee what marine life you will see on your day of travel, however there will be many different species of fish, coral and molluscs.

Giant green sea turtles are found around the Great Barrier Reef and are frequently sighted at Low Isles. Reef sharks are quite common and a wonderful sight to see.

Calypso takes approximately 90 minutes to travel to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Our vessels cruise at a very comfortable 18 – 20 knots while travelling to Opal Reef and approximately 22 knots when travelling to Agincourt Reef.

Please bring along swimmers, towel, sunscreen, hat, sea sickness tablets (if required), sunglasses, a change of clothes (there are fresh water showers on board) and cash or credit card (VISA, MasterCard or EFTPOS) for any on board purchases. We do not provide towels for guests, however please ask your accommodation provider who will supply beach towels for you.

Operating in the Wet Tropics, we expect rain mainly during the summer months. However, it can rain all year round. Rain doesn’t affect our day to day operations to the Great Barrier Reef. We do not cancel tours due to rain as it does not affect the quality of the reef.

Stingers are a generalised term for jellyfish. During the summer months (November through to May), marine stingers, Irukandjis and box jellyfish, are present in the waters off the coast of Tropical North Queensland.

All Calypso vessels are equipped with lycra suits (free of charge) during these summer months. As well as a precaution, lycra suits have other benefits such as sun protection and also reducing the amount of sunscreen in the water.

You are not alone if you suffer from sea sickness. All Calypso vessels are wide-bodied catamarans for stability and have the advantage of cutting through the waves instead of riding the swell. Vessels do encounter some form of movement no matter what the conditions so prevention is best.

Two types of medication are offered on board our vessels. Ginger tablets are provided free of charge to passengers who prefer a natural option and are good for pregnant women. The other form of sea sickness medication is called Travacalm and costs $3 for 2 tablets. Please see the crew on board. If you know you suffer from sea sickness, its best to see a pharmacist prior to your trip to the reef and take tablets 30mins before departure

Yes, you can travel to the reef. Snorkelling is low impact and a non strenuous activity great for pregnant women. Flotation devices are perfect for extra buoyancy and gentle kicking will provide enough propulsion for you to get around and explore the reef.

The lunch provided on board is a cold buffet which includes a selection of meats, salads, Mediterranean vegetables, breads and condiments. There is plenty of choice for pregnant women even without eating the cold meats. Medicated sea sickness tablets cannot be taken but Ginger tablets are safe for pregnant women to take and are free onboard. If in doubt, see a pharmacist.

Most dietary requirements can be catered for, such as: coeliac, vegans, lactose intolerance and other allergies. Please call or email us 24 hours prior to your departure so we can have your preference prepared. Vegetarians have a great selection, just avoid the meat platters. All meats are supplied in separate containers. If in doubt please contact us on +61 7 4099 6999.

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