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Picture courtesy of rich.
| Value for Money | 8/10  |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | 9/10 |
Full review by
richwatson
expert review 
on 2nd Nov 2005
User Rating : 9
Respect :
0
Good Points: Really friendly, helpful crew. One of the best places to dive in the world. Good food. Not over crowded. Very safety conscious. Can be mixed aged groups, but often 18 - 30 year olds of all European nationalities. (It is a dive boat though, not a party boat). You get your first scuba dive free.
Bad Points: Up at 5am every morning. Can get very hot at night as they turn off the air conditioning. Sleeping arrangements are in the same room as other people in the group, and showering is limited.
General comments: Kiana is a 60 foot yacht which is clean and comfortable. There is space at the back to sit, chat, and chill out, and there is sunbathing space at the front to sit or lie out.
The crew is normally made up of a "quiet" chef. Skipper and Dive Master. I have been on this trip 3 times, and it has been fantastic every time. I still think the Dive Master makes the trip a success. He is enthusiastic, very jolly, and ensures everyone is safe and having a great time.
The trip leaves Airlie Beach, and normally heads out for White Haven beach. A pure silicon white beach. Rated one of the top beaches in the world. Unfortunately these days there is a high risk from stinging jellyfish, so stinger suits are now provided. This is obviously for safety but a great shame, as who wants to swim in 28 degree water, on the most beautiful beach all wrapped up?
After a walk to the view point it's off to a quiet retreat to anchor up for the evening. The boat takes a maximum of 14, which is plenty, but better if only 10 - 12. You need to check the weather, because if it is rough they won't be able to go out to the Outer Reef.
You are up at 5 - 5.30am, then off diving. The great thing about this trip is they offer the experience to scuba dive off a beach as an intro dive. Then if you like it you can dive up to 2 times on the reef. Normally you would have to take a course, so it is great to have a go first. Most people love it!
After breakfast it's off to the Great Barrier Reef for more diving, and snorkeling if you prefer.
The diving has to be one of the best places in the world. You should get to see lots of different hard and soft coral, reef sharks, large turtles, maybe a ray, and lots of tropical fish.
The visibility can be up to 20m on a good day.
In the evening you might get to see the best sunset you have ever seen, as you chill out chatting to the other guests. Brent takes photos throughout the day so puts on a show. By 10 - 10.30pm everyone is shattered, so lights out is around then. You are welcome to stay up, but it's another 5am (ish) start the next day.
The bar is well stocked with wine and Australian beer, and you are free to take what you wish, and pay on leaving the boat.
A few drinks are OK, but I strongly advise if you are diving to go steady. Diving on a hangover really makes you ill.
As the trip is 3 days and 2 nights. You get up early on the last day, do a bit more diving, then head for home. On the way they will try some sailing, although I have never seen this as a success, as there is rarely enough wind. You might see dolphins and sea snakes on the way, and in whale season a "Whale"! Brent will often try a bit of fishing on the way home, and if lucky you may get to try raw Tuna!
The trip costs AU $469pp, although you might be able to get a discount deal down to 350. I did, but I did take friends on this, over 3 trips, so we were spending 3000 dollars! I still say the trip was recommended at 350!
You get your first dive free, and everything you need is supplied. The equipment is good. The only downside is that they will still take novices diving, even if the visibility is poor, as you pay per dive. It is OK for the new experience, but I think they should tell you the facts!
The boat returns to Airlie Beach around 16.00pm, and then you can meet up with the crew and owners for drinks in the evening.
The only points that I would make, are that it feels quite expensive at the end as you have to settle up your bar bill, and if you want the CD of photos, it is worth it to keep these wonderful memories, but it is quite expensive at £15 or so!
At the end of the adventure just remember they have taken good care of you, and you have had a great time, but you are just another punter at the end of the day.
A great trip and wonderful experience.
richwatson's review and ratings | 832 words | 1 comment added.
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