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Reef Pontoon School Excursion

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Departure Times

Departs: Please Enquire - Daily
Returns: Please Enquire - Daily

Departure Point: Port Of Airlie, Airlie Beach

Bring your school group or youth group to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for a day of education and underwater exploration!

  • Full day school excursion on the Hardy Reef Outer Reef Pontoon
  • Spacious and stable pontoon equipped with premium amenities
  • Travel from Airlie Beach on a speedy, smooth catamaran
  • Snorkel with the unique marine life and abundant corals of the Great Barrier Reef
  • In-depth lessons and conversations about reef ecology and conservation

This Great Barrier Reef From Airlie Beach School Excursion offers kids and teenagers the ultimate underwater experience! Departing from Airlie Beach, your group can admire the tropical ecosystems of the Whitsunday Islands and the Outer Reef. You'll spend the day on the safe and stable Hardy Reef Pontoon, where educated and professional staff members can get your kids suited up for snorkelling and teach them about the wonders of the reef. With delicious, healthy food included as well as top-notch amenities to ensure your kids are comfortable, this school excursion is sure to be a memorable day. 

people snorkelling underwater with fish

Highlights:

  • Full day school excursion to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Travel from Airlie Beach on Cruise Whitsundays' stable catamaran
  • Spend the day on Reefworld Pontoon
  • Experienced staff members onboard 
  • Interesting talks about the reef and its inhabitants
  • Let your kids learn about marine life and its conservation
  • See the underwater ecosystems up close
  • Underwater viewing chamber and semi-submersible
  • Guided snorkel tours
  • High-quality snorkel gear provided with instruction from professionals
  • Food provided throughout the day with dietaries catered for
  • An interactive and exciting day on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Perfect for kids of all ages

Pontoon and boat anchored next to Great Barrier Reef

Sample Itinerary

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Outer Reef Pontoon

Spend the day on the impressive Reefworld Pontoon on Hardy Reef! Sitting right next to impressive coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, here you can safely explore the magnificent ecosystems vast underwater world. The pontoon is equipped with toilets, showers, indoor and outdoor seating areas, and a huge array of equipment for snorkelling and diving. The experienced staff ...

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Outer Reef Pontoon

Spend the day on the impressive Reefworld Pontoon on Hardy Reef! Sitting right next to impressive coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, here you can safely explore the magnificent ecosystems vast underwater world. The pontoon is equipped with toilets, showers, indoor and outdoor seating areas, and a huge array of equipment for snorkelling and diving. The experienced staff members are always available to ensure your kids have everything they need for this epic school charter!

Reefworld Pontoon out on the water

Snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef

With instructions and gear provided, kids of all ages can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the reef. See tropical fish, sea turtles, giant clams, unique corals, and more for a hands-on learning experience! Hardy Reef is one of the best places near Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays for snorkelling, so your students are almost guaranteed to see some amazing living creatures underwater. The intelligent and passionate guides will escort small groups to the most special areas and make sure they stay safe!

Underwater Viewing Aquarium

The pontoon is also home to an underwater viewing chamber for those who wish to stay dry. This spacious area with massive windows allows kids to observe and admire the Great Barrier Reef without getting in the water. With informational fish-watching guides provided, students can learn how to identify and classify various marine species with guidance from the knowledgeable staff members on board. 

Fish Guide on Glass bottom boat tour

Glass Bottom Semi-Submersible Boat

Another fun way to observe the reef without getting in the water is the educational semi-submersible glass-bottom boat! Glide through the corals and spot marine life with insightful commentary from your guide. This underwater discovery experience is perfect for all ages.

Scuba Diving 

If your students are ages 12 or above, you can also add on scuba diving! Let the students try something new and broaden their horizons as they learn to become one with the sea. With qualified instructors and the best quality gear, the is the perfect place to try scuba diving in a monitored environment. 

Book your scuba dives in advance with us to enjoy a worry-free day.

Couple scuba diving surrounded by fish in the Great Barrier Reef

Our Delicious Sample Menu

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To view the sample menu for CW: Great Barrier Reef Adventures please click here. Dietary requirements can be catered for!

reef-food

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To view the sample menu for CW: Great Barrier Reef Adventures please click here. Dietary requirements can be catered for!

reef-food

More Information

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What To Bring

Please bring only a small bag with:

  • Photo identification
  • Change of clothes
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.)
  • Swimwear
  • Beach towel
  • Camera
  • Jumper or jacket (seasonal)
  • Cash or credit cards for onboard purchases

What's Included

  • Full day reef excursion with itinerary focused on education and exploration
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Wet/stinger suit
  • Access to underwater observatory
  • Semi-submarine guided tour
  • Safety e...

Read More

What To Bring

Please bring only a small bag with:

  • Photo identification
  • Change of clothes
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.)
  • Swimwear
  • Beach towel
  • Camera
  • Jumper or jacket (seasonal)
  • Cash or credit cards for onboard purchases

What's Included

  • Full day reef excursion with itinerary focused on education and exploration
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Wet/stinger suit
  • Access to underwater observatory
  • Semi-submarine guided tour
  • Safety equipment
  • Qualified and knowledgeable staff
  • All meals and beverages for the day

What's Extra

  • Snacks
  • Photographs
  • Souvenirs

Terms and Conditions

Important Information: 

Infants 0-3 years travel free of charge, however no infant meals are included. Guests must be able to show valid ID at check in to support their ticket type (i.e Senior, Youth or Child ticket). If you cannot produce the valid identification to meet your ticket requirements, you will not be able to travel without paying a surcharge/difference in fare.


Your Responsibilities:

Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip. 

You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.

It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.

It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.

You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. 


Scuba Diving/Medical Disclosure:

Age and medical restrictions apply to diving activities. A medical questionnaire must be completed. Divers cannot fly for 24 hours after diving and the company accepts no liability for medical conditions experienced as a result of flying after diving. All diving is operated by Reef Safari Pty Ltd and booking to dive with them deems acceptance of the terms and conditions as published on their website www.reefsafari.com.


Prices/Extra Costs:

All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply. 

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.

We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.


Travel Risk/Insurance:

It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. 


Transfers:

Transfers are at an additional cost. Please enquire if you would like to add transfers to your booking.

The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies.


Merchant Fees:

Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.


Other: 

Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages. 

All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.

Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees.

You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations

Client Cancellations:

No shows or client cancellations made within 48 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 

Sailing Whitsundays are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period (48 hours). It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9am-5pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider.

Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee. 

It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to admin@mr-travel.com. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.


Supplier Cancellations:

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.

All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.

In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Sailing Whitsundays retail outlet located Airlie Beach, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Mr Travel online department.


Refunds:

All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.

Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.

You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.


Accountability/Misconduct:

All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators. 

Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.

Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.


Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel/Sailing Whitsundays. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can students bring luggage on board?

There won't be room for large suitcases or backpacks. However, we offer luggage storage for as little as $10 a day in our Travel Shop which is located at the top of Airlie Beach's main street. The address is 344 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, QLD, 4802.

Are dietary requirements catered for?

Yes!. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements and the Cruise Whitsunday staff will do their best to accommodate at no extra cost.

Is it safe to snorkel during stinger season?

During stinger season we provide stinger suits that help to protect you from being stung so that you can still swim and explore the Great Barrier Reef safely.

Who is this school excursion suitable for?

The reef tour is perfect for a vast range of age groups. We accept primary-school to high-school-aged kids, university research groups, fieldworker excursions, outdoor recreation experiences, scout groups, youth groups and teambuilding leadership camps. There is plenty of flexibility to tailor your time at sea as you work with our travel agents and your vessel crew.

 

How do I reserve the trip for my students?

Contact our travel agents via phone or live chat to book your next educational group excursion. Due to the personalised nature of each school cohort, we like to get an introductory idea of your group's needs so we can connect you to the perfect vessel. 

 

How far in advance do I have to book my school excursion?

Try to enquire about a school excursion at least 6 months in advance. Vessels in the Whitsundays fill up fast, and you want to leave plenty of time to get approvals from the school and parents. Contact our staff with any questions!

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