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Tourism News FeedFriday, August 08, 2008
What a wonderful time of year to be visiting Port Douglas! Visitors to our region are being thrilled with amazing encounters with these fabulous
creatures. Passengers on board Poseidon are still having daily sightings of both the Dwarf Minke Whales and the Humpback Whales.
The Minke's are still here and visiting the boats during stationary time at the mooring sites. Passengers are having the opportunity to jump in and
swim with the Minke's, having close up, personal encounters. The Minke's will stay around this region until the end of September.
Meanwhile, for those who don't even get into the water, the vessel is meeting up with pods of Humpback Whales on the journey to and from Agincourt Reefs. Often stopping to watch pods of up to 5 whales at a time. Recently a mother and calf where spotted with the umbilical cord still attached. The whales obviously enjoy these encounters as they display playful acts of tail slapping and breaching.
We have attached some amazing photo's taken by Oak Beach Productions onboard Poseidon, of the most recent sightings over the last few days.
If you have not been to the reef, now is the time to get out there and see these animals while the weather is great with clear water and
lots of marine activity.
Inspire the Experience!
From the Team at Poseidon
Friday, August 08, 2008
The Certified Divers ventured onto the outer wall at Moore Reef today. The conditions were optimal, which allowed divers a great vantage point to view a variety of Parrot Fish species that included the Dusky Parrotfish, Bleeker’s Parrotfish and the Indian Steephead Parrotfish. Attractions on the outer wall are the larger fish species, today divers got up close to Chevron Barracuda, Topsail Drummer Fish, Big Eyed Brim, Oriental Sweetlips and Onespot Snapper. The divers encountered a large variety of Cowrie Shells, Vase and Harp Shells along with some pretty unusual creatures known as Nudibranchs. These colourful little creatures exhibit vibrant colours which heed as a warning to predators that they are poisonous.
Water Temperature: 24 C
Underwater Visibility: 20m +
CURRENT OBSERVATIONS
As of: 4pm Today
Marine World: S winds 20 knots
Low Isles: SE winds 22 knots
Green Island: SSE winds 29 knots
Cairns Airport: SSE winds 18 knots
3 DAY OUTLOOK
As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Friday: SSE winds 20-25 knots
Saturday: SE winds 20-25 knots
Sunday: SE winds 20-25 knots
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Passengers on our Semi Sub tours saw it all today with reports of Giant Clams, Clown Fish, Barracuda, Sweetlip, Nudibranchs, Sea Cucumbers, Barramundi Cod, beautifully coloured Sweetlip and schools of Yellow Tail Fusiliers.
Snorkellers were also very impressed by some of the best preserved Staghorn, Plate & Boulder Corals in the region plus schools of Surgeon Fish, Buffalo Wrasse, Squid, Cuttlefish and coral munching Parrot Fish.
With the winds building up a little over the next few days the most comfortable option is to access the reef direct from Cairns, spending as little time as possible travelling and having an option to get off of the boat. Reef Magic II is a fast, stable catamaran cruising at 22knots delivering guests to our stable outer reef platform, Marine World, in only 90 mins. Our position tucked in behind the reef is the perfect refuge from the swell with spacious decks, no crowds, and a full 5 hours to relax or take advantage of the full range of activities available.
Water Temperature: 24.5 C
Underwater Visibility: 18-20mtrs
CURRENT OBSERVATIONS
As of: 4pm Today
Marine World: SSE winds 9 knots
Low Isles: SE winds 9 knots
Green Island: SE winds 15 knots
Cairns Airport: E winds 12 knots
3 DAY OUTLOOK
As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Tuesday: SE winds 10-15 knots
Wednesday: SE winds 15-20 knots
Thursday: SE winds 20-25 knots
Sunday, August 03, 2008
It was an absolute magnificent day out at Moore Reef today. The fish were very playful and the activities were endless.
Just one of the many highlight today was the scuba diving. Many guests took advantage of the conditions and donned a scuba unit and headed into the underwater realm with our very talented and knowledgeable dive crew.
The highlights in the water spotted by snorkellers, divers and those in the semi submersible included Oceanic Trout, schools of Trevally, Clown Fish in their protective anemone, Red Snapper, beautiful bright yellow & black Moorish Idols, our resident Maori Wrasse, plus Coral munching Parrot Fish. Another great way to spot bigger animals is from the Scenic helicopter Flights. They provide a bird’s eye view of the reef structure, and passengers often spot sharks as they cruise over the deeper waters outside the reef.
Water Temperature: 24.5C
Underwater Visibility: 15-20mtrs
CURRENT OBSERVATIONS
As of: 4pm Today
Marine World: SE winds 2 knots
Low Isles: ENE winds 8 knots
Green Island: ESE winds 6 knots
Cairns Airport: NE winds 8 knots
3 DAY OUTLOOK
As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Sunday: SE winds 10-15 knots
Monday: SE winds 10-15 knots
Tuesday: SE winds 10-15 knots
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The divers enjoyed a spectacular array of wildlife today at Marine World, as they glided along underwater bommies on the outer wall at Moore Reef. This is the perfect environment for colourful Feather Stars and Whip Corals as periodic strong currents provide an abundant supply of planktonic food. Also nestled in the bommies were a variety of Sea Anemones that included the Tomato Anemone Fish, the Barrier Reef Anemone Fish and the Red and Black Anemone Fish. There was a large Yellow -margined Moray Eel exposed from its coral home and Sea Cucumbers blending in to the coral structures. The divers also sighted a school of Teira Batfish, seeking shelter from the open ocean along with Gold-lined Sea Brim, colourful Parrot Fish and Long Nosed Emperor and a MANTA RAY!.
The Semi Submersible toured the northern end of Marine World allowing the guests to view the magic of the ocean whilst keeping dry. The wildlife seen today included the Beaked Coral Fish, Six Banded Angel Fish and Yellow Tailed Fusiliers. Large schools of Bengal Sergeant Fish could be seen swimming amongst large structures of Branching Corals, Vase Corals and Plate Corals. The Sea Fans and Soft Corals provided plenty of colours and a great backdrop for schools of Sunset Wrasse, Golden Damsels and a Spotted Porcupine fish.
Water Temperature: 24 C
Underwater Visibility: 25-30m
CURRENT OBSERVATIONS
As of: 4pm Today
Marine World: ESE winds 12 knots
Low Isles: SE winds 9 knots
Green Island: SE winds 15 knots
Cairns Airport: E winds 6 knots
3 DAY OUTLOOK
As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Tuesday: S/SE winds 15-20 knots
Wednesday: S/SE winds 15-20 knots
Thursday: S/SE winds 15-20 knots
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
A fantastic day out at Marine World, the weather is stunning and excellent underwater visibility made for an awesome day out on the reef.
Introductory divers enjoyed their first scuba dives and the amazing variety of fish that make their homes out at Marine World. They were accompanied by masked angel fish, barrier reef anemone fish, yellow lined snappers and schooling rabbit fish. Some of the larger fish inhabiting this environment include coral trout, snapper, trevally, red bass, barracuda and reef sharks.
The snorkelling tours with our resident Marine Biologist were popular again today. The guests enjoyed the interpretive programs about the marine life and the surrounding ecosystem that is the Great Barrier Reef. Tropical Reef ecosystems are an incredibly diverse and complex environment with the reef being home to a dazzling array of fish and coral species.
Everybody touring on the semi-submersible observed a part of this incredible blue world as they ventured to the northern side of Marine World. They explored the clam gardens seeing neon damsels, colourful anthias, green turtles, yellow tailed fusiliers and hundreds of bicoloured parrot fish swimming amongst the colourful, living, underwater coral structures.
The Scenic Helicopter tours were enjoyed by everyone that chose to soar high above the reefs surface. The Vertical Magic Adventure offers a three dimensional view of the coral structures and contrasting colours of the ocean, and the chance to put the immense structure of the reef into perspective.
The weather conditions look great for the next couple of days, so take advantage and come and explore the wonders of Marine World.
Water Temperature: 24 C
Underwater Visibility: 25m WOW!
CURRENT OBSERVATIONS
As of: 4pm Today
Marine World: E winds 7 knots
Low Isles: E winds 7 knots
Green Island: E winds 6 knots
Cairns Airport: NE winds 8 knots
3 DAY OUTLOOK:
Monday: SW/SE winds 10-15 knots
Tuesday: S/SE winds 15-20 knots
Wednesday: S/SE winds 15-20 knots
Friday, July 25, 2008
Conditions were fantabulous today; Moore Reef was teaming with reef life! Highlights included Giant Clams, Clown Fish darting in and out of their protective Anemone, Barracuda, Mackerel, a couple of Silver Whalers, Loggerhead Turtles and a solitary Eagle Ray sifting the sandy bottom in search of food. The water temperature is currently a very comfortable 24c.
Fish feeds are conducted daily in front of the windows of our underwater observatory ensuring those guests not wanting to spend much time in the water can still experience the wonders of the reef.
Our guided snorkel tours are very popular with the non-swimmer who is escorted personally by our marine naturalist complete with oodles of flotation devices, a lesson in snorkelling and a hands on interpretation of the reef corals and fish life.
Water Temperature: 24 C
Underwater Visibility: 10-15 metres
3 DAY OUTLOOK
Friday: S/SE winds 20/25 knots
Saturday: SE winds 15/20 knots
Sunday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots
As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Sunday, July 20, 2008
It was a good day out at Moore Reef today. The fish were very playful and the activities were endless. A highlight of today was the scuba diving, with tours led by our very talented and knowledgeable dive crew. Many guests took advantage of the conditions and donned a scuba unit and headed into the underwater realm, some for the very first time. Highlights in the water today included Oceanic Trout, schools of Trevally, Clown Fish in their protective anemone, Red Snapper, beautiful bright yellow & black Moorish Idols, our resident Maori Wrasse, plus Coral munching Parrot Fish. Marine World is located alongside some of the best preserved Plate, Staghorn & Boulder Corals in the region.
For those who preferred to admire the scenery from the comfort of the underwater viewing observatory, the daily fish feed attracted an abundance of tropical reef fish. Who says there is no such thing as free lunch! Giant Clams, Clown Fish, Sweetlips, Nudibranchs, Sea Cucumbers, schools of Yellow Tail Fusiliers, Reef Sharks and some playful turtles could be seen from the comfort of the Semi Sub, which took in the sights of the North wall. The Heli-Magic scenic flights were also popular. These flights are excellent for a bird’s eye view of the reef, Turtles, Sharks and Sting ray sightings.
Water Temperature: 24 C
Underwater Visibility: 10-12 metres
CURRENT OBSERVATIONS
As of: 4pm Today
Marine World: SSE winds 14 knots
Low Isles: S winds 8 knots
Green Island: SSE winds 15 knots
Cairns Airport: SSE winds 4 knots
3 DAY OUTLOOK
Monday: SE winds 10-15 knots
Tuesday: SE/E winds 15-20 knots
Wednesday: S/SE winds 25-30 knots
As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Friday, July 18, 2008
What a great day on the outer barrier reef today. Snorkellers observed schools of smaller Fusiliers, Damsels, Butterfly fish, Drummer fish, Angel fish and Surgeon fish. Many guests found Nemo out there at Moore Reef today as well. This species lives in the anemones found amongst the hard and soft corals of the reef structure. There are actually 26 different species of anemone fish worldwide, in particular look out for the Barrier Reef Anemone fish and the Clown Anemone fish. If you are really observant and lucky you may even spot the hundreds of tiny eggs that they lay at the base of their anemone. The closer you look and the more attention you give to the reef, the more of its wonderful inhabitants and secrets will be revealed to you.
Divers of the day took a closer look at some smaller colourful nudibranches, a gang of Christmas tree worms and a small Puffer fish. The larger Barracuda, a Bumphead Parrotfish, schools of Trevally and some Spotty Mackerel were also seen swimming along the edge of the dive site known as “The Wall”. Fish feeds are also conducted daily in front of the windows of our Underwater Observatory ensuring those guests not wanting to spend much time in the water can still experience all the wonders of the reef.
‘Experience the Magic’
Water Temperature: 24 C
Underwater Visibility: 20 metres
3 DAY OUTLOOK
Friday: SE winds 15-20 knots
Saturday: SE winds 10-15 knots
Sunday: SE/E winds 10-15 knots
As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Sunday, July 13, 2008
2 MANTA RAYS PLAYING ON THE OUTER REEF WALL AT MARINE WORLD SEEN BY PEOPLE ON THE SEMI SUBMERSABLE !!!!!!
Reef animals use their shapes, behavior and body structures in a variety of ways to help them blend intocoral structures and survive. An easy example to find is a stripy fish such as a Red Breasted Wrasse or Humbug. The lines on their bodies help to break up the outline of the fish so they blend into the coral, a bit like zebras in Africa. Also look out for red fish. These fish are most likely to be found hiding underneath the coral or in crevasses, as red really disappears in dim light conditions. As a result red fish like soldier fish and squirrel fish are often seen swimming around at night. Reef fish have adapted to their surrounding environment and produced a number of different ways to defend themselves.
Water Temperature: 24 oC
Underwater Visibility: 20-25metres
CURRENT OBSERVATIONS
As of: 4pm Today
Marine World: S winds 20 knots
Low Isles: SSE winds 17 knots
Green Island: SSE winds 23 knots
Cairns Airport: SE winds 14 knots
3 DAY OUTLOOK
Sunday: SE winds 20-25 knots
Monday: SE winds 20-25 knots
Tuesday: SE winds 20-25 knots
As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Whats Hot!
The most popular learn to dive option with 5 additional 'fun dives' including a night dive at no extra charge!
LEARN TO DIVE
IN 5 DAYS!
From $715 p/person
Includes:
2 Days pool/theory
3 Days open water
OceanQuest Liveaboard
valid until 31st March '09
This is the latest purpose built reef vessel in several generations of TUSA Dive custom craft
OUTER BARRIER REEF
Snorkel from $145
Dive from $175
prices per person
valid until 31st March '09
Travel Tools
Local Weather
20-28°C
20-29°C
19-28°C
19-28°C
Temp: 21.6 °C
Wind: 18 kt SSE
Humidity: 80%
Pressure: 1017.9 hpa
Forecast: 20 - 28 °C (Mostly cloudy)
More Climate & Weather Info
Cairns City Web Cam
Image at 28/08/2008 22:57
Full Size Images & Video
Local Tourism News
WHALES! WHALES! WHALES!
What a wonderful time of year to be visiting Port Douglas! Visitors to our region are being thrilled... [ full story ]
Reef Report
The Certified Divers ventured onto the outer wall at Moore Reef today. The conditions were optimal, ... [ full story ]
Reef Report
Passengers on our Semi Sub tours saw it all today with reports of Giant Clams, Clown Fish, Barracuda... [ full story ]
Contact our North Queensland Office for advice on your holiday in Great Barrier Reef.