Queensland Holidays - The Official Tourism Site for Queensland
Eye to Eye Marine Encounters
Multiple Locations
Indicative Rate* $600.00 to $600.00 Tour - All Inclusive (Single)
Description
For the ultimate marine adventure swim with Dwarf minke whales or dive with sharks at the most pristine sites on the Great Barrier Reef (including Raine Island and Osprey Reef - voted one of the top 10 shark dives in the world)!
Eye to Eye offers scheduled (four to nine day) and custom expeditions. John Rumney and his team provide great wildlife encounters with flexible itineraries and sites based on weather conditions/seasonal marine highlights to guarantee guests get the very best experiences.
... moreEye to Eye provides free spaces to researchers who conduct fieldwork and give interpretive talks whilst on board, adding a unique element to these trips. The crew's attitude, enthusiasm and quest for adventure have won them the respect and loyalty of many passengers who return year after year to join these special expeditions (this is especially true for the Swim with Minke Whale trips, which has earned Eye to Eye the reputation of being a world leader in sustainable and ethical whale encounters.
... lessProperty Details
Facilities
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Crewed charter -
Fishing equipment -
Guide
Activities
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Animal Watching -
Cruising
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Scuba-Diving -
Snorkelling -
Swim with Sharks -
Swim with Whales
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Swimming -
Whale Watching
Other Information
Children:
Children are welcome. Eye to Eye Marine Encounters recommend children be at least 10 to 12 years of age, and be a strong swimmer.
Entity Facilities
Eye to Eye Marine Encounters offers eight to ten scheduled and themed marine expeditions (for example, Swim with Minke Whale, Shark Discovery, Turtle Tagging) per year. These trips play an active role in supporting research and conservation as well as promising incredible adventure diving on some of the best sites on the Great Barrier Reef.
Eye to Eye Marine Encounters also specialises in guiding and co-ordinating for marine documentary crews (they have worked with the BBC, Discovery Channel, Galatee Films, 60 Minutes, IMAX, Channel 7 and many more) as well as supplying experienced guide services for visiting vessels/private charters.
From 2010, Eye to Eye Marine Encounters has also been collaborating with international University groups to offer a hands-on marine based curriculum.
For more information on the above options, please contact them directly via email.
General Comments
Shark and Turtle Discovery Expeditions to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea take place throughout the year.
Shark and Turtle Discovery Expeditions to the Far North are only available for a few weeks each summer and coincide with the migratory patterns of sea turtles. This isolated area includes significant seabird nesting sites and is home to the largest Green turtle rookery in the world. Shadowing the movements of turtles are Tiger sharks, apex predators that congregate around the islands to feast on the abundance of easy prey. This area is truly unique and provides our guests with the opportunity to explore untouched reefs and rare animal encounters - the ultimate in wilderness adventure.
For a few months each year Dwarf minke whales appear in the Ribbon Reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. While visiting the tropics they a show a remarkable interest in people and boats and often maintain close and prolonged in-water encounters (which can last for several hours!). This remarkable behaviour happens no-where else in the world and has allowed for a small and sustainably managed swim with whale industry to emerge.
How To Get There
Expeditions depart Cairns or Port Douglas depending on the vessel chartered. Details will be given to guests upon inquiry or booking.
Accreditation
View more information on T-QUAL and Accreditation programs in general at www.queenslandholidays.com.au/help.cfm#additional_features
Swim with Minke Whale Expedition
Eye to Eye Marine Encounters is one of a handful of specially permitted liveaboard operators offering scheduled and custom swim with dwarf minke whale expeditions each June/July. They are world leaders in sustainable and eco friendly whale interactions and unlike other dive vessels their priority lies with maximising time spent with the whales (not sticking to a rigid dive site schedule). All encounters are carried out on the animal's terms and we strive to provide each guest with a profound and unforgettable marine experience.
John Rumney and his team at Eye to Eye Marine Encounters (formerly of Undersea Explorer) helped pioneer the Swim With Whale industry on the Great Barrier Reef and were instrumental in the development of the dwarf minke whale watching guidelines which are now considered World's Best Practice. They also provide free spaces to whale researchers who provide informative on board talks and share their discoveries with our guests, making for a unique and educational marine experience.
Tour Information
They can arange for pick ups/drop offs with a local bus company upon request.
Tour Departure / Return Times
Departures from 01 Jun - 31 Jul
Tour Departs From
- Port Douglas
- Cairns
Tour Travels To
- Northern Ribbon Reefs including Cod Hold, Steve's Bommie, Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Gardens/Wall
- Lizard Island (Great Barrier Reef)
Rates*
| From | To | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| $600.00 | $600.00 | Adult Tour - All Inclusive (Single) |
Other Information
Children: Children are welcome. Eye to Eye Marine Encounters recommend children be at least 10 to 12 years of age, and be a strong swimmer.
Shark and Turtle Discovery Expeditions
The Coral Sea (Osprey Reef) and Far Northern Great Barrier Reef are home to many species of sharks and other pelagics. Eye to Eye Marine Encounters runs trips to both these wilderness areas throughout the year providing guests with the opportunity to explore Australia's most remote locations while getting up close and personal with iconic animals in their natural environment.
Expeditions also feature on board biologists and scientists who conduct shark and turtle tagging and tracking, providing an educational and exciting element to this experience. Although these expeditions actively support conservation, there is also plenty of time for recreational diving and exploring some of Australia's most isolated and pristine sites along with the other Outer Great Barrier Reef's 'top spots'.
Tour Information
They can arange for pick ups/drop offs with a local bus company upon request.
Tour Departure / Return Times
Departures from 01 Apr - 01 Dec
Tour Departs From
- Port Douglas
- Cairns
Tour Travels To
- Northern Ribbon Reefs including Cod Hold, Steve's Bommie, Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Gardens/Wall
- Osprey Reefs
- Raine Island Reef (Far Northern Great Barrier Reef)
Rates*
| From | To | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| $600.00 | $600.00 | Adult Tour - All Inclusive (Single) |
Other Information
Children: Children are welcome. Eye to Eye Marine Encounters recommend children be at least 10 to 12 years of age, and be a strong swimmer.
* Please note: These rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available costs of listed products and services. To obtain a firm price from the provider, please use the contact the operator. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars.