Great Barrier Reef - Reefsleep
This two day, one night adventure is a once in a lifetime experience. There can be few more unique experiences offered in the world than the chance to sleep under the stars, 40 nautical miles from shore on the Great Barrier Reef! Our permanently moored pontoon, 'Reefworld', is located on Hardy Reef - one of the most spectacular stretches of the Great Barrier Reef. This is the destination for our day visitors, but for a lucky few, it’s a once in a life time, breathtaking and memorable overnight experience.
Itinerary
Day One: Travel to Reefworld as part of a Great Barrier Reef Adventure onboard one of our high speed vessels, arriving around 11am. By day, all the amazing activities offered on our Great Barrier Reef Adventures are there to be enjoyed - diving, snorkelling, swimming with thousands of fish, massages and scenic helicopter flights. But by 3pm, the day guests depart and you get Reefworld all to yourself and your fellow Reefsleep guests (maximum 9).
A Night at the Reef: A soft hush settles over the reef... just the sound of the water, maybe a few sea birds. As dusk approaches watch for turtles surfacing or coming to nibble the seaweed around the pontoon. Watch as the sun sets over the reef while you sip your sundowner and then see the reef really come to life in the darkness of the night. You might even opt for a night dive if you're certified! Gaze up at a gazillion stars from your comfy swag set up on the top deck of the pontoon before the tranquillity of being in the middle of the ocean lulls you to sleep.
Day 2: In the morning, enjoy more private time with the reef before the day guests join you. Optional guided snorkelling and diving trips during this exclusive time at the pontoon with your small group will see you visit very special spots - giant Maori Wrasse, spectacular coral formations, a myriad of tropical fish, turtles and reef sharks all might make an appearance. If you're not a keen swimmer then have the underwater viewing chamber to yourself and watch your fellow guests swim around, or look at the coral from the comfort of our semi-submersible vessel. You'll head home with the day guests onboard the reef vessel in the afternoon, taking home plenty of memories and stories to tell.
Meals: All this sea air makes you hungry! Throughout the day curb your hunger with morning and afternoon tea and a sumptuous buffet lunch. Fish D'Vine, a leading restaurant from Airlie Beach supply our catering, taking care to base the menu on seasonality and the best produce available. Free tea and coffee is available and there is also a bar onboard serving a full range of alcoholic and soft drinks. A delicious breakfast and barbeque dinner is also included. Accommodation at the Reef, Reefsleep features two types of accommodation: Under the Stars Swags or a Double Room.
Under the Stars Swags: A swag is a cosy, low tent with a clear viewing panel above your head, a comfortable mattress and snug bedding. Our swags are available as king singles (for just one person) or doubles (for two people sharing). The experience of sleeping in a swag out on the Great Barrier Reef is just unbeatable! The swags are waterproof, but on a clear night you can even sleep with the cover open - just you, the sea air and the stars!
Double Room: The Double Room at Reefworld is air-conditioned with an adjoining bathroom. Ideal for couples! We have one double room available.
Inclusions
- 2 days / 1 night experience
- Large, modern, vessel transfers
- Overnight in swags under stars or a private double room
- Breakfast, 2 morning & afternoon teas, 2 buffet lunches and barbecue dinner
- Snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
- Semi-submersible tours and underwater viewing chamber
- Presentations by reef experts
- All the stars you can see!
What to bring
- Toiletries and own bath towel
- A change of clothes
- Swimwear and towel
- Protective clothing, hat and sunscreen lotion
- Your camera and a sense of fun!
- Light jacket / sweater for windy or cool days
- Money / credit card for optional purchases such as dives, massages or some bubbles with dinner.