Opal Reef
5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Opal Reef and nearby attractions
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
406 reviews
Excellent
350
Very good
42
Average
8
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Essbeebee
Athelstone, Australia179 contributions
Sept 2021
We snorkled three different parts around Opal Reef with Wavelength. Beautiful clear water even with a very brisk southeaster blowing. Most amazing array of fish of all types, plus turtles and sharks. Great place and Wavelength are amazing.
Written September 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeffd613
Kariong71 contributions
Mar 2022
We went to two places on Opal reef with Calypso Cruise out of Port Douglas. Don't believe the reef is dying as Opal looked very much alive. Great coral and beautiful fish.
The only downside was having to wear stinger suits and the 2nd locale at Opal had a bit of a current to it.
The only downside was having to wear stinger suits and the 2nd locale at Opal had a bit of a current to it.
Written April 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Enjoy_the_breeze
Pacific Coast Australia, Australia1,075 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
We visited 3 sites on Opal Reef which is one of the outer reefs making up part of the Great Barrier Reef off the Queensland East Coast. We snorkel and have been to other reefs around the world as well as other parts of the reef off Queensland but at Opal reef I saw some of the best coral I have ever seen. There was a lot of variety, the water was crystal clear and luckily for us the weather was kind. The tropical fish variety is wonderful. We also saw reef sharks (harmless) and small stingrays. Our boat trip left from the Port Douglas marina. It takes about 1.5 hours to get out to the reef and the same on the way back. We visited 3 different sites which was excellent. If you are going to pay over $200 for the trip you need to book a fast boat and definitely a catamaran as they are more stable. The newer larger boats seem to handle the rough water better than the smaller older vessels. Check the wind and tide charts online at seabreeze.com.au before you book to work out which day will be the best during your stay. It may be calm in Cairns and Port Douglas but can be blowing a gale out on the reef. The seas were about 1.1 metres and wind about 12 knots on the day we went and a number of people on our boat got sea sick. Do take sea sickness medication before you get on the boat if you think you might need it. All the chemists in town sell it over the counter. Try to pick a day when the wind is gentle and seas as flat as possible.
Written July 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Metaksams
Victoria, TX568 contributions
When I began researching a group to take us out I kept trying to find Opal Reef. This is a place and not a group that does tours. OK so I'm a little slow but it comes up under snorkeling which is what confused me in the start.
Once we got here a friend and I went out to the "Outer" Reef which includes Opal Reef with Wavelength Reef tours to go snorkeling. They had 2 Marine Biologist on board to answer all kinds of questions and to help us get started on the right path. This is an off season so would advise advanced reservation.
We saw so much and the water was crystal clear. The coral was all colors and the fish, OMG the fish were brilliant colors. We also saw sea turtles. I kept hearing that you need to go out to the outer Reef and they were right. That is where it all happens. It was 1 1/2 ride out. Well worth every penny and now I know what all the fuss was about.
Being with Marine Biologist they would go to the bottom and bring up creatures for us to hold and then they would return them where they found them. It was fascinating. 4 friends that wanted to see it went on Quicksilver. Their photos were very murky and probably because of the big boat of 450 people probably stirred up the water. They did however get to go on a helicopter ride for $108? additional and got some fabulous photos from the air. However you decide to see it you have to do it but snorkeling was the best way to see it up close and personal. A MUST and an experience of a life time!!!!
Once we got here a friend and I went out to the "Outer" Reef which includes Opal Reef with Wavelength Reef tours to go snorkeling. They had 2 Marine Biologist on board to answer all kinds of questions and to help us get started on the right path. This is an off season so would advise advanced reservation.
We saw so much and the water was crystal clear. The coral was all colors and the fish, OMG the fish were brilliant colors. We also saw sea turtles. I kept hearing that you need to go out to the outer Reef and they were right. That is where it all happens. It was 1 1/2 ride out. Well worth every penny and now I know what all the fuss was about.
Being with Marine Biologist they would go to the bottom and bring up creatures for us to hold and then they would return them where they found them. It was fascinating. 4 friends that wanted to see it went on Quicksilver. Their photos were very murky and probably because of the big boat of 450 people probably stirred up the water. They did however get to go on a helicopter ride for $108? additional and got some fabulous photos from the air. However you decide to see it you have to do it but snorkeling was the best way to see it up close and personal. A MUST and an experience of a life time!!!!
Written May 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kevdeb5
Melbourne281 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
We went out to Opal Reef with Calypso tours. This is a company that takes small groups out -and we chose the tour that just had snorkelling.
The staff were friendly, knowledgable and very helpful -pointing out that the seas would be rough so we should all take a sea sickness tablet (which they supplied) before we set off (good thinking 99!).
We were briefed on safety procedures, reef etiquette, how to snorkel, how to indicate if you are in trouble -they covered everything.
It was an hour and a half out to the reef from Port Douglas, but the time flew. We visited three different dive sites on Opal Reef. At the first two there were heaps of tropical fish and some bright blue corals to be seen -I even caught a glimpse of Nemo.
By the time we arrived at the third dive site the weather was pretty ordinary and the seas were quite choppy, so I didn't stay in for long. Kevin (who is not a strong swimmer) did not like the choppy conditions at all and one of the staff went with him to help him out but Kevin decided to go back to the boat and watch. We were served morning and afternoon tea, and a buffet lunch. All gear including stinger suits, flippers, masks and pool noodles (to help you stay afloat) are provided.
Having previously visited Agincourt Reef, I found Opal Reef to be a much better experience.
The staff were friendly, knowledgable and very helpful -pointing out that the seas would be rough so we should all take a sea sickness tablet (which they supplied) before we set off (good thinking 99!).
We were briefed on safety procedures, reef etiquette, how to snorkel, how to indicate if you are in trouble -they covered everything.
It was an hour and a half out to the reef from Port Douglas, but the time flew. We visited three different dive sites on Opal Reef. At the first two there were heaps of tropical fish and some bright blue corals to be seen -I even caught a glimpse of Nemo.
By the time we arrived at the third dive site the weather was pretty ordinary and the seas were quite choppy, so I didn't stay in for long. Kevin (who is not a strong swimmer) did not like the choppy conditions at all and one of the staff went with him to help him out but Kevin decided to go back to the boat and watch. We were served morning and afternoon tea, and a buffet lunch. All gear including stinger suits, flippers, masks and pool noodles (to help you stay afloat) are provided.
Having previously visited Agincourt Reef, I found Opal Reef to be a much better experience.
Written April 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheRoadLessTravelld
26 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
Calypso by Tropical Journeys ticks all the boxes for our once in a lifetime experience of going to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. My swimming experience is next to non-existent so the idea of getting dropped off at the back of a boat petrified me. I can't sleep the night before. But from the moment our family was picked up from the hotel, I knew we were in good hands.
The boat, wetsuits, snorkels, fins are all brand new and clean.
There's plenty of food, more than enough to satisfy our hunger.
What makes this group stand out (from Quicksilver which we also used years ago) is the personalised care they give you. There were around 60 of us and they took us to three drop zones and went with us to see the corals with brief explanation about the marine life at the Opal and Tongue Reefs. It was very addictive to keep going from reef to reef after seeing Nemo, schools of fish and corals in various shapes and forms. We also saw playful dolphins and whales on our way back! Thanks Alicia and your awesome team - specially Ashleigh!!! I would not have been able to enjoy it as much without you all!!! Val
The boat, wetsuits, snorkels, fins are all brand new and clean.
There's plenty of food, more than enough to satisfy our hunger.
What makes this group stand out (from Quicksilver which we also used years ago) is the personalised care they give you. There were around 60 of us and they took us to three drop zones and went with us to see the corals with brief explanation about the marine life at the Opal and Tongue Reefs. It was very addictive to keep going from reef to reef after seeing Nemo, schools of fish and corals in various shapes and forms. We also saw playful dolphins and whales on our way back! Thanks Alicia and your awesome team - specially Ashleigh!!! I would not have been able to enjoy it as much without you all!!! Val
Written July 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate P
Melbourne15 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
The staff is great, very helpful and friendly. The reef is great, I didn't see any other ones, so can not compare. We saw a huge groper, turtle, many fish and corals.
The buffet lunch was nice, plenty of food.
Sea sickness was a bit of a trouble, but had tablets.
The buffet lunch was nice, plenty of food.
Sea sickness was a bit of a trouble, but had tablets.
Written May 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RegionalRoadie
Jersey City, NJ213 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
Opal reef was great. I went out to the reef as a snorkel only guest with Calypso. I felt the reef locations were even prettier than Agincourt reef where I visited a few days beforehand. Granted this highly subjective and I dont have any pictures to show off as proof positive, but if I had to choose with my newly acquired knowledge; I would go to Opal first. Ideally go to both if there's time and motivation. The Calypso boat and staff were just fantastic by the way.
Written May 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kellynumnum
Nowra, Australia17 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
Visited the reef today after 15 years and was greatly saddened as to the extensive bleaching , dying of the coral and how the number of fish has dramatically declined due to there loss of habitat. My last visit it was truly a wonderland with amazing colors and thousands of beautiful fish. Today it looked a dead or dying grey field with greatly reduced numbers of fish . Global warming and mans occupation of this planet has been disastrous for the reef.
Written July 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janice D
Huskisson, Australia29 contributions
Apr 2015 • Solo
I enjoyed the day so much I went a second time. First day we visited Beautiful Mooring and Sandbox on Opal Reef and Turtle Bay on Tongue Reef. The crew were great and the food was excellent. On my second visit it was a different crew and I went to two new sites i.e. Ray Ban and Nemo's Garden on Opal Reef. You spend an hour snorkeling at each site. At one of the sites the crew provide a guided snorkel tour. I very much recommend this. They also provide an educational talk during your lunch break and as I the marine biologist was different on each day the talk was slightly different so I really learned a lot about the reef. These tours were definitely a highlight of my trip. They also take a selection of great photos and you can purchase these on a thumb drive for $40 which was reasonable compared to other tour operators. I also visited Agincourt Reef with Quicksilver but Wavelength is definitely my preference.
Written May 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi - We are planning a trip to Oz but have been advised to avoid Jan-Mar due to cyclones around Cairns/Port Douglas. Just wanted to know peoples experience of the weather round this time? Thanks, Sara
Written January 22, 2019
You will now be are that cyclone time had meant massive flooding. April and May are generally good and really lovely warm weather.
Written March 20, 2019
99gone
Toowoomba, Australia
Hi, 99gone. What would you like to know about this attraction
What was the quality of the Opal Reef? Were there a lot of bleaching?
Written July 31, 2017
I found it to be quite bleached. Having snorkeled and scuba dived in the Virgin Islands, the comparison was vast, VI being much more vibrant and more full of fish, but it was still fun.
Written August 31, 2019
What is the best trip on boat or catamaran to take for day sorkeling and diving on the GBR out of port Douglas or cairns?
Written April 20, 2017
We went on the Calypso. Very good boat, fair price and what I liked best was it seemed to be one of the smaller boats with fewer people. Other boats I saw were much larger and had a lot more people on board, which we try to avoid at all costs. From my standpoint, Calypso was the best option.
Written April 22, 2017
Hi, we are going in october and would like to know if you would consider this a good place to dive? Are you a diver or snrkler? Thnks, Herman
Written February 13, 2017
Snorkeled there in October 2016. Reef was a little disappointing as it is some greatly affected now by the pollutants. Get there as soon as you can to see it before it is dead. We used Silver Seas - highly recommended.
Written April 21, 2017
Is it possible to visit Opal Reef without a tour? OR are there other cheaper tours people have done?
Written October 29, 2016
Graeme V
Auckland Central, New Zealand
You can't visit opal reef without a tour that I know of. The reef is 85kms offshore. There are other tour operators in the area that may be cheaper, but you need to consider your safety when you are out snorklling. Some operators have had major tragedies and while we were out there at one of the reefs there was an incident on one of the other tours nearby and the helicopter rescue had to be deployed. I don't think it turned out well though according to people in the area.
Written October 31, 2016
How much was the day out we are giving in December and can't wait it is our first time in Australia
Written September 27, 2016
I think it was 250 dollars (Australian). It was well worth it!!!
Written October 22, 2016
I am a non swimmer but would love to see the coral and different coloured fish. Would this be possible
Written May 18, 2016
You can use a life jacket . I am not a good swimmer & I used a noodle to snorkel. The best coral I saw was with Wavelength you could always phone them on 0740995031 or there web sight. One member of our group had trouble & they pretty much gave him a one on one. They go to 3 snorkel reefs. If you don't feel confident there are company s that go to a pontoon and you don't have to get in the water if you don't want . They have glass bottom boats or semi submersibles .They leave from Cairns & Port Douglas. Hope that helps you decide.
Barbara
Written May 21, 2016
What is the average price per person? Is the gear provided or we have to bring our own? Thanks in advance.
Written July 25, 2015
The outer reef, 3-stop (1 hr/stop) snorkel-only cruise costs $225 (Australian) per person. Our vessel was "Bubbles" with max of 80 persons. We had about 63. Anti-seasickness medication was available onboard for $3/person, which included 2 doses/person. We used sunscreen from vessel staff (highly recommended). Brief, sufficient, snorkeling instruction was given. (I had not snorkeled for 42 years.) The reefs include Opal/and or Turtle Reefs. Our particular tour had all 3 stops at Opal. This included shuttles to/from the Port Douglas berthing site, meals/snacks (not including alcohol and carbonated beverages), snorkeling equipment, and wetsuits. I recommend the wetsuits for warmth AND floatation. The wetsuits include air-pockets, which make it unnecessary to tread water. This allows you to float spread-eagled and fish are more likely to approach you. The downside of wearing a their wetsuit is that you cannot hold your breath and dive as the floatation is that effective. There is an additional $6.50 (Austrlian)/person government tax you pay onboard. If you wish to rent an underwater camera, you may for $40-$50 (Australian). You keep the memory card. Most passengers did not rent cameras. Several had purchased cameras already. It is 1hr 40 min from Port Douglas to first stop. Departure from our Turtle Cove hotel was 7:30, with boat departure 9AM. We returned to Port Douglas about 4PM. Well worth it and a highlight of our trip to Australia. The price also included staff-guided short tours (roughly 20 min.) at one of the sites. Each of 3 guides took a group a roughly 15-10 with them. I recommend attending 1 of these staff-led tours.
Written October 24, 2015
What is the best under water camera to buy that will capture the best picture when snorkeling or dive experience?
Written May 21, 2015
Showing results 1-10 of 14
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing