Illusions

Have a great day sailing and diving on an economical day trip aboard Illusions. Swim and snorkel among the sheltered fringing reefs of the spectacular Blue Pearl Bay, just around the point from the famous Hayman Island resort in the Whitsunday islands.

A spacious and stable catamaran, Illusions departs Able Point Marina around 9 a.m. daily, and returns around 5 p.m.

You can wander on the coral beach (bring some reef shoes), but most people like to try a touch of snorkelling, or a dive in the underwater National Park. Blue Pearl Bay offers a wide variety of coral, easily reached from the beach. The fish are so tame they cluster around the tender when it drops you in on the shore. Non swimmers can use a coral viewing bathiscope from the tender.

Divers can reach greater depths and see many fine corals, and a wider variety of colourful tropical fish. The qualified diving instructor onboard can take you on a training resort dive (no experience needed) for $48, or certified divers can have a dive for $40. If you are not sure SCUBA diving is for you, you can try out the gear in shallow water for free, before deciding whether to continue with your first dive.

On the return trip past Langford Reef, you can enjoy boomnetting, before settling down for afternoon tea.

Value for money

Adults A$69
Child 2-12 A$32 (must be accompanied by an adult)
Family (2 adults, 2 children) A$190

Resort dive (no experience needed) A$50
Pre-book your dive and sail for A$109 and save $10.

Government charges are a $5 per day Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax) levied on all visitors to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This charge will be collected on board. As usual, it is not included in the quoted fees.

Enjoy a tasty buffet lunch aboard, with cold meats, tropical fruits, salad, crusty bread, prepared by Chef's Cuisine. There is a licensed bar on board, with beer, wine and spirits (no BYO), and also soft drinks.

Prices include courtesy coach to and from your accommodation, morning and afternoon tea and lunch.

Further Information

For bookings and information, contact
Phone (07) 4946 5255
or AH (07) 4946 9609 or mobile 0412 638 579
www.illusions.net.au

Check my report on a couple of trips on Illusions with friends. Those of you with Java can do a virtual tour of Illusions on James Christie's Bubble World web page.