Summertime Whitsundays

30/07/2024

Embark on an exclusive Reef Trip for just $210! 🐋🪸🐚🪼

🐠 Discover vibrant coral reefs, swim with exotic marine life, and immerse yourself in the ocean's beauty. This special tour is available for one day only, Friday 2nd August, for the Great Barrier Reef Festival. Spots are limited, so book your unforgettable adventure today! 🐬🚤

Book Here 🔗 bit.ly/ReefTrip24
📸Cruise Whitsundays

Visit Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia Adventure Airlie Beach Airlie Beach Tourism

14/06/2024

Winter is here and the perfect time to getaway to the Whitsundays - come and experience these magnificent creatures ……..

14/06/2024

14/06/2024

One of the most frequently asked questions we get on the socials is – How do I become a Master Reef Guide? 🤔🪸

And it’s a great question, and we get that it is a little bit tricky to understand, so let’s break it down for you. 👇

Master Reef Guides are only located on the Great Barrier Reef so to become one, you must already be working for a High Standard Tourism Operator here. You’re eligible for the Program regardless of your role, whether you are a dive instructor, marine biologist, or in any other position, as long as your work involves showcasing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to guests. (Debunking the myth: Being a Master Reef Guide doesn’t require you to be a marine biologist).

As it is a huge investment of time and money to train Master Reef Guides, we are looking only for those who show real commitment, passion, and dedication. If you’ve spent a good number of years working on the Reef and plan to keep at it, and want to improve your skills and knowledge, you’re exactly who we’re looking for!

As places are limited for training, this then makes it a competitive process. And only the best shine at the end of it, from answering question, interviews and submitting a video showing your guiding skills, the panel, made up of representatives from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Visit Queensland, Australia (TEQ), and AMPTO have to carefully determine who will become a great Master Reef Guide and make the most of the opportunity.

Training schools are currently only run once a year, and we make the announcements here on this page (so keep your eyes peeled). Everything you need to know is included in these announcements.

The training schools are very intense, encompassing a mix of classroom, workshops, and practical in-water training. This isn’t a leisurely holiday; every moment is devoted to acquiring new skills and updating reef knowledge. It’s an immersive experience that demands full attention and dedication. There are sometimes even tests at the end of the week which Master Reef Guides have to complete and pass, to ensure comprehension and mastery of the material covered.

Upon successful completion (which, to date, everyone has achieved luckily!), they receive a certificate and uniform, officially becoming a Master Reef Guide on the Great Barrier Reef, returning back to the High Standard Tourism Operators they work for, and sharing what they learn with others and with the world.

Still unsure of anything, then comment your question below.

08/06/2024

Exciting news to wrap up the week with Airlie Beach taking out gold for the third year in a row for the Small Tourism Town Award and entering the hall of fame for the Queensland Tourism Industry Council Top Tourism Town Awards 🎉 🎉

It's a huge moment for Airlie Beach, the Heart of Adventure, which is known for its stunning scenery, vibrant town centre and action-packed activities.

A congratulations also to Bowen for taking out the bronze medal in the Top Tourism Town category, and to Collinsville for making it to the finals for Top Tiny Tourism Town. This regional success helps showcase The Whitsundays as a must-visit destination with something to offer everyone.

Whitsunday Regional Council

22/03/2024

22/03/2024

We are excited that as a new Master Reef Guide Brad will be joining this Master class. Such great experiences and loving the ability to pass this knowledge onto our guests.

22/03/2024

FUN FACT FRIDAY

Did you know that the Barrier Reef is the worlds largest coral reef ecosystem - its actually bigger than the UK, Switzerland and Holland put together, crazy !!

At 2,300 kms long its about the same length as Vancouver to Mexico, the 2nd longest reef is in Belize and thats only 290kms long - while Ningaloo Reef in WA is 280 kms long. So Australia boosts 2 of the longest reefs in the World.

Just one more reason to come and visit!

Marine life

15/03/2024

15/03/2024

Such a special time !!

15/03/2024

Let's go back in time to Bowen with today's post, where the beaches are timeless and the rocks are ancient. These old formations have been striking a pose for thousands of years and they're not shy about photo bombs!

Flashback to this sun-soaked snapshot from the past – it's vintage, but hey, so is good style.

Ready to make some throwback-worthy memories yourself? Dive into Bowen's endless summer and let's start snapping. Who knows, your future self might thank you for the nostalgia!

15/03/2024

FUN FACT FRIDAY!

Have you experienced the Whitsunday's yet?
Well if not, let us pass on a few small facts you might not know:

- The Whitsundays features the largest collection of islands in Australia totalling 74
Islands
- Only 8 islands are inhabited and the others are protected by National Parks
- Whitsunday Whale Season is coming up - June to September where the Whales
come to give birth and can be spotted daily around the islands with their calves
- The Whitsundays was voted the most visited spot in Queensland
- Whitehaven Beach with its pure white silica sand and turquotise ocean is voted
one of the top 5 beaches in the world
- The Whitsundays is located right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and has its
very own 'heart shaped' reef
- The Whitsundays is a sailing mecca where you can chill and enjoy the view while
being transported to the beautiful islands and reef
- Airlie Beach is the vibrant coastal town with many activities including walking,
waterfalls and plenty of restaurants and bars

Come visit us soon !!

12/03/2024

Come and play in our backyard - the Whitsundays !

Our beautiful 63ft Ketch is designed for adventure and comfort with a spacious saloon, aircon and even a whirlpool bath to wind down and enjoy the sunsets.

With kayaks to explore the inlets and beaches, bush walks, snorkelling and sailing you can have action and relaxation all in one AND get to wake up by a beautiful beach.

Short on time? No problems - our tour is 2 days and 1 night, you get to experience the wonder of the Whitsundays and head off to your next adventure.

Departs Monday, Thursday and Saturday. BOOK NOW

https://www.summertime-whitsundays.com/book/

09/03/2024

Queensland is calling...

Flights on sale Brisbane to the Whitsundays only $64.
Have you booked yours yet ? Link below

https://www.jetstar.com/au/en/deals/queensland-is-calling-sale?dealsorig=BNE&dealsdest=PPP&RMID=jstar.14142488&RRID=895456894&CID=3100157662&utm_source=jetmail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20240307_acq_TEQ_au%7C_Partnership_H_HG-41_QLD&flight-type=2&adults=1&origin=MEL

07/03/2024

Fun Fact Friday !

Some fun facts from Yooribaya Cultural Experiences - Whitsundays regarding cultural language

07/03/2024

We agree

Imagine escaping to a secluded beach nestled amidst the rocks, where unspoiled sands and crystal-clear waters provide your daily entertainment.

Isn't it time you added The Whitsundays to your bucket list? ✅

We'd say 📸 agrees with us 😉

07/03/2024

To all the women who follow us

07/03/2024

We have been proud to take more of an active stance in protecting the reef through the Australian Government's Tourism Reef Protection Initiative, our regular visits to our stewardship sites have provided much needed data to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority who are running to determine reef resilience and provide further protection.

Some of the Tourism Reef Protection Initiatives we have been conducting include surveys and removing coral predators such as crown-of-thorn starfish and drupella snails which can decimate the coral on the Great Barrier Reef.

Our guests have enjoyed joining our team on our snorkel surveys and learning more about this amazing underwater eco system, leaving with a renewed interest in conservation of our reefs.

After our 1st year of surveys here are some of the stats from what our amazing crew have achieved.
Summertime Whitsundays

06/02/2024

Summertime in the Whitsundays ☀️. Kayaks ready to use to explore the beautiful reef 📷

10/11/2023

05/11/2023

Congratulations to our very own Captain Brad for participating in the 7th cohort of the wonderful MasterReef Guide program.
Now our owner and skipper can share even more knowledge with our guests to make their experiences even better ❤️

09/09/2023

02/08/2023

Summertime is proud to be a supporter of the Great Barrier Reef Festival 2023

Dont forget to register for the 'Immersive Reef Stories' on Thursday 3rd hosted by the Coral Sea Academy with the Master Reef Guides. An educational and immersive story of the underwater world filled with unbelievable footage.

Its an interactive team experience with some great prizes - including a 2 day/1 night trip on Summertime Whitsundays

https://www.greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au/events/master-reef-guided-gbr-virtual-journey-coral-sea-marina-resort/