There are so many questions we are frequently asked about Passions of Paradise. Hopefully, the answers below cover most of them. However, if you would like to know more or have a different question, why not test out our email skills. We’d love to fill in the blanks
Do you operate everyday?
Yes we do, every day except for New Years Day. Bit hard to find passengers and staff at 8 am on New Years Day!!
Where do you check in and what time do you depart?
We check in from 7:oo am at our counter at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at the end of Spence Street, Marlin Marina. The boat is located about 50 meters away on the Marlin Jetty and we depart at 8 am.
When do you return?
We return at around 5 pm. We always try to do some genuine sailing on the way home (no motors), and so times can vary either way by 10 or 15 minutes – but generally it is 5 pm.
Do you provide transfers?
Yes, at a small extra charge, because we use a bus company to do this for us. We do transfers locally as well as from the Northern Beaches. We do not, unfortunately do transfers from Port Douglas as it is more than one hour away from Cairns. Please see our cost page for latest prices.
Can I scuba dive with no experience?
Yes you can. Anybody with general good health can enjoy the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Please note, all scuba divers must complete a dive medical questionnaire aboard the boat. Some illnesses such as asthma may preclude you from scuba diving. Please check with your doctor or our office if you have any queries.
Are there many sharks?
You may be lucky enough to see a little white or black tip reef shark pass you by as small reef sharks are common. However, they are very shy.
Do you still go out if it is raining?
Usually the rain in Cairns tends to stick to the mountains. Cairns is in a valley and attracts fairly high rain falls, being part of the wet tropics environment. However as our reef is 40 km’s off shore, the clouds don’t collect and the rain tends to stay away. If you wake up in the morning in Cairns and it is raining…don’t panic! It will usually be fine out at unique outer reef locations.
Do you provide all of the dive and snorkel equipment?
Yes, everything. Even dive computers for the certified divers!
What if I get seasick?
If you are prone to seasickness, it is advisable to take something before you go. Check with a chemist. As Passions is a catamaran, it is a lot more stable in rough weather than monohulls and the sails act as a stabiliser. We do sell sea sickness pills on board the boat, but please remember, tablets are a preventative, not a cure, so take them just before we depart.
What if I forget my diving certification card?
If you have your log book, bring that with you on the boat. If you have neither, call your certifying agency and get them to fax you a copy of your scuba diving certification. Otherwise, we have a pre-dive check out test you can do with the Instructor on the boat to verify your skill level and current scuba diving knowledge.
Do you cater for vegetarians?
Yes we do. We have five different salads, plus one of the two hot dishes is always vegetarian. Other special requests are sometimes possible with notice ….by all means ask….
What if I can’t swim?
The Passions of Paradise crew will look after you. The boat has a large range of snorkel vests and buoyancy aids available for you to use, and there are two snorkel stations near our boat for you to hold on to while you build up your confidence. Our crew will also hop in the water with you until you are comfortable.
If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to call or send an email. Our friendly staff will promptly respond.