Finally the New Website is Launched!

Finally after hours of hair pulling, the new website has been launched. A much simplier and less cumbersome design, that should make like easier for all of us. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Turtle Rescue Cairns - Saving the Sea Turtle

Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre was established as a facility designed for treatment of ill and injured turtles in Far North Queensland and Cape York Peninsula. The centre works towards the recovery of threatened marine turtle species in conjunction with a local veterinary clinic. Since 2002, 21 turtles have been successfully rehabilitated and released in the region where they were found. Unfortunately 24 turtles have died during attempts at rehabilitation, a not unexpected result when considering the poor condition of these animals when brought into the centre. The majority of the stranded animals brought to the centre from Great Barrier Reef waters had ‘floaters disease’ with only one suffering from fibropapilloma virus. Qantas -Link Airlines has assisted in transport of turtles from the west coast of Cape York Peninsula where the Napranum Land Protection Unit rescued many stranded turtles. These have been injured due to entanglement in ‘ghost nets’. Injuries can be so severe that flippers have been lost or had to be amputated.
Donations Can be made at:
Marlin Coast Veterinary Surgery
Cnr Aropa St & Cook Hwy, Trinity Beach, QLD 4879
Phone: +61 (0)7 4057 6033

Discount Flights to Cairns from New Zealand

Virgin Blue has on offering some great flights from New Zealand. So if you want to escape the cold and enjoy the tropics or visit a friend or a relative take advantage of these great prices and enjpy the tropical experience in Cairns. Make sure you book your trip to the Great Barrier Reef also.

Auckland → Cairns From $269 NZD
Christchurch → Cairns From $269 NZD
Wellington → Cairns From $269 NZD
Hamilton → Cairns From $269 NZD

For more details please visit the Virgin Blue Website.

What Do Turtles Eat?

Adult Green Turtles are herbivorous. They almost-exclusively feed on various species of seagrasses and seaweed. While mature green turtles are entirely herbivorous, juveniles are known to eat a variety of marine invertebrates. Their diet of plant matter grows larger as they age, until as mature adults they become complete herbivores.
As large and well-protected animals, adult green turtles have few enemies and even fewer predators. Only human beings and the larger sharks are known to feed on the sea turtle. Tiger sharks are known predators of adult green turtles. Juvenile turtles and recently emerged hatchlings have significantly more predators, including sharks, crabs, small mammals and shorebirds.

Damsel Fish - Species of the Reef

No one ever talks about the poor old damsel fish. But they are very important in the reef ecosystem, eating algae allowing for reef regrowth. Damselfish are one of the most abundant groups of coral reef fishes. They display remarkable diversity in habitat preferences, feeding habits, behaviour and colouration. Most species are highly territorial. Algal-eating species zealously defend their 'plot' against intruders, regardless of size. These algal feeders. These algal feeders generally have drab colour patterns whereas the plankton-feeding damsels are brightly coloured. Damselfish eggs are laid on coral rock and are guarded by the male until they hatch in 2-14 days. All damselfish, except the anemonefish (genus Amphiprion and Premnas), change sex from male to female. The anemonefish goes through a reverse sex change from male to female.

Responsible Reef Practices While Snorkelling

Practices that you can do to help sustain the Great Barrier Reef for generations to come

• Practice at first over sand patches and away from the coral:
• Get comfortable with buoyancy control and finning techniques.
• Be mindful of where your fins are to avoid accidentally hitting the reef or stirring up sand.
• Snorkel carefully near the Reef:
• Move slowly and deliberately in the water, relax and take your time – to remain horizontal in the water, and refrain from standing up.
• Do not snorkel into areas where the water is less than one metre deep.
• Do not touch the walls of semi-confined areas (for example, small swim throughs and overhangs), never squeeze through a small area.
• Use rest stations or other flotation aids (for example, float lines, swimming noodles, and flotation vests) if you need to rest while snorkelling.
• Do not lean on, hold onto, or touch any part of the reef or moving animals when taking underwater photographs.
• Be mindful of all marine life:
• Avoid making sudden or loud noises underwater.
• Avoid chasing or attempting to ride or grab free-swimming animals (such as turtles, whales, and sea snakes). Avoid blocking their path or making them change direction.
• Do not touching or relocating any animals or plants.
• Stay more than one metre away from giant clams.
• Do not feed the fish.
• Do not collect any shells or ‘souvenirs’.

Why are fish so brightly coloured?

'Why are fish so brightly coloured?' This is one of the questions most commonly asked by our guests.
Reef fish are able to see colour. Their bright colours are important in species recognition and in the determination of sex. Some species, such as angelfish, have juvenile patterns that are totally different to the adults. The different colour patterns of juveniles may prevent adults from seeing them as a potential threat to territories or as reproductive partners. They also use their colours to blend with the environment is an import way to ambush prey and to hide from predators.

Canada to Cairns, - Discounted Flights

Qantas has just sent around some more airfare discounts from Canada to Cairns, Australia. All prices are quoted in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and the offer expires at midnight Pacific Time (PT) on Thursday, 16 July 2009
Toronto to Cairns Round trip from $1458*
Vancouver to Cairns Round trip from $1158*

See the Qantas website for more details.

Our Latest Great Barrier Reef Yacht Charter

We have just finished a relaxing five days on a private yacht charter around the tropical reefs and islands off Cairns and around North Queensland, Australia. There is nothing more relaxing then enjoying the beauty of the natural wonders of the world. Several days on the outer Great Barrier Reef and several days sailing around the islands, a perfect balance of both worlds and a great escape from civilization.

Nothing like the fresh sea air and wide open ocean space to wind down and enjoy your time away from the office. Enjoying the underwater marine life and experiencing the best of the world's reefs is both a refreshing and humbling experience. The 5 days were perfect with the sea conditions flat to flatter and the skies clear, dotted by the occasional cloud to break the monotony of a perfectly blue sky. The days started with spectacular sunrises and ended with glorious sunsets. During thee days there were turtles, dolphins, whales, too many fish to mention and of course some spectacular diving and snorkelling.

Escape Winter - Cheap Flights to Cairns

It's Jetstar's Winter Escape sale!
Escape the cold of the southern winter and head north for a well deserved break.
Grab a fantastic sale fare now until midnight (23:59 AEST) Monday, 13 July 2009, unless sold out prior. Sale may be extended. Sale fares include JetSaver Light# fares, for when you travel with carry on baggage only. Or you can also choose a JetSaver fare for just $10 more for domestic flights with the full 20kg checked baggage allowance. StarClass promo fares are non refundable and include 30kg checked baggage allowance. So whichever fare you choose, you're sure of an amazing fare!
Sydney to Cairns from $109
Gold Coast to Cairns from $89
Visit the Jetstar website for more details...

Two Great Spectacles This Evening

This evening we were treated to two beautiful events at the same time on opposite horizons, a fantastic sunset in the west, and a stunning full moon rising over the reef to the west.

Don't Miss Out

With the peak season upon us there is very limited availability left on any of our cruises. Be sure that you don't miss out and secure your sail and dive adventure as soon as you can. For that extra special group vacation, go on a private charter and enjoy cruising around the islands and reefs off Cairns.