calypso adventures

The calypso team was friendly and helpful. Our children did the introductory diving and liked it very much being accompained by really helpful diving instructors. And the reef itself. you can't describe the images you must do this tour by yourself!

This was our first snorkelling trip out to the Great Barrier Reef and chose Calypso Adventure because it was a small boat only catering for up to 12 guests. It turned out to be a good choice because the two locations where we stopped to swim were superb and of course uncrowded. For our trip we had Chrissy and Seán crew the boat and both were great fun to be with. Chrissy came across as a very competent instructor, and Seán had plenty of experiences to share. The whole day was relaxed with lots of time to snorkell and explore the reef. We even got lucky and saw a whitetip reef shark (harmless). I would definitely go back.

We booked this while in Port Douglas in October. We are keen snorkelers and the fact that there was a maximum group of twelve really appealed to us. It wasn't the cheapest at $250pp but we felt sure it would be worth it. We arrived at 9.15am prompt as instructed and Andy did a briefing before we left port. We were told it may be a bit rough initially but once we were within the lagoon we would have a fabulous experience. It was indeed a rough crossing, being a small boat you certainly feel it!! The table and chairs on deck were getting thrown from one side to another and that's while we were sat in them! A computer screen was flung off the worktop within the cabin and the fridge door was flung open, while later as lunch was served plates went crashing to the floor!We certainly couldn't wait to get to the calm waters of the lagoon we had been promised. When the boat anchored we couldn't believe it. The swell was just as bad with the boat going up and down as well as sideways we were told to get in and enjoy. One poor girl had already started being sick on the crossing over and my friend was sick while in the water. My husband and I were ok at this point even though we were getting thrown around and concerned about being able to stay near the boat because of the swell. What we could see of the reef was beautiful, but because of the conditions it wasn't very clear even the fish were getting pulled to and fro.Getting back on the boat was hard and quite scary. My friend and the other guest were really quite poorly at this stage, my friend has been snorkeling for years and never been sea sick. we were told it was high tide and it would only get better at the next stop. They then decided to put a fishing line out to see if we could catch dinner?? Indeed a tuna was hooked quickly but as they were bringing it in Andy had to shoot off to take control of the boat as it was all over the place the tuna was thrown in a cool box still attached to the hook and line and while Andy got the boat under control we had to sit there listening to it thrashing around until it died in a blood bath...very humane! This didn't help any one who was feeling queasy. Lunch consisted of wraps, cheese and fruit not very adventurous. The next stop was even worse and I feel very dangerous. It was like a seen from a movie with bodies bobbing up and down and being thrown around in the swell, I got out pretty quickly, it really wasn't safe and you couldn't see a thing it was that churned up. People were really starting to be sick now and the decision to head back to port was made. It was awful, so so rough.I have written a fair few reviews for TA and have always said it as it was and this review is the same, an honest review of the day. I feel the trip should have been cancelled on safety grounds, there is enough technology available to help forecast these conditions and Andy and Chrissy made a BIG mistake that day when they decided to go out. They should thank their lucky stars no one was lost overboard. I am sure they will respond with some sort of excuse.....that seems to be the case with other reviews.

Calypso Adventure provided the perfect first experience of the wonders of the barrier reef. The snorkling/dive instructor Chrissey was fantastic in provided a safe and supportive environment for novices. Small number of people on a small boat ensured personalised attention and maximum time in the water. Andy's knowledge and stories kept us well entertained.

We have been out to the reef from Port Douglas several times with different operators but had a GREAT day out with Calypso Adventures. The overall experience was a personal one (they take no more than 12 guests on board) we enjoyed the cruise out to the reef in a very comfortable boat, snorkelled at two different and interesting locations and had a lovely lunch along with a glass of champagne to enjoy while watching the reef. Andy and Chrissy were both very professional and great fun to spend the day with. Highly reccomend!

I've been out on the reef before but was still scared this time around, Chrissy my dive instructor held my hand the whole time and made me feel very comfortable. It was a wonderful experience and I got to see things I didn't get to see on my other trip because small groups give them the possibility to spend extra time with you individually. Will definitely be going out with calypso adventures again next time!

If your in Port Douglas and are looking for a personal service for a day out snorkelling or an introductory dive on the reef these are the guys to book with, no more than 12 on the boat visiting a couple of reefs and lunch thrown in as well. We had the best day ever with Andy the 'skipper' and Chrissy as our instructor who was great. We booked for snorkelling but with Chrissy's encouragement and guidance I overcome my fear of diving, what a wonderful experience. Are ally relaxed laid back approach with these guys but very professional as well- they know their stuff and aim to give you a very special personal experience- highly recommend them

This is a clearly fraudulent 'review.' This simply did not happen. It's disappointing to see such petty acts...

We do apologise for the clear misunderstanding. This particular booking was not confirmed with Calypso Adventures and as such we were not aware that we had guests awaiting pick up. Once we were made aware that the guests were intending to visit the reef with us on that day we did try and arrange a private charter for the guests at a heavily reduced price. We simply tried to do everything we could to enable them to see the GBR. Private charter boats depart at any time...$600 for a private charter on a luxury vessel is extremely cheap and we can assure you that we would not have made money out of that!We have taken your comments into consideration and we do apologise for your negative experience.

Due to unforeseen circumstances we did have to cancel our tours on this date. We had our guest booked on another vessel in Cairns as we would NOT just leave them 'high and dry.' This took considerable time and effort and they were offered a nice discount as compensation for their inconvenience. They declined the discount and the spaces on the boat.We do apologise for your negative experience, however, we are pleased that you got to see the GBR.

My experience with Calypso was positive: Friendly staff and a small boat which means lower maximum number of passengers. Went out on a full boat (18 guests), but most of them went snorkeling and we were only 3 divers + dive guide. Thus, we enjoyed a more personal dive with a tiny group in a nice reef.

Thank you for your review.As it happened, on this particular day we had relief staff working and mistakes were made. We do apologise for this and also for the comment that the relief staff member made about it being 'typical.' I can assure you this is not typical of the company. The boat has now been replaced with a luxury vessel and if you do come back out with us please discuss this review with us and we will endeavour to show you an amazing day on the reef.

I've been to the outer barrier reef twice with Calypso and both times were magical. No trip to far north Queensland is complete until you snorkel the famous reef. The groups are small and the boat is not crowded. A light lunch of sandwiches and fruit is served too. A trip like this will really put you in holiday mode!! I even got to swim with a sea turtle!! How cool is that?

It was a really awesome day to go snorkelling at the great barrier reef!! And we've chosen the right company! I would recommend Calypso to everybody! We were just 5 people who went snorkelling, a perfect number to not chase away all the beautiful animals. We've seen three reef sharks, two turtles, a water-snake and heaps of beautiful and colorful fishes. We had a lot of fun! Just awesome! Thank you again, Calypso!

Mission beach is closest to the reef. Saw a lot of fish and coral. Calypso was good and professional.