Candice Regan Review of Sunlover Cruises
Incredible family day out in paradise!
Incredible family day out in paradise!
Travelled with husband and 5 & 7 year olds who had never snorkelled previously, but they can swim well.
We were treated beautifully by every single staff member, nothing was too much trouble, the crew were outstanding in the way they engaged with our children!
*Tip- At the Terminal in the morning where you check in, there is a shop which sells $1 (One dollar) 'motion travel' tablets.
* Tip- bring a couple of underwater cameras (you can pick them up at Kmart for about $12)
* Tip - on any boat, always bring salted chips/fruit to nibble on for your kids/yourself during the 2 hour boat ride each way to the Reef so as to avoid motion sickness. Also keep your eyes up and on the horizon, sit 'front facing' and sit near the back of the boat where there's not so much motion. Avoid fumes if sitting outside.
I was a little worried about going with Sunlover after reading some negative reviews.
However our day, every process was nothing short of terrific and a job well done - shout out to 'Troy' who was terrific with the kids and the rest of the crew and duty/lifeguards!! And those on 'slide duty'..! Thanks our kids loved you!!
The English Gentlemen crew member who gave us the onboard safety demo was spot on with all his sound advice, dramatic and funny which helped to grab your attention. The English demonstrator went through every single process, including what to do, stinger suits, flippers, float vests, where to get help from, all the different activities you could do and most importantly- when/where food is available!
After the 2 hour boat ride to your destination, you will arrive at a huge pontoon with waterslide and lots of tables and chairs to park your bags at.
Allow a good 30 minutes to suit up with two kids/husband in stinger suits/masks/vests and flippers.
There were other things to do which you could pay for, but we had more than enough things to do and could have stayed all day just snorkelling. Weather was beautiful and ocean was warm, the wind came only after lunch which was still fine to snorkel in.
Our 7 year old was a natural with the snorkelling and spent most of her time doing this, but also alternated between snorkelling and that amazing slide. Our 5 year old didn't like snorkelling once the gear was all on, he spent the rest of his time on the slide- the lifeguards were fantastic and he had a ball!! When snorkelling I could lift my head up and see where he was at all times (even though my husband and I took turns in minding the kids)
When you Swim out more than 10 metres from the pontoon and that's where it gets amazing, pretty coral colours, loads of fish, a huge turtle today and a very large fish (which myself and 7 year old were photographed touching!) Sealife is amazing with aqua, purple, yellow, black and gold, blue and green fish. Creation at its finest!
Loved the free glassbottom boat tour, live touch and feel ocean creatures , semi submarine, feeding fish and downstairs viewing ocean window panels!
Plenty to do even if you don't wish to swim.
Food was good, chicken and mushroom pasta, curries, salads, potatoe salads, rice, heaps of prawns, fresh fruit, sliced ham and beef, mini chicken drum sticks to name a few. Everything refilled as it was demolished. Water, tea and coffee free at the bar.
Photographs taken by the 'snorkelling water photographer' while you're in the water snorkelling, can be viewed at the lunch area on the way home and purchased. We got one with a huge fish that my little one and I were patting in the water as it swam by us - what a photograph! This experience changed the way she viewed ocean life forever.
I will say the weather often helps or hinders your day- we were fortunate enough to have quite good weather. We didn't book this until the night before, due to flooding/bad weather in the area.
Thanks Sunlover crew for a sensational memory filled family day, these memories will last forever. We are saving up to go again with the Grandparents!! Snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef is definitely a 'Bucket List' item!!
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