WookinPaNub
New
Hello all,
I've been reading and researching and I think I know enough to be dangerous. That being said I'd like some feedback on what I think I know so I can adjust my plans if needed.
What I am Trying To Do
Current Thoughts on Trip
I've been reading and researching and I think I know enough to be dangerous. That being said I'd like some feedback on what I think I know so I can adjust my plans if needed.
What I am Trying To Do
- My wife and I are both divers (advanced open water, but infrequent divers) and want to see the most pristine portions of the GBR. It will most likely be our only opportunity to come out that way, so we are planning a couple of weeks to truly enjoy the area.
- We tend to be frugal travelers more concerned with the things to see and do vs the number of towels in a hotel room or bottles in the minibar
- We like diving, but it would be nice to be able to break it up with other activities as well
Current Thoughts on Trip
- Dive Area: Outer Barrier Reef. Farther distance but more pristine, less crowded diving
- Specific Reef Areas: Osprey, Bougainville, Ribbon Reefs
- Timing: October or November. Winds are down, temps are getting warmer. October has more turtle activity, November has the coral spawning
- Location to Base out Of: Here I am struggling between the following
- Cairns (day trips): Good central location, lots of lower cost lodging options, direct flights. Downside is at least 60km to outer reef areas
- Port Douglas (day trips): Not as busy as Cairns, has the rainforest nearby for alternate activity. Higher cost of lodging than Cairns, still not close to Outer Barrier Reef Dive sites
- LiveAboard: Allows direct and timely access to Outer Barrier Reef sites. I've never done a live aboard and don't really know what to expect, and once on board I am anticipating there are not too many activities available other than diving?