Passions of Paradise

Passions of Paradise runs a sailing catamaran to the outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, and the sailing element is not decorative — the vessel genuinely sails where conditions allow, which makes the transit part of the day rather than something to endure.

The trip is built for mixed groups. Divers, snorkellers and people who mainly want to be on a boat in the sun are all catered for, which makes it a practical choice for families and for travelling parties where not everyone dives. Certified diving, introductory diving and snorkelling all run from the same departure.

For divers specifically, the day typically includes two dives at outer reef locations, with equipment provided and guiding available. Introductory divers are taken in small groups under direct instructor supervision, which is the format that works best for people who are nervous and unsure whether they will like it.

The reef sites visited are outer systems including Paradise Reef, which the operator has a long association with. As always in Cairns, the specific reef matters — asking which locations are on the schedule for your date tells you more than any general description of the trip.

Because the vessel carries a substantial mixed-activity passenger load, divers should ask about how many are diving on the day and how groups are organised in the water. A boat that is busy with snorkellers is not necessarily busy underwater, but it is worth establishing rather than assuming.

This is a day-trip operator rather than a dive centre. Retail, servicing, cylinder testing and gas beyond what the vessel carries are not part of the offering, and divers needing those should look to the shore-based Cairns businesses. What it offers is a well-run, genuinely pleasant day on the reef for people with a range of interests.

Sailing catamarans also handle the transit differently from a powered vessel. The motion is generally more comfortable for people prone to seasickness, and the trip out is part of the day rather than something to sit through.