Frequently Asked Questions – Ocean Safari and Safari Lodge
Ocean Safari
Q. Where can I access tour photos from my day out?
If you have already enjoyed your Ocean Safari adventure and would like to view the images from your day out, you can view them here: https://oceanrafting.fotomerchant.com/ocean-safari
Please allow at least 2-3 days for them to be uploaded from our tour date – If you can’t find your photos please contact us.
Q. What time are the tours and when can I check-in?
MORNING TOUR: 8:30am to 12:30pm. Check in time for the morning tour begins at 7.30am.
AFTERNOON TOUR: 12:30pm to 4:30pm. Check in time for the afternoon tour begins at 11.30am.
Q. How can I complete the express check in?
In preparation for your day please use your booking surname or booking reference and the link below to complete your ‘Ocean Safari Express Check-in’. Each passenger travelling over the age of 18 will need to complete their own Express Check-in. This should only take you a few minutes to complete (any passengers travelling under the age of 18 will have to be signed for by an adult).
Express Check in link – https://bookings.oceansafari.com.au/ – If the link does not work please copy and paste into your browser.
Q. Do you offer an accommodation pick- up and drop-off transfer service?
Yes we can offer a courtesy pick up and drop off from within the local Cape Tribulation area. Any guests travelling from outside of this area including Cairns, Port Douglas and Daintree Village will need to self-drive. Please let our office staff know if you’d like courtesy transfers by calling +61 7 4098 0006.
Q. What if I am travelling from Port Douglas or Cairns to join Ocean Safari?
If you are self-driving or would like to self-drive to our office, we have plenty of secure onsite parking available at no cost. If you are travelling from Port Douglas or Cairns please ensure you check your travel times. We request that you add 45 min travel time to each of the suggested routes to allow for any delays that may occur along the way, including wait time at the Daintree River Ferry Crossing.
Q. Where can I find information about the Daintree River Ferry crossing?
The Daintree Ferry is the only way to cross the Daintree River. The crossing takes about 10 minutes but there can be waiting times, especially during peak season.
Please allow extra time for the Daintree Ferry crossing. Ferry transfers must be pre booked and information can be found here, including times, costs and payment options: https://douglas.qld.gov.au/daintree-ferry
The Daintree Ferry operates from 6am until midnight daily and is $39 per vehicle for a return trip.
Q. Where is your check-in office located?
Our office is located at the Turtle Rock Café, 3903 Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation.
Q. Will I have time to have breakfast or lunch at the Turtle Rock Café before my Ocean Safari adventure starts?
Yes, the Turtle Rock Café Opens at 7.30am daily. Please place your order early and opt for a takeaway option if you would like food to take on the Ocean Safari tour. Our café closes at 3pm daily.
Q. What should I bring?
Bring along a small bag with things that you would usually take to the beach i.e. a towel, swimmers, sunscreen, hat, snacks and water bottles. Sandals/flip-flops are advised for your short walk to the beach to meet the boat. A windbreaker jacket during the winter period is recommended to protect you from the wind and warmth after snorkelling.
Q. Do I need to wear a stinger suit or wet suit?
Certain times of the year are stinger season (usually between late October – April/May). At this time of the year we do highly recommend hiring a stinger suit. Stinger suits are availible to hire for $8, and are complementry for childeren, pensioners and some packages. These will cover around 90% of your body, fins will cover the majority of your feet and your mask will cover some of your face, leaving less than 5% of your body exposed. Wet suits are available for hire during the winter months, which is recommended to keep you warm whilst snorkelling. The hiring of stinger suits and wetsuits can be arranged upon check in.
Q. What if I am not a confident swimmer?
If you are not a confident swimmer, please make sure that you tell the office team when you check in as well as the crew on board the vessel as they will assist you if you wish to snorkel. We also offer life jackets and pool noodles on board for extra buoyancy.
Q. Do you provide snorkel equipment?
Yes, we provide snorkels, masks and fins, and stinger suits through the stinger season. Wetsuits are also available for hire. You are welcome to bring your own if you have them.
Q. Do you provide towels?
Please bring your own if possible, however we do have towels for hire for $8.
Q. Can I snorkel if I wear glasses?
We have a range of prescription masks available for hire for $20. These can be arranged on check in. Please note we DON’T have these on the boat and must therefore be pre-arranged with reception prior to departure.
Q. How long does the boat journey take?
It takes 25 – 40 minutes to reach our Great Barrier Reef destination.
Q. How long do we snorkel for?
You will visit two different snorkel areas, spending just over one hour at each location.
Q. Do you provide food/drinks?
Chocolate bars, water, soft drinks, beer, wine and cider can be purchased on board.
The Turtle Rock Café is located at our office and breakfast or lunch can be purchased from 7.30am – 3.00pm daily.
Q. Can I BYO alcohol?
Ocean Safari has a no BYO alcohol policy. You can, however, bring along soft drinks and water.
Q. Are there any toilet facilities?
Our vessel does have toilet on board (only to be used when the boat is stationary) and there are toilet facilities located at our check in office.
Q. Who is this tour suitable for?
Our tour is mostly suitable for children four years and older and anyone with a sense of adventure. Weather conditions can play a role in the style of tour on any particular day, so we recommend the following guests contact our office on +61 7 4098 0006 to discuss weather conditions:
- Guests with children under four years of age.
- Anyone with recent surgeries, bad back, bad neck or mobility issues.
- Pregnancies
- Poor swimmers
Weather conditions can be viewed here: http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/cairns-coast.shtml
Q. What if I have a medical condition?
Tours may not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or for women who are pregnant (weather dependant) or heavily pregnant. Please advise our office team on +61 7 4098 0006 and check weather conditions prior to travel.
Q. Will I get sea sick?
Due to the open-style design and speed which our vessels travel, it is very rare for guests on Ocean Safari to experience sea sickness on board, unlike slower vessels where you experience a slow-rocking motion that can cause sea sickness. The most common time for passengers to ever feel nauseous on the water would be when the vessel has stopped. We welcome anyone that is prone or worried about seasickness to take any necessary medication prior to travelling.
Q. Can I bring my camera or phone to take pictures?
Ocean Safari guests do frequently bring along cameras or phones for the day. Although we do have dry boxes under the seats which are designed to keep your belongings safe, any electrical and personal belongings brought on board are at your own risk. Ocean Safari takes no responsibility for items lost or damaged during the day.
Q. Do you take photos on the day and how much are they?
Our staff will be using Go-Pros to take photos throughout your day. A link to preview these photos will be emailed to the address that you provided upon check in 72 hours after travel. These photos will then be available to purchase online. You can check them out here: https://oceanrafting.fotomerchant.com/ocean-safari
* If you do not wish to have your photos taken during the day for any reason, please just let our staff know prior to departure.
Safari Lodge
Looking for Accommodation?
Ocean Safari is also home to Safari Lodge, offering a range of tropical cabin accommodation, with or without ensuites, as well as powered and unpowered camp sites right in the HEART of Cape Tribulation.
To book with live availability and find out more information visit www.safarilodge.com.au
FOR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND CANCELLATION FEE POLICIES VISIT https://oceansafari.com.au/terms-and-conditions