Frequently Asked Questions – Ocean Safari and Safari Lodge
COVID-19 SAFETY
- We HIGHLY recommend you have the COVIDSafe App prior to travel
- Abide by social distancing laws and safety procedures put in place
- Not to travel if sick
- Tours/accommodation payments can be taken upfront – for payments for purchases on the day EFTPOS/ Credit card payments are preferred.
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 48 hours for them to be uploaded from our tour date – If they are not there please contact us
Q. What times do the morning and afternoon tours run?
Morning tours: 8.30am – 12.30pm
Afternoon tours: 12.30pm – 4.30pm
Q. What time can I check in?
Check in time for the morning tour begins at 7.40am. We advise any guests making their own way arrive no later than 8.00am.
Check in time for the afternoon tour begins at 11.40am. We advise any guests making their own way arrive no later than 12.00pm.
Q. Will I have time to have breakfast at the Turtle Rock Café before my Ocean Safari adventure?
YES – Turtle Rock Café Opens at 7.30am daily
Q. How can I complete the express check in?
In preparation for your day please use your 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 a pick- up service?
Courtesy transfers are available from the local Cape Tribulation area. Any guests travelling from outside the area, including Cairns and Port Douglas, will need to self-drive. Please allow extra time for the Daintree ferry crossing. This must be pre booked in advance and information can be found here, including times, costs and payment options: https://douglas.qld.gov.au/daintree-ferry
For travellers from Port Douglas or Cairns:
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 60 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.
Daintree River Ferry information:
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 (July to September). During these months the busiest hours tend to be mid morning to lunchtime, going north, and between mid afternoon and about 5 pm returning south. For all ferry details visit: https://douglas.qld.gov.au/daintree-ferry
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. These will cover around 90% of your body, fins will cover 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 simply provide you with an extra layer of warmth 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, fins and stinger/wet suits are available for hire. You are welcome to bring your own if you have them.
Q. Do you provide towels?
No, please bring your own. We do have them for hire for $8 at reception.
Q. Can I snorkel if I wear glasses?
We have a range of prescription masks available for hire for $15. 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. Prescription masks range from minus 2 – minus 6
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 jacket during the winter period is recommended to protect you from the wind and warmth after snorkelling.
Q. How long does the boat journey take?
You will reach your first snorkelling destination after a fast, exhilarating 25 – 30 minute ride.
Q. How long do we snorkel for?
You will visit two different snorkel areas, spending approximately one hour at each location.
Q. Do you provide food/drinks?
Muesli bars, 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.
Q. Can I BYO?
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. Where is your office located?
Our office is located at Turtle Rock Café, Cape Tribulation.
Q. Is Ocean Safari suitable for all ages?
Our boats are suitable for most ages from 4 years upwards (weather permitting). If you are concerned about the weather conditions for the date that you are travelling, or wish to speak to one of our friendly office team about young passengers travelling, please call us on (07) 4098 0006.
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. Please advise our office team 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 are welcome to bring 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. The cost for one photo it is $6, or for 10 or more photos, the cost is $3 per photo.
* 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.
Q. Do you rent Go-Pro’s or underwater cameras for the day?
No, Ocean Safari does not rent Go-Pro’s or cameras.
Safari Lodge
Looking for Accommodation?
Ocean Safari is also home to Safari Lodge, offering a range of accommodation from 4 share rooms, triple room and king ensuite rooms, as well as powered and unpowered camp sites right in the HEART of Cape Tribulation.
To book 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
