The Great Barrier Reef Experience to Reefworld
To properly experience the wonders of the world's most celebrated underwater playground and one the natural wonders of the world, we encourage you to spend a day at Fantasea Reefworld. Fantasea Reefworld is situated at Hardy Reef, approximately 40 nautical miles from the mainland and is the largest floating pontoon facility in Australia, with two pontoons measuring a total length of 86 metres. Guests travel to Reefworld on a high speed, air conditioned catamaran, fitted out for day cruise operations and a smooth, comfortable passage.
Hardy Reef is a healthy platform reef which allows for sheltered and protected snorkelling and swimming conditions year round. Inside Hardy Reef on a channel referred to as "the river", Reefworld is the best way to see everything the Great Barrier Reef has to offer. The location and strategic positioning of Reefworld at Hardy Reef means that you will spend less time on the vessel and more time exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Reefworld can proudly boast the largest number of colourful reef fish of any Whitsunday Great Barrier Reef operator. Come face to face with thousands of different species of marine life including our Queensland Groper 'George', who measures 3 metres in length, and our playful Maori Wrasse 'Wally' - plus thousands of other marine residents and stunning corals.
Reefworld allows guests to appreciate the Great Barrier Reef with a range of activities both in and out of the water. Take a tour on the semi-submarine, sit back in the large 50 seat underwater viewing chamber or look down into the Groper viewing hole. If you are more adventurous, fully qualified dive instructors will show you the magic of the most celebrated reef in the world with an Introductory or Certified dive. All guests are provided with snorkelling equipment to explore the easy to follow snorkelling trails. Equipment includes hygienically sealed mouthpieces, as well as free stinger suits and wet suits, which allow for protection, warmth and buoyancy. Guided snorkelling tours are also available. And there is another way to enter the water...on the waterslide! With four full hours at Reefworld, you can do as much or as little as you like!
Optional activities include helicopter scenic flights over world famous Heart Reef, the iconic heart shaped reef which is an attraction in itself for visitors from all over the world and romantics at heart. Fantasea also offer Fly/Cruise options to and from Reefworld. Massage services in the Harmony Hut are available for guests to truly relax whilst overlooking the calm waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
Fantasea endeavour to not only offer you the experience of a lifetime with a tour to Reefworld, but also an educational experience so we can share our passion for the protection and management of the Great Barrier Reef with our guests. The crew offer a range of reef appreciation talks, a comprehensive geographical and historical commentary of the journey and surrounding islands and there are multilingual on board information brochures.
Fantasea has its own catering team who commence work at 2am daily to ensure that the food prepared for our cruises is as fresh as can be. Using local produce wherever possible, Fantasea's chefs pride themselves on delivering a selection of cuisine suitable for all palates. The daily selection includes BBQ meat, seafood, salad, breads, cakes, cheeses and unlimited tea and coffee. Please see the menu box on the right for a sample of the delicious menu.
The Great Barrier Reef Experience to Reefworld departs daily from Shute Harbour (with courtesy coach connections from mainland Airlie Beach), Hamilton Island and Club Med Lindeman Island.
