Listed below are the most common questions we're asked, if you have a question that we haven't answered here please contact us via email or telephone on (61 7) 4087 2100.
 GENERAL Questions
Q: What is the temperature of the water?
Summer 29 c 83f, Autumn 25c 76f, Winter 22c 72f, Spring 25c 76f
Q: Are there any stingers?
At certain times of the year, jellyfish, commonly called marine stingers, can affect the seas of Northern Australia. Most jellyfish are harmless to man, however certain varieties may cause a serious reaction. Incidents involving serious marine stings in this area are extremely rare. The crew of Quicksilver Connections are conscious of the danger of marine stingers and will take appropriate steps to ensure your protection if they believe conditions are such that there is a possibility of encountering these creatures. Lycra suits are available to protect guests from the sun and to reduce the possibility of stings & irritations.
Q: What is the weather doing?
Quicksilver has 3 day forecasts and we get weather updates every morning from the bureau of meteorology as well as from crew at Agincourt Reef. Guests can call our office from 6am onwards for an update.
Q: What if the weather is really bad?
Providing we have availability you are welcome to change dates, or in the worst case scenario, cancel.
Q: Can I change dates?
Yes providing we have availability. There are no fees to change dates.
Q: What do I bring?
Towel, sunscreen, hat, swimwear, credit cards/cash for drink and/or optional activities, camera.
Q: Do you have lockers? We do not have lockers however we do have safety bags which can be used for smaller items like wallets, passports, jewellery & small cameras. This is at no cost and can be accessed by checking with our barstaff.
Q: What’s the best day to go on?
No day is busier than the next. As most guests are tourists, everyday is a holiday!
Q: Can I take a pram on the boat / pontoon / island?
The Wavepiercers & Platforms are pram friendly with ample room on the boat & ramped areas on the platform.
We do not recommend prams on Wavedancer as it has many stairs and narrow entries. The beach at Low Isles has quite soft sand and therefore not practical for prams.
Q: Do you ever cancel?
It is very rare we would cancel although now & then we can experience effects of a cyclone & therefore would cancel our operation. This is not common.
Q: Is it safe for babies / children? You can bring infants and children however we recommend they are supervised and are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Q: Where do I wait for the bus?
Generally at the hotel reception unless otherwise advised by hotel staff or Quicksilver.
Q: Can we sit anywhere?
Yes.
Q: Where’s the best place to sit?
It’s up to your personal preference whether you would prefer to sit inside, outside, in the sun etc.
Q: Do you have lycra suits & snorkelling gear for little kids?
Our smallest lycra suit is size 2. We have small snorkel & masks for toddlers, our smallest fins are size 1-3.
Q: Do you have lycra suits & snorkelling gear in extra large?
Our largest lycra suit is XXL and largest fin is size 13.
Q: Do you have prescription masks?
Standard masks magnify objects underwater by 25%. However prescription masks are also available ranging from -4 to -7 in strength.
Prescription Masks are available at no extra charge. You will need to see our safety supervisors on the snorkelling platform to obtain the masks.
Q: Can I wear my glasses or contact lenses under my mask?
No. We do not recommend contact lenses are worn as water may get into the mask. Glasses cannot be worn under the masks however standard masks do magnify objects.
Q: Do you supply towels?
We recommend you bring your own towel. For emergency we do have towels for hire at $3 with a $10 deposit however we have limited stock and cannot guarantee availability.
Q: Are there any babysitting facilities if I want to dive with my husband?
We do not have babysitting facilities onboard. Couple’s would need to dive separately at different times.
Q: Is there any shade on the pontoon or the island?
Two thirds of the platform is shaded.
The island provides shade from trees and large thatched umbrellas which line the beach.
Q: What are the differences between the cruises?
Quicksilver goes to Agincourt Reef, a double storey platform at the Outer Barrier Reef. It is an active day with many choices of activities for everyone. The water is 8-9 metres around the platform. This ribbon reef is the best habitat for marine life therefore there is a great diversity of fish & coral as well as good water clarity.
Wavedancer sails to Low Isles, an inner reef just off Port Douglas. It is a relaxing day lazing on the beach & snorkelling at leisure. The water is shallow from 0-5 metres in depth. Silversonic also travels to the Outer Barrier Reef. It visits 3 sites for diving & snorkelling.
Q: How far out do we go to the Outer Barrier Reef or Low Isles?
Agincourt Reef is 72km NE of Port Douglas.
Low Isles is 15km NE of Port Douglas.
Q: How long does it take to get to Agincourt Reef or Low Isles?
Port Douglas to Agincourt Reef is 90 minutes.
Port Douglas to Low Isles is 70 minutes.
Q: How deep is the water at Agincourt Reef or Low Isles?
Agincourt Reef is 8-9 metres around the platform.
Low Isles is 0-5 metres.
Q: Do you supply life jackets?
Life jackets are onboard for emergency use only, however flotation vests are supplied free of charge on the platform if required.
Q: Can I use credit cards on the boat?
Yes we take Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Bankcard, Diners & JCB.
Q: Are there toilets and change rooms at the reef?
Yes, toilets are found at the rear of the boat. Fresh water showers & change rooms are found on the platform.
Q: How big is the platform at Agincourt?
The platform is 30 metres long and 12 metres wide.
Q: Is there easy access to the water for snorkelling?
Yes, the snorkelling platforms are situated right on the waterline and there are bench seats on the snorkelling platform where you can put on your fins, mask & snorkel before entering the water.
Q: What is the minimum age for diving? Minimum age is 12 years. Maximum age is 70 years.
Q: Does the lunch cater for vegetarians? Yes, we have a wide selection of salads and tropical fruits available on the buffet.
Q: How long are we at Agincourt Reef or Low Isles for?
You have 3½ hours at the reef.
Q: Will I get seasick?
Hopefully not. The wavepiercer to the Outer Reef gives the smoothest possible ride in all sea conditions. Where there is motion whether a car, bus, plane or boat, some people will suffer from motion sickness.
Specially packaged tablet and liquid form antihistamines are available onboard at $2.00 each. Currently, we offer ginger as a natural alternative motion sickness medication on a complimentary basis. To be effective, motion sickness medications should be taken immediately on boarding.
LOW ISLES Questions
Q: What is on the Island (Low Isles)?
Low Isles is a vegetated coral cay, with a light house & ranger’s station. All facilities are onboard Wavedancer. There are no shops.
Q: How do I get from the boat to the island?
We have 2 shuttle vessels which transfer guests to & from the island at their leisure.
Q: What time does the boat leave & come back?
Boards Marina Mirage Port Douglas at 9:30am for 10:00am departure.
Returns to Port Douglas at 4:30pm.
OUTER REEF Questions
Q: I don’t want to go with so many people?
Well actually our double storey platform is very spacious. Once you are at the reef, guests disperse into the water, on various tours, on different levels of the platform & different levels of the boat. You will actually have more room here than on a small boat with 4 square metres per person.
Q: Are there any sharks at Agincourt Reef?
Yes, but they are harmless white tip reef sharks which only grow to a length of approximately 5 feet. If you are lucky to see one, don’t be frightened as they are very timid.
Q: What time does the boat leave & come back?
Boards Marina Mirage Port Douglas at 9:30am for 10:00am departure.
Returns to Port Douglas at 4:30pm. |
