Frequently asked questions
Departure & Schedule
3-Day / 3-Night Outer Reef Voyage (3D3N)
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Departs: Friday, 4:00 pm
Returns: Monday, approx. 2:00 pm
2-Day / 2-Night Escape (2D2N)
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Departs: Monday, 4:00 pm,
Returns: Wednesday, approx. 2:00 pm
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Departs: Wednesday, 4:00 pm,
Returns: Friday, approx. 2:00 pm
Please note: Times may vary depending on tides.
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All voyages depart from Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach.
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We meet guests at Whitsundays Adventure Playground and escort them to the Marina
11 Coconut Grove, Airlie Beach QLD 4802 – Click Here for location Map -
Public parking is available at Coral Sea Marina and Port of Airlie (fees apply).
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We recommend arriving in Airlie Beach at least one day prior to departure. If flying in on the same day, flights should land in the morning to allow for transfer time and boarding.
Please note the boat will not be able to wait for you in the unfortunate event you are delayed beyond our meeting time of 3.30pm
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Airlie Beach is located in Central Queensland, north of Mackay.
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Fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine, PPP) approx. 40 min shuttle or taxi transfer.
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From Hamilton Island take a ferry to Port of Airlie (35–50 min, approx. $55 pp).
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Winter / Dry Season (May – November):
Sunny days, calm seas, great visibility, and whale season (July – October). -
Summer / Wet Season (November – May):
Warm, tropical, lush and less crowded — perfect for secluded bays and reefs.
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Yes – weather and tides may affect routes. Crew always choose safe and spectacular alternatives.
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Diving
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Yes.
Certified Divers – Packages from $349 (4 dives) to $549 (8 dives).
Introductory Divers – From $160 per dive or packages from $499.
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Certified divers must show proof of certification (minimum Open Water).
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All divers must complete a medical questionnaire.
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Certain medical conditions require a doctor’s clearance (e.g. asthma, heart disease, epilepsy, diabetes, pregnancy)
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Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years (subject to medical clearance & parental consent).
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No diving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Guests must allow at least 12 hours between last drink and next dive.
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Dive briefings are compulsory.
Diving is at the discretion of the Dive Instructor/Divemaster, who may refuse participation if conditions or personal readiness are unsuitable.
Dives may be cancelled or adjusted for weather and safety.
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Divers must sign a liability waiver and medical declaration prior to participation.
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All snorkelling and diving gear is provided onboard.
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Yes, exclusively on SV Summer Jo, guests have the rare opportunity to experience the reef after dark — something very few vessels in the Whitsundays can offer.
Night dives reveal a whole new underwater world, as the reef comes alive with nocturnal marine life and bioluminescence. From hunting predators to colourful corals glowing under torchlight, it’s an adventure unlike any daytime dive.
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These unforgettable night dive experiences are included on selected voyages and are a highlight for certified divers seeking something truly unique.
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Yes, every voyage includes a visit to Whitehaven Beach (weather permitting).
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Our crew selects the best snorkel sites daily for clear water and vibrant coral.
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Snorkelling is optional if you prefer to stay dry, simply relax onboard and soak up the beauty of the Whitsundays.
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Onboard life & facilities
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All meals (additional $15 pp/night for special dietary requirements).
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Unlimited filtered water, tea & coffee.
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Snorkel and dive equipment. Guests are responsible for any loss or damage due to negligence.
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Linen and bath towels.
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Marine Park fees.
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Stinger suits available during stinger season (approx. Oct-April).
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Bring a small soft bag/backpack with no zips (no hard suitcases) containing:
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Multiple sets of swimwear
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Light clothing & jacket for evenings
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Beach towel & shower towel
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Hat & sunglasses
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Reef-safe sunscreen
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Refillable water bottle
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Toiletries (eco-friendly recommended)
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Comfortable footwear (thongs for deck, enclosed shoes for walks)
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BYO alcohol (cans/plastic only – no glass or red wine)
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Jumper or windbreaker
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Required medications (please advise crew of allergies)
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Dive certification card/logbook (if certified)
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Sea sickness remedies
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Reusable dry bag for electronics
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Yes, all cabins are air-conditioned for your comfort.
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Summer Jo offers a range of private and shared cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning for your comfort.
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Each cabin is fitted with power outlets and small storage spaces for personal belongings.
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Linen and bath towels are provided. Guests should bring a separate beach towel for use on deck and at snorkelling sites.
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All cabins feature private ensuites with hot showers and flushing toilets.
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The boat features a desallinator onboard and therefore able to continue making water throughout the trip, we do however ask for all passengers to be mindful of usage to ensure comfort for all.
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Yes. 240V Australian outlets and USB ports are available in cabins and common areas.
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Power is generally available throughout the voyage, though we recommend bringing a small power bank if you have multiple devices.
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Avoid high-voltage appliances like hair dryers or straighteners.
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Reception is limited offshore.
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Starlink WiFi is available onboard for $20 per trip.
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Many guests take the opportunity to switch off and enjoy a true digital detox.
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Space is limited to small soft bags.
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Leave larger suitcases at your accommodation or use local luggage storage near the marina.
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Yes, guests are welcome to BYO alcohol in cans or plastic bottles only.
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No glass bottles or red wine for safety reasons.
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Crew reserves the right to ask guests to moderate drinking if safety or behaviour is affected.
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The safety and comfort of all guests is our highest priority, and we ask everyone to respect these guidelines so that all can enjoy their experience onboard.
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For safety reasons, smoking is not permitted onboard.
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Snorkelling, diving, stand-up paddleboards, our unique ocean pool, beach walks, stargazing on deck, lounging on deck or in the saloon.
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If you prefer not to get in the water, there is always space to simply sit back, unwind, and enjoy the views.
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Yes. GoPros and underwater cameras are welcome. You can hire a camera onboard for $99 (incl. SD card to keep).
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Drones can be used but only in approved areas and never while sailing.
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Yes, we can cater for vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other dietary needs.
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Please advise at time of booking.
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A $15 pp / per night surcharge applies (payable onboard).
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Yes.
Certified Divers – Packages from $349 (4 dives) to $549 (8 dives).
Introductory Divers – From $160 per dive or packages from $499.
-
-
Certified divers must show proof of certification (minimum Open Water).
-
All divers must complete a medical questionnaire.
-
Certain medical conditions require a doctor’s clearance (e.g. asthma, heart disease, epilepsy, diabetes, pregnancy)
-
Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years (subject to medical clearance & parental consent).
-
No diving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Guests must allow at least 12 hours between last drink and next dive.
-
Dive briefings are compulsory.
Diving is at the discretion of the Dive Instructor/Divemaster, who may refuse participation if conditions or personal readiness are unsuitable.
Dives may be cancelled or adjusted for weather and safety.
-
Divers must sign a liability waiver and medical declaration prior to participation.
-
-
All snorkelling and diving gear is provided onboard.
-
-
Yes, exclusively on SV Summer Jo, guests have the rare opportunity to experience the reef after dark — something very few vessels in the Whitsundays can offer.
Night dives reveal a whole new underwater world, as the reef comes alive with nocturnal marine life and bioluminescence. From hunting predators to colourful corals glowing under torchlight, it’s an adventure unlike any daytime dive.
-
These unforgettable night dive experiences are included on selected voyages and are a highlight for certified divers seeking something truly unique.
-
-
Yes, every voyage includes a visit to Whitehaven Beach (weather permitting).
-
Our crew selects the best snorkel sites daily for clear water and vibrant coral.
-
Snorkelling is optional if you prefer to stay dry, simply relax onboard and soak up the beauty of the Whitsundays.
-
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Bring your preferred seasickness remedy.
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Crew can assist if needed — most guests find symptoms pass quickly once settled.
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A reasonable level of mobility is needed to move around deck and access the water via ladders.
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Unfortunately, SV Summer Jo is not wheelchair accessible.
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If you have concerns, please contact our team to discuss suitability before booking.
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The vessel has a marine first aid kit and trained crew.
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In a serious emergency, helicopter or boat evacuation may be required.
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Please advise any medical conditions when booking.
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Yes the minimum age onboard and for diving is 12 years.
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Private charters can be tailored to suit younger guests.
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Pricing
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Full payment is required before departure to confirm your booking.
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Extras (soft drinks, Wi-Fi, dives etc.) can be paid by cash or card onboard.
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Cancellations within 14 days of departure are non-refundable.
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Travel insurance is recommended.
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Please contact us as soon as possible if your travel plans are disrupted.
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Please see our terms and conditions page for full details on cancellation policy.
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Scuba diving – 1x dive included per voyage. More can be purchased onboard:
Uncertified Dive: $149 pp, per dive
Certified Dive: $119 pp, per dive
Guests may enjoy up to 10 scuba dives per trip.
Please carefully read scuba diving requirements below. -
Soft drinks $4
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Wetsuit hire (snorkellers) $15 per day
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Starlink wifi $20 per day
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Underwater camera hire (with SD card to keep) $99
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Health & Safety
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Bring your preferred seasickness remedy.
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Crew can assist if needed — most guests find symptoms pass quickly once settled.
-
-
A reasonable level of mobility is needed to move around deck and access the water via ladders.
-
Unfortunately, SV Summer Jo is not wheelchair accessible.
-
If you have concerns, please contact our team to discuss suitability before booking.
-
-
The vessel has a marine first aid kit and trained crew.
-
In a serious emergency, helicopter or boat evacuation may be required.
-
Please advise any medical conditions when booking.
-
-
Yes the minimum age onboard and for diving is 12 years.
-
Private charters can be tailored to suit younger guests.
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