Ocean Safari

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The team at Ocean Safari are all about getting you out to the reef, quickly, without the fuss of bigger boats. We love their smaller, zippy RIBs – they cut the travel time down significantly, meaning more actual dive time on some really cracking northern sites. Our favourite trip with them involves a morning dash out to the Tongue Reef area, specifically the Agincourt Reef bommies. You’ll find these towering structures just off the edge of the continental shelf, often with decent currents bringing in the bigger pelagics. We’ve seen everything from reef sharks cruising past to schools of trevally so thick they cast shadows on the sand. We’d suggest heading out with them early in the dry season, June to August. The water temperature is still comfortable, around 24-25°C, but the visibility tends to be at its best, pushing 20-25 metres consistently. The zodiac ride itself is pretty exhilarating, catching some air over the chop if it’s a bit breezy. This isn’t a centre for slow, sedate dives; it's for divers who want to maximise their time underwater and appreciate the efficiency of a smaller operation. The guides are genuinely passionate, pointing out everything from nudibranchs on the coral to turtles resting under ledges. Just remember to pack light; space on the boats is tight, but that’s part of the charm.