| Water activity type | Snorkeling, Diving |
What to bring:
Please arrive at the designated location 30 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Passengers that fail to arrive before this time may be classed as no-show
Optional activities and experiences will be amended to ensure appropriate space, cleanliness and hygiene whilst ensuring guests will still have a unique experience
Please reconfirm your booking the day prior to your scheduled departure by contacting reservations team. Email info@cruisewhitsundays.com or phone 07 4846 7000
Before travel please complete below 2 forms below at least 48 hours prior to departure date to ensure the stay the best ever
Medical Declaration Form: https://www.cruisewhitsundays.com/forms/medical-disclosure-form/
Dietary Requirements: https://cruisewhitspro.wpengine.com/forms/medical-disclosure-form/
The Reefsleep experience is a unique two-day, one-night encounter on the outer Great Barrier Reef. It offers an intimate opportunity to sleep under the stars at the exclusive Reefworld pontoon, permanently moored at Hardy Reef. During the day, guests can swim, snorkel, and explore this amazing natural ecosystem, enjoying uninterrupted access to the reef's wonders.
The Reefsleep experience provides an exclusive opportunity to stay overnight directly on the Great Barrier Reef at Hardy Reef's Reefworld pontoon. This allows guests to witness stunning sunrises and sunsets over the World Heritage-listed coral gardens, enjoy incredible stargazing, and have uninterrupted access to the reef's marine life after day-trippers have departed, offering a truly immersive connection with nature.
The best time to experience Reefsleep at the Great Barrier Reef is generally during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the weather is typically mild with clear skies, lower humidity, and excellent underwater visibility. This period also coincides with less risk of marine stingers, making water activities more comfortable and enjoyable.
A typical Reefsleep package for the Great Barrier Reef usually includes return boat transfers to Reefworld at Hardy Reef, an overnight stay on the pontoon, and meals such as dinner and breakfast. Guests generally have access to snorkeling equipment and opportunities to participate in activities like guided snorkeling tours or visits to the underwater observatory.
During the Reefsleep experience, accommodation is typically provided in comfortable swag-style beds on the upper deck of the Reefworld pontoon, allowing guests to sleep directly under the stars. The pontoon also features amenities like observation decks, dining areas, and facilities for accessing the water for swimming and snorkeling. Private rooms may also be available depending on the package.
At Hardy Reef's Reefworld pontoon, guests can engage in a variety of activities. These include guided snorkeling in the vibrant coral lagoons, swimming with diverse marine life, and exploring the underwater observatory. Additional experiences like scenic helicopter flights over Heart Reef or introductory scuba diving are often available for an extra charge.
The Reefworld pontoon for the Reefsleep experience is permanently moored at Hardy Reef, which is part of the outer Great Barrier Reef. It is situated approximately 39 nautical miles off the coast of the Whitsundays in central Queensland, offering an immersive deep-sea reef environment far from the mainland.
For a Reefsleep overnight stay, essential items to pack include swimwear, sun protection like reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Comfortable light clothing for the evening and morning, personal toiletries, any necessary medications, and a camera to capture the stunning views are also highly recommended. A small bag is best due to limited space.