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 Activities on Orpheus Island - including diving

Interpretive activities, many of which are complimentary ... 

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Orpheus Island is set amidst one of the world’s natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The island is beautiful with a combination of open woodland and  rainforest, surrounded by sheltered bays with turquoise waters and fringing coral reefs, providing an idyllic habitat for an abundant array of varied marine life.  As a national park in its own right, Orpheus is an exceptionally unspoiled environment for those who would like to enjoy the beauties of a national park, with all its opportunities for interpretative activities, walking, boating, swimming and diving. 
  
At Orpheus you are invited to do as little or as much as you like - the choice is entirely yours.  You will have a list of daily activities  available and you are free to take part in all, any or none.  Many of the activities are complimentary.  The activities on offer may change from time to time and are of course governed by tides and  local conditions.
Diving and diving instruction are also available.
Activities are co-ordinated from the Beach Hut activities centre each day and the expert staff there are a mine of information about every aspect of the local environment.  If you don't feel equal to taking your own boat to a private beach for a picnic, they will drop you off and pick you up afterwards!
 
Some typical activities on offer ...
Discover Snorkelling - Duration - 30 minutes
Complimentary
Gain hints, tips and suggestions on correct snorkelling technique, so as to gain confidence for your reef encounter. This experience is conducted in the safe confines of the pool under the guidance of a qualified instructor.
Hazard Bay Snorkelling Trail - Self Guided
Complimentary
This is a self-guided snorkel trail in Hazard Bay along the fringes of the lagoon in front of the resort. This trail begins at the pier and leads you into the labyrinth of mangroves that provides a nursery habitat for a multitude of fish.
Local Snorkel - Duration - 1 hour 30 minutes
Complimentary
This unguided boat snorkel takes you to view coral bommies just off the edge of our fringing reef flat. This is a wonderful opportunity to view the marine animals in this unique inner reef ecosystem. Your experience will be under the guidance of a qualified safety officer.
 
Twilight Pier Snorkel - Duration - 1 hour
Price: A$25 per person
Join a marine naturalist on a crepuscular exploration under the pier, in search of our resident string rays, roaming crustaceans and juvenile sharks. Observe the daytime animals bedding down for the evening making way for the night animals to go about their business. Dive torch and chemical light stick included.
Adventure Interpretive Snorkel - Duration - 2 hours 30 mins
Price: A$25 per person
Sign up for an adventure of a lifetime as you embark on a voyage of discovery. Join your Marine Naturalist and head out to the best snorkelling spot for the day in the Palm Island Group. This informative guided snorkel offers explanation of the pristine coral reef ecosystem, and the symbiotic relationships between marine animals. A certificate of participation in our Orpheus Island Ecology Program is awarded on your return.
Tidal Flat Walk - Duration - 1 hour
Complimentary
This walk begins with an introduction to Hazardous Marine Creatures that are found in Hazard Bay and throughout the Great Barrier Reef, and how to interact with them in a responsible way.
Join your guide for an informative and exciting journey onto the tidal flat developing your skills on 'How to See' and discover the critical role that these aquatic creatures play in this amazing environment.
Island Discovery Tour - Duration - 1 hour
Complimentary
Be enlightened as your guide displays the formation of the Great Barrier Reef and explains how Orpheus Island fits into this fascinating ecosystem. Stroll along the shores of our bay gaining an overview of the flora and fauna of this inner reef marine environment. Marvel at the abundance of marine life, gaining an insight into this fragile reef system. This walk is a must for new guests to the island.
Hazard Bay Seaside Stroll - Duration - 30 minutes 
Complimentary
Rise and shine, and be refreshed by the clean crisp morning sea air as your naturalist guides you along the watery foreshore of Hazard Bay, to observe the juvenile stingrays and black tip reef sharks foraging for food over the tidal flat on the incoming tide. This is a great way to work up an appetite for the morning breakfast feast.
 
Picnic Bay Lookout Hike - Duration - 2 hours
Complimentary
Join your Expedition Leader for this moderate walk up onto the ridge behind Hazard Bay, to capture the sweeping view over the surrounding Palm Island group. Step back in time to the years where mariners walked the same tracks and sailed through narrow passes as you are introduced to the history of the local area.
Nocturnal Saunter - Duration - 30 minutes
Complimentary
Come and take a moonlit stroll through the resort gardens and along the edge of the national park in search of the unique night time animals as they come out to play, spot the echidnas and green tree frogs, and the timid bandicoots to name a few. This leisurely walk concludes at the quite lounge for your dessert and cheese board to complete the evening.
The Orpheus Experience - Duration - 1 hour
Complimentary
Join the marine naturalist in the lounge to view a collection of striking images, that take you on a journey of introducion to the charm of Orpheus Island, it’s unique experiences, the islands icon the Chambered Nautilus, and other fascinating creatures both above and below the waters of our sheltered bays.

Orpheus Mullet Mayhem - Duration - 30 minutes
Complimentary
Come and be seduced by our friendly mullet, as your guide feeds our marine pets along the shores of Hazard Bay. Our Diamond Scale Mullet have been well known residents in the bay for many years and take every opportunity to get up close and personal during their feeding time.
Nature Creature Features - Duration - 1 hour
Complimentary
In the comfort of the quiet lounge your naturalist will introduce you to the 'Orpheus Island Ecology Programme' providing you with the opportunity to learn about the many underwater wonders you find in the Great Barrier Reef. Discover the identity of Reef Fish, Sharks and Turtles so as to further enhance your below water experiences.
Stargazing - Duration - 30 minutes
Complimentary
To complement your Orpheus dining experience, join your guide on the end of the Orpheus Pier and discover the constellations of the southern skies. Australian cheeses and dessert wines are served as you explore how ancient mariners used the heavens to find south and to tell the time of night.

Tropical Flora Garden Walk - Duration - 1 hour
Complimentary
Join an expert Horticulturist for an insight into what makes the resort tropical and lush. Learn about the vast variety of tropical plants in our resort gardens and look for signs of animals that have been foraging right next to your retreat door. This is a green thumbs delight !
Sunrise with the Sea Eagles - Duration - 2 hours
Complimentary
Experience the dawn of the new day ‘Orpheus style’, as you walk from the resort over the grassy saddle that separates Hazard Bay from Horseshoe Bay for a spectacular view of the cliffs along the eastern coastline. As you gaze out from the cliff side where mighty Sea Eagles nest, witness the awe-inspiring vista of the sun rising from the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef while indulging in tasty breakfast snacks. This is an excellent opportunity to possibly glimpse basking turtles and dugongs in the waters below.
Sunset Cruise - Duration - 1 hour 30 minutes
Price: A$45 per person all inclusive
A perfect way to end the day at Orpheus. Join the resort management team as you cruise out into Hazard Bay to witness the sun setting over the Australian coastline. Relax and unwind as you are served pre-dinner nibbles and sip endless glasses of champagne … the ultimate romantic indulgence !
Mangrove Kayak Expedition - Duration - 2 hours
Complimentary
Your experienced guide will fully orientate you to your self-draining 2 person kayak
Glass Bottom Boat - Duration - 1 hour
Complimentary
Join the resident Marine Biologist on a cruise to view the magnificent clam gardens in the comfort of the custom built vessel 'Explorer'. This informative trip introduces you to the coral reef animals and an array of fascinating marine creatures.
Orpheus Dinghy Adventure
Complimentary
This is your opportunity to be the master of your very own vessel, to explore the many picturesque bays and beautiful beaches around Orpheus Island’s shores. Order your tropical picnic hamper packed full of tasty island food, and explore places like South Beach excellent for beachcombing, or feed the abundant fish at Yanks Jetty, or take a hike to the stone ruins on the ridge behind Pioneer Bay, or discover the fantastic coral structures in Cattle Bay … or simply relax soaking up the ambience on your own secluded beach.  
If you would prefer not to take command of these wonderful vessels, then you can still take advantage of these experiences using our drop off service to a destination of your choice.
Outer Barrier Reef Excursion - Duration - Full Day.   Details are shown under Diving section below ...
 

 

Diving at Orpheus Island

Orpheus Island has on staff both Dive Instructors and Dive Masters. You can feel free to ask them anything you wish to know about diving, marine life, wrecks and the reef in the area.
Discover Scuba Diving - Duration - 2 hour (theory/pool) and 2 hour (diving)
Extra charge
This PADI program is a basic introduction to scuba diving. It consists of a basic theory session followed by learning the essential skills in the swimming pool environment, including your opportunity to take those memorable first breaths underwater. If you would like to put your new found skills into action, this programme can be taken one step further on a dive (to max of 10 metres) on the Great Barrier Reef. This scuba experience is conducted under the direct supervision of our qualified Dive Instructor.
Island Reef Dive - Duration - 2.5 hours
Extra charge
This local scuba dive takes you to one of the many convenient dive sites throughout the Palm Island Group onboard our fast dive vessel.  Each dive is guided by our experienced Dive masters who will ensure a unique inner reef experience.  Average visibility around the islands is 9-12 metres (30-40 feet).

Outer Reef Dive and Snorkel Excursion - Duration - Full Day
Extra charge
The Outer Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest living structure and plays host to a tremendous diversity of marine life.  The waters are often gin clear and highlight an amazing array of colours. It is not surprising that the outer reef is considered one of the most sought after diving destinations in the world. It is situated some 20 miles (50 minutes by boat) from Orpheus Island.
Embark on a full day trip to the outer barrier reef for a sensational day on the water.  The trip can include two guided dives discovering a myriad of marine life, the opportunity to swim and snorkel and lounge in the sun, whilst being tempted by a great smorgasbord lunch. This trip is conducted by a private charter vessel operator.
 

Outer Reef Dive and Snorkel Excursion - Duration - Full Day
Extra charge
The Outer Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest living structure and plays host to a tremendous diversity of marine life.  The waters are often gin clear and highlight an amazing array of colours. It is not surprising that the outer reef is considered one of the most sought after diving destinations in the world. It is situated some 20 miles (50 minutes by boat) from Orpheus Island.
Embark on a full day trip to the outer barrier reef for a sensational day on the water.  The trip can include two guided dives discovering a myriad of marine life, the opportunity to swim and snorkel and lounge in the sun, whilst being tempted by a great smorgasbord lunch. This trip is conducted by a private charter vessel operator.

IMPORTANT DIVE INFORMATION: 
~Certified divers must produce certification cards and log books.
~Certified divers aged over 55 years need to obtain an Australian Standards medical form AS4005. 

  
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