When is the 'wet season'? Can we still see the coral and fish?
Port Douglas is located in tropical Australia and has two seasons; the ‘wet season’ and the ‘dry season’. Officially, the wet season begins on 1st December and runs through until the end of April. During this time heavy rains may fall and the region may experience monsoonal conditions. Some reefs may expect lower underwater visibility, particularly those close to the coast. You can still view coral and fish underwater when it is raining however a lack of sunlight may make the reef system appear duller than usual.

What is the EMC?
The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is a charge payable by commercial operators granted permits by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA). Visitors to the reef participating in a tourist activity are now liable to pay the charge to the permit holder. The charge is currently $5.00 per person. The role of the operator in relation to the charge is to collect and remit the charge to the GBRMPA.

Do you run Christmas Day?
No. This is the one day of the year (apart from scheduled maintenance) Synergy does not operate.

Does Synergy offer overnight charters?
Due to the popularity of our day cruise, Synergy is no longer able to offer overnight trips.

Is there much difference between the Outer Reef and areas closer to the coast such as the Low Isles?
From Port Douglas there are a few different reef destinations you can visit. The general rule of thumb is that the further you are away from the mainland, the better conditions will be underwater to see the reef.

What is the likelihood we will encounter jellyfish during the time we are at the reef?
There are many types of jellyfish in the ocean, most of which are harmless but may cause some discomfort. Jellies such as ‘Blue Bottle or Portuguese Man O’ War’ can inflict a painful sting which may remain for up to an hour.

Other jellyfish common to tropical Australian waters include the Irukandji and the Box Jellyfish. These jellyfish can often be deadly and should be avoided. Box jellyfish are known to inhabit inshore waters and do not venture beyond a couple of kilometers from the coastline. Irukandji can be found out at the reef but stings are rare. Information regarding these jellyfish can be found on board our vessel or can be emailed on request.

To ensure the safety of our passengers, Synergy provides at no charge (and encourages the wearing of) full-bodied lycra suits which also offer protection from the sun.

Do you offer fishing?
No. There are specialist trips for fishing enthusiasts both to the reef and coastal estuaries.

We like the idea of a private charter to an island but we cannot afford to charter the entire vessel on our own. Do you offer share charters?
A private charter means ‘exclusive use of the vessel’ therefore we do not offer charters on a share basis.

Do you offer half-day charters?
Our private charter rate is based on full-day use. Whilst we are happy to take your group for a half day excursion, the full-day rate still applies.

Do you offer underwater camera hire?
Synergy sells disposable underwater cameras on the vessel for $35. These cameras have a built in flash and offer 27 shots. Passengers then pay for development of the film themselves at a film processing store. This is a separate charge from the cost of the camera.

Do you have lifejackets on board the vessel?
Synergy complies with all safety regulations as set out by Queensland Transport (Maritime Safety Division). This includes safety equipment such as life jackets, first aid, fire-fighting, life raft, communications systems and so on. Our staff are trained to the highest level to ensure your comfort and safety at all times.

Do you allow smoking?
Queensland now has strict laws on smoking areas. Smoking is restricted to the foredeck of the vessel, well away from other passengers. A specialised ashtray is provided by the crew. Discarding cigarettes over the side of the boat is strictly prohibited.

What if I forget to bring a towel?
Synergy offers a range of merchandise for sale on board the vessel including towels. CLICK HERE to view our range of items.

TRANSFERS/FINDING SYNERGY

We are driving ourselves to the vessel. Where do we go and is there plenty of parking available?
Synergy is located at Berth C21, Marina Mirage, Wharf Street, Port Douglas. There is ample free parking at the marina. After parking your car, make your way through the shops to the public wharf (there is only one!) and walk down the wharf. Synergy is located about 2/3rds of the way down on the left hand side.

Are transfers included in the fare price?
Transfers from Port Douglas hotels are included in the fare price. Transfers from outside Port Douglas are explained below.

Do you provide pick up and return transfers from Cairns and the northern beaches such as Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach and Palm Cove?
Yes. Transfers from the Cairns City area are $50pp return.
Transfers from the Northern Beaches (including Palm Cove) are $25pp return.
Transfers from Oak Beach are $20pp return.

Do you offer child rates for transfers?
No, as this service is outsourced, children travel at the same rate as adults.

Is it easy to get to Port Douglas from Palm Cove?
Port Douglas is approximately 30 minutes drive north of Palm Cove (and an hour north of Cairns) just off the Cook Hwy. The road into Port Douglas is well-signed. Once you turn off the highway onto Port Douglas Road, keep following the road until you see Port Street where you turn left. Port Street will lead you around to Marina Mirage.