Passions of Paradise

Passions of Paradise offers a distinctive Great Barrier Reef experience aboard a 25-metre sailing catamaran, combining the romance of sailing with world-class reef diving and snorkelling since 1988. The vessel departs daily from Cairns Marlin Marina and sails to two carefully selected outer reef sites, offering a more intimate and eco-conscious alternative to the larger motor vessels that ply the same waters.

The sailing catamaran carries a maximum of 60 guests, keeping numbers well below the capacity of most reef operators to ensure a personalised experience with minimal reef impact. Certified divers enjoy two guided dives at sites such as Paradise Reef, Michaelmas Cay, and Hastings Reef, where healthy coral gardens support abundant marine life including sea turtles, reef sharks, giant clams, clownfish communities, and occasional eagle rays. Snorkellers benefit from guided tours and unlimited reef access.

The vessel's eco-focus has earned multiple sustainability awards, and the crew actively participates in reef health monitoring through programs like Reef Check and the Eye on the Reef initiative. Solar panels supplement the vessel's power needs, and a strict environmental code governs all reef interactions. Introductory scuba dives are available for non-certified guests wanting to experience breathing underwater for the first time, conducted by qualified instructors in small groups. The trip includes a tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and all snorkelling and diving equipment.