About Passions of Paradise
Passions of Paradise operates a stunning 25-metre sailing catamaran that departs daily from the Cairns Marlin Marina for the Great Barrier Reef. As one of the few true sailing vessels running reef trips out of Cairns, Passions offers a distinctly different experience from the large motor catamarans that dominate the market — the journey out to the reef is part of the adventure, with sails raised and the boat cutting quietly through the Coral Sea under wind power whenever conditions allow.
Each trip visits two carefully selected outer reef sites, giving guests up to five hours of in-water time for snorkelling and optional introductory or certified scuba diving. The crew provides comprehensive snorkel briefings, and marine biologists on board offer guided snorkel tours that point out coral species, reef fish, and other marine life that guests might otherwise swim past. Certified divers can explore deeper reef walls and swim-throughs, while first-time divers are guided one-on-one through their introductory experience. All snorkel and dive equipment is included, along with a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea.
Passions of Paradise has won multiple tourism awards and maintains an eco-certified operation that actively contributes to reef conservation through coral monitoring programmes. The intimate capacity of the sailing catamaran — significantly smaller than the large commercial reef boats — means less crowding at dive sites and a more personal, relaxed atmosphere. For visitors who value the sailing experience as much as the reef itself, Passions of Paradise delivers a premium day on the Great Barrier Reef.
