Information For Families
If you’re travelling with your family, there are so many fun activities, combined with the thrill of adventure and discovery, your kids will never be bored. Explore the Great Barrier Reef together in the semi-submarine cruise or don a snorkel and mask to find Nemo. Our friendly crew are on hand to make this amazing underwater world educational, but most of all, fun.
To help make the most of your day, we have highlighted a few points that are of particular interest to families.
Family Fares & Pricing
Quicksilver offer special Outer Barrier Reef Cruise fares for families, please see our fares and prices page for current details.
Baby change facilities
We do have a fold down baby changing table on Quicksilver VIII, however not on Quicksilver V. The change table is located in one of the toilets on the main deck aft of Quicksilver VIII. Please ask one of the crew to show you where to find it.
Education
Travelling to the Great Barrier Reef is a wonderful educational opportunity for children. On board our vessel we have qualified Marine Biologists who will happily answer any questions you or your children may have about this precious marine ecosystem. There is also a collection of illustrated reference books for your enjoyment and these are located next to the Marine Biologists at the front of the boat. Please return them after use to allow others to enjoy these books as well.
Snorkelling
To assist children to obtain the best experience from their day at the Great Barrier Reef, snorkels, masks and fins are available in child sizes. These are located in storage bins at the top of the steps leading down to the snorkelling platform. Please make your selection before making your way down to the water. Should you require assistance then please don’t hesitate to ask one of our Snorkelling Safety Officers for help.
Tip: If your child has their own swimming goggles at home, bring them along. We find most kids are more comfortable with goggles rather than a face mask, and love just ‘flopping’ around in the water with goggles and no snorkel.
Swimming Aids
There are various flotation aids available for your child’s use. These range from kick-boards to full flotation vests depending on your child’s swimming abilities. Accompanying adults may find that young children or non swimmers will tend to lean on them for reassurance when in the water. It is therefore recommended that the accompanying adult should also wear some form of flotation device to prevent them from becoming tired. Please check with the Snorkelling Safety Officer to ensure the correct fitting and use of the flotation aids before venturing into the water.
Sun Safety
Please be aware of the harmful effect that the sun’s rays can have on your child’s unprotected skin. The wearing of a T-shirt and a hat, with the application of a 30+ sunblock on exposed skin is strongly recommended. To avoid eye irritation it is important to remove any sunscreen from around your child’s eyes when fitting their mask before snorkelling. Remember to reapply the sun screen regularly after in-water activities.
Important Safety Information
The motion of a vessel at sea causes movement around a boat to be difficult and unstable. For this reason we must ask that access to the outside decks is restricted to children under the age of 14 unless they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
If you have any other special needs, please do not hesitate to ask any of our crew for assistance. Our friendly crew will be only too happy to help if they can.
