We had heard horror stories of boating around the Keppels. So we decided to book the Keppel 5-1 Explorer Tour with Scotty. Just to get a feel for the place and make sure we don’t end up on some rocks with our boat.
What a positive surprise.
The boat is the smallest of all the boats doing tours but it turns out to be a modified sea rescue RIB that is perfect for the conditions. It was a super smooth ride and it could go places were no one else could go. We had most of the stops to ourselves :-)
On top of that, Scotty didn’t take the shortest route. He zig zagged around the place to make sure that spray and uncomfortable passages were avoided. I saw no other boat do that.
No other boat was as fast as the Keppel Explorer. We were definitely the Ferrari on the water which helped maximize our time discovering places, snorkeling, and hanging out.
That is the nicest feature about the tour. I was a tour guide myself and creating a great day around ever changing weather is an art form. Scotty is a master of this art.
We saw so much and yet the day had a relaxed, casual feel to it. Holidays at its best. It’s rare to see such a great balance of fun and relaxation in a pristine environment.
Comfort: Hopping in and out of the water can be very chilly. Scotty has this sorted with top of the range, Burke sailing jackets. The stuff crews wear on the Sydney to Hobart race or the America’s Cup.
Felling chilly? Put one of them on and you get this comfortable warmth no matter how windy. Our day was perfect but I can see this attention to detail shine in not-so-perfect conditions.
Knowledge: Scotties a local and you can feel it. He knows the place, the history and he has a fun and entertaining way to drop nuggets while your soaking up the awesome moments.
The other pax on tour were a great bunch too. I guess it’s the nature of the tour. Everyone was looking forward to a fun day and we had lots of fun together.
This tour is worth every cent and I highly...
Read moreWe absolutely loved experiencing this extraordinary snorkelling tour that surpassed all expectations. Led by Scotty, an exceptional guide, this underwater journey not only introduced us to the vibrant marine life of Great Keppel Island, but also left an indelible mark on our love for exploration.
From the moment we set sail, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. Scotty, who had incredible knowledge of the marine life and Great Keppel Island area, provided a comprehensive briefing on safety and the local ecosystem. This instilled a sense of confidence and allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience.
As we slipped into the crystal-clear waters, a mesmerising world unfolded before us. The coral reefs teemed with life — vibrant fish darting among intricate formations, while graceful sea turtles glided effortlessly through the turquoise depths. Each moment was a tableau of natural beauty.
What truly set this tour apart was Scotty's knowledge and enthusiasm. His humorous and expert commentary illuminated the behaviour and significance of the creatures we encountered, deepening our appreciation for the delicate underwater environment.
Moreover, the tour was impeccably organised, with top-notch equipment provided and a keen emphasis on environmental responsibility. The respect shown for the marine environment underscored the guide's commitment to sustainable tourism practices, ensuring future generations can also marvel at these pristine waters.
Reflecting on this snorkelling tour, we were filled with gratitude for the opportunity to witness nature's wonders up close. It was more than an excursion; it was a transformative experience that left us with memories to cherish. For anyone seeking to connect with nature and explore the underwater realm, we wholeheartedly recommend embarking on a guided snorkelling tour like this one. Prepare to be captivated, educated, and inspired — it's an adventure not...
Read moreWow, what a fantastic day. Scott really thought of every little detail.
Booking online was really easy.
Checking in on the day and getting fitted for our wetsuit top and shorts was really easy and quick. We kept these on all day until we returned.
Boarding the boat was close by and a simple process with such a small group. Definitely bring a bag that can get wet on the outside as it will be on the floor of the boat and by the end of the day it will be wet.
We were on our way in no time and we got super lucky and spotted whales within the first 10mins of our trip, was magnificent. We then headed off to our first snorkelling spot. Scott knows all the great spots. The kids loved this spot. Scott provides the snorkelling gear and flippers, also a noodle for those who need assistance. Getting in and out of the boat is super easy, it’s definitely an adventure day trip not a boating and chill day. We headed off to a few more snorkeling spots before we stopped for lunch. Lunch was delicious, it was a ham or chicken and salad wrap, grapes and strawberries, almonds and apricots and a protein ball, all in a cute obento style lunch box. The kids approved and ate it all. Definitely bring snacks for morning tea if you have children like mine who need to eat every 60mins lol. Bring your own water. No alcoholic drinks needed on this kind of day trip. No room for an esky, pack light and only bring what you need.
Scott provided rain jackets to keep the wind off you while in your wet gear, which was perfect.
My son was able to get some great drone footage during the day. If you have a go pro definitely bring that too.
Hot showers back at the marina were good before we headed home.
We are locals and I can’t believe we hadn’t done this day trip before. We will definitely...
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