From September 2027, IMPULSIVE makes her debut in Tropical North Queensland. Departing from Cairns or Port Douglas, she cruises the outer reef and the Ribbon Reefs as far as Lizard Island, with the dive sites, lagoons and fishing grounds of the far north on her doorstep.
At a glance
- Board in Cairns or Port Douglas and finish at Lizard Island, leaving by air or sea.
- Seven nights takes in Mackay Reef, the Ribbon Reefs, the Cod Hole, Pixie Pinnacle and Lizard Island.
- Five night itineraries are also available.
- Giant black marlin season runs from September to December.
Wilder than the Whitsundays
Where the Whitsundays are calm, sheltered and close together, Tropical North Queensland is wilder and further out. The reef edge drops away to deep water, the anchorages are quieter and the days are shaped by the sea.
Days one and two: Mackay Reef and Ribbon Reef No. 3
Board in Cairns or Port Douglas and cruise north to Mackay Reef, a gentle introduction to the northern reef with coral gardens, giant clams, reef sharks and turtles. Snorkel or dive in the afternoon, then sunset drinks on the aft deck. On day two, a morning dive at Ribbon Reef No. 3, then fishing or snorkelling in the afternoon.
Days three and four: into the Ribbon Reefs
Ribbon Reef No. 5 brings drift dives along sheer walls, and the most consistent marlin water on the reef for the anglers. From there IMPULSIVE pushes north through Ribbon Reefs No. 5 to No. 9, into more remote and less pressured water. Dive, snorkel, kite surf where conditions allow, or fish.
The reef edge drops away to deep water, the anchorages are quieter and the days are shaped by the sea.
Days five and six: the Cod Hole and Pixie Pinnacle
Ribbon Reef No. 10 is home to the Cod Hole, where giant potato cod move beside divers. The next day, Pixie Pinnacle, one of the most visually striking sites on the reef, then the calm waters of Challenger Bay near Lizard Island.
Days seven and eight: Lizard Island
A last day on the outer reef off Lizard Island, then into the sheltered lagoon for the evening. On the final morning, walk to Cook’s Look, 359 metres above sea level, for views across the reef, snorkel Watsons Bay or take the tender around to the Blue Lagoon, before leaving by air or sea.
Getting there
Cairns is served by direct flights from Australia’s major cities, and Port Douglas is roughly an hour’s drive north. Every itinerary is indicative, and the captain follows the weather, the water and the fish.
See Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, diving and mothershipping, or ask us about 2027 dates.
