Quality Hotel Sheridan Plaza Review
by Warrick Drew
(Australia)
It was great to go diving for the first time and to see my wife in the ocean. It was a perfect trip due to the people, food, the Barrier Reef and the hotel, even though I did not get to see a shark or dolphin but hey next time maybe. Go see the fish, you'll love it!
Operator Performance
The Quality Hotel Sheridan Plaza booked the trip for us, I think the boat was called Blue Water Charters.
Boat
The boat was medium size, blue and had about 50 passengers and 10 crew, it had a small roof area where you could sit and catch the sea breeze.
It had a small kitchen where you could get a coffee and something to eat.
The Captain was a Hungarian lady with a lovely sense of humour.
Weather and Sea Conditions
The day started off with a bit of overcast clouds, but soon turned into a nice moderately sunny day.
The visibility was excellent - you could see to the bottom while snorkelling which was about 10 meters down to about half a meter.
My wife and I did not get sick even though my wife (we found out later) was pregnant. The boat was large enough and the sea calm enough that we felt fine, which was surprising as I normally do get sea sick.
Snorkeling/Diving
I went diving and my wife who is afraid of the sea went snorkelling.
This was my first time diving so it was quite exciting. They take you through training and how to get your mouth piece back in case you drop it etc.
After all the training they slowly take you down to the bottom where they show you sea cucumber (and make you hold the slimy thing), starfish, small Nemo fish, sting ray, octopus's, and many other fish I did not get the name of due to not being able to ask at the bottom of the ocean, but I can say there was a fish for every colour, and every size you could think of.
I then returned to the surface to snorkel with my wife, after much coaching and convincing she jumped in and off we went. We swam over a shallow area where there was more corral, crabs, starfish, and lots and lots of small colourful fish.
Accommodation & Food
We stayed in the Quality Hotel Sheridan Plaza, on Sheridan street, in Cairns. The hotel is walking distance to everything - the esplanade, shops, bars, and all the activities such as diving, etc, come pick you up so you can't go wrong.
The room was excellent for the cost, and the cost is good on the budget, which you will need as there are so many activities and good food in Cairns to eat, you will need some spending money to get the full benefit of such a holiday.
I would definitely recommend this hotel to others and the Great Barrier Reef on any diving boat.
There was no food in our package but we ate out in Cairns each night and found the seafood was to die for.
Tips and Advice
The most useful items for me were my bathers and toothbrush: every activity you do you'll probably get wet, and the toothbrush is to get rid of the salt water taste when you get back to shore.
The reef is a great place to go but remember Cairns has lots of other activities such white water rafting, bungee jumping etc, so take your time and go for more than 4 days.
I would not recommend pre planning activities as there are so many providers you'll get there and find you wanted to go on the other one, and as timings can change due to weather it might mess up your plans. You only need to book the afternoon prior to your trip, for most activities.
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