After reading the Trip Advisor reviews for Big Mama Sailing we decided to book a reef trip.
The experience was far beyond our expectations from the very first contact.
Over the phone, Lisa went to great lengths to explain the package and give us the information needed to book the trip.
We arrived somewhat late on the morning of our trip (due to my issues – not theirs), but were nevertheless welcomed extremely professionally by Lisa, Stu and Fletch onto the boat (and into their home).
Once we arrived aboard and were meeting the other 8 guests sharing our trip, Stu got the ketch underway.
Big Mama is a ketch rigged motor sailor some 60 feet long and beautifully fitted out for the comfort of the passengers.
The trip out to the reef was memorable, with sightings of whales and dolphins, and the chance to enjoy luscious scones with jam and cream.
It was clear that this was very much a family run small business, with friendly chats, an obvious passion for the sea and the boat and the open sharing of years of valuable knowledge about all aspects of the experience.
Once we had arrived at Adelaide Reef the snorkeling began. The difference between sharing an unspoilt area of reef with a total of 12 visitors is in marked contrast to the usual alternatives where groups of hundreds of people at a time in close proximity to a section of reef that are far from pristine.
The varieties and colors of the coral and marine life were spectacular, and Stu was always on hand to answer any questions.
We then returned to Big Mama for an amazing lunch. Lisa provided an absolutely spectacular fresh lunch of salad varieties, chicken and steak skewers and fantastic fish parcels cooked from mackerel that had been caught on the previous trip.
After lunch, we were given the opportunity to enjoy a further snorkel experience, this time on a different portion of the reef with a much older coral garden below. It reminded me of a helicopter experience looking down into the depths of an established rainforest.
Following this time on the reef, Stu pulled up the anchor and the trip back home began.
The afternoon tea comprised hot drinks, freshly baked Anzac biscuits and platters of beautiful tropical fruit.
Once the spinnaker was deployed we were able to experience just how Big Mama performs under sail. Powering through the Coral Sea at about 10 knots under the influence of a prevailing wind is a great feeling!
We can’t recommend the Big Mama sailing experience highly enough. If you’re visiting Far North Queensland then you must get down to Mission Beach and avail yourself of this unforgettable trip.
To find out more, you can phone Lisa on 0437206360
or visit the Big Mama website at: bigmamasailing.com
