THE launch of a new Great Barrier Reef boat at Port Douglas has been described as an “inspiration” to the Shire’s tourism industry.
ABC Reef Safaris launched its new custom-designed vessel ‘Voyager’ at the Port Douglas Yacht Club last Thursday.
It went into service on Monday, representing the first new reef tourism vessel in Port Douglas since 2018 and marking a new chapter for the region’s premium reef touring industry.
“It is a pleasure to be at the launch of this incredible new tourism asset for our region,” said Member for Barron River Bree James MP.
“The Voyager shows that tourism is strong in the Tropical North,” she said.
Voyager will carry a maximum of 24 guests in refined comfort, offering an intimate and highly personalised journey to the Great Barrier Reef.
ABC Reef Safaris claim that with a 6:1 guest-to-crew ratio, guests will enjoy a curated and interpretive experience led by their team of marine biologists, naturalists and a master reef guide.
“The inside area of Voyager has 36 seats, but we are only taking a maximum 24 at a time to guarantee comfort,” said ABC Reef Safaris owner Jay Wink.
“We have always had a vision to take small numbers of people to the barrier reef, giving them a unique experience, a high level of service and a little gentle education,” he said.
“This approach from us has never changed. We’re incredibly proud to be contributing to the next chapter of reef tourism in Port Douglas.
“With Voyager, we’ve designed an experience that reflects the sophistication and expectations of modern travellers, while staying true to our sustainable and educational roots.”
ABC Reef Safaris, owned and operated by the Wink family, has been part of the Port Douglas tourism community for the past 15 years. The company has received national and international acclaim, including being named Australia’s number one tourism experience by TripAdvisor and ranked 19th in the world for best water-based activities.
“Voyager embodies everything we love about the Great Barrier Reef, its beauty, its fragility and its ability to inspire,” Mr Wink said.
“We wanted to create a vessel that, not only delivers the highest standard of comfort and service, but also deepens our guests’ connection to this extraordinary natural wonder.”
The development of Voyager was made possible in part through the Queensland Government’s Growing Future Tourism Fund, which supports innovative tourism projects that enhance Queensland’s visitor offerings and creates new economic opportunities.
With the launch of Voyager, ABC Reef Safaris continues to raise the bar for reef tourism, reaffirming Port Douglas as a world-class destination and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree. Executive officer Emma Tunnock said the launch of Voyager was “an extraordinary achievement and an inspiration to our industry”.
“To see a locally-owned, family-run business take this bold step, designing and delivering a vessel of this calibre, is testament to the strength of our operators and the world-class product this region continues to produce,” she said.
“Marine tourism is a cornerstone of our destination, and continued investment in premium experiences is exactly what will drive Port Douglas and the Daintree’s next phase of growth.
“High-yield travellers are seeking meaningful, nature-rich experiences, Voyager speaks perfectly to that audience, and we are thrilled to welcome it to the region’s offering.”
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