We are certified scuba divers and very experienced snorkelers. We have been exploring reefs across the world for 40 years. Yesterday we booked a rather pricey two hour snorkeling trip to a reef about 1.5km offshore from the beach at Pacific Harbour. We booked the advertised “Born Free” boat because of its wide transom and ladder for easy entry and exit of the water and its padded seats. When we arrived another appropriate vessel was booked for us that did not feature the wide platform at the stern and had to insist on going on the boat that we actually booked So WATCH that!
We did not leave until well after nine o’clock.

It was windy out there yesterday and in our boat there were approximately twenty snorkelers. The water was deep and there was a good twenty metre swim from the boat in deep water to the reef edge. After anchoring the boat captain shouted “Pool’s Open!”
That’s it . We had children and very inexperienced swimmers and snorkelers in our group and ONE!!!! guide. He was friendly and helpful but very young and he had a large group to supervise in challenging conditions.
NO briefing on the reef and what to expect as we explored. I have been out there several times before and was very surprised that we weren’t instructed to swim to the leeward side of the reef.
The young man SHOULD NOT have been given such a heavy responsibility!

We are very thankful that no one was cut by the coral as some swimmers were being swept dangerously close to the reef wall.
After struggling with the choppy surface and being accidentally kicked and bumped by other flailing swimmers we finally found ourselves inside the reef and began to enjoy the critters.
BUT!!!
The captain was signalling for us to get back on the boat!!! Our $87 TWO hour snorkelling trip was actually less than one hour in the water and the majority of that time was unpleasant.
If you are staying at the Pearl DONT choose that option unless you’re very experienced .
There are other tour options in Pacific Harbour that enable you to enter the water from the beach away from the wind and prevailing currents
BE CAREFUL

Gorgeous room with a beautiful view of the adults pool and ocean. Staff amazingly friendly and nothing is a problem. Very relaxing place and interesting cultural shows they put on for free. On our last night they put on a special lovo dinner with show and snake dance that we were all doing. Another evening was a special fire dance that they were extremely good at both the men and the women. Because of the marina right there it made it so easy to go on our fishing and snorkelling trips. The 18 days was never dull.

Attended a very well run conference here and stayed 1 night in a very modern room with King bed and large luxurious bathroom. The resort has 6 restaurants to chose from with great food and cocktails. It is on the river for convenient access to Aquatrek dive shop and boats. Lovely lush gardens with occasional sightings of mongooses.