David Gardiner

Journalist

Strong winds on parts of the northern Great Barrier Reef have eased off are expected to stay at more ‘normal’ conditions for the next week or so, after one major tour boat operator cancelled trips earlier today.

Quicksilver Cruises confirmed it did not operate any Reef tours from Port Douglas this morning.

Marine weather observations showed wind speeds of up to 24 knots overnight at Arlington Reef, which eased off to more normal conditions – well under 20 knots – after 9am on Friday.

While forecasts for the high winds prompted at least one Reef tour to cancel trips, another Port Douglas-based operator, Wavelength Cruises was operating as normal, saying it adapted to the strong wind warnings by adjusting its Reef departure time “to make the journey and snorkelling more comfortable,” Donna from Wavelength told Newsport.

“Winds have shifted around about an hour ago and observations at Arlington are showing 10-15kts SE’s - much more normal conditions, thank goodness!” she said.

“We’ve had some great visibility at our sites the last few days, and we just make sure people expect it to be a little choppy, but with a positive attitude everyone’s been having a blast!”

Marine weather forecaster Seabreeze says winds should ease off further by Saturday, with speeds dropping off to well under 10 knots over the next six days, and waves down to below one metre later next week.