Happy Anniversary, Reef Magic!

My how time has flown! Our awesome operator in Cairns, Australia (on the Great Barrier Reef) is celebrating its first year of Sea TREKking!

And speaking of flying, Sub Sea Systems’ Director of Water Operations and Safety (and resident fish nerd) Carl Hanson, took a trip down under to check in with this awesome operator! Here’s what Carl had to say about his lengthy but exciting journey.

Q: Why did you take the journey to Australia? 
To celebrate the one-year anniversary of our operator in Cairns! We have new staff at Reef Magic, so I wanted to get to know them. I also did a site visit, which included training the new coordinators, and conducting a safety and equipment inspection. We reviewed some new ideas for marketing Sea TREK, too! It’s helpful for operators to have an “outside eye” for the program - someone who does not see it daily and can observe with fresh eyes.

Q: How long was the trip?
I left California on May 26th and got back on June 2nd. What’s interesting about this is that I arrived on the 28th, and left Australia on the 2nd. I left Sydney at 10am, and arrived in LA at 6am on the same day! Time traveling!

Q: What was your travel route?
Sacramento to Los Angeles, CA
L.A. to Sydney
Sydney to Cairns

On the return trip:
Cairns to Sydney
Sydney to L.A.
L.A. to Sacramento

I was fortunate to receive an upgraded seat from Sacramento to L.A. Then, I got an upgrade to business class from L.A. to Sydney, which scored me a much-appreciated bed! From Sydney to Cairns, I was upgraded to first class again. It pays to be nice... and to be a frequent flyer!

The only real issue I encountered was the very last leg of the trip. Flying from L.A. to Sacramento, the cargo door got stuck, so we had to wait for 2.5 hours for our luggage. Luckily, I had a 4-hour layover. Whew!

Q: How was their first year as a Sea TREK operator?
They did really well for their first year! The Reef Magic team loves the product (they were using another brand of helmet diving system prior to implementing Sea TREK). The Sea TREK helmets are easier to use and they do not require a weight belt. Additionally, the helmets require a smaller footprint when sitting on the deck so they are able to have more helmets.

The operators at Reef Magic really want to help more people enjoy the Great Barrier Reef, and Sea TREK affords them that opportunity.

Q: What is unique about this particular Sea TREK adventure?
The uniqueness stems from the reef itself. For a non-diver to be able to access the reef and all of its residents is incredible! In showing more people the reef, we increase awareness of the necessity of conservation efforts. Putting people there “live and in person” really brings home the need to preserve the reef and life within.

Q: What’s new in the area?
ScUber! Travelers can now take a very unique trip to the reef– on an Uber branded submarine! All you need is the Uber app to call for your ScUber to pick you up... and a mere $3000 per person!

Q: What did you do in your free time?
I took a helicopter tour of the reef! This was my first helicopter ride. Seeing the reef from this viewpoint was so different. You can see large groupings of animals, like sea turtles. Manta and Eagle rays are also visible from the air. I spent time with the team socializing and getting to know them. It’s great to establish relationships, so I can put a face to the name when speaking over the phone or via email. They know me now and know that I’m eager to help whenever needed. And, of course, I bought a magnet for my Mom!

Q: What animals did you encounter at this location?
Maori wrasse, Wally! Hawksbill sea turtles, white tip sharks, and an insane assortment of fishes and corals. The Great Barrier Reef is teeming with life.

Reef Magic (and its owner, Experience Co.) have some exciting future plans that we hope to share in the near future. Stay tuned!