Business Details
32 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Adventure Diving & Research Expeditions in Port Douglas
Founded by John and Linda Rumney, Eye to Eye Marine Encounters draws on over 30 years of firsthand experience living and working on the Great Barrier Reef. Our family-run team pioneered the swim-with-minke-whale experience in Queensland and developed globally adopted guidelines for ethical wildlife interactions. We combine adventure tourism with marine research, offering guests opportunities to participate in tagging and tracking studies while exploring remote reefs and islands.With a fleet of specialized vessels, we provide flexible itineraries tailored to seasonal marine life patterns, ensuring optimal wildlife encounters. Our onboard marine scientists deliver interpretive talks and facilitate citizen science contributions, transforming recreational trips into meaningful conservation efforts. We operate under strict environmental protocols, with a portion of proceeds directly funding reef research and protection initiatives.
Services
Minke Whale Expeditions
Shark Research Dives
Private Charters
Coral Sea Expeditions
Marine Conservation Tours
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We pioneered ethical swim-with-minke-whale guidelines adopted industry-wide
- Onboard marine scientists provide expert-led research participation opportunities
- Flexible itineraries prioritize wildlife encounters over fixed schedules
- Family-run business with 30+ years' experience in reef conservation
- Directly funds marine research through tourism operations
What people say
Life-changing experience
Expert marine scientists
Ethical wildlife interactions
Flexible itineraries
Research participation
Services
Minke Whale Expeditions
Experience unique swim-with-minke-whale encounters during peak season at the Ribbon Reefs. Our flexible itineraries prioritize whale interactions while offering world-class diving and snorkeling. Guests receive expert guidance from marine biologists with decades of experience studying these animals. The expedition includes interpretive sessions and contributes directly to the Dwarf Minke Whale Project through guest participation and data collection.
Shark Research Dives
Participate in tiger shark and reef shark research expeditions in the Far Northern Great Barrier Reef. Assist scientists with tagging and tracking studies while exploring remote reefs. These advanced diving trips combine conservation efforts with thrilling encounters with apex predators and nesting turtles. All data collected contributes to marine conservation and ecosystem understanding.
Private Charters
Tailored marine adventures departing from Port Douglas or Lizard Island. Choose your focus from wildlife encounters, research participation, or luxury exploration. Our vessels accommodate groups up to 26 with personalized itineraries that adapt to seasonal marine life patterns and weather conditions, ensuring optimal experiences in diverse reef environments.
Coral Sea Expeditions
Explore Osprey Reef's vertical walls and 40m visibility with opportunities to observe rare marine species. These expeditions combine technical diving challenges with scientific research participation, featuring encounters with deep-sea nautilus and pelagic predators in one of the world's top shark diving destinations.
Marine Conservation Tours
Tourism-funded conservation trips where guests directly support reef research. Participate in data collection, attend expert lectures, and learn about marine ecosystem protection. A portion of proceeds funds ongoing research projects, with scientists onboard to explain conservation efforts and their impact on reef management.
People
John Rumney
Founder
Marine conservationist with 30+ years' experience on the Great Barrier Reef. Former commercial fisherman turned conservation advocate, featured in multiple environmental documentaries. Developed the first ethical guidelines for minke whale interactions.
Jenna Rumney
Operations Manager
Marine biologist with Honours degree, raised on reef expeditions. Specializes in logistical coordination and guest experience management. Provides personalized service and scientific interpretation during trips.
Dr Dean Miller
Lead Scientist
Marine scientist with 24 years' experience studying minke whales. Collaborates with National Geographic and BBC on documentary projects. Conducts ongoing research on whale behavior and reef ecology during expeditions.
Questions
What makes your minke whale expeditions unique?
We offer flexible itineraries prioritizing whale encounters, with onboard researchers and the longest operational history. Our guidelines shape global best practices for ethical interactions.
Do I need advanced diving skills?
Most trips accommodate all skill levels. Advanced certifications required only for specific research expeditions. Snorkeling options available for non-divers.
How does my trip support conservation?
A portion of proceeds funds marine research. Guests contribute to citizen science projects, and scientists onboard share findings that inform reef management policies.
What safety measures are in place?
We use ENOS rescue systems for diver location tracking. All trips include safety briefings, emergency protocols, and experienced crew trained in remote area response.
Can I customize my expedition?
Private charters allow full itinerary customization around specific marine species or research interests, with vessel options for different group sizes and budgets.
Videos
