Great Barrier Reef

Eye to Eye Marine Encounters teams up with world-class marine scientists to offer the ultimate in adventure diving on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea.

Experience close encounters with inquisitive animals; participate in research alongside informative scientists; dive and snorkel on pristine reefs; and learn through hands-on experience and marine interpretation.

By working with a range of vessels, Eye to Eye offers varying levels of comfort and luxury, catering for VIPs, small groups, film crews, student classes or those on a budget. For each expedition, Eye to Eye will charter the best vessel for the job and add its expert team of researchers and dive staff.

“The best boat depends hugely on the research  taking place, the number of passengers and other requirements that the guests might have”, John Rumney, founder of Eye to Eye, explains.

Osprey Reef

Raine Island

With many years experience as a research coordinator, professional skipper and adventure diver, John Rumney has a vast knowledge of the reef and its critters.

He has consulted for international panels on Climate Change and participated in conservation movements around the world; and, as the creator and former manager of Undersea Explorer Adventure Dive and Research Expeditions, is a pioneer of ecotourism.

Now, with his new venture, Eye to Eye, he is taking adventure diving to a whole new level.

SWIM WITH DWARF MINKE WHALES

Discover the beauty of the ocean’s most inquisitive creatures, as you look directly into a whale’s eye and experience the awe of connecting with another species…an encounter that moves many to tears, leaves none unchanged, and is second-to-none around the world for in-water whale encounters. The dwarf minke whale expeditions take place for 6 weeks of every year, in June and July. Discover the nature of these gentle giants in an environment that is both awe-inspiring and educational. This is truly one of the most unique under water experiences available (and don’t forget that it is accompanied with diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef!)

If you prefer island based accommodation, Eye to Eye now offers accommodation at Lizard Island’s 5 star resort with day trips to the minke whale‘s winter playground.

Great Barrier Reef

Raine Island

DIVE WITH SHARKS

For the ultimate adventure, take a trip on a live-aboard dive and research vessel with Richard Fitzpatrick, world renowned shark scientist and cinematographer.

During the trip become a part of the “Team Tiger”, and join in tagging and tracking various species of sharks, including white tips, grey reefs, silver tips, hammerheads and tiger sharks.

Combine this with world class diving in the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef, and make this a once-in-a-lifetime, adrenalin filled experience. 

ETHOS OF EYE TO EYE
MARINE ENCOUNTERS

In founding Eye to Eye Marine Encounters, John draws on his many years of harnessing the tourism dollar to fund sustainable scientific research and aims to offer his clients the most intensely intimate encounters possible with the marine life.

“It’s important to know that these are informed encounters,” says John. “Eye to Eye draws upon the knowledge imparted by our scientists, and bases its expeditions upon minimal impact strategies recommended by our conservationists.

Every trip will be carried out with the aim to uphold the highest level of integrity towards long-term sustainable tourism and marine protection.

Great Barrier Reef