John Rumney

OLD DOG, NEW TRIPS

Eye to Eye is the culmination of John and Linda Rumney's 30 years of extensive experience living and working on the Great Barrier Reef.

John, founder and former manager of the adventure dive and scientific research vessel Undersea Explorer, brings his interpretive and photographic skills, comprehensive ecological knowledge, nautical expertise, and contagious enthusiasm to every charter

Though atypical for conservationists, John and Linda's experiences with the reef began as commercial fishermen. After years diving and learning about this environment they became first-hand witnesses to the negative impacts of human activities and climate change. In John's words "The more fish I saw disappearing, the more moved I felt to do something about it." This motivated the Rumneys to embark on a new career, with the primary goal to protect the sea they had grown to love. John has since belonged to many different conservation projects and councils, consulted for Climate Change panels, and worked alongside and featured in many environmental TV programs and documentaries (including the Discovery Channel, VOX TV, National Geographic, ZDF, Stern, Channel 10 news, and 60 minutes)."

The Rumney family and their team of dedicated guides would like to extend their passion for the underwater world to anyone who wants to be involved. By joining Eye to Eye, you will benefit from local knowledge and experience, visit the optimal spots for each day (ensuring the best conditions and seasonal highlights), experience a positive and educational approach and be assured that your trip has minimal impacts on the environment.

Keep an eye out for our 2008/09 itineraries


Osprey Reef


Hi John,
 
For us the time we had on your vessel is one of the best memories we have in life up to this far. The crew, Mick + Jules + Roscoe were great, and above all we loved your enthusiasm for diving, animals and life in general.
 
I think that you will understand that when you have save money during a long period of time to go once to OZ, at the time that the kids are aware of it all, that you hope , when you make the booking, that it all will be worthwhile . It is at matter of hope, knowledge via internet and believe in the salesman that the savings are not for nothing.
 
As we saw how you thought about nature and diving , you touched are souls; thanks to Jules my wife started to dive 9 and she still is). Many moments we still think and talk about you and our moments on the U E. Where-ever I come I will tell people what you told me: a dead shark is worth a 10 $, a living-one 1000. Hopefully eco-tourism and eco-tax will pay the poor fishermen off and keep the sharks and nature alive.
 
With an email it is impossible for me to express my feeling and memories, I hope you will understand.
 
We hope that you will have a happy and healthy retirement and hope to come once more to P.D. to make a trip again.
 
We will keep you in our hearts,
Kindest regards,
on behalf of my wife and 2 sons, Frits van Boven, PADI Master Instructor.




Dear John and Linda,

First of all - thanks for the incredible adventures. It was a great privilege to dive with you. These four dive expeditions on Undersea Explorer are among my very best memories.

Second - thanks for everything you have done for the GBR and Osprey. I'm sure you will continue the good work, but already now you have done so much for conservation and for educating the diving community. I'm a conservative and very skeptical of most people who talk about environmentalism. But I always knew that you are the real thing. While the others were scoring political points you were fighting
for our reefs, taking the risks and putting your money where your mouth is.
Thank you.

And third - good luck with all your new plans. I hope that your "Eye to Eye Marine Encounters" have a great future. Sounds very special. If I have the money (always an 'if' in my life) – one day I hope to dive with you again..
Thanks again and my very best wishes to you and your family!

Lev
 


Great Barrier Reef


Dear Linda & John,

…. I remember when I first met you two, only 2 months after arriving in Australia, and you both gave me such inspiration and motivation. Thanks a lot for that!! When I had some lectures that were not too exciting I often thought about that shark research trip with you, and that simply helped me get motivated again. Big congratulations to your two (!) exciting and adventurous companies. With your experience, knowledge and creative personalities it will be a success for sure. I will be more than happy to send out mass emails to friends around the world telling them about your business, if you like.
  
All the best,
Jessica
 

 

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