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.

Every trip we run provides free space to researchers in the belief that Research = Awareness = Conservation and Sustainable Management


Osprey Reef

Tim Forderer's Blog ...

"4th of July 2008 It is only 1900 and above their is already a star speckled dark Australian night. Their are no city lights to wash out the stars this far north in Australia. We are about 130 miles north of the closest real city. .... "
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Hi John,

The time we spent on board your vessel will stay with us as one of the best memories of our lives. The crew, Mick + Jules + Roscoe were great, and above all we loved your enthusiasm for diving, animals and life in general.

Our family had to save up for a long time before our visit to Australia. Booking a trip from overseas meant that our selection was based on internet searches, word of mouth and a belief in the salesman. Thank god we chose you!

Your passion for nature and diving touched are souls. And thanks to your outstanding crew my wife started diving.... and still is! We often find ourselves excitedly reminiscing about our trip and the memories we made with you.

Wherever I go I will tell people what you told me: "a dead shark is only worth its price in meat/fins but a living one can be continuous resource and attraction for tourists and is therefore worth far more alive". Hopefully the revenue created through eco-tourism and eco-tax will be enough to pay the poor fishermen off and keep the sharks and nature around for our children to enjoy.

With an email it is impossible for me to express my feeling and memories, I hope you will understand.

We will keep you in our hearts,
Kindest regards, Frits van Boven and family, 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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