Bespoke new dive vessel, Aquarius II to join Far North reef fleet

A tourism giant that just posted their strongest-ever half year result since 2019 has splashed out on a new 24m vessel expected to the Far North reef fleet from mid-March.

Experience Co has acquired the Aquarius II that will soon join the adventure tourism company's Reef fleet. Picture: SeaCat Ships

A new 24m vessel is set to join the Far North reef fleet off the back of Experience Co posting the strongest ever half year result since 2019.

On Thursday the ASX listed company updated shareholders through their interim financial report.

And the results are looking good for the adventure tourism specialist that operates the Reef Magic pontoon, Skydive Australia, Treetops Adventure Parks and Reef Unlimited marine tours.

The Aquarius II is an aluminium dive charter boat built by SeaCat Ships. Picture: SeaCat Ships

The company enjoyed revenue of $67.9m while declaring a net profit of $1.4m.

This was despite the business being impacted by recent disruptive weather affecting North Queensland, NSW and Victoria as well as continued cost of living pressures in Australia and New Zealand.

Chief executive John O’Sullivan said the business continued to benefit from an international tourism tailwind.

“While this result is pleasing, management remains focused on continuing to maximise the opportunity for the Group as market conditions continue to improve,” he said.

The wheelhouse of the Aquarius II. Picture: SeaCat Ships

The recent success of top performers for the company, Reef Unlimited, has allowed the acquisition of the 295 passenger vessel Aquarius II that will operate in Great Barrier Reef waters from Cairns and Port Douglas.

“Our marine business has had really good momentum, domestic customers have been resilient and international customers have really returned,” he said.

“We have seen some great underlying demand for our reef business (and) we really believe in Cairns as a tourist destination.”

The Reef Magic pontoon at Moore Reef. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr O’Sullivan said customers really respond to new experiences and proof of that was the $7m Reef Magic pontoon that was launched in 2022.

He said the state-of-the-art reef assets built locally by English Engineering paid for itself in two years.

Built by Seacat Ships the aluminium dive charter boat is equipped with an in-built air compressor and hydraulic dive platform for snorkelling and scuba diving.

The vessel is also suited for overnight accommodation use with six spacious guest cabins plus two crew cabins.

It is expected that Aquarius II will join the fleet from mid-March 2025.

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Originally published as Bespoke new dive vessel, Aquarius II to join Far North reef fleet