Matador Whitsundays

I am really unsure of how The Matador has a rating average of five stars. I don’t usually do reviews like this but I want others to be aware of what they are signing up for if purchasing tickets. I travelled from Cairns and went on the boat with my husband and brother who lives in Mackay. We have done many reef trips since we were kids so we thought we knew what to expect. Firstly, I wish this trip had been cancelled due to weather. It was forecast to storm both days we were on the boat. I wanted to cancel and do something else in Airlie Beach instead but there are no refunds for cancellations. Obviously, the weather cannot be controlled but on this boat we had to sit on the deck which had no shelter or shade (below deck was a nightmare – more on that later) and just had to sit in the rain. When we got to an island we had to go in the rain. Couldn’t take photos because phone would be ruined. All surfaces on the boat were wet for the trip. But trip wasn’t cancelled, I assume because the company would not want to forfeit 21 people x $400 each. The itinerary was not communicated with the passengers. We had no idea what to expect for the two days or where we were going. There was not much of an introduction with expectations or information. Communication was lacking e.g. we kept having to ask when meals were going to be. Waited ages for breakfast. Turns out it was all set up below deck and deckhand said “Oh I thought people would’ve noticed it and started.” ??? We were all on deck so how could we? General organisation was lacking. You have to BYO alcohol onto the boat. We had to ask where to store them. It was an esky with no ice. Then we had to ask if there was ice and we were sent to get it out of the fridge and fill the esky. This was out on the unsheltered deck so the ice melted quickly and drinks were not cold. On other tours we’ve done like this fresh water has been provided. There was a tap in the dirty kitchen that we could fill water bottles up with but the water was yucky. My brother did not bring a drink bottle because he assumed water would be provided. Food provided was below average and I’m embarrassed that it’s served to so many overseas tourists. On the first day we were allowed one sandwich: “Don’t have more because we usually run out.” Well buy more food then? For afternoon tea a tray of biscuits was put out on the wet floor and puddles were sloshing around it. There was no almond milk left for my breakfast so had a slice of bread with peanut butter. Sandwiches the next day didn’t have salad. Was hungry the whole trip. Wish I brought along own snacks. There was nowhere good to sit on the boat: you were always in the sun, in the rain or in the crew’s way. There were no chairs, you literally sit straight on the deck which is uncomfortable for two days. Below deck was not ventilated and smelled like raw onions and the toilets. It was so hot and stuffy that during the night I had to get up and go above deck to vomit overboard. Everything was damp from the weather. I feel so sorry for the people whose beds were near the toilets – they would’ve been woken up all night from the doors banging and the loud flush… if they could sleep with that smell. Crew were not knowledgeable about the surroundings e.g. a German asked about a turtle they saw and the deckhand said that the turtle’s breeding season is all year round (it’s not). Going to a snorkel spot the skipper said he hadn’t been to this area in ten years, he didn’t know if the fish or coral would be there and it might’ve been wrecked by a cyclone a few years ago but “This is an experiment” – NO we did not pay to be an experiment, take us to places you know have coral and fish. At the end of the trip the boat couldn’t get in because the tide was low and we needed to be escorted in small groups in a dinghy to shore. All of our belongings got wet and we had to sit in wet clothes for the two our drive back from Airlie to our accommodation in Mackay. PROS: Liked that a wetsuit was used instead of stinger suits. Places we saw were nice – just wish we went with a different company.

Had an amazing trip with matador! The crew were amazing - very knowledgable regarding the areas we were visiting and great fun. Plenty of food and catered for dietary requirements amazingly. Took us to plenty snorkelling spots and directed us to the best areas to see the beautiful reef and spot turtles. Whilst we snorkelled a crew member kept an eye on us in the small dinghy making us feel safe. Highly recommended.

What a brilliant way to see the Witsunday Islands! The staff were so helpful and friendly. Would highly recommend!!