Whitsundays Sailing Adventures Blog » Kiana http://whitsailing.com/blog A Blog for Continued Communication with our Guests Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:42:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Cuttlefish at Bait Reef http://whitsailing.com/blog/cuttlefish-at-bait-reef http://whitsailing.com/blog/cuttlefish-at-bait-reef#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:40:32 +0000 Greg http://whitsailing.com/blog/?p=410 Another one of the amazing creatures you will come across while diving Bait Reef is the Cuttlefish.  Cuttlefish are sometimes referred to as the chameleon of the sea because of their remarkable ability to rapidly alter their skin color at will.  Cuttlefish change color and light polarisation to communicate to other cuttlefish and to camouflage [...]]]> Another one of the amazing creatures you will come across while diving Bait Reef is the Cuttlefish.  Cuttlefish are sometimes referred to as the chameleon of the sea because of their remarkable ability to rapidly alter their skin color at will.  Cuttlefish change color and light polarisation to communicate to other cuttlefish and to camouflage themselves from predators.

They use their camouflage to hunt and sneak up on their prey. When they get close enough, they open their eight arms and shoot out two long feeding tentacles. On the end of each is a pad covered in suckers that grabs and pulls prey toward its beak.

]]> http://whitsailing.com/blog/cuttlefish-at-bait-reef/feed 0 Yellow Spotted Box Fish http://whitsailing.com/blog/yellow-spotted-box-fish http://whitsailing.com/blog/yellow-spotted-box-fish#comments Tue, 06 Sep 2011 05:23:30 +0000 Greg http://whitsailing.com/blog/?p=406 The Great Barrier Reef has an endless supply of interesting creatures.

This little guy is a Yellow spotted Box Fish and he seems as interested in our diver as we are in him!

]]> The Great Barrier Reef has an endless supply of interesting creatures.

This little guy is a Yellow spotted Box Fish and he seems as interested in our diver as we are in him!

]]> http://whitsailing.com/blog/yellow-spotted-box-fish/feed 0 Whales Whales Whales!! http://whitsailing.com/blog/whales-whales-whales http://whitsailing.com/blog/whales-whales-whales#comments Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:30:30 +0000 Greg http://whitsailing.com/blog/?p=385 Kiana’s trip on the 4-6 July was one to remember for our Guests.  At Bait Reef the whales were everywhere.  At a popular dive site, “Mantaray Dropoff “, our snorkellers were joined by two inquistive whales and the scuba divers had the same experience.  During the time at Bait Reef the crew counted 30 whales [...]]]> Kiana’s trip on the 4-6 July was one to remember for our Guests.  At Bait Reef the whales were everywhere.  At a popular dive site, “Mantaray Dropoff “, our snorkellers were joined by two inquistive whales and the scuba divers had the same experience.  During the time at Bait Reef the crew counted 30 whales on different occasions, although it was difficult to work out how often the same whales were spotted.

On the way home, about 6 miles out from Bait Reef, two whales decided the Kiana and our guests needed close inspection.  Our skipper immediately stopped the vessel with whales in such close proximity.  These two whales stayed with Kiana for over an hour.  The video tells the story.

]]> http://whitsailing.com/blog/whales-whales-whales/feed 0 Small numbers make Kiana the best http://whitsailing.com/blog/small-numbers-make-kiana-the-best http://whitsailing.com/blog/small-numbers-make-kiana-the-best#comments Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:28:01 +0000 Greg http://whitsailing.com/blog/?p=380 2 weeks ago I joined the great and amazing sailing trip on your boat to the Whitsundays and the outer reef…. Today I want to say “thank you so much” for making these days so enjoyable and unforgettable, I have had really a great time and I always take these memories alive.

Ben:You are really an [...]]]> 2 weeks ago I joined the great and amazing sailing trip on your boat to the Whitsundays and the outer reef…. Today I want to say “thank you so much” for making these days so enjoyable and unforgettable, I have had really a great time and I always take these memories alive.

Ben:You are really an excellent diving instructor – I have never had a bad feeling and I felt confident all the time. Thanks for doing a great introducing to this marvelous sport and for showing us such a great underwater world (even more the German turtle :-) .

Pete : Thanks for making these brilliant pictures under water – it is such a great “memory” on a really nice adventure. I loved your meals especially the dessert :-) . Enjoy your stay in Australia and on this boat – I think it is something really special and you can count yourself lucky to be a part of the kiana crew

Brent :Thank you so much for driving (or cruising – I don’t know the correct english word ) the boat so comfortable and easy. I enjoyed the stay all the time; it was really an amazing experience and a great adventure. Thanks for telling us all the secrets about the stars, the moon and the season … (and sorry for jumping onto the roof while you are driving the boat :-) .

Sarah :Wherever you go and whatever you do – enjoy your life, be happy and take always care about you.  

Owner of kiana :You can be really proud to have such a brilliant, experienced and lovely crew on your boat and to be the owner of the beautiful kiana.

 Last week I was on a second dive trip in Port Douglas … with 80 people on board … it was horrible (I am a bloody stupid German – I understood …” There are 18 people on board” instead of 80 …. L  so I know where the differences are … People make the differences …

It was really a great pleasure for me to take part on this tour and it was so nice to meet you all.
Take always care about you!

Many greetings
Tania (the German turtle J)

]]> http://whitsailing.com/blog/small-numbers-make-kiana-the-best/feed 0 Our 20th Anniversary on Kiana http://whitsailing.com/blog/our-20th-anniversary-on-kiana http://whitsailing.com/blog/our-20th-anniversary-on-kiana#comments Sun, 22 May 2011 00:02:41 +0000 Greg http://whitsailing.com/blog/?p=370 Rob and I had a fantastic trip and celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary aboard the Kiana.

On the first day of sailing, we anchored near Whitehaven beach to explore the island. Although the weather was a little dreary, the group was enthusiastic about our guided walk in the rainforest including a brief history of the place. [...]]]> Rob and I had a fantastic trip and celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary aboard the Kiana.

On the first day of sailing, we anchored near Whitehaven beach to explore the island. Although the weather was a little dreary, the group was enthusiastic about our guided walk in the rainforest including a brief history of the place. I could not get over the number of baby rays that were scattered throughout the water and the sand was whiter than anything that I’ve ever seen before.

Back on the boat, we were treated to a brilliant sunset and enjoyed a champagne toast. And – what could be better after a huge day of being in and on the water, than being rocked to sleep in our berth on the boat? Heaven!

Pete, our resident cook, provided us with delicious and generous meals to keep us fueled for our water activities.

Relaxing on Kiana

Relaxing on Kiana

Diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef was awesome. It was thriving, vivid and healthy and we saw all kinds of colorful fish, vibrant coral and turtles. We were even up early enough to catch a dazzling sunrise, which doesn’t happen very often in our busy lives.

The crew aboard Kiana were professional, fun to be with and always courteous. They shared local knowledge and stories and made all of the guests feel at home and welcome. Many thanks to Dave, Pete & Ben for helping to make this an anniversary that we will never forget!

Rob & Lori Laurette, Canada
]]> http://whitsailing.com/blog/our-20th-anniversary-on-kiana/feed 0 A Fabulous Trip on Kiana http://whitsailing.com/blog/a-fabulous-trip-on-kiana http://whitsailing.com/blog/a-fabulous-trip-on-kiana#comments Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:23:54 +0000 Greg http://whitsailing.com/blog/?p=315 Dear Lisette,

Thank you very much for all of your help booking the Kiana for my family and me for the sailing on December 25th. We had an absolutely amazing time. It was actually the highlight of our 3 1/2 week trip for me. I was sad to not be able to meet [...]]]> Dear Lisette,

Thank you very much for all of your help booking the Kiana for my family and me for the sailing on December 25th. We had an absolutely amazing time. It was actually the highlight of our 3 1/2 week trip for me. I was sad to not be able to meet you in person when we checked in for the sailing or when we returned so that I could properly thank you in person for all of your help, but I hope you also had a wonderful vacation over Christmas.

My family and I very much enjoyed the Kiana. The ship was perfect for us, as were our sleeping arrangements. The crew (Brent, Paul, and Paul) was absolutely phenomenal. I can’t say enough about how wonderful they were making us feel welcome with their outgoing personalities. The food that Paul cooked was excellent. The other Paul did a great job with teaching my family how to scuba dive and snorkel and Brent always greeted us with a cheery smile and was more than willing to teach us something new. I doubt if Brent ever has a bad day, he is such a positive and uplifting person.

Anyway, thank you very much for all of your help deciding upon and booking Kiana. I greatly appreciate it and will definitely share this excellent experience with all of my clients travelling to Australia and encourage them to include the Kiana in their vacation as well. Thank you again for all of your help!

Sincerely,
Christina Plesha
STA Travel

The above was received by Lisette in the WSA Reservations Office after Christina’s recent trip on Kiana.

]]> http://whitsailing.com/blog/a-fabulous-trip-on-kiana/feed 0 Don’t Miss the Small Stuff http://whitsailing.com/blog/dont-miss-the-small-stuff http://whitsailing.com/blog/dont-miss-the-small-stuff#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:15:25 +0000 Greg http://whitsailing.com/blog/?p=303 When most of us first start scuba diving it’s the “awesome” stuff that strikes us and dominates our diving stories.  Sharks, Manta-rays, Sea Turtles, Maori Wrasse are the centres of our conversations.

But as our diving experience matures we start to notice that the small creatures are much more extensive, diverse and interesting.

One of the most [...]]]> When most of us first start scuba diving it’s the “awesome” stuff that strikes us and dominates our diving stories.  Sharks, Manta-rays, Sea Turtles, Maori Wrasse are the centres of our conversations.

But as our diving experience matures we start to notice that the small creatures are much more extensive, diverse and interesting.

One of the most interesting, cute, and often overlooked is the humble Goby.  Gobies are the largest group of marine fishes, fresh and salt combined, and the dominant element in small-fish bottom fauna on tropical reefs.

Goby at Bait Reef

Goby at Bait Reef

This little guy was photographed by the dive instructor from Kiana at Bait Reef.  He has made himself a home in the coral and curiously watches as the photographer approaches.

]]> http://whitsailing.com/blog/dont-miss-the-small-stuff/feed 0 The final Mo day on Kiana http://whitsailing.com/blog/the-final-mo-day-on-kiana http://whitsailing.com/blog/the-final-mo-day-on-kiana#comments Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:55:58 +0000 Greg http://whitsailing.com/blog/?p=214 The boys are itching to have their first shave.  The amount of comments from the ladies about 80′s porn stars to pirates had these guys experiencing a very lonely month.  Many thanks to everyone who donated to this great cause.

The Final Movember Growth

]]> The boys are itching to have their first shave.  The amount of comments from the ladies about 80′s porn stars to pirates had these guys experiencing a very lonely month.  Many thanks to everyone who donated to this great cause.

The Final Movember Growth

The Final Movember Growth

]]> http://whitsailing.com/blog/the-final-mo-day-on-kiana/feed 0 Mo News is Good News http://whitsailing.com/blog/mo-news-is-good-news http://whitsailing.com/blog/mo-news-is-good-news#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:40:24 +0000 Greg http://whitsailing.com/blog/?p=189 The Kiana team is doing their bit for men’s health by supporting the Movember charity. Anyone wishing to support their effort can do so by donating at Movember Donations

Movember Halfway Growth

]]> The Kiana team is doing their bit for men’s health by supporting the Movember charity. Anyone wishing to support their effort can do so by donating at Movember Donations

Movember Halfway Growth

Movember Halfway Growth

]]> http://whitsailing.com/blog/mo-news-is-good-news/feed 0 The Whales are here http://whitsailing.com/blog/the-whales-are-here http://whitsailing.com/blog/the-whales-are-here#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:05:12 +0000 Greg http://whitsailing.com/blog/?p=23 Every year the Whitsundays is treated to the spectacle of the visiting whales.  This year is no exception with pods of whales already being spotted around the islands and outer reef.  The following video taken on Kiana is an example of the sight that these gentle giants give our guests.

]]> Every year the Whitsundays is treated to the spectacle of the visiting whales.  This year is no exception with pods of whales already being spotted around the islands and outer reef.  The following video taken on Kiana is an example of the sight that these gentle giants give our guests.

]]> http://whitsailing.com/blog/the-whales-are-here/feed 0