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The Grollo family’s passion for Far North Queensland began in 1970 when Rino and Diana took their children to the Reef. This began the first of many family adventures to this unique region as well as a continuing commitment to protect the natural beauty and values of the Great Barrier Reef.
In the early 1990s, the Grollos launched the Undersea Explorer to provide opportunities to enjoy, understand and research the Reef via this diving and accommodation vessel. The Undersea Explorer pioneered an Australian model for harnessing the tourist dollar to support marine research. The 25 metre boat offered diving tours to Australian and international tourists. From Port Douglas, the Undersea Explorer visited the Great Barrier Reef Wilderness and remote reefs in the Coral Sea in the South Western Pacific Ocean. The Undersea Explorer combined adventure diving with research and excellent educational programs. Each week, marine scientists would carry out valuable research on remote coral reefs. In turn, guests would learn from the experts, and enjoy new and different dive experiences. The Undersea Explorer also enabled John Rumney, skipper and operator, to live his dream of exploring and protecting the ocean and its creatures. John now operates his own company Marine Encounters, working with researchers, students and enthusiasts in one the world’s greatest and most precious marine environments. Visit John’s new company www.marineencounters.com.au For information on the book detailing the history of Undersea Explorer’s activities visit www.undersea-experience.com |
