Adventure

ScUber, the new submersible ride share service on the Great Barrier Reef

Until June 18, ScUber, a new submersible ride share service, will be available for a limited number of riders to request through the Uber app.

The trip will cost AU $3,000 for two and will give riders a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the iconic Great Barrier Reef up close. The experience includes pickup from your location, return scenic helicopter flight to Heron Island or boat transfers to Agincourt Reef with Quicksilver Cruises from Port Douglas, a one-hour ride in a scUber submarine and a return trip back to your original pickup address.

cUber-travelling-amongst-marine-life-at-Heron-Island-Credit-Tourism-and-Events-Queensland scUber-Aerial-4-Credit-Tourism-and-Events-Queensland

“We’re thrilled to partner with Uber to showcase the beauty of the reef through this innovative experience,” said Leanne Coddington, chief executive officer at Tourism and Events Queensland. “In addition, we’re giving several adventure seeking travellers from around the globe, the chance to win a scUber experience for two as part of a global travel competition launched today.”

“When people come and experience the Great Barrier Reef, then they care,” said Susan Anderson, regional general manager of Uber, Australia and New Zealand, at the launch. “This once-in-a-lifetime, world-class experience gives riders who can’t swim or would otherwise not be able to access the Great Barrier Reef, an experience.”

The launch also marks the beginning of Uber’s partnership with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, an organisation that champions the power of citizen science for the sake of pioneering research and protecting the reef. Uber will support a number of initiatives, including the Reef Tracks, Citizens Atlas and Great Reef Census programs, donating AU $100,000 to Citizens.

“By partnering with Citizens, we can work together to raise awareness about the protection and conservation of this global icon, so that it can be enjoyed by future generations for years to come,” added Anderson.

scUber-front-facing-Credit-Tourism-and-Events-QueenslandscUber-descending-Heron-Island-Credit-Tourism-and-Events-Queensland“To safeguard the Reef and the planet we must change the way we do things, from individual actions to new ways of doing business like the sharing economy,” said Andy Ridley, CEO of Citizens. “We’re excited to partner with such an innovative brand that shares our vision of using data and tech to mobilise a global community, and inspiring action that will result in a positive impact for the future of the Great Barrier Reef.”

Home to 600 different types of coral, approximately 1,625 species of fish and more than 1,000 islands, the Great Barrier Reef is a world-renowned icon of nature. Larger than 69 million football fields in size, it’s the world’s largest and longest coral reef system. It’s iconic World Heritage status makes its preservation a priority, not only for Australia, but around the world.

The scUber will move on to Agincourt Reef off the coast of Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland from 9-18 June.

Photographs courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

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