Meet Dave & Reef N Beyond

A visit to Lord Howe Island wouldn’t be complete without joining us on one of our
Reef N Beyond Eco Tours

  • About Dave
    Captain Dave Gardiner (Master Class V), has spent the last 40 years skippering in and around the waters of Lord Howe Island. He is a qualified dive master and has a long association with all things above and below the water.
  • About Reef N Beyond
    Reef N Beyond is a state of the art Eco Tour vessel. She was designed with safety, passenger comfort, stability & visibility in mind. Passengers are covered by an awning for protection from the sun and there is a toilet onboard for your convenience. Get the most out of your trip as Dave and his team of experienced staff shows you the best Lord Howe Island has to offer.
  • Our Testimonials

    Outstanding Experience

    A great skipper and crew, spectacular coastline, dolphins right next to the boat, snorkelling at Ball's Pyramid, up close and personal with a blow hole, homemade cake and a cuppa on return - what an experience! The brand new boat is extremely stable and gives everyone a terrific view of the sights. It was an exhilarating experience that shouldn't be missed.

    Coasters

    Tours
    5.0
    2019-02-07T09:38:52+00:00

    Coasters

    A great skipper and crew, spectacular coastline, dolphins right next to the boat, snorkelling at Ball's Pyramid, up close and personal with a blow hole, homemade cake and a cuppa on return - what an experience! The brand new boat is extremely stable and gives everyone a terrific view of the sights. It was an exhilarating experience that shouldn't be missed.

    Ball’s Pyramid & Lord Howe Island

    Amazing experience. My jaw dropped when I saw Ball’s Pyramid. So majestic. Captain Dave is fantastic - experienced, you feel extremely safe and in good hands. Boat is wonderful. It was awesome to go around Lord Howe - such a different perspective. Lot’s of big waves breaking - very cool stuff to see. Oh and Dolphins riding your side on the way back from Ball’s Pyramid..!

    Themania

    Tours
    5.0
    2019-08-10T23:51:47+00:00

    Themania

    Amazing experience. My jaw dropped when I saw Ball’s Pyramid. So majestic. Captain Dave is fantastic - experienced, you feel extremely safe and in good hands. Boat is wonderful. It was awesome to go around Lord Howe - such a different perspective. Lot’s of big waves breaking - very cool stuff to see. Oh and Dolphins riding your side on the way back from Ball’s Pyramid..!

    Boat Trip to Ball’s Pyramid LHI

    Great boat ride, very informative trip about the pyramid's history, adventure and climbing, geology and bird life. Excellent value for the money. The captain and wife were very helpful, answered all questions and provided very good printed information about the climb attempts on Balls Pyramid. The trip around LHI itself was magnificent. Recommend it to all

    Tramping

    Tours
    5.0
    2019-08-10T23:56:36+00:00

    Tramping

    Great boat ride, very informative trip about the pyramid's history, adventure and climbing, geology and bird life. Excellent value for the money. The captain and wife were very helpful, answered all questions and provided very good printed information about the climb attempts on Balls Pyramid. The trip around LHI itself was magnificent. Recommend it to all

    A Sea Stack to Behold

    We booked the boat tour to Balls Pyramid the night before and just squeezed in (but recommend booking as early as possible) having never managed to get there in 3 previous trips to LHI because of the weather. We weren’t expecting such a comfortable boat, nor such excellent informative tour guides as Dave (the captain) and Josh. The boat ends up circumnavigating LHI and Balls Pyramid, and the Pyramid is even more stunning close up than I imagined. We also got to snorkel there, and as an extra treat a couple of Galapagos sharks came over to say hello. Weather permitting - this is a must do trip.

    Globetrotter767

    Tours
    5.0
    2020-06-01T09:25:00+00:00

    Globetrotter767

    We booked the boat tour to Balls Pyramid the night before and just squeezed in (but recommend booking as early as possible) having never managed to get there in 3 previous trips to LHI because of the weather. We weren’t expecting such a comfortable boat, nor such excellent informative tour guides as Dave (the captain) and Josh. The boat ends up circumnavigating LHI and Balls Pyramid, and the Pyramid is even more stunning close up than I imagined. We also got to snorkel there, and as an extra treat a couple of Galapagos sharks came over to say hello. Weather permitting - this is a must do trip.

    Pyramid Island Tour

    What an awesome experience with Dave & Josh with Reef N Beyond!! Really great boat ; fast & very comfortable even though we had a bit of swell it handled it with ease!! Great commentary from both guys who obviously know all about this magic lsland. Bird life at Balls Pyramid was amazing !!! Had a snorkel at Malabar with great coral, fish & turtles!! The seabirds all around the Island were spectacular!! Dave , Glenyis & Josh make sure your trip is enjoyable for everyone!! Don’t miss out on this adventure when visiting LHI Kevin & Janenne

    Bellskj

    Tours
    5.0
    2020-06-01T09:11:12+00:00

    Bellskj

    What an awesome experience with Dave & Josh with Reef N Beyond!! Really great boat ; fast & very comfortable even though we had a bit of swell it handled it with ease!! Great commentary from both guys who obviously know all about this magic lsland. Bird life at Balls Pyramid was amazing !!! Had a snorkel at Malabar with great coral, fish & turtles!! The seabirds all around the Island were spectacular!! Dave , Glenyis & Josh make sure your trip is enjoyable for everyone!! Don’t miss out on this adventure when visiting LHI Kevin & Janenne

    Must Do Boat Trip

    This was a great experience to see the 'outside' of Lord Howe Island that many people wouldn't normally do and we highly recommend it. My husband and I enjoyed our tour around Lord Howe Island on their amazing boat despite haphazard weather. Following a safety briefing by Dave we set off and visited the spectacular caves and cliffs on the outside of the Island below Mt Eliza. The water was an amazing cerulean colour in the caves. We could see amazing fault lines running the full length of the cliffs too - the geological formations were quite impressive. We then went over to the Admiralty Islands and toured these too. Normally the tour would head straight down to Balls Pyramid but because of a squall Dave took us back to the jetty to have coffee and chocolate chip cookies to let it ride out. We then boarded the boat again and headed to Mt Gower to see the tallest sea cliffs in Australia. Simply amazing. Unfortunately our trip to Balls Pyramid was not meant to be as the ocean chop was too much and not safe - we got to see Balls in the distance - and turned around and headed for home. Dave and Glenys very generously gave us a significant refund because they couldn't complete the tour which we were not expecting. They were lovely hosts who made the trip fun - but most importantly safe for us all.

    Anita B

    Tours
    5.0
    2019-08-11T00:01:28+00:00

    Anita B

    This was a great experience to see the 'outside' of Lord Howe Island that many people wouldn't normally do and we highly recommend it. My husband and I enjoyed our tour around Lord Howe Island on their amazing boat despite haphazard weather. Following a safety briefing by Dave we set off and visited the spectacular caves and cliffs on the outside of the Island below Mt Eliza. The water was an amazing cerulean colour in the caves. We could see amazing fault lines running the full length of the cliffs too - the geological formations were quite impressive. We then went over to the Admiralty Islands and toured these too. Normally the tour would head straight down to Balls Pyramid but because of a squall Dave took us back to the jetty to have coffee and chocolate chip cookies to let it ride out. We then boarded the boat again and headed to Mt Gower to see the tallest sea cliffs in Australia. Simply amazing. Unfortunately our trip to Balls Pyramid was not meant to be as the ocean chop was too much and not safe - we got to see Balls in the distance - and turned around and headed for home. Dave and Glenys very generously gave us a significant refund because they couldn't complete the tour which we were not expecting. They were lovely hosts who made the trip fun - but most importantly safe for us all.

    Boat Trip to Ball’s Pyramid

    This was our second visit to LHI and our second boat experience with Dave, Both of which were excellent . We loved the boat ride to Balls Pyramid , Dave was informative re history, bird life etc Balls Pyramid is amazing and a not to be missed experience, Thank you for a fantastic experience both Dave & Glenys

    Ostephs

    Tours
    5.0
    2019-08-10T23:49:31+00:00

    Ostephs

    This was our second visit to LHI and our second boat experience with Dave, Both of which were excellent . We loved the boat ride to Balls Pyramid , Dave was informative re history, bird life etc Balls Pyramid is amazing and a not to be missed experience, Thank you for a fantastic experience both Dave & Glenys

    A Great Morning at Ball’s Pyramid

    Dave is a fantastic enthusiastic knowledgeable skipper. the boat is comfortable and ideal for LHI. Thanks for a fantastic around island cruise, out to Balls Pyramid and snorkelling at balls pyramid. Weather dictates all water trips and we had to wait til near the end of our trip til the winds calmed down. But it was well worth the wait. Highly recommend.

    nzp0ppy

    Tours
    5.0
    2020-06-01T09:28:00+00:00

    nzp0ppy

    Dave is a fantastic enthusiastic knowledgeable skipper. the boat is comfortable and ideal for LHI. Thanks for a fantastic around island cruise, out to Balls Pyramid and snorkelling at balls pyramid. Weather dictates all water trips and we had to wait til near the end of our trip til the winds calmed down. But it was well worth the wait. Highly recommend.

    Excellent Tour, A Must for First Time Visitors

    Did the Ball's Pyramid scenic tour, *highly* recommend it. First off, lovely people running the show. We had Dave as Captain, Josh was a very charming host, and Glenys gave me some sunburn advice that pretty much Saved. My. Holiday... 🙂 On the way out we saw flying fish, terns, kestrels, (avian!)boobies, on the way back a couple of pods of dolphins! They slowed the boat to interact with them, and they jump around playing, that was groovy. You can also snorkel at the Pyramid, if you're brave. I'm not brave, and you don't need to be either, because the water is so beautifully clear.. Bright fish galore! I also wasn't sure if I get seasick and didn't want to find out, so took a Travacalm beforehand.. probably a good idea(along with water and a jacket, gets chilly), as the trip out was pretty bumpy, the trip back much less so. The circuit around the island is really really pleasant. But why risk ruining a great day on a comfy boat? And if you burn easy, this boat is sheltered. Total comfort! Ball's Pyramid is definitely “a must” for a first time visit. Such an eerie looking sight, even on a bright sunny day it kinda looks like a ghost ship is gonna sail up?! VERY atmospheric, it would be a real shame to miss it. For 3.5 hrs, especially if you're not inclined for trekking etc, this tour gives you possibly the very best overview of LHI's incredible pristine natural beauty. If the Weather Gods favour your visit, don't hesitate!

    Byrd65

    Tours
    5.0
    2020-06-01T09:38:46+00:00

    Byrd65

    Did the Ball's Pyramid scenic tour, *highly* recommend it. First off, lovely people running the show. We had Dave as Captain, Josh was a very charming host, and Glenys gave me some sunburn advice that pretty much Saved. My. Holiday... 🙂 On the way out we saw flying fish, terns, kestrels, (avian!)boobies, on the way back a couple of pods of dolphins! They slowed the boat to interact with them, and they jump around playing, that was groovy. You can also snorkel at the Pyramid, if you're brave. I'm not brave, and you don't need to be either, because the water is so beautifully clear.. Bright fish galore! I also wasn't sure if I get seasick and didn't want to find out, so took a Travacalm beforehand.. probably a good idea(along with water and a jacket, gets chilly), as the trip out was pretty bumpy, the trip back much less so. The circuit around the island is really really pleasant. But why risk ruining a great day on a comfy boat? And if you burn easy, this boat is sheltered. Total comfort! Ball's Pyramid is definitely “a must” for a first time visit. Such an eerie looking sight, even on a bright sunny day it kinda looks like a ghost ship is gonna sail up?! VERY atmospheric, it would be a real shame to miss it. For 3.5 hrs, especially if you're not inclined for trekking etc, this tour gives you possibly the very best overview of LHI's incredible pristine natural beauty. If the Weather Gods favour your visit, don't hesitate!

    Ball’s Pyramid Round Island Combo

    We had a great overall experience with a trip to Ball's Pyramid first up with our skipper, Dave, being very generous with information & photo ops. It's a must see if the weather is kind. The boat is brilliant & so stable. Lots of sea birds along our journey today & the colour of the water in places was mesmerizing. Great information provided along all stops & a fun snorkel up the north of Malabar. We'd go again in a heartbeat.

    Anne&Geoffholiday

    Tours
    5.0
    2020-06-01T09:23:24+00:00

    Anne&Geoffholiday

    We had a great overall experience with a trip to Ball's Pyramid first up with our skipper, Dave, being very generous with information & photo ops. It's a must see if the weather is kind. The boat is brilliant & so stable. Lots of sea birds along our journey today & the colour of the water in places was mesmerizing. Great information provided along all stops & a fun snorkel up the north of Malabar. We'd go again in a heartbeat.

    Making the Most Out of a Bumpy Ride

    Reef N Beyond were really professional from the time of booking to getting off the boat. The weather was quite windy with a decent swell so Dave and Glenys tried to get us out to Balls Pyramid but it was no-go once we got out of the lee of LHI. Prior to going, Glenys gave us a run down on the conditions and made sure everybody was clear with our fall back options if unable to go to Balls. We ended up having to do the head-to-head tour, with snorkelling on the north side of LHI. Despite not getting to Balls Pyramid, it was a safe and informative trip with plenty to see and the snorkelling in crystal clear water topped it off. I wouldn’t hesitate to go with Reef N Beyond again.

    Andyjam2110

    Tours
    5.0
    2020-06-01T09:15:46+00:00

    Andyjam2110

    Reef N Beyond were really professional from the time of booking to getting off the boat. The weather was quite windy with a decent swell so Dave and Glenys tried to get us out to Balls Pyramid but it was no-go once we got out of the lee of LHI. Prior to going, Glenys gave us a run down on the conditions and made sure everybody was clear with our fall back options if unable to go to Balls. We ended up having to do the head-to-head tour, with snorkelling on the north side of LHI. Despite not getting to Balls Pyramid, it was a safe and informative trip with plenty to see and the snorkelling in crystal clear water topped it off. I wouldn’t hesitate to go with Reef N Beyond again.
    5.0
    11

Our Exceptional Range of Guided ECO Tours

Find Out More

Reef Tours

Experience the exhilaration of exploring the most southern coral reefs in the world

Find Out More

Boat Tours

Spend a day enjoying the best scenic views that Lord Howe Island and & Ball's Pyramid have to offer

Find Out More