Low Isles tours from Port Douglas

Low Isles is a coral cay and lighthouse islet sitting just off Port Douglas, ringed by a shallow, current free lagoon that counts among the calmest snorkelling spots on the whole Great Barrier Reef. The crossing takes as little as 30 minutes by boat, and the flat, protected water makes it an easy pick for families, first time snorkellers and anyone travelling with kids. Most tours depart Port Douglas marina, so there is no early transfer from Cairns to plan around.

Half day cruises

The Low Isles Half Day Morning Cruise is a picturesque 30 minute run out to the reef lagoon followed by a guided snorkel tour and around 2.5 hours of free time, a route reviewers regularly call one of the better options for younger kids. The Low Isles Half Day Afternoon Cruise departs at 1.15pm and returns at 5.15pm, with the same 2.5 hours to snorkel the lagoon and wander the island for anyone who would rather sleep in. The Low Isles Half Day Cruise gives a further half day option if the morning and afternoon departures do not suit your schedule.

Full day and sailing tours

The Low Isles Sailing Cruise is a 6 hour full day trip departing Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina at 10am and returning at 4.30pm, with all snorkelling equipment included. The Full Day Great Barrier Reef Low Isles Tour runs from 8.30am to 4pm aboard a deluxe sailing catamaran, with a gourmet buffet lunch and a glass bottom boat tour included alongside the sailing and snorkelling. For an afternoon with more structure, the Sailaway Low Isles Afternoon Tour packs a glass bottom boat trip, a reef interpretation talk, a guided snorkel tour and an island heritage walk into 3 hours, departing 1pm and returning 6.30pm, suited to guests aged 13 and over.

Want to dive the outer reef instead

If Low Isles' calm lagoon is not enough reef for you, the Outer Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Cruise runs a premium catamaran out to the outer reef for a full day of diving and snorkelling. The Port Douglas Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Tour covers the same outer reef ground, with certified and introductory dives on offer alongside snorkelling.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Low Isles from Port Douglas?

Around 30 minutes by boat from Port Douglas marina, making it one of the quickest reef crossings on this stretch of coast.

Is Low Isles good for young kids?

Yes. The lagoon is shallow and current free, which is why the half day morning cruise in particular is popular with families travelling with younger children.

What is the difference between the half day and full day tours?

Half day cruises give around 2.5 hours at Low Isles either in the morning or afternoon, while full day sailing tours run 6 to 8 hours and add extras such as a buffet lunch, a guided snorkel tour or an island heritage walk.

Do Low Isles tours include snorkelling equipment?

Yes. All the Low Isles cruises listed here include snorkelling gear, with some also including a glass bottom boat option for non swimmers.

Can I dive at Low Isles?

Low Isles tours focus on snorkelling in the shallow lagoon rather than diving. Divers are better suited to the outer reef dive and snorkel cruises departing Port Douglas separately.

Local tip: book the morning cruise if you want the calmest water and the best underwater visibility, before the afternoon breeze picks up over the lagoon.

Compare the Low Isles tours above and choose the departure time, length and extras that suit your day in Port Douglas.