Port Douglas puts you closer to the outer Great Barrier Reef than almost anywhere else on the Queensland coast, which means shorter transit times and more time in the water. Options range from a half day trip to the calm lagoon at the Low Isles to a full day out on a wave piercing catamaran at the Agincourt Reef pontoon, with sailing, snorkelling and diving all on offer depending on how you want to spend the day.
Half day Low Isles cruises
The Low Isles Morning Cruise departs Port Douglas at 7.30am for 2.5 hours at the Low Isles, with a guided snorkel tour, a glass bottom boat and fruit, tea and coffee included, a good option if you want your afternoon free. The Low Isles Afternoon Cruise covers the same ground later in the day, departing at 1.15pm and returning at 5.15pm, with the same snorkelling, glass bottom boat viewing and refreshments included.
Full day Low Isles sailing
The Port Douglas to Low Isles Full Day Sailing Cruise spends 6 hours aboard a luxury 30 metre sailing catamaran, with a reef presentation from a marine biologist, a glass bottom boat viewing, a guided snorkelling tour and a tropical smorgasbord lunch all included. The Sailaway Low Isles Full Day Tour covers similar ground with its own sailing and snorkelling itinerary at the Low Isles, departing Port Douglas in the morning for a full day on the water.
Full day outer reef pontoon
The Great Barrier Reef Cruise to Quicksilver Port Douglas Pontoon cruises aboard a high speed wave piercing catamaran to the world famous Agincourt Reef, docking at a spacious activity platform with a semi submersible tour, an underwater observatory and snorkelling included, along with a tropical buffet lunch. Optional extras on the day include introductory and certified diving, helmet diving and scenic helicopter flights.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Low Isles cruises and the Quicksilver pontoon cruise?
The Low Isles cruises visit a calm water coral cay closer to shore, while the Quicksilver cruise heads further out to the Agincourt Reef pontoon on the outer Great Barrier Reef.
Which cruise suits non swimmers?
All of the cruises listed here offer a glass bottom boat or semi submersible option, so non swimmers can still see the coral and marine life without getting in the water.
Is there a half day option for travellers short on time?
Yes. The Low Isles Morning and Afternoon Cruises both run as half day trips of around 4 hours including transit time, with 2.5 hours spent at the Low Isles itself.
Can I dive on these cruises?
Yes. Introductory and certified scuba diving, plus helmet diving, are available as optional extras on the Quicksilver pontoon cruise, bookable on the day.
Is lunch included?
Yes. All of the full day cruises listed here include a tropical buffet or smorgasbord lunch, while the half day Low Isles cruises include fruit, tea and coffee rather than a full lunch.
Local tip: if you are travelling with young kids or nervous swimmers, the Low Isles Morning Cruise keeps the day shorter and the water calmer than a full day out to the outer reef.
Compare the Port Douglas reef and island cruises above and choose the length, reef access and pace that suit your day.
