Port Douglas to Great Barrier Reef Tours

How to choose the right Great Barrier Reef tour from Port Douglas

Outer Reef vs Low Isles: The Outer Reef is best for snorkeling and diving, you can explore deep coral walls and rich marine life. Tours include full-day itineraries and multiple reef stops. Low Isles tours are ideal for families, first-time snorkelers, and those prone to seasickness. These islands are close to the mainland, with half-day and full-day tours in the lagoons.
Half-day vs full-day tours: Half-day tours are great if you're short on time or traveling with kids. Expect 3.5–4 hour durations with snorkeling gear included. Full-day Outer Reef tours go up to 8 hours at sea with snorkeling, scuba diving (optional), marine talks and onboard lunch.
For non-swimmers: Choose tours with semi-submersible boats, underwater observatories, and glass-bottom boats. These allow reef viewing without getting in the water.
Sunset vs day tours: Sunset tours are lower in cost and a great way to end the day on a relaxed note, you can sip a drink, enjoy light snacks, and watch the sun set over the horizon. For a full day of snorkeling, diving, and reef exploration, join a daytime tour for the complete experience.
Booking flexibility: Morning and afternoon departures, especially to the Low Isles make it easy to fit in a reef visit with other Port Douglas plans.

Plan your Great Barrier Reef cruise from Port Douglas

Most Outer Reef tours depart between 8:00am and return by 4:30pm.
Low Isles tours offer more flexibility with morning (8:30am) and afternoon (1:00pm) departures.

Best time to visit

April to November offers ideal reef conditions with dry weather, calm seas, and excellent visibility.
December to March is a wet season but great for coral spawning events and fewer crowds.

Cruises depart from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, located close to Port Douglas town centre.
Paid parking is available near the marina and on nearby streets.
Check-in usually starts 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Bring your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID for check-in.

Comfortable shaded decks and air-conditioned cabins are available on most full-day cruises—especially important for families and older travellers spending several hours in the sun.
Freshwater showers and private change rooms are available on larger vessels and reef pontoons, allowing you to freshen up before the return journey.
Reef pontoons offer a stable base for all-day snorkelling and include extra facilities such as underwater observatories, sun loungers, and kids’ swimming areas.
Dry storage lockers are not always available, so pack light and waterproof anything valuable.

A few cruises give wheelchair-accessible boarding and bathroom facilities, but snorkeling platforms often involve stairs or ladders.
If you’re traveling with mobility aids, ask if the boat has flat-level access, wide aisles, or crew support for boarding and disembarking.
Low Isles tours tend to have easier boarding and calmer waters, making them more suitable for seniors and those with limited mobility.
Some reef pontoons include non-slip floors, rails, and assisted snorkel entry points, so check inclusions carefully before booking.

Wearing a long-sleeved rashie gives better sun protection than constantly reapplying sunscreen.
If you’re prone to seasickness, sit outside at the back of the boat and bring ginger chews or wristbands.
Families with kids should choose Low Isles or pontoon-based tours for calm water and easier snorkel access.
If you wear prescription glasses, ask in advance about prescription mask availability or bring your own.
Most boats are barefoot-friendly—wear flip-flops or reef shoes for easy on-and-off during the tour.

Frequently asked questions about Port Douglas

How far is the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas?

The Outer Reef is around 70km offshore and takes 90 minutes by fast catamaran. The Low Isles are much closer—just 15km away—and take about 30 minutes by boat.

Can I join if I can't swim?

Absolutely. Many tours include glass-bottom boat rides, semi-submersible tours, and even underwater viewing platforms. Pontoons also offer assisted snorkeling for beginners with floatation aids and guides.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No, all snorkeling gear—including fins, masks, and snorkels—is provided and sanitised between uses. However, if you wear prescription lenses or prefer a personal fit, you can bring your own.

When is stinger (jellyfish) season, and should I be concerned?

Stinger season runs from November to May, and stinger suits are mandatory during this time for your safety. They’re included in your ticket price and actually help with sun protection too.

Are there age limits for snorkeling or diving?

Snorkeling is suitable for most ages, though children usually need to be over 4 years old. Introductory scuba diving is generally available for ages 12+ with no prior experience, while certified diving has fewer restrictions.

Can I dive without a certification?

Yes! Most Outer Reef tours offer introductory dives with full instruction and supervision. You’ll be guided by a dive master in shallow water after a safety briefing—no certification needed.

Is the reef still worth visiting? Is it damaged?

Yes, it's absolutely worth visiting. While some parts of the reef have experienced bleaching, many sites off Port Douglas (especially Agincourt Reef) are thriving. Operators choose sites daily based on the best conditions for visibility and marine life.

Guided Tours

NEW

Port Douglas to Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Guided Snorkel and Lunch

Guided snorkel reef tour with lunch on a purpose‑built vessel.

Great for: Families and snorkellers of all skill levels seeking a safe, accessible reef experience with personalized service and vibrant outer reef views.
Everything you get: A cruise to three outer reef sites (Opal & Tongue Reefs), guided snorkeling sessions, safety gear, morning tea, tropical buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and onboard showers.
Why choose this: Experience the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef up close on a dedicated, premium vessel with expert guidance.
Upgrades: Enjoy hassle-free pickup directly from your Port Douglas hotel with transfers to the marina and back.

Guided snorkel reef tour with lunch on a purpose‑built vessel.

Great for: Families and snorkellers of all skill levels seeking a safe, accessible reef experience with personalized service and vibrant outer reef views.
Everything you get: A cruise to three outer reef sites (Opal & Tongue Reefs), guided snorkeling sessions, safety gear, morning tea, tropical buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and onboard showers.
Why choose this: Experience the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef up close on a dedicated, premium vessel with expert guidance.
Upgrades: Enjoy hassle-free pickup directly from your Port Douglas hotel with transfers to the marina and back.

Inclusions

Full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns
Professional local guide
Luxury large catamaran
Morning and afternoon tea
Buffet lunch
Guided snorkel tour
Snorkeling equipment including lycra suits
Interpretive reef talk
Environmental management charge
Hotel transfers from Port Douglas (based on option selected)

7am-8:20am: Check-in
8:20am-8:45am: Boarding commences
8:45am-10:10am: Cruising to the first site
10:20am-11:15am: Reach the first snorkeling/diving site, safety briefing, & morning tea
11:50am-1:30pm: Reach the second snorkeling/diving site, lunch buffet, & reef interpretative talk
1:45pm-2:45pm: Reach the third snorkeling/diving site & afternoon tea
2:45pm-4:15pm: Cruising back to the port

Tip: Challenge yourself to spot the 'Great Eight'- the clownfish, turtles, manta rays, Maori wrasse, potato cod, sharks, giant clams, & whales of the reef.
Safety is a priority so scuba diving is restricted for guests under the age of 12 years.
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
Your safety comes first so visitors with back issues, asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure, and certain medications are restricted from participating in scuba diving.
Guests under the age of 18 years require parental or guardian permission, and those over 70 must provide a doctor's clearance to dive.
Scuba diving requires completing an onboard medical questionnaire. It can be downloaded here.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

4 hr.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

Airplane Tours

NEW

From Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef 40‑Minute Scenic Flight

Scenic 40‑minute flight over the Great Barrier Reef with guaranteed window seats.

Great for: Nature lovers and families eager to experience unparalleled aerial views of vibrant reefs, pristine islands, and unique marine life.
Everything you get: 40‑minute flight in a high‑wing aircraft with guaranteed window seats, expert in‑flight commentary, and exceptional photo opportunities.
Why choose this: See the vastness of the 2300-km-long Great Barrier Reef —flying over Green Island, coral gardens, and sand cays.