Tour Highlights
- A private charter boat reef trip all allows you to experience a day free from crowds and distractions, immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
- Our charter boats are perfect for a wide range of ocean activities, such as snorkelling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
- Private charter boat with the most knowledgeable Great Barrier Reef tour guides in Port Douglas. You will learn so much more and see the best parts of the reef on this tour.
Description & Tour Inclusions
Included In Price
- Exclusive use of charter boat
- All in water activities are guided
- Interpretive Marine Talk
- EMC Reef Tax
- Complimentary seat in coach transfers for guests staying in Port Douglas and Thala Beach
- Morning Tea or Coffee
- Pastries, Fruit Platter
- Deli Lunch on standard charter or Buffet lunch on luxury charter
- Afternoon Tea/Coffee
- Water
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Dive equipment - If booking a dive charter
- Snorkel equipment
- Prescription Mask on request - please pre order
- Full length Lycra suit (summer)
- 5mm wetsuit (winter) Floatation devices
- Life jackets
- Fully guided Marine biologist dive/snorkel guide
Enjoy a private charter diving and snorkelling tour with us as we dedicate 100% of our attention to you, ensuring an unforgettable and educational exploration of the Great Barrier Reef.
Booking a private charter boat tour from Port Douglas means that our focus is solely on you, your family, or your group.
This guarantees a personalized, enjoyable, and educational experience as we venture together to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
You have the freedom to select activities and schedules that align with your preferences, and we will customize the charter boat reef trip to bring your visions to life.
Charter Boat Capacity:
- Up to 12 Guests
- 4 Crew
- 40 Foot Monohull
Activities:
- Snorkelling
- Scuba Diving
- Free Diving
Great Barrier Reef Destinations:
- Low Isles
- Mackay Reef
- Opal Reef
- Tongue Reef
- St Crispins Reef
Whether you're seeking a romantic day for just a couple, an exciting adventure with friends, or a memorable family gathering, a private charter boat excursion from Port Douglas can be tailored to meet your group's needs and preferences.
Our charter boat can easily reach the outer Great Barrier Reef, allowing for a variety of experiences such as snorkelling a pristine bay, exploring a secluded sand cay, tropical island, or visiting the very popular Low Isles coral cay.
Our Great Barrier Reef private charter boat tours offer diving and snorkelling tours inclusive of professional crew, ensuring a safe and unforgettable journey to stunning locations.
Itinerary
Charter Options
- Standard Snorkel Only Private Charter: Includes a guide to guest ratio of 1:6 and a dedicated captain. Enjoy a premium pre-packaged deli-style lunch, with special dietary requirements catered for.
- Luxury Snorkel Only Private Charter: Includes a guide to guest ratio of 1:6 and a dedicated captain. Indulge in a generous buffet-style lunch with local prawns and assorted accompaniments, with special dietary needs thoughtfully catered for.
- Standard Dive & Snorkel Private Charter: Includes a guide to guest ratio of 1:6, marine biologist dive instructor guides and a dedicated captain. (On Independence, Max 6 divers & 6 snorkellers) On Voyager, max 12 divers & 12 snorkellers. Enjoy a premium pre-packaged deli-style lunch, with special dietary requirements catered for.
Certified or Introductory scuba diving can be catered for on either vessel.
- Luxury Dive & Snorkel Private Charter: Includes a guide to guest ratio of 1:6, marine biologist dive instructor guides and a dedicated captain. (On Independence, Max 6 divers & 6 snorkellers) On Voyager, max 12 divers & 12 snorkellers. Indulge in a generous buffet-style lunch with local prawns and assorted accompaniments, with special dietary needs thoughtfully catered for.
Certified or Introductory scuba diving can be catered for on either vessel.
Sample Itinerary - Independence - 1 to 12 Guests
- 07.45am: Check in at our Vessel Independence and meet your captain and crew.
- 08.00am: Depart to the Great Barrier Reef. Dive safety briefings and marine talks will be provided on our way to the reef.
- 10.30am: Dive/snorkel time! Your exploration of the Great Barrier Reef commences with our warm and friendly Marine Biologist guides. Learn about these pristine environments in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner.
- 11.30am: Enjoy fresh fruit and delicious pastries paired with a selection of premium teas and freshly ground local coffee while we move to our second reef location.
- 12.00pm: Step back into the Coral Sea for more Great Barrier Reef adventures. Our Marine Biologists will ensure you connect and engage with this fascinating underwater landscape in an enriching way.
- 1.30pm: Independence commences the return journey to Port Douglas. Enjoy a gourmet deli roll or wrap for lunch, which can be paired with beer, wine or soft drinks (at additional cost). Complimentary tea, coffee and cold water available all day.
- 3.00pm: Arrive at Port Douglas
Scuba Diving Port Douglas
Our Great Barrier Reef locations boast a range of scuba diving experiences that cater to every diving enthusiast's desires. From current-rich underwater pinnacles and bommies to exhilarating drift dives along untouched coral walls, captivating caverns and swim-throughs, vibrant coral gardens, and a plethora of marine life both big and small - we have it all.
Our approach involves avoiding a rigid daily schedule, allowing wildlife to behave naturally without being disrupted by overcrowding. This ensures that the surprise encounters and rare sightings are frequent, and the incredible biodiversity of our sites remains preserved. Thanks to our unique permit and the spaciousness of our charter boat, we have the freedom to move around easily and explore different areas. Roaming the magnificent reef systems off Port Douglas is a privilege that we cherish, especially when we can share these lesser-known sites with just a small group of individuals from all corners of the globe.
The Port Douglas Charter Boat - Independence - 1 to 12 Guests
Measuring 16 meters in length and 5 meters in width, this Port Douglas charter boat has the capacity to travel up to 200 nautical miles offshore, ensuring guests a comfortable day on the Great Barrier Reef.
With a license for 25 passengers and 4 crew members, this 48-foot Monohull charter boats private charter tours are designed to accommodate a maximum of 12 guests for our diving and snorkelling tours. We are excited to have you on board and look forward to welcoming you soon.
Inside the air-conditioned cabin, there is a cozy dining table and seating for up to 4 individuals. The spacious rear deck offers covered seating with two tables for 6 people each, while additional covered seating for 6 more people is situated on the side of the rear deck.
The compact bow area is perfect for observing the reef below, and easy water access is facilitated by two large ladders located on the rear platform. Independence 1 is suitable for crusing in fairly rough seas, with a maximum wind speed of approximately 20-25 knots. It navigates smoothly in most sea conditions and is equipped with two bathroom facilities for added convenience.
Independence is our premium small group charter vessel, purpose-built for small groups and serious reef adventures. Independence carries just 12 guests, giving us access to exclusive Low Use Reefs that other operators can’t access due to group size. These pristine locations showcase the reef at its most vibrant, far from the crowds. Guided by accredited marine biologists, every snorkel and dive safari is enriched with expert knowledge and care, creating an experience beyond exploration
Independence has a shaded back deck is designed for ease and flow, with dive tanks, equipment, tables and seating all in one relaxed wet zone. This is rare among Port Douglas reef boats and allows you to move effortlessly between diving, dining and downtime, without the need to change. Independence combines functionality with comfort, featuring freshwater showers, bathrooms and ample room to unwind. Guests enjoy morning and afternoon tea, plus a gourmet deli roll or wrap for lunch.
Independence departs from Marano’s Fuel Wharf, Port Street, Port Douglas.
View more Port Douglas charter boats and learn more about other Great Barrier Reef activities from our blog.
Tour Details
Tour Languages Offered
English
EnglishDeparts From
Port Douglas
Departure Time
Check in 7.45am, departs 8.00am, returns 3.00pm or 4.00pm approx.
Departure Instructions
Independence 1 to 12 guests: Departure Point – Marano’s Fuel Wharf, Port Street, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Destinations
- Great Barrier Reef
- Low Isles
- Mackay Reef
Months of Operation
January - December
Days of Operation
Daily
Duration
8 Hours
Available for Purchase / Hire
- Drinks available on board - Alcohol only after inwater activities are completed
- Go-Pro Camera Hire
Fitness Level Required
Medium
Restrictions
Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS
Scuba Diving Restrictions
- Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
- Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
- Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
- Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.
Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.
Additional Information
- Certified Diving Policy / Notes: Certified Diving Day trips are for certified scuba divers with a minimum of Junior Open Water or Open Water certification. (Certified Junior Open Water Divers from 10 years old) Guests will be required to complete an online waiver & provide a copy of their certification. If divers have not dived for several years we will insist on clients having a refresher session, or dive as a intro diver for the first dive both attract additional costs or utilise our private guide option for the first day. Private guide is available at an additional $590 per group.
- Introductory Diving Policy / Notes: Introductory scuba diving is available for first timers. Please note the minimum age to participate is 12 years old. No prior experience needed. Certified instructors provide full safety and equipment briefings, then guide you underwater for about 20 minutes to a maximum depth of 10 metres. Health restrictions apply - Guests will be required to complete the PADI Diver Medical Questionnaire. If you answer “Yes” to any item (e.g., asthma, heart/cardiac issues, diabetes, ear/sinus problems, recent surgery, pregnancy), doctor’s clearance may be required before diving.
- Additional Crew Member; If required for extra supervision, or mixed scuba activities ie certified and uncertified scuba divers - $590 per additional crew member.
- Dietary Requirements: we can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements, but do require advance notice. Please provide details at the time of booking, so our crew can prepare meals to suit your clients needs while maintaining premium quality onboard.
- Weather Policy: Management reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a tour at any time subject to weather conditions. Tour itineraries may change subject to weather conditions. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be provided via the booking agent
What to Bring
Hat, Water Bottle, Change of clothes, Towel
Child Policy
No minimum age requirement for private charters. Children need to be supervised at all times. Introductory Diving minimum age is 12 years old. Certified Junior Open Water Divers from 10 years old.
Cancellation Policy
Our T&Cs
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Additional Tour Operator's T&Cs
Weather Policy: Management reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a tour at any time subject to weather conditions. Tour itineraries may change subject to weather conditions. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be provided via the booking agent
Vessel Policy: On days with low passenger numbers or unsuitable weather conditions, it may be necessary to move people between our two vessels, Voyager and Independence. On the rare occasions that this occurs we will pick the vessel that will provide the best possible outer reef experience. It may not be possible to provide notice prior to travelling.
Travel insurance: We highly recommend travel insurance.
Prices:
All prices on our website or sales literature are based on booking directly with ABC and are subject to change.
From 15 June 2025, all direct bookings made via the ABC website will have the Environmental Management Charge (EMC) of $8 per person added at the time of booking. For bookings made via third parties, the EMC is not included in the advertised price and will be collected by the crew on the day of travel.
The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) is a government-imposed levy collected from visitors to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This fee, sometimes referred to as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Tax, is mandated by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to support the sustainable management and conservation of the reef.
In the current economic environment, we are experiencing rapidly rising fuel prices. For this reason, an extra fuel levy may apply to the fare you have paid. If this is the case, you will be advised in advance and given the option to cancel the booking at no cost.
Minimum Participants:
All daily tours are subject to minimum participant numbers.
Cancellation Policy for Outer Reef Private Charters:
Cancellations made within 5 days of charter date are subject to a 100% cancellation charge – If a cancellation takes place outside the 5-day period then there is a $300 admin charge.
Cancellation by Abc Snorkel Charters:
ABC Queensland Adventures Pty Ltd ABN 91 091 376 706 T/A ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas reserves the right to cancel or change any bookings due to weather and tide conditions, lack of minimum participant numbers, unsuitable physical ability of participants or any other unforeseen circumstances.
Change of terms and conditions:
All information on our websites www.abcsnorkelcharters.com.au www.charterboatportdouglas.com.au, tours, itineraries, services provided, product inclusions, brochure contents and prices charged may be altered/cancelled without notice due to any reason and at the discretion of ABC.
Terms of Travel:
Some of the activities you may participate in while traveling with ABC Snorkel Charters can involve inherent risks. It is important to let us know about any medical conditions that you presently have (or have had) that may impact on you whilst on board our vessel and on any premises operated by us.
In consideration of the right to participate in an activity, you voluntarily assume all risks relating to, or incidental too, such participation and release and indemnify ABC Snorkel Charters from all claims regardless of their nature.
ABC Snorkel Charters reserves the right to refuse to permit any passengers to participate in any of the activities, or to require proof of medical fitness to its satisfaction prior to permitting a person to participate in any of the activities offered.
ABC Snorkel Charters reserves the right to refuse entry into or upon any vessel, vehicle or part of ABC Snorkel Charters property to any person deemed by ABC Snorkel Charters employees to be intoxicated, abusive or acting in a threatening manner to any ABC Snorkel Charters employee or other person. The directions of any ABC Snorkel Charters employees MUST be obeyed and any refusal to cooperate may result in you being excluded from the tour. No refund will be issued to passengers that do not adhere to these requirements.
ABC Snorkel Charters reserves the right to alter the schedule of the tour, substitute a vessel for another, or cancel the tour without notice if circumstances require it to do so. Should this materially impact your tour, we will endeavor to notify you of any changes.
From
au$6,941.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Tour Code: 1158
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