Tour Highlights
- Value: cerified divers get 2-tank dives included
- Exclusivity: exclusive access to Low Use Reefs that other operators can’t access due to group size.
- Personalised experience: 12 guests only, guide-to-diver ratio is 1:5.
- Experts: be guided by accredited marine biologists
Description & Tour Inclusions
Included In Price
- EMC Reef Tax
- Transfers to and from Port Douglas and Thala Beach accommodation.
- 2 Certified Dives
- Morning Tea or Coffee
- Pastries, Fruit Platter
- Deli Lunch
- Afternoon Tea/Coffee
- Water
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Dive equipment
- Snorkel
- Mask
- Fins
- Prescription Mask on request - needs to be pre-booked
- Full length Lycra suit (summer)
- 5mm wetsuit (winter) Floatation devices
- Life jackets
- Fully guided Marine biologist dive
Premium small-group scuba diving from Port Douglas aboard Independence. Only 12 guests, 2 guided dives with marine biologists on exclusive Low Use Reefs. Includes gourmet lunch, onboard facilities and snorkelling option.
What to Expect
Step aboard Independence, a purpose-built dive vessel carrying just 12 guests, and set out toward exclusive Low Use Reefs on the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. These secluded dive sites are only accessible to operators with limited passenger numbers, allowing you to experience the reef in its most vibrant condition away from crowded locations.
Your day includes two premium scuba dives accompanied by accredited marine biologists who share detailed reef knowledge throughout each dive. This expert guidance enhances your underwater experience with insight into marine ecosystems, coral formations, and species behaviour.
Snorkellers and freedivers are welcome to join the tour; however, they will explore unguided while divers receive structured supervision.
Between dives, relax on the shaded back deck—designed as a fully integrated wet zone where gear setup, dining, and downtime flow seamlessly without the need to change areas. Facilities include freshwater showers, bathrooms, and open seating, creating a smooth progression between dive preparation and relaxation.
Morning and afternoon tea are provided on board, alongside a gourmet deli roll or wrap for lunch. Designed for comfort and practical dive operations, the 16-metre vessel offers ample space to unwind between underwater sessions.
Features & Highlights
- Maximum of 12 guests on a vessel licensed for 25 - exceptional space and personalised service
- Access to exclusive Low Use Reefs, only permitted for small group operations
- Guided diving with accredited marine biologists
- 2 premium scuba dives on pristine outer reef sites
- Snorkelling and freediving permitted (unguided)
- Purpose-built dive vessel launched in 2015, renowned for serious reef expedition quality
- Integrated dive and leisure deck, enabling easy movement between activity and relaxation
- Freshwater showers and accessible onboard facilities
- Gourmet lunch plus morning and afternoon tea included
- Recognised as Port Douglas’ leading small-group Great Barrier Reef dive experience
We also offer a full day Great Barrier Reef trip dedicated to Intro Divers and Snorkellers.
Itinerary
Sample Itinerary
7:45 am - Check-in at Independence and meet your Captain and Crew. Please note: Independence is moored at Marano’s Wharf Port Douglas, 39 Port Street, Port Douglas. We are not located at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.
8:00 am - Depart to the Great Barrier Reef. Morning, safety, scuba dive briefings and marine talks will be provided on our way to the reef. The crew will also provide scuba diving equipment instructions and overviews.
10:00 am - Dive 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. Accompanying snorkellers and free divers can enjoy unguided exploration of the reef.
11:30 am - Enjoy fresh fruit and delicious pastries while we move to our second reef location. Recharge with a selection of tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
12:00 pm - 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.
1:30 pm - 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). There is complimentary tea, coffee and cold water available all day.
3:00 pm - Arrive back into Port Douglas.
FAQs
What certification do I need to join this scuba tour?
This tour is for certified divers only. Minimum certification is Junior Open Water (age 10+) or Open Water. You’ll complete a PADI Diver Medical Questionnaire; some conditions may require doctor’s clearance. Introductory dives, or first time dives, are not offered on Independence (but they are available on our
How many guests are there on Port Douglas’ best scuba diving tour and what’s the guide ratio?
ABC Reef Safaris takes a maximum of just 12 guests on their scuba diving tours, ensuring personal care and attention for all guests. Our industry-leading guide-to-diver ratio is 1:5. This ensures relaxed briefings, careful site choices and in-water support that lets you focus on great diving, not crowds.
How deep are the dives and how long are bottom times?
The depth of your dives will be guided by your certification level, but all dive sites are suitable for those with Open Water certification and above. Unlike most other Port Douglas dive boats, bottom time is limited only by your air consumption and can be up to 90 minutes per dive. Exact dive times vary by site, experience and environmental factors.
Do you allow freediving, and can I mix freediving with scuba diving on the same day?
Freedivers are welcome and may use weight belts (buddy rules apply). Freediving is unguided. For safety, we do not allow guests to mix freediving and scuba diving on the same day. As a conservative guide, leave 12 to 18 hours after freediving before scuba diving (longer after repetitive sessions).
Can my snorkelling partner come on this Port Douglas dive trip?
Yes. Snorkelling partners of scuba divers and freedivers are welcome aboard this Port Douglas dive trip, and will enjoy the same premium vessel experience including Marine Biologist reef talks and presentations. Small numbers and carefully chosen sites mean clear water, vibrant coral and relaxed surface intervals for non-divers to enjoy. Please note that snorkelling is unguided on this trip (divers are guided).
How long should I wait before flying after diving?
Follow a conservative surface interval. Current guidance: minimum 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive, 18 hours after multiple dives. Many divers choose 24 hours for added margin, especially after repetitive days. Avoid going to altitude until your recommended interval has safely elapsed.
Tour Details
Tour Languages Offered
English
EnglishDeparts From
Port Douglas
Departure Time
8.00am
Departure Instructions
- Departure Point – Marano’s Fuel Wharf, Port Street, Port Douglas QLD 4877
- Check in 7.45am
- Depart 08.00am
- Return 3.00pm
Destinations
Great Barrier Reef
Months of Operation
January - December
Days of Operation
Daily
Operates daily subject to minimum guests numbers and weather conditions
Duration
7 hours
Available for Purchase / Hire
Additional dives
Fitness Level Required
Medium
Additional Information
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.
What to Bring
Hat, Water Bottle, Change of clothes, Towel
Child Policy
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 Snorkelling:
Cancellations made within 48 hours prior to the booked tour date or ‘no shows’ are subject to 100% cancellation charge with no refund – If a cancellation takes place outside the 48-hour period then there is a $25-$50 admin charge per person.
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$603.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$603.00
Family: au$2,412.00
Tour Code: 1274
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