• The perfect 2 in 1 afternoon reef trip for an adults only luxury sailing tour that combines an island snorkel tour and a sunset sailing tour. This is our most popular Low Isles snorkelling tour. 
• Spend 3 hours snorkelling and exploring the beautiful tropical island of Low Isles with the use of all snorkel gear, glass bottom boat tour and guided snorkel tour.
• The perfect half day tour and luxury reef trip from Port Douglas where you can snorkel with turtles in a calm lagoon
• The Low Isles is a group of islands and they are home to quite a number of sea turtles that snorkellers see as they cruise around the islands lagoon.
• Our philosophy is “It’s all about the environment” and we are very proud to be running the world's first eTender Glass Bottom Boat.

Departing from Port Douglas this is the perfect 2 in 1, half day reef trip for Adults Only luxury sailing tour. Experience snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, exploring a tropical island and relaxing with a quiet drink on a sunset sailing cruise. This is one fun afternoon in paradise!

What to Expect

Half Day Reef Trip from Port Douglas

Set sail from Port Douglas on an Adults Only half day luxury sailing tour, offering an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation. Spend an unforgettable afternoon snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the tropical beauty of Low Isles, and ending the day with a serene sunset cruise on your return journey to port Douglas. This 2-in-1 half-day Great Barrier Reef tour is a perfect way to immerse yourself in paradise.

Features and Highlights

Adults Only Luxury Reef Trip to Low Isles

• Designed for adults seeking a serene and sophisticated reef experience, this island tour offers a tranquil and exclusive atmosphere with a maximum of 33 guests. Enjoy a peaceful escape as you explore the Great Barrier Reef and Low Isles.

Snorkelling Adventure

• Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef with top-quality snorkelling equipment provided. Swim among vibrant coral gardens, encounter diverse marine life, and marvel at the underwater world surrounding Low Isles.

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

• For those who prefer to stay dry, the glass bottom boat tour provides a fantastic view of the Great Barrier Reef and its colourful inhabitants. This is an ideal option for non-swimmers, offering an immersive experience without getting wet.

Guided Island Walk

• Discover the rich cultural and natural heritage of Low Isles on a guided island walk. Learn about the island's history, unique ecosystem, and diverse wildlife from an experienced guide who will share fascinating insights and stories.

Gourmet Dining

• Indulge in a culinary journey with a light lunch, afternoon tea, and sunset canapés prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Savor a variety of delicious treats throughout the day, enhancing your overall experience.

Sunset Cruise

• Conclude your Low Isles and Great Barrier Reef tour with a relaxing sunset cruise over the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy beverages as you watch the breathtaking sunset over the horizon, creating a perfect and serene end to your day in paradise.

Low Isles and Great Barrier Reef Tour Itinerary

1:00 PM to 6:30 PM

• This reef tour includes approximately 3 hours on Low Isles followed by a stunning sunset cruise. With a maximum of 33 guests, this sail boat tour ensures an intimate and luxurious experience.

Check-In

Arrive at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas by 12:30 PM for a prompt 1:00 PM departure. Enjoy a leisurely morning in Port Douglas before setting sail on your afternoon adventure.

Activities

• Snorkelling: Discover the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef with top-quality snorkelling equipment provided. Swim among colourful corals and encounter a variety of marine life.
• Glass Bottom Boat Viewing: Observe the marine life and coral reefs from the comfort of a glass bottom boat, ideal for those who prefer to stay dry.
• Guided Island Walk: Explore Low Isles with a guided tour that covers the island’s reef surroundings, animal life, and history. Learn about the unique ecosystem and cultural significance of the area.

Onboard Sail Boat Tour Experience

• Light Lunch: Delight in a delicious light lunch as you sail towards Low Isles, prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
• Afternoon Tea: Savor freshly brewed coffee, scones with strawberry jam and cream, and a fresh fruit platter during your afternoon on the reef.
• Sunset Cruise: On the return journey, relax and watch the sky transform with the colours of the sunset. Indulge in delicious canapés and complimentary sundowners (unlimited beverages), creating a perfect end to your day.

Book Your Adventure

Don’t miss out on this luxurious Great Barrier Reef tour from Port Douglas. Whether you’re snorkelling, exploring Low Isles, or enjoying the sunset with a drink in hand, this tour offers an unforgettable experience on the Great Barrier Reef. Book your half-day reef trip today and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquillity of paradise!

See all half day Great Barrier Reef tours from Port Douglas and full day tours for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Learn more about the best things to do and see on the Great Barrier Reef on our blog.

 

Port Douglas Reef Tour - Half Day Reef Trip Great Barrier Reef

Afternoon on Low Isles - Natural Beauty, Marine Life, History and Science All in One!

On this fun but relaxing afternoon tour you will set sail for the beautiful Low Isles, a group of two islands that lies just 15km North East of Port Douglas.

These little islands offer much more than meets the eye!

Low Isles is comprised of Low Island and the larger Woody Island.

Low Island is home to a small pocket of rainforest that provides a wonderful offshore sanctuary for a range of bird life, as well as a large shallow coral lagoon where a myriad of marine life is just waiting to be discovered.

Coconut palms sway in the breeze above the white sandy beaches making for an idyllic tropical location to explore or just relax in the sun.

If it is your desire to swim with turtles, Low Isles is the perfect place as over 100 sea turtles reside in the surrounding reefs and sea-grass beds of these islands.

The reefs of Low Isles are home to a diverse range of marine life like colourful hard and soft corals, thousands of different species of colourful fish both big and small, graceful rays, harmless yet beautiful reef sharks and much more.

Snorkelling is the perfect way to explore the reef and the sheltered lagoon provides a safe place for swimmers of all experience levels to float around and view the amazing ecosystem below them.

Take a floating noodle to help you stay buoyant or if you’re a more confident swimmer dive down below the surface and see the reef life up close.

If history is your thing, you will love learning about the important maritime and scientific heritage of Low Island and the Great Barrier Reef. 

Participate in a discovery walk with your guide to see the lighthouse and other interesting artefacts, tools and photographs taken at the island by the families who lived here dating back to 1878.

Low Isles is also home to an important weather station recognised the world over, which has been collecting weather data since 1887.

A number of important scientific studies that been conducted at Low Isles contributing to our knowledge of the structure and ecology of the surrounding reef, including the first detailed study of coral reef in the world!

Scientists and marine biologists continue to use Low Island as a base for research to this day so if this sort of thing takes your fancy you’ll really love your visit to this tropical paradise that plays a vital role in research of the reef and weather.

Explore the island using the sandy tracks through the forest and soak up the serenity of a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef.

E-TENDER, an all-electric glass bottom boat!

A world first OFF GRID – ON REEF, powered by sun and wind. Enhancing the glass bottom boat and island transfer experience with silent engines. 

Port Douglas Sunset Cruise - Return Sunset Cruise to Port Douglas

After a fun afternoon of snorkelling, exploring, learning and relaxing at Low Isles, it is time for a sunset sail back to Port Douglas - the perfect way to end your day on the Great Barrier Reef.

Watch the sun set over the Coral Sea with beautiful views of the mountains of the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park with a cold drink and delicious canapé in hand.

Watch the sky turn into a mosaic of orange and pink hues that dance across the water as you cruise home on board the luxury ‘Lagoon’ - a French built catamaran that provides a first-class sailing experience.

The peace and tranquility of this luxury sunset sailing experience will leave you feeling calm and relaxed when you return to Port Douglas around 6:30pm (approx).

Port Douglas Reef Tour - Menu Sample

***On Arrival***

Daintree Tea & Coffee
Nougat Slice
Gourmet mini beef & black pepper pie
½ size Roast beef, caramelized onion & salad wraps
½ size Ham, cheese & salad wraps
Zucchini, corn & cheddar cheese tartlets

***Afternoon tea***

Fruit pieces - Watermelon, Rockmelon, Honeydew Melon & Pineapple
Fresh baked Scones with jam & cream

***Canape’s served prior to departure from the island***

Arancini balls w/ herbed lemon mayo
Hummus dip & Capsicum dip w/ crudités
Salami, cheese, olive, cheery tomato skewers
Sushi Rolls with soya sauce

(Vegetarian & Gluten Free Options available – must be pre ordered)

Supplied by On Deck Catering

View more half day tours from Port Douglas

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Port Douglas

Departure Time

• 12:30pm check in
• 12:45pm boarding
• 1:00pm depart Port Douglas
• 2:00pm arrive at Low Isles
• 2:45pm transfer to the beach
• 5:00pm transfer back to sailing vessel
• 5:15pm depart Low Isles
• 5:20pm complimentary Sundowners served
• 6:30pm arrive back in port Douglas

Pickup Locations

Port Douglas

Destinations

• Low Isles
• Low Isles
• Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Check in 12.30pm - Departs 1:00pm - Returns 6:30pm - 5.5 Hours

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Champagne Celebration: Champagne Celebration Celebrating a special occasion with family & friends? Treat yourself to a chilled bottle of French Champagne, Moët & Chandon (750mL). A perfect way to enjoy a memorable moment sailing over the Coral Sea. Served to you onboard the luxury catamaran with ice bucket and champagne flutes.
• Digital Camera

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Additional Information

• Sailaway is a non-smoking vessel.
• SNORKELLING ACTIVITY
• To participate in the activity of snorkelling, you must be confident in the water with the capacity to swim unassisted. If you are a poor swimmer, you may not be suitable to snorkel in the open water. Not all passengers will be suitable to snorkel, and our experienced crew have the discretion to advise against snorkelling if deemed not suitable for the activity. This is for the safety of the passenger
• Please be advised snorkelling can be a strenuous physical activity, even in calm water and that older people are at an increased risk of death and/or injury due to a higher incidence of medical conditions made worse by physical exertion, such as heart disease and stroke. All passengers intending to snorkel will be asked to complete our Medical Declaration for Snorkelling form.
• Our experienced crew will discuss any issues relating to medical conditions and swimming ability. Sailaway reserves the right to decline any passenger from participating in snorkelling if we are concerned about your health condition and/or swimming ability. This is for your own safety, please listen to the advice of our experienced snorkel guides to ensure the safety of our guests. There are other coral viewing activities available for you to enjoy such as the glass bottom boat as well as the island heritage walk and visit to the sand cay.
• PASSENGER MOBILITY
• Our Sailaway vessels are luxury sailing catamarans and we offer a pure sailing experience. This means the vessels travel in open seas and will move around whilst under sail. The decks of the vessels are multi levels and can be slippery when wet.
• Passengers must have good mobility to safely move around the vessels, step onto the glass bottom boats and get in and out of the water via the ladders on the back of the vessels. Our tours are not suitable for older guests with mobility issues. Unfortunately, we do not offer wheelchair access due to the layout of the decks and saloon areas.
• Our tours are adventure experiences for active travellers. Please choose your tour carefully to ensure it is suitable for your experience, age and physical health.
• Sailaway Skipper and assisting crew reserves the right to decline any passenger from participating in snorkelling if we are concerned about the health condition and/or swimming ability of a passenger for the safety and well-being of all guests onboard.

Eco Certifications

Beach Towel, Swimwear, T-shirt, Hat, Sunscreen, Camera, Sunglasses, Cash, Visa or MasterCard to pay for reef levy/EMC (Environment Management Charge) and underwater camera hire (please notify us at time of booking if you require camera hire)

This is an adults only cruise, minimum age 13