• We determine what vessel guests travel on based on weather conditions and the passenger requirements for that day's tour. 
• Snorkel or dive at two Great Barrier Reef sites selected daily for the best available conditions, coral quality and marine life. Exclusive access to low use reefs that other operators can’t access.
• Explore the Great Barrier Reef with a maximum of 12 guests on Independence or 24 guests on Voyager, with personalised attention from marine guides.
• Discover coral gardens and tropical marine life with expert marine biologists, plus the option to try introductory scuba diving with no previous experience required.

Premium small-group scuba diving from Port Douglas. Discover Port Douglas’ best small group reef tour. Snorkel & dive exclusive low use reefs guided by marine biologists.

What to Expect

Discover the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas on a small-group snorkelling and diving tour. With a strong focus on personalised service, marine education and access to quality reef locations, these tours carry significantly fewer guests than many larger Great Barrier Reef day trips.

We  operate two purpose-built vessels, Independence and Voyager, with the vessel allocated according to weather conditions and the guests booked on the day.

Independence carries a maximum of just 12 guests and is designed for intimate Great Barrier Reef diving and snorkelling experiences. Voyager, a luxury catamaran carrying up to 24 guests, offers dedicated outer reef snorkelling tours with optional introductory scuba diving.

Regardless of vessel, Small groups are central to the experience. Marine biologists, naturalists and experienced dive professionals accompany guests throughout the day, with a guide-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:6 for guided snorkelling. The wider operation maintains approximately one crew member for every four guests, providing a high level of assistance both onboard and in the water.

Rather than following the same fixed reef itinerary each day, the Captain selects two Great Barrier Reef locations according to weather, water conditions, coral quality and marine life. Depending on the day, this can include pristine outer reef environments and more distant reef systems such as the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs.

Once in the water, explore coral gardens where sections of reef can rise close to the surface, making these sites well suited to snorkelling. Marine life varies naturally, but possible sightings include anemonefish, giant Maori wrasse, butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, reef sharks, green sea turtles and schools of tropical fish.

Marine biologists are available in and out of the water to identify species and explain the ecology of the Great Barrier Reef. Guided snorkelling is available for those wanting additional support and interpretation, while independent snorkelling may also be available on Voyager.

All required snorkelling equipment is included, with masks, snorkels and fins provided. Prescription masks are available at no additional charge when requested in advance. Full-length lycra suits are supplied during the warmer months from November to April for sun and marine stinger protection, while 5mm wetsuits are provided during winter. Children aged 7–12 are supplied with full wetsuits.

The minimum age for snorkelling is 7 years, and children must be comfortable swimming in open water.

Optional Introductory Scuba Diving

Guests aged 12 years and over can also experience scuba diving without holding a dive certification. Our certified instructors and divemasters provide safety, equipment and underwater communication briefings before entering the water.

During the introductory dive, an instructor remains with you throughout the experience, guiding you around coral gardens and reef formations. Introductory dives generally last approximately 20 minutes, with a maximum depth of 10 metres. Medical and health restrictions apply.

Introductory diving is optional and incurs an additional charge, with the day's schedule still allowing time for snorkelling.

Features & Highlights

•  Small-group Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and diving tours from Port Douglas
•  Maximum 12 guests aboard Independence
•  Maximum 24 guests aboard Voyager
•  Guided snorkelling ratio of approximately 1 marine guide to 6 guests
•  Approximately 1 crew member for every 4 guests across the operation
•  Marine biologists, naturalists and dive professionals onboard
•  Visit two reef sites, selected daily for conditions, coral quality and marine life
•  Opportunities to explore outer Great Barrier Reef locations and, when conditions permit, more distant reef systems including the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs
•  Guided and educational reef experiences with marine biologists
•  High-quality mask, snorkel and fins included
•  Complimentary prescription masks available when arranged in advance
•  Seasonal lycra suits or 5mm wetsuits included
•  Minimum snorkelling age of 7 years
•  Optional introductory scuba diving from 12 years of age
•  No previous scuba diving experience required for introductory dives
•  Easy water access designed for comfortable entry and exit
•  Catering and refreshments provided throughout the day
•  Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice
•  Suitable for families, couples and small groups of friends

Voyager – Luxury Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tour

Voyager provides a more spacious way to experience the outer Great Barrier Reef while retaining a small-group approach.

The vessel carries a maximum of 24 guests and features an air-conditioned saloon with business-class-style seating, queen-sized daybeds on the sundeck, additional seating on the bow and a shaded aft deck. Barefoot-friendly decking and a purpose-built ocean access platform with stairs make moving between the vessel and water straightforward.

Morning refreshments include fresh fruit, pastries, premium teas and freshly ground local coffee.

Lunch is served grazing-style on a large rainforest timber banquet table in the air-conditioned saloon, with a selection of hot and cold dishes featuring fresh local produce. Complimentary cold water, tea and coffee are available throughout the day. Juices, sparkling water, soft drinks and other beverages can be purchased onboard, with premium wines and beers available after the in-water activities and during the return journey.

Independence – Small-Group Great Barrier Reef Diving & Snorkelling

Independence is an award-winning dive and snorkel vessel, carrying a maximum of only 12 guests.

The smaller passenger capacity creates a highly personalised Great Barrier Reef experience, with marine biologists and dive professionals providing assistance and interpretation throughout the day.

Important Information

Guests should bring a towel, reusable water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, camera and dry clothing for the return journey. Wear swimwear underneath your wetsuit or lycra suit. Guests who are susceptible to motion sickness should consider taking their usual seasickness medication before departure.

Dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan options, can be accommodated when advised at the time of booking.

ABC Reef Safaris determines whether guests travel aboard Independence or Voyager based on weather conditions and the passenger requirements for that day's tour. Reef locations are also selected daily rather than guaranteed in advance, allowing the Captain to choose suitable sites according to prevailing conditions.

Sample Itinerary

Voyager Daily Itinerary

7:45 am – Check-in
Meet the Captain and crew aboard Voyager and enjoy fresh fruit, pastries, tea and locally roasted coffee in the air-conditioned interior.

8:00 am – Depart Port Douglas
Cruise towards the Great Barrier Reef while the crew conducts safety and snorkelling briefings and provides an introduction to the reef and marine environment.

10:30 am – First Reef Session
Begin exploring the Great Barrier Reef with the marine biology team. Guided and independent snorkelling options may be available, along with optional introductory scuba diving for eligible guests.

12:15 pm – Grazing Lunch
Return onboard for a substantial grazing-style lunch featuring hot and cold dishes prepared with local produce.

1:00 pm – Second Reef Session
Return to the Coral Sea for another snorkelling session and further exploration with the marine biology guides.

2:30 pm – Return to Port Douglas
Relax onboard with afternoon tea while the bar opens for the return cruise.

3:00 pm – Port Douglas Arrival
Arrival is generally around 3:00 pm. When Voyager visits more distant reef systems such as the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, arrival may be closer to 4:30 pm. The amount of in-water time remains the same, with the later return resulting from additional cruising time.

Voyager departs from Finger C at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, 44 Wharf Street, Port Douglas. Free parking is available in the main marina area.

Independence Daily Itinerary

7:45 am – Check-in
Meet your Captain and crew at Independence at Marano's Wharf.

8:00 am – Depart Port Douglas
Travel towards the Great Barrier Reef while the crew provides safety, snorkelling and equipment briefings, along with marine talks introducing the reef environment.

10:00 am – First Reef Session
Enter the water with the marine biology team and begin exploring the Great Barrier Reef through snorkelling or diving.

11:30 am – Morning Refreshments
Enjoy fresh fruit and pastries with tea or coffee while Independence relocates to the second reef site.

12:00 pm – Second Reef Session
Return to the water for another opportunity to explore coral gardens and marine life with the marine biology guides.

1:30 pm – Return Cruise
Begin the journey back to Port Douglas while enjoying a gourmet deli roll or wrap for lunch. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available at additional cost, while tea, coffee and cold water are complimentary throughout the day.

3:00 pm – Arrive Port Douglas
Return to Marano's Wharf after the day's Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and diving experience.

Independence departs from Marano's Wharf, 39 Port Street, Port Douglas. It does not depart from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. Free parking is available.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Port Douglas

Departure Time

Vessels departs at 7:45am & returns at 3pm

Departure Instructions

• Voyager is located on the main finger C at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina,
• Independence is moored at Marano’s Wharf Port Douglas, 39 Port Street, Port Douglas. INDEPENDENCE IS NOT located at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.

Destinations

Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Operates daily subject to minimum guests numbers and weather conditions
We operate two purpose-built vessels, Independence and Voyager, with the vessel allocated according to weather conditions and the guests booked on the day.

Duration

7 - 8.5 Hours

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

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.

Hat, Water Bottle, Change of clothes, Towel

Diving minimum age is 12 years old. Certified Junior Open Water Divers from 10 years old.