Guests departing from Port Douglas on our Great Barrier Reef tours can choose to travel to the reef by helicopter or cruise by catamaran to the activity pontoon platform. Once there, you’ll find a host of in-water activities that you’ll wonder how you are going to fit everything in on just one day!
These much loved activity platforms on our Great Barrier Reef tours provide guests with a myriad of ways to explore this world famous reef. The Quicksilver pontoon is the one and only Great Barrier Reef tour from Port Douglas that takes visitors to the Outer Barrier Reef to spend the day on a floating pontoon where you can scuba dive, go snorkelling, take scenic helicopter rides, listen to informative fish feeding presentations, observe all the underwater activities in the submerged viewing room, or take a ride around the reef in a semi-submersible submarine and see all the coral and marine life.
Helicopter: Experience a breathtaking aerial view of the reef in the seat of a helicopter before diving into the day's activities. Choose from Fly/Fly or Fly/Cruise options but book early as limited seats.
High Speed Catamaran Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing seat on the Wavepiercer as it makes its way to the activity platform, where your Great Barrier Reef tour adventure begins. This boat is designed to give the smoothest of rides in most reef conditions reducing the possiblity of sea sickness.
The Quicksilver pontoon is a hub of activity, offering guests the only tour from Port Douglas that accesses the Outer Barrier Reef for a full day on a floating platform.
Scuba Diving: For first timers and qualified divers (Fee applies)
Snorkelling: Explore vibrant underwater ecosystems. (Free)
Helicopter Flights: Take to the skies to see the reef from above. (Fee applies)
Fish Feeding Presentations: Learn about the local marine life. (Free)
Submerged Viewing Room: Observe underwater activities without getting wet. (Free)
Semi-Submersible Submarine Ride: Tour the reef and see its marine life and corals up close. (Free)
After a day filled with such diverse activities, guests often return to Port Douglas tired but thrilled by the experiences of the day.
The Quicksilver crew is always ready to assist, helping guests prepare for snorkelling and guiding them on how to best experience the reef via the semi-submersible submarine. This guidance is invaluable for first-time visitors and enhances the overall experience.
Underwater Observatory: Watch snorkelers and divers explore the coral reefs.
Sun Deck: Relax in the sun, enjoy refreshments from the licensed bar, and eat a delicious buffet lunch.
Many guests choose to enhance their experience by using a helicopter ride for their arrival or departure, adding an extraordinary perspective of the Great Barrier Reef from above.
This pontoon tour is ideal for everyone, including non-swimmers, as it provides various ways to enjoy the reef without entering the water. The specialized wave piercer vessel is designed to minimize seasickness, making it comfortable for everyone aboard. The large multi-level platform at Agincourt Ribbon Reef offers numerous activities, ensuring that guests experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef.
Quicksilver, known as Australia's most awarded Great Barrier Reef tour provider, is also the only company in Port Douglas that offers enhanced accessibility for guests with mobility issues. Important to note for those in wheelchairs or requiring assistance, please contact our reservations team before booking to ensure the pontoon can accommodate your needs. There are two pontoons on the reef and only one is suited for guests with mobility and disabilities.
If you are on a cruise ship tour pulling into Port Douglas for a day or overnight then this is the tour to book to see the Great Barrier Reef from our interactive platform where there is something for everyone to do.
See all Great Barrier Reef tours from Port Douglas.
Learn more about the reef on our blogs.
You will cruise to the Great Barrier Reef pontoon from Port Douglas on a spacious catamaran with full air conditioning and a licensed bar.
On boarding the boat you can choose from tea or coffee with pastries and focaccia.
Kick back and relax and enjoy as you speed over the Coral Sea to the outer section of the Great Barrier Reef on our wave piercer catamaran.
Our boat is fast and the best choice for guests who may suffer from seasickness as it is designed to cut thru waves and provide smooth passage to the Agincourt Reef pontoon.
Once you arrive at the Agincourt Ribbon Reef activity platform, you will have an amazing 3.5 hours of exploration and adventure on the Great Barrier Reef.
Your tour price includes all of your snorkelling equipment (masks, prescription masks, fins, snorkels and buoyancy aids).
A marine eco presentation is also included in the reef tour ticket price.
This is a great opportunity for children and adults to learn about the wealth of marine life that will be brought to life, when you see it all close up and personal on your day.
There are even more free in-water activities you can choose from that will have you eye-to-eye and fully immersed in the amazing underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef.
Snorkeling instructions and guidance will be given, allowing you to be more comfortable in the water and so enable you to enjoy your Great Barrier Reef trip more.
If you are not a strong swimmer and would like a little more support in the water your reef ticket price does include the use of buoyancy vests and floatation noodles.
There are easy access steps off of the Barrier Reef pontoon for snorkelers, so everything is made as simple and as less stressful as possible.
Disabled or mobility challenged guests can make use of the hydraulic wheelchair lift to access the waters of the reef for snorkeling.
On this reef trip you will have the opportunity to learn more about the amazing marine life you will be viewing.
Eco presentations are given throughout the day and are included in the tour price.
If you would like a special guided snorkel tour with a marine biologist (extra cost) then this a great way for all the family to have fun learning about the fish and the corals on the reef whilst you are witnessing them first hand.
The semi-submersible submarine tour is a comfortable viewing vessel which sits you about one metre under the surface of the water.
Despite being shallow you will feel like you are sitting in a proper submarine.
Enjoy the ongoing commentary, as you cruise around the coral bommies (coral mountains), learning about the amazing shoals of fish and stunning underwater life that will be passing by your viewing window.
The semi-submersible submarine tour is also included in the reef trip price.
This is a unique viewing platform that is located at the front of the platform between all the “action”.
You can sit in the auditorium and watch the Helmet Ocean Walkers and the fish feeding and see novice introductory scuba divers experiencing their first time diving underwater.
You will see in the distance the exotic formations of the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, the shoals of reef fish, parrotfish and butterfly fish and realise just how stunning the underwater world is and all from standing by this underwater viewing window.
Helmet Walking is a great extra activity option if you would like to view the amazing underwater world without getting your hair wet and still wear your glasses.
A briefing will be given before you Helmet ocean walk for your safety and comfort.
Your ocean walk will take you along an underwater viewing platform where you will see the amazing array of fish in underwater presentations.
You will be shown amazing corals, sea cucumbers and fish feeding with groupers, snappers and shoals of reef fish.
A certificate will be given on completion that you can frame and put on your wall as a holiday souvenir of the Great Barrier Reef of an amazing experience you will never forget.
This is another perfect activity for the non-swimmers.
You will join a small group and after completing some basic skills you will be taken by your dive instructor to explore the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef.
Your dive instructor will take you down slowly on guide ropes to a depth of maximum 12 m where they will then take you on a dive tour and show you the colours of the many fish and the various corals that are home to many marine creatures we may have never seen before whilst snorkelling.
Your introductory scuba dive will last approximately 30 minutes.
You can choose how many certified scuba dives you would like to do (up to 3) all from the activity platform.
All dives are gentle and relaxing with maximum depth 18 m (60ft).
Despite diving from the one pontoon, there are various dive sites that can be accessed, so you don’t have to worry that you will be seeing the same sights on all dives.
Your dive will be led by an experienced dive instructor or dive master that know the dive sites well.
These professionals can find all the best marine life and show you the best of the Great Barrier Reef.
This trip is ideal if you wish to go for a dive, yet worried about leaving behind your family members who aren’t divers.
The ultimate way to see the Great Barrier Reef is by booking a helicopter fly and cruise tour.
Leaving Port Douglas enjoy a low level scenic helicopter flight across the coral reefs and out to the Agincourt Ribbon Reef Platform where you may then snorkel and dive the same and see it in every other way possible.
You will simply be stunned at the site of this beautiful place from the air in your helicopter seat.
Your helicopter will be flying at 500 ft (150 m) above the Agincourt Reef system.
The natural beauty of the place will take your breath away. You might even see shadows of sharks, whales, turtles, dolphins and rays as they go about their business below.
Helicopter flights must be pre-booked beforehand as seats and helicopters are limited.
Note: Infant age 3 must pay for a seat
If you wish to avoid the catamaran journey back to Port Douglas, you can also book a return helicopter flight back to Port Douglas or Cairns!
If you wish to make your snorkelling experience more alive and more meaningful, then understanding and learning about the marine life you are seeing on a tour with a guided marine biologist can add to your Great Barrier Reef experience.
Your marine biologist is a qualified university degree scientist and they will share their love of the marine kingdom with you on this snorkel tour.
You will be in a small group so it will be a highly personal learning experience.
There are two different snorkel tours offered to enable all visitors, regardless of their skill levels to enjoy and learn about the amazing Great Barrier Reef.
See more Great Barrier Reef tours on activity platforms and pontoons and the poular tours to Low Isles just off Port Douglas.
Port Douglas
Check-in at Quicksilver’s Reservations office, Port Douglas marina for boarding passes.
January - December
Daily
This tour operates on Christmas Day, bookings need to be made well in advance.
6.5 hours (approx.)
Low, Medium, Disabled
Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
Scuba Diving Restrictions
Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.
Scuba Diving, Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions
Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.
Your camera, swimming costume and beach towel, hat, sunscreen and shirt for sun protection, cash for drinks at the bar, credit cards for souvenirs
Reviewed on December 30, 2018
Everything was as expected. The staff was really friendly and helpful. The food was delicious.
Response From Barrier Reef Australia
Thank you for your great feedback, It's wonderful to hear you enjoyed your Great Barrier Reef tour from Port Douglas out on the pontoon! We look forward to welocoming you back to Port Douglas
Reviewed on July 10, 2018
My Daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the reef tour - we went on the advanced snorkel group with marine biologist Greg - he was attentive and informative The food was really good and the day ran smoothly although it was a rough trip out - the crew were very diligent and caring with the ill The sea turtles were a highlight for my daughter - 16 yo
Response From Barrier Reef Australia
Sarah thank you very much for your review of the Quicksilver tour from Port Douglas out to the platform Your feedback is greatly appreciated by other guests and our team at The Tour Specialists We hope to see you back in Port Douglas soon
Reviewed on August 25, 2017
what an awesome experience! the helicopter flight was amazing, the only way to see the beauty of the barrier reef, the pilot was very informative all the way, the pontoon at the reef was awesome too, the staff were great, the food was great we couldn't fault anything on our day out with quick silver, highly recommend them.
Reviewed on October 11, 2016
We changed to saturday the 8th as it was so windy. Loved our day out on the reef.very choppy but amazing. Staff were fabulous and food was great. So pleased we went
Response From Barrier Reef Australia
Dear Reegan, We are very pleased that you had a great day on the Great Barrier Reef. As you experienced first-hand, reef trip is worth doing even on a choppy day! Please don't hesitate to contact us next time you are visiting Cairns area and want to try some other adventures whether it will be the reef, rainforest or adventure activities!
Reviewed on October 08, 2016
There is nothing more beautiful than this gift that God has created for us all! Your staff played a important role in this lifetime experience; the knowledge and the little things they did for me like find a giant clam! I have already sent pictures to my American friends and they are eager to come next year. Congratulations Quicksilver on a job well done! I'll be back soon
Response From Barrier Reef Australia
Dear Angela, We are very pleased that you appreciate this miracle of nature as much as we do. Great Barrier Reef is really something special and you will have to experience it yourself to truly appreciate it. Please let us know when you are travelling next time in Cairns and Port Douglas area, we would love to assist with your Great Barrier Reef and other amazing tours.
Reviewed on October 08, 2016
The experience was good we all enjoyed snorkeling and the semi submersible
Response From Barrier Reef Australia
Thank you Tania, The quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruise does offer a wide range of activities for all ages so we are delighted your family all got to experience this Natural wonder! The Agincourt Ribbon Refs do offer some of the best coral in the region and the semi-submersible is a great way to see and learn about it while staying dry
All doors are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs
There are ramps from the quay and the ponton to the catamaran.~|~Wheelchair ramps are available from the catamaran to the pontoon~|~8 steps to the Semi-submersible.
Ramps
Ramps at all points of access
Information sheets are available
Disabled toilets* are available onboard the catamaran
*From the pontoon, toilet access is via a ramp to the toilets on the catamaran
There are ramps from the quay and the ponton to the catamaran.
All doors are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs
4 steps to diving area~|~6 steps from diving area to entry water area
There are ramps from the quay and the ponton to the catamaran.
Wheelchair ramps are available from the quay to the catamaran
Wheelchair ramps are available from the catamaran to the pontoon
Tanks and weight belts can be put on and taken off in the water if you are unable to walk with equipment on
Ramps at all points of access – allows access to ground area and toilet facilities
Disabled toilets are available onboard the catamaran
Catamaran - All doors are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs.
Helicopter – wheelchair will be bought over on the boat if you fly from Port Douglas to the pontoon or vice versa.
This tour is not suitable for non-mobile passengers. There is a step into the helicopter but a certain amount of mobility is required.
There are ramps from the quay and the ponton to the catamaran.
The helicopter lands and takes off from a separate landing station away fro the pontoon that is reached by small boat
A certain amount of mobility is required stepping down into and out of a small boat (onto the pontoon and helicopter platform)
A certain amount of mobility is required stepping up and down off of the helicopter
In seated position for the helicopter trip
Ramps at all points of access on vessel and at quay
Disabled toilets* are available onboard the catamaran
*From the pontoon, toilet access is via a ramp to the toilets on the catamaran
16 steps to the Underwater Observatory
Wheelchair ramps are available from the quay to the catamaran
Wheelchair ramps are available from the catamaran to the pontoon
Disabled toilets* are available onboard the catamaran
*From the pontoon, toilet access is via a ramp to the toilets on the catamaran
Hydraulic chair lift is on the pontoon to allow access to the water for snorkeling
Wheelchair ramps are available from the quay to the catamaran~|~Wheelchair ramps are available from the catamaran to the pontoon
There are ramps from the quay and the pontoon to the catamaran.
Ramps at all points of access
Disabled toilets* are available onboard the catamaran
*From the pontoon, toilet access is via a ramp to the toilets on the catamaran
Transfer from Cairns/Northern Beaches accomodation to be organised seperately (speak to your tour specialist if you have any special requirements for this transfer)
You must arrange your own local transport in advance.
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.
Operators policy:
au$312.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$164.00
Family: au$796.00
Tour Code: 26