• Keep your eyes peeled in the glass bottom boat for sea turtles as there are many that call the Low Isles home. Or you could spot some of these magnificent creatures while snorkeling the low Isles coral gardens
• The 30 metre luxury catamaran sails its way to the pure white blissful shores of Low Isles for a 5 star day of swimming and snorkeling or relaxing under the beach cabanas. 
• With just one hours sailing time you are on your way with a Great Barrier Reef tour to a tropical island to enjoy snorkeling the beautiful coral gardens and to explore the island and learn about its history.
• Family Deal - Save $128 based on 2 adults & 2 children

You’ll board a spacious sailboat and glide across the water on our large catamaran, passing by the rainforest-covered mountain scenery on your way to Low Isles.

What to Expect

Your snorkelling tour begins with boarding a spacious catamaran at Port Douglas Crystalbrook Super Yacht Marina and settling in to listen to the crew as they talk about your day tour to the beautiful Low Isles that sits approximately 15.2 km off the coast and takes around about an hour of cruising time to get there. Enjoy morning tea while the friendly crew presents an informative reef presentation and snorkelling tips.

Sailing to Low Isles

From Port Douglas sail through the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef towards the enchanting Low Isles. Along the way, admire the rainforest-covered mountain scenery of the Daintree Rainforest and keep an eye out for marine life as we cruise along.

Port Douglas Snorkelling Tour Adventure

Upon arrival at Low Isles, discover vibrant coral gardens and unique marine life. Equipped with snorkelling gear and mask, explore the underwater world where sea turtles are often seen. For those preferring to stay dry, a glass bottom boat tour offers a fantastic view of the coral reefs.

Marine Biologist Guided Tours

Join a marine biologist for guided snorkelling tours and beach walks, learning about the history of Low Isles, its lighthouse, and the diverse marine ecosystem.

Tropical Lunch and Relaxation

Indulge in a tropical smorgasbord lunch on the boat. Afterward, continue exploring or relax on the white sandy beaches under a sun umbrella. Beachcombers can discover island flora and fauna at their own pace or join a guided tour.

Return to Port Douglas

Afternoon tea is served as you set sail back to Port Douglas marina from your gorgeous day spent on Low Isles, concluding a memorable day on the Great Barrier Reef.

Features and Highlights

Scenic Sailing and Reef Presentation

• Morning Tea: Start your day with a refreshing morning tea on board.
• Reef Presentation: Gain insights into the Great Barrier Reef from a marine biologist during the journey.

Snorkelling with Sea Turtles

• Coral Gardens: Explore the vibrant coral gardens just off the shore of Low Isles.
• Marine Life: Encounter sea turtles, colourful fish, and other marine creatures.
• Guided Snorkelling: Benefit from guided snorkelling tours led by a knowledgeable marine biologist.

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

• Non-Swimmers: For those who are non-swimmers or prefer not to try snorkelling, enjoy the Great Barrier Reef's beauty on a glass bottom boat tour.
• Marine Education: Learn about the reef and its inhabitants through a marine biologist's commentary.

Island Heritage Walk

• Guided Walk: Discover the history and natural beauty of Low Isles on a guided heritage trail walk.
• Lighthouse Visit: See the historic lighthouse and learn about its significance.

Relaxation and Leisure

• Beach Time: Spend time on the white sandy beaches of Low Isles, soaking up the sun or exploring the island's flora and fauna.
• Afternoon Tea: Enjoy afternoon tea on the return journey to Port Douglas.

Marine Conservation and Education

• Eco-Friendly Tour: This Great Barrier Reef tour supports marine conservation efforts and promotes environmental education.
• Marine Biologist Insights: Learn from experts about the delicate balance of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.

Sample Port Douglas Snorkelling Itinerary

8:00 AM: Board the Wavedancer catamaran at Port Douglas Crystalbrook Super Yacht Marina. Enjoy morning tea and a reef presentation enroute to Low Isles.

10:00 AM: Arrive at Low Isles. Participate in guided snorkelling tours or explore the reef from a glass bottom boat.

12:00 PM: Tropical smorgasbord lunch on board. Relax on the beach or join a guided island heritage walk.

2:00 PM: Continue snorkelling, beachcombing, or relaxing on the beach.

3:00 PM: Afternoon tea served on board.

4:00 PM: Depart Low Isles and sail back to Port Douglas marina.

5:00 PM: Arrive at Port Douglas marina, concluding your Great Barrier Reef adventure.

See all tours to Low Isles from Port Douglas.

Snorkelling Tour To Low Isles from Port Douglas

Your gleaming luxury sailboat awaits at the picturesque Port Douglas Crystalbrook Super Yacht Marina!

Once on board the 30m catamaran, you’ll settle in the stunning lounge or expansive outdoor decks.

A sumptuous morning tea is on offer, and as you set sail, the welcoming crew will provide a brief marine presentation and all the snorkelling tips you’ll need for your Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour.

You’ll glide by the beauty of emerald-coloured mountains on the horizon, and perhaps even catch sight of a majestic osprey flying to the same Low Isles destination!

This vessel is your personal haven for the day, and it’s from here you’ll take a craft to the pristine island shores to be suited up for snorkelling.

This is also the floating sanctuary where morning and afternoon tea, along with a tropical lunch will be served.

And feel free to soak up the sun onboard the spacious decks or the lavish beach with a cool refreshment from the licensed bar.

Snorkelling Around the Island With Turtles

Between the breathtaking lagoon at Low Isles and Woody islands, there lies a mesmerizing world of underwater discovery.

From your luxury catamaran, you’ll be spirited to the sandy shore of Low Isles by a small craft.

A friendly marine expert will have given you some snorkelling tips on the journey over, and this is where you’ll be suited up with your snorkel and mask, ready to explore the aquatic Disneyland before you.

The enchanting coral gardens begin just a few steps from the beach, which means within moments you’ll be drifting on the dazzling surface of the Great Barrier Reef.

Over vivid branch, plate and flowery coral you’ll glide to spot an amazingly breathtaking array of rainbow reef fish.

It might even be your lucky to to float past a Clown Fish city, (Nemo) tell a Blue Tang (Dory) to ‘keep swimming’ and high-five a giant sea-turtle!

Low Isles are the well known home of many sea turtles to the delight of our snorkellers. 

Guided Snorkelling Tour

This Port Douglas reef trip boasts a resident marine biologist, and your host for a guided snorkelling presentation.

This activity is wondrous for those who are a little less confident, or have snorkelled before, but would adore knowing more about the phenomenal marine park at your feet!

For example, you may see the incredible school-fish sight of Maori Wrasse following your tour, and even swimming right beside you.

Yet you might not know this beautiful blue fish can change from female to male, if there isn’t a dominant male in the school! 

Or that the pearly white Nautilus is considered a living fossil, as it hasn’t changed in millions of years!

With thrilling discoveries such as manta-rays, sea-turtles and friendly baby sharks, your marine tour guide knows how to locate and interact with many unique species that you’ll meet on this tour.

You’ll find this sea safari a sensory treat for the eyes, ears, and imagination

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

If you’re feeling a little waterlogged, or your sense of adventure seeks another way to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the glass bottom boat tour is for you!

You’ll glide across the azure sea in dry comfort, with a stunning view from specially designed transparent walls and floor.

With a marine presentation included, your vessel will showcase the splendour of intricate coral gardens, and the spectacular marine life that call it home.

You may just see a ‘fever’ of ethereal manta-rays, or a regal old sea-turtle that could be 100 years old!

And you can always depend upon the appearance of a cerulean Parrot fish munching on coral, and the rainbow colours of endless reef fish alongside your tour.

With spellbinding sights combined with fun facts, you’ll learn about the fascinating relationship between marine life and coral, in the oldest and most complex environ on earth!

Low Isles Guided Island Heritage Trail Walk

Low Isles, with its lush forest and rare wildlife, is unique to the Great Barrier Reef. And on this tour you’ll see why! Estimated at 7000 years old, the cay was once coral, which was swept into the sea, leaving particles to form this miraculous tropical island.

As you breathe in ocean air and sublime frangipani, your tour will begin with a trek past white shores and through enchanting rainforest.

You’ll learn about some of the flora and flora on the island, but keep your eyes peeled so you don’t miss sight of a wondrous sea-eagle or sparkling kingfisher that your tour guide is talking about!

As you journey on sun-speckled, sandy paths, you’ll discover the former Light Keeper’s cottage, and quaint lighthouse; a working monument, and the first of its kind in Far North Queensland.

You’ll not only see lavish tropical sights on this tour, but likewise be inspired by local and indigenous legend.

See more cruise ship tours and Great Barrier Reef tours.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Port Douglas

Departure Time

Check in 9:00am - Boarding 9:30am - Departure 10:00am - Return to Port Douglas Marina at 4:30pm

Departure Instructions

Check-in at Quicksilver’s Reservations office, Port Douglas marina for boarding passes.

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove
• Port Douglas

• Pick up time & location to be confirmed at time of booking
• Please note pickups may be from centralised locations, please see below:
• 0745hrs Hungry Jacks, Westcourt Plaza.274 Mulgrave Road Westcourt.
• 0755hrs Bay 1, Reef Fleet Terminal. 1 Spence Street City.
• 0805hrs Aquarius Bus Stop. 107 Esplanade City.
• 0810hrs Dunwoodys. 317 Sheridan St. Cairns North.
• 0830hrs Trinity Beach Bus Turn Around Cnr Trinity Beach Road and Moore Street.
• 0840hrs Paradise on the Beach 119-121 Williams Esp. Palm Cove.

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Low Isles
• Low Isles

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Does not operate on Christmas Day

Duration

6.5 hours (approx.)

Available for Purchase / Hire

Underwater cameras available for purchase, underwater digital cameras available to hire. Please note drones are not permitted

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Eco Certifications

Your camera, swimming costume and beach towel, hat, sunscreen and shirt for sun protection, cash for drinks at the bar, credit cards for souvenirs

• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)
• Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive
• Infants 3 and under free of charge