Top things to do in Cairns

Access exclusive outer reef sites from Port Douglas

From Port Douglas, the Great Barrier Reef feels closer, both in distance and in experience. The outer reef is just a short cruise away, so your day starts with faster coral access. The atmosphere here is unhurried, the vessels smaller, and the welcome warmer, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the journey before you even reach the first snorkel stop.

Why take a Great Barrier Reef tour from Port Douglas?

Coastal road with car near Cairns, Australia, lined with palm trees and ocean view.

For those who prioritize luxury, intimacy, and direct access to the outer reef sites, Port Douglas is the clear choice.

Shorter travel to Outer Reef: Reach iconic spots like Agincourt Reef in less time, giving you more hours to snorkel, dive, and soak up the colours of the coral gardens.

Smaller groups, more attention: Enjoy the comfort of boutique vessels with personalised service and plenty of room to spread out.

Scenic marina departures: Begin your day in style at the vibrant Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, lined with cafés, boutiques, and tropical charm before you set sail.

Great Barrier Reef tours from Port Douglas: Your options explained

Young girl snorkeling alongside sea turtle in clear ocean water.

Outer Reef cruise

Best for: Active snorkelers and divers chasing colourful coral gardens and rich marine life

Price: From AU$309

Step aboard Calypso’s flagship luxury catamaran for a full-day adventure to the outer reef.

What you’ll do

  • Cruise to 3 outer reef locations from Port Douglas
  • Snorkel vibrant coral gardens with marine biologist-led tours
  • Learn about reef ecology through onboard presentations

What’s included

  • Snorkelling gear, lycra suits, flotation aids
  • Buffet lunch, morning & afternoon tea
  • Upgrade to include hotel transfers from Port Douglas

Good to know

  • Environmental management charge is already covered

Book Port Douglas to Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Guided Snorkel and Lunch

Snorkelers preparing on Low Isles beach, Port Douglas cruise.

Low Isles tour

Best for: Families and relaxed explorers who love shallow snorkelling and island time

Price: From AU$229

Sail to the postcard-perfect Low Isles, a tranquil coral cay with calm lagoons and a charming historic lighthouse.

What you’ll do

  • Cruise to Low Isles (morning or afternoon departure)
  • Spend up to 2.5 hours exploring the island and fringing reefs
  • Join guided snorkel, glass-bottom boat, and island walking tours

What’s included

  • Snorkelling gear, lycra suits, flotation aids, prescription masks
  • Tea/coffee with fruit & muffins (session dependent)
  • Small group experience (max 23 guests)

Good to know

  • All activities are beginner-friendly with plenty of shallow water access

Book Port Douglas to Low Isles Island Cruise

Top reef sites from Port Douglas

Blacktip reef shark swimming with butterflyfish over coral reef in clear ocean water.

Opal Reef

A crescent-shaped outer reef offering sheltered lagoons, vibrant coral walls, and crystal-clear waters.

  • A mix of shallow lagoons and deeper walls
  • Tropical fish, giant clams, turtles, and reef sharks
  • Smaller, more intimate snorkel and dive tours
Scuba divers exploring coral reefs in Tanjung Benoa, Bali.

Agincourt Reef

A famous ribbon reef with exceptional visibility and a choice of snorkel, dive, and pontoon activities.

  • Located on the continental shelf edge
  • Semi-sub tours, underwater observatories, dive platforms
  • Great for families, non-swimmers, and all skill levels
Clownfish swimming near anemone during Port Douglas to Low Isles Island snorkel tour.

Low Isles

A calm coral cay and mangrove island, perfect for relaxed snorkelling and turtle spotting.

  • Gentle lagoon waters for easy swimming
  • High chance of seeing green sea turtles
  • Historic lighthouse and sandy island walks
Young girl snorkeling alongside sea turtle in clear ocean water.

Norman Reef

An outer edge reef with caves, swim-throughs, and thriving marine life for confident snorkelers and divers.

  • Coral gardens, drop-offs, and reef walls
  • Maori wrasse, nudibranchs, turtles, bronze whaler sharks
  • Excellent year-round visibility
Sea turtle swimming among fish at Aquaria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur.

Tongue Reef

A semi-enclosed lagoon known for its resident turtles and larger ocean visitors.

  • Frequent green turtle encounters
  • Pelagic fish sightings near the continental shelf
  • Small-boat, eco-friendly tours for a low-impact experience
Colorful coral reef and fish in Okinawa snorkeling tour.

St Crispin Reef

Nicknamed the “Flower Garden” for its colourful coral and abundant fish life.

  • Shallow sandy channels with coral mounds
  • Sweetlips, reef sharks, bumphead parrotfish
  • Great for underwater photography

Things to do on your tour from Port Douglas

Diver exploring vibrant coral reef in Okinawa with colorful fish.

Snorkelling

Float above vibrant coral bommies, spotting parrotfish, anemones, and the occasional turtle in their natural home.

Tourists observing marine life through a glass-bottom boat on a Cairns to Green Island cruise.
Marine biologists and children using microscopes on a Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns.
Underwater tour in Cancun submarine with passengers viewing marine life through glass.
Cruise ship near coral reefs on Port Douglas to Low Isles Island route.

Plan your Great Barrier Reef cruise from Port Douglas

Tourists snorkeling in clear waters of the Outer Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
  • Dry season (May–October): Clear skies, cooler humidity, water temperatures ranging from ~23 °C to 27 °C—perfect for reef days 
  • Peak season (June–August): Busiest months with cooler weather and fewer mid‑day clouds
  • Shoulder (May; September–October): A sweet spot—excellent weather, great reef visibility, and fewer crowds
  • Wet/green season (November–April): Warmer (water up to ~29 °C), afternoon showers, increased wildlife activity—but higher chance of cancellations due to tropical storms 

Note: Stinger (jellyfish) season runs broadly from November to May, depending on conditions. Most reef boats provide full-body stinger suits during this time.

All reef cruises from Port Douglas depart Crystalbrook Marina (formerly Mirage or St. Crispin’s), with luxury vessels and attentive crews.

  • Outer reef (Agincourt): 90–120 mins by catamaran
  • Inner reef (Low Isles): under 1 hr, perfect for half-day trips

Getting there from Cairns

  • Drive: 60–70 mins via the scenic Great Barrier Reef Drive (allow 90 mins for traffic)
  • Shuttle: 11 daily Cairns Airport departures (7 am–7 pm), 13 return trips from Port Douglas (from 6 am)
  • Private transfer: direct airport pickup for maximum comfort and flexibility
  • Public bus: requires Cairns city transfer; not ideal for new arrivals
Guests on cruise ship deck viewing the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, with clear ocean waters and coral formations.

Onboard & Pontoon amenities:

  • Air-conditioned lounges, shaded decks, freshwater showers
  • Renovated sun decks and change rooms
  • Licensed bars or refreshment areas (varies by tour)
  • Reef pontoons include snorkel platforms, underwater observatories, semi-submersible boats, and optional glass‑bottom tours.

Family & accessibility:Many tours are family-friendly, with lifeguards on-site, shallow lagoon zones at Low Isles, and flotation gear. Accessibility may vary by tour; check before you book.

Catamaran sailing from Port Douglas to Low Isles with tourists preparing for guided snorkeling.

Snorkeling and diving gear is provided, but here's what you should bring for optimal comfort and experience:

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide only)
  • Hat and sunglasses

  • Swimwear, light jacket, towel
  • Seasickness tablets (if prone)
  • Waterproof bag, cash for extras
  • Underwater camera or GoPro
  • Comfortable walking shoes and dry clothes
  • Prescription snorkeling masks available by request
Catamaran sailing towards Low Isles, Port Douglas, with tourists preparing for guided snorkeling.

Reef & wildlife protection:

  • Do not touch, stand on, or remove coral, shells, or marine life
  • Wear reef-safe sunscreen (zinc/titanium-based) only
  • Use provided bins and never dispose of waste in the ocean
  • Observe animals from a distance, never chase, feed, or touch them

Safety guidelines:

  • Follow all crew instructions carefully
  • Declare any medical conditions before diving or snorkeling

More things to do in the Great Barrier Reef

Frequently asked questions about Port Douglas

Is Port Douglas worth the extra cost compared to Cairns tours?

Absolutely. Port Douglas offers a demonstrably more exclusive, less crowded, and often more luxurious Great Barrier Reef experience, making the investment well worthwhile for discerning travelers.

How much closer is Port Douglas to the outer reef?

Port Douglas is significantly closer to the pristine outer ribbon reefs like Agincourt, meaning less travel time and more time exploring the reef.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No, all snorkeling gear, including fins, masks, and snorkels, is provided and sanitised between uses. However, if you wear prescription lenses or prefer a personal fit, you can bring your own.

What's the difference between Agincourt Reef and other sites?

Agincourt Reef is an unspoiled "ribbon reef" on the edge of the continental shelf, known for exceptional water clarity and abundant, diverse marine life. Other sites may be fringing reefs closer to shore or different sections of the outer reef.

Are there good restaurants near Port Douglas marina?

The Port Douglas marina area boasts an excellent selection of high-quality restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments, many specializing in fresh local seafood.

What's special about Low Isles compared to Green Island?

Low Isles is a picturesque coral cay with a historic lighthouse, offering a more tranquil and intimate experience with a focus on guided island walks and glass-bottom boat tours. Green Island is larger with more developed facilities.

Are there shuttle services from Cairns to Port Douglas?

Yes, numerous reliable shuttle services operate between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas, providing a convenient transfer option.

What should I do in Port Douglas before or after my reef tour?

Explore Four Mile Beach, visit the vibrant Sunday markets, discover the local art galleries and boutiques, or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment.

Cairns Tickets
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX