From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Trenton wallace
AU

Trenton

Australia
Jan 2026

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Such a wonderful experience. Begins with friendly staff who explain the journey and tips about saving information about the animals. Inside the aquarium i was surprised to how many different animals there was. I was not expecting such a large variety. I seen fish and reptiles i have never seen before. Definitely going back in the future.
Rachel Grabowski
AU

Rachel

Australia
Jan 2026

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+1 more

Aquarium was clean, tidy & has been well maintained. Our two year olds were in and out quickly some more interactive activities for kids would've great
Mehdi Toumari
AU

Mehdi

Australia
Dec 2025

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+2 more

Loved it. Stunning views the whole way and Kuranda is a beautiful little village with a nice, relaxed vibe. The scenic train and Skyrail were both amazing and well organised. Definitely worth doing.
Petronio Caiga
AU

Petronio

Australia
Sep 2025

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+1 more

The Kuranda Skyrail & Scenic Train tour was unforgettable! Stunning rainforest views, smooth transfers, and a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. A must-do Cairns experience—highly recommended!
Chelsea O Marsh
AU

Chelsea

Australia
Sep 2025

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I really enjoyed my dah trip to Fitzroy island! The staff were lovely from start to finish, they were very helpful - sharing information about the island and the marine life. The island it self was lovely - my second time visiting and I'll definitely be back again.
aimee fortescue
AU

Aimee

Australia
Aug 2025

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We had a really lovely time visiting fitzroy Island yesterday. On our way back to cairns we sat on the upper sun deck with great views this only got bettter when we had an unexpected visitor join us 🐳🐋 The crew promptly turned the engines off and gave us an informative commentary on the humpback whales migration. This was such an unexpected treat not to mention a life long bucket list goal. All staff were friendly and professional. The boat was immaculately clean we will definitely be booking future adventures with this company and recommending to family and friends. Until next time.

More things to do in the Great Barrier Reef

Scenic Flights

Green Island

Green Island Cruises

Fitzroy Island

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.

Book Great Barrier Reef tours

Great Barrier Reef tours from Port Douglas: Your options explained

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

Book Outer Great Barrier Reef tours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Best time to visit

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
Getting to the Great Barrier Reef
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

Use this Great Barrier Reef packing checklist for a list of essential items to pack, whether you're a day-tripper or a multi-day adventurer.

Visitor guide
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

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.

Top things to do in Cairns