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Port Douglas Sailing trips & boat tours

Our most recommended Port Douglas Sailing trips & boat tours

Port Douglas: Low Isles Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour

1. Port Douglas: Low Isles Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour

Join a magical snorkeling experience around a beautiful, secluded island in the Great Barrier Reef. Travel aboard a unique glass-bottom boat from Port Douglas to the Low Isles and enjoy a light refreshment. Dive into a calm lagoon to explore a colorful coral reef. Board a fun glass-bottom boat with plenty of space to lounge around. Depart from Port Douglas and feel the wind on your face while you navigate to the Low Isles. Join the crew on a guided snorkeling tour of the site. Learn about the incredible Great Barrier Reef and appreciate its majesty. Discover the small island at your own pace, walking through sandy paths and tropical vegetation. Come across the historical lighthouse, the lighthouse keeper's home, and the station where local weather data is collected. Hop back aboard and view the underwater world as you sail back.

Port Douglas: Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Full-Day Cruise

2. Port Douglas: Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Full-Day Cruise

Climb aboard a Quicksilver catamaran for a full-day cruise to Australia’s renowned Agincourt Reef, a jewel-like ribbon reef on the edge of the Continental Shelf. Showcasing unsurpassed coral formations, colorful marine life and exceptional underwater visibility, you can snorkel or view the sights from the comfort of a semi-submersible. The Quicksilver's stylish wave-piercing catamaran transports you in air-conditioned comfort. From the spacious activity platform, moored in a protected lagoon, enjoy the widest range of activities for swimmers and non-swimmers alike. A friendly and attentive crew, including professional marine biologists, are on hand to ensure you gain the most from your day. Snorkel among the coral gardens, or stay dry and explore the reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible. Enjoy an informative reef commentary and see the reef from an underwater observatory. Add on exciting optional activities for a complete adventure. Get an introductory dive of the reef, or enjoy certified diving, helmet diving and marine biologist-guided snorkel tours. You can even take a scenic helicopter flight and fly over the reef to see it from another perspective.

Port Douglas: Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

3. Port Douglas: Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

Check-in at the Sailaway office at the marina at 4:30 PM for a 5:00 PM departure. Climb aboard a luxury catamaran for a 1.5-hour evening cruise. Depart from the marina and feel the wind in your hair as the spectacular vessel moves smoothly and comfortably across the ocean. Receive a complimentary glass of beer, wine, or champagne. Savor a delicious selection of freshly prepared hot and cold canapes. Relax and unwind whilst enjoying the fantastic views of the coral sea and Daintree coastline. Enjoy pure sailing, great music, ambiance, and first-class service. After the sunset cruise, return to the marina at 6:30 PM.

Port Douglas: Shaolin Sunset Sail

4. Port Douglas: Shaolin Sunset Sail

Experience the magic and charm of this unique and rare vessel, one of Port Douglas’ original iconic boats. Let Shaolin sweep you away on a romantic sunset sailing cruise. Board your vessel and take in beautiful views of the local mountains, scenic coastline, surrounding islands, and Port Douglas’s famous Four Mile Beach, while relaxing on Shaolin’s teak deck or cushioned lounge area. Make your way through the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, along Dickson Inlet, along the Port Douglas waterfront, and out to the Coral Sea. Enjoy commentary from your captain along the way. Indulge in Yum Cha canapes and a complimentary beverage. More drinks are available for purchase throughout the cruise. With capped passenger numbers, ensure you have a memorable and fun sail.

From Port Douglas: Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour

5. From Port Douglas: Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour

Climb aboard Quicksilver’s luxury 30-meter (99-foot) Wavedancer sailing catamaran and sail to the idyllic Great Barrier Reef island of Low Isles. Enjoy a relaxing day out for families and couples in a tropical island paradise ambiance. Set like a jewel in the Great Barrier Reef, Low Isles is an unspoiled coral cay island. Moor in the calm waters of a picturesque lagoon, and enjoy a host of reef activities that await. Before your arrival at Low Isles, a marine biologist will conduct an informative talk to provide passengers with an appreciation of the reef, enabling you to view the corals with informed eyes.  Once at Low Isles, take a snorkel tour to see the colorful creatures of the reef. Alternatively, see turtles and many brightly colored tropical fish from a glass bottomed boat. Back on the beach, join a marine biologist guided beach walk to discover the unique marine life living at the water’s edge. Then relax and tuck in to a delicious tropical buffet lunch.

From Port Douglas: Outer Reef Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

6. From Port Douglas: Outer Reef Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

Feel the wind in your hair as you sail along the coastline with views of the Daintree Mountains. Soak up the sun, swim, and snorkel at coral reef sites to see abundant marine life, including turtles, giant clam gardens, and a variety of fish. Board your luxury sailing catamaran and enjoy tea, coffee, Danish pastries, and fresh fruit on arrival. Find a spot on the deck to enjoy the 2-hour journey to the Mackay Cay Outer Great Barrier Reef and enjoy a reef interpretation talk from the crew. Arrive at a protected mooring at Mackay or Undine Cay for your first reef site of the day. Snorkel over the pristine coral reef at your own leisure or enjoy a guided tour with a qualified marine biologist. Transfer to the coral cay to explore and enjoy the views. Swim in clear turquoise waters. A tropical buffet lunch will be served on board the boat. Dine on cold meats, prawns, falafel, potato salad, mixed leaf salad, bread, and more. After lunch, continue to the second reef site. Explore the underwater world on a glass-bottom boat tour and enjoy free time for snorkeling. For afternoon tea, the crew will serve a honey nougat slice and a fresh fruit platter. Set sail for Port Douglas and enjoy the return journey with some cheese and crackers. 

Port Douglas: Reef & Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

7. Port Douglas: Reef & Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

Begin your day in paradise with a transfer from your Port Douglas accommodation to the marina. Upon arrival, you will board the luxury catamaran for an early morning departure. Once on board, enjoy freshly brewed tea, coffee, fresh fruit, and Danish pastries. The vessel moves smoothly and comfortably across the ocean, offering guests a unique Great Barrier Reef experience. Spot the beautiful Low Isles in the distance after the 15-kilometer journey and skip the crowds arriving at the Low Isles before most other visitors. See the protected coral cay, white sandy beaches, and coconut palms. The boat will moor in the sheltered blue lagoon for 4.5 hours. Relax on the island, join a guided snorkel tour lead by a marine naturalist, take a trip on the glass bottom boat and join the heritage walk. The marine biologist will provide in-depth information about the reef and its colorful inhabitants. A gourmet, alfresco lunch will be served, including freshly cooked prawns, tandoori chicken, ham and roast beef, potato salad, mixed green salad, Asian noodle salad, bakery-fresh bread, and more. Enjoy a honey nougat slice and some fresh fruit for afternoon tea and an exhilarating sail back to Port Douglas. Transfer back to your Port Douglas accommodation, where your tour will end.

Port Douglas: Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

8. Port Douglas: Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

Embark on an afternoon departure on a luxury catamaran. Upon arrival, delight in freshly-brewed Tropical North Queensland tea or Jaques coffee with a light lunch. Take off for a leisurely 15-kilometer journey to the Low Isles. After some slow and smooth cruising, moor in the sheltered blue lagoon for 3 hours. The crew will set you up with complimentary snorkeling equipment and optical masks (and seasonal lycra snorkeling suits or wetsuits and flotation devices if required). Relax on the island, join the guided snorkel tour lead by a marine naturalist, take a trip on the glass-bottom boat and join the guided heritage walk. The marine biologist will provide in-depth information about the reef and its colorful inhabitants. Cure your curiosity - there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea and coffee with fresh homemade scones and a fruit platter. Then, enjoy a delicious selection of canapés with a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink in hand as you admire the sunset over the Coral Sea. The spectacular sunset sail back to port will showcase beautiful views of the Daintree mountains. End the tour back at the Marina at 6:30 PM and continue your evening in beautiful Port Douglas.

Port Douglas: Low Isles Sail & Snorkel Cruise on the Shaolin

9. Port Douglas: Low Isles Sail & Snorkel Cruise on the Shaolin

Spend the day exploring the Great Barrier Reef on a relaxing cruise from Port Douglas onboard the Shaolin. The unique Chinese Junk boat is a fun way for the family to sail to nearby Low Isles for an easy day of snorkeling and exploring the small island. Shaolin Chinese Junk is a sailing boat you will fall in love with and never want to get. Her unique charm and beauty make her one of the original icons of Port Douglas. There is ample comfortable seating around the table, cushions for relaxing on the front deck, toilets, and a kitchen on board. On arrival at Low Isles, the Shaolin's experienced staff assist you with snorkeling gear and take you on a guided snorkeling tour gliding over the spectacular coral reefs, and spotting reef fish and sea turtles. The shallow waters around the island make a perfect home for a variety of corals, fish, and marine life. The protected waters are also perfect for beginners and those not comfortable swimming in deeper waters. You have time to take a stroll around the beautiful Low Island and admire the historic lighthouse and museum. The island is a popular nesting location for a variety of seabirds, and the surrounding waters are a popular spot to see turtles. Morning tea, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and a complimentary drink on the way home are all included in your Low Isles day trip on the Shaolin. Kick back on the way home and soak up the scenic views of mountain ranges and coastline while sailing back to Port Douglas.

Port Douglas: Shaolin 1.5 hour Daytime Sail with prawns

10. Port Douglas: Shaolin 1.5 hour Daytime Sail with prawns

Join us on Shaolin to experience a spectacular 1.5 hour Seafood Sail aboard the unique Chinese Junk Boat, one of Port Douglas’ iconic vessels. Enjoy a complimentary drink once you arrive on board and then enjoy a serving of Crocodile and Barramundi spring rolls, followed by a box of delicious, locally caught, wild prawns with bread, lemon and seafood sauce. Non-Seafood options available. The sailing experience will be like no other on the authentic junk boat ‘Shaolin’! Learn the intriguing history of this unique and rare vessel as she takes you on a relaxing sail from Port Douglas across the coral Sea. Enjoy stunning views of the Daintree Mountains and local Islands you relax on the teak deck or inside the comfortable saloon area. The local captain delivers informative commentary from the salon seating or head to the deck and soak up the tropical ambiance.

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What people are saying about Port Douglas

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 409 reviews

We decided to do Low Isle after the outer Great Barrier Reef (we had rough weather conditions). The coral was not as vibrant in color or as diverse and the water was slightly less clear. The coral was shallower at Low isle and the water was much calmer which provided more pleasant relaxed snorkeling. We saw 3 sea turtles and were able to swim alongside them which was amazing. The fish species at low isle are also very colorful and varied. We definitely were able to snorkel longer in the calmer water. Plus you can always retreat to the island if feeling slightly unwell. Only complaint is equipment could use a little upgrading.

Snorkeling in a safe environment made the trip go quite well. It was very comforting to know the staff was alert and watching over us the entire trip. The coral reef & surrounds are an unknown place to most people but the staff told us how to be safe & enjoy the reef.

Wow! Just wow! Amazing catamaran with an awesome crew. The conditions were perfect and the whole experience was sensational. We will definitely be back. Highly recommended!

Amazing afternoon on the water, the weather wasn’t the greatest but the crew still made it an unreal and unforgettable experience

Beautiful reef! Friendly and knowledgeable tour guides. Organised and enjoyable!