Port Douglas is the closest gateway to the outer Great Barrier Reef — the Agincourt ribbon reefs and the calm Low Isles are a short cruise away. Compare the boats below and book the reef day that suits you.
Help Me Choose
- See the reef without swimming, or travelling with young children? → Quicksilver — a large pontoon on Agincourt Reef with an underwater observatory and semi-submersible, so you can experience the reef without getting in the water.
- Keen to dive, or want the most time in the water? → Silversonic or Poseidon — purpose-built dive-and-snorkel boats visiting three Agincourt ribbon-reef sites with about five hours at the reef. Poseidon is the more intimate boat; both hold a dwarf-minke-whale permit in season.
- Want a stable boat with a family fare? → Calypso — a wide, stable catamaran to the Agincourt or Opal reefs, with a published family fare.
- Prefer calm sailing, prone to seasickness, or want an island rather than the open reef? → Sailaway Low Isles — a luxury sailing catamaran to the calm inshore coral cay of Low Isles; suits all ages and non-swimmers.
- Want to sail to the outer reef? → Sailaway Mackay Cay — Sailaway’s separate outer-reef day, sailing to the Mackay Coral Cay (a different tour from the Low Isles day).
Compare at a Glance
| Tour | Destination / reef style | Vessel / format | Reef time | Diving | Best for | Fuel levy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quicksilver | Agincourt outer reef — pontoon | Large cat + pontoon (observatory, semi-sub) | ~3.5 hrs | Intro & certified (extra) | Families, non-swimmers | +$10 adult / $5 child at booking |
| Silversonic | 3 × Agincourt ribbon-reef sites | 29m fast catamaran | ~5 hrs | Intro & certified (extra) | Divers, most reef time | +$10 adult / $5 child at booking |
| Poseidon | 3 × Agincourt ribbon-reef sites | Intimate dive/snorkel boat | ~5 hrs | Intro & certified (extra) | Divers, minke season | +$10 adult / $5 child at booking |
| Calypso | Agincourt or Opal reef | Wide, stable catamaran | Full day | Intro & certified (extra) | Value, families | Included |
| Sailaway Low Isles | Low Isles — inshore coral cay | Lagoon 560 sailing catamaran | ~5 hrs ashore | Snorkel only | Calm sailing, all ages | Included |
| Sailaway Mackay Cay | Mackay Coral Cay — outer reef | Sailing catamaran | Full day | Snorkel only | Outer reef under sail | Included |
Live prices and availability for every tour are shown below; the reef levy (EMC) is included in all fares.
Port Douglas Reef Tours — Book Direct
Good to Know
All these tours depart Port Douglas (Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina). The reef levy (Environmental Management Charge, $8.50) is included in every fare, and coach transfers from Port Douglas accommodation are available on most boats. The Quicksilver-Group boats (Quicksilver, Poseidon and Silversonic) add a $10 per adult / $5 per child fuel levy, calculated automatically at checkout. Most tours offer flexible cancellation. Planning: Weather · Snorkelling · Diving
Port Douglas Reef Tours — FAQs
Which Great Barrier Reef tour is best from Port Douglas?
It depends on how you like to experience the reef: a pontoon (Quicksilver) if you’d rather not swim or you have young children; a dive/snorkel boat (Silversonic, Poseidon) for the most time in the water; Calypso for value and a family fare; or Sailaway for a calm sailing day.
Do I need to be able to swim?
No. Quicksilver’s pontoon has an underwater observatory and semi-submersible, and Sailaway’s Low Isles day has a beach and a glass-bottom boat, so non-swimmers can still see the reef.
Which tour is best for families?
Quicksilver’s pontoon (stay-dry options) and Calypso (family fare) are the easiest for mixed groups.
What’s the difference between the two Sailaway tours?
Sailaway Low Isles is a calm sailing day to an inshore coral cay; Sailaway Mackay Cay is a separate sailing day to an outer-reef coral cay. Different destinations, different days.
Keep exploring
Cairns Great Barrier Reef Tours · All reef day trips
Weighing up where to depart? Compare all Great Barrier Reef tours by gateway and experience.