port douglas snorkeling trips

• Telephone 07 4099 6243
• Email [email protected]
• Address 3/34 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas Queensland, Australia

Voted Tripadvisor’s #1 Australian Tourism Experience view more

Snorkelling in a tiny group with ABC Snorkel Charters, the number 1 tour operator in Port Douglas.

We take just 12 guests on our versatile day boat, offering the best tours to the reef. ABC provides a very exclusive, private and individual guided reef experience. Because of our low passenger numbers, we have the freedom to roam all the reefs off Port Douglas and Low Isles, finding new sites that are teeming with life is just the beginning!

Unveil the secrets of vibrant coral gardens. Discover a snorkeler’s paradise with ABC Tours – your gateway to unparalleled underwater exploration…

Experience the ultimate aquatic adventure with ABC Tours, your premier choice for snorkeling excellence. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of untouched coral gardens through our two exceptional tour options. Join our daily tour, designed for up to 12 passengers, and embark on an intimate, guided snorkeling journey away from the masses. Alternatively, opt for exclusivity with our private charters, allowing you to commandeer the entire vessel for your family or group. Revel in the tranquility and freedom as you explore pristine low-use reef areas off Port Douglas, made accessible by our small passenger numbers.

These are pristine locations. ABC provides private Port Douglas reef tours, to just a handful of people.

TOP 10 Reasons to choose ABC Snorkel Charters

ABC Snorkel Charters are the highest rated Port Douglas snorkel operator on TripAdvisor. By restricting our daily passenger numbers to just 12 guests, we can provide a whole lot more of everything. From personal attention, to privacy, time in the water and outstanding customer service. Our tiny guided snorkel groups are far superior for observation and ensure a much more personal experience. In fact when you choose ABC for your snorkel reef trip, a member of our team will be in the water with you the whole time, making sure you don’t miss a thing. ABC offers the highest staff to passenger ratio. Giving you the amazing chance to ask questions about what you are observing, pointing out the more unusual creatures that are generally missed by the untrained eye.

1 SNORKEL ONLY

ABC is proud to get you to some awesome shallow and remote areas of the reef, perfect for snorkel only days.

2 JUST 12 PASSENGERS

A maximum of 12 guests per boat, each day. This is less than any other Port Douglas, or Cairns, day boat operator.

3 AMAZING REEF

ABC has the freedom to roam. Enjoy totally exploratory days, getting to parts of the reef that no one else gets to see.

4 EPIC SNORKELLING

We take you to the best bits of the Great Barrier Reef and Low Isles, for amazing snorkelling. Colourful corals, beautiful fish.

5 VOTED #1 REEF TRIP

Micro company ABC gets 5 star reviews and are voted the #1 reef trip in Port Douglas. Amazing, family friendly days!

6 ECO CERTIFIED

At the very core of our operations, is to provide genuine small group reef tours, with low environmental impact.

7 VERSATILE BOATS

Our reef boats have a shallow draft, giving us the freedom to access all reef systems off Port Douglas.

8 FRIENDLY CREW

ABC offers the highest staff to passenger ratio. Our crew work hard to ensure your day, is a special part of your stay.

9 FAMILY BUSINESS

We’ve been exploring the Port Douglas Outer Reefs for over 30 years. We know where to go and will take you there.

10 NO CROWDS

An amazing personal experience. Take only photos, leave only bubbles. Maximum of 12 passengers.

Port Douglas Snorkelling & Great Barrier Reef Tours

ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas is visiting the reef, the way it should be done. Your group may be the only ones in the water and our boat the only one we see. This is your chance to be an explorer, uncovering an unvisited Great Barrier Reef snorkel site.

At ABC, we’re all about minimal impact operations and extremely low passenger numbers. In fact, we take less passengers than any other day boat from Port Douglas. We snorkel in pristine environments, offering you a rare thrill. This is not the standard experience of visitors to the Great Barrier Reef, but it should be!

The ABC Difference

We are not just a taxi ride to the Great Barrier Reef. ABC provides each group with a personalised snorkel guide, who is in the water with you the whole time. Reef experts, who will reveal and explain the wonders of the reef to you throughout your ABC Snorkel Charters day.

Because we limit our passenger numbers to a maximum of 12, we have increased cruising freedom and capabilities. This gives ABC the chance to visit a different site every single day of the year! We have many favourite areas and don’t visit the same snorkel sites every day.

Our family has been active on Port Douglas’ local reefs since 1987. Our agility opens up a myriad of opportunities for fantastic outer reef exploration, guided by experienced, local reef professionals. Our adventures are nothing short of world class.

Snorkel Port Douglas ~ Versatile Private Boats

Visit the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas on one of our purpose fitted reef and snorkel vessels, fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology and safety equipment. Vessels include a galley, inside lounge-style seating, partially shaded deck with tables and comfortable seating, as well as warm freshwater shower and toilet. Easy access to the reef, thanks to large rear ladders, and plenty of space to chill out!

This boutique micro business is passionate about the Great Barrier Reef and making sure you make the most of your day and visit, with bespoke service and attention.

Voted Port Douglas' Best Reef Tour

© ABC Snorkel Charters 2024

Website created by RJ New Designs

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  Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Tours from Port Douglas  

  half day snorkelling tours from port douglas  .

COVID-19 PLAN: Please be advised that with COVID-19 restrictions in place, all tours are subject to cancellation if further Government restrictions are announced. A FULL refund will be issued in this instance. If you are feeling unwell, have any symptoms of acute respiratory disease (cough, sore throat, shortness of breath) or a fever or history of fever, or have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or if you or someone you have been in contact with are waiting for COVID-19 testing results, you MUST NOT come on the tour.

All possible steps are taken to protect our passengers and staff from COVID-19. We thoroughly wash and disinfect all of our snorkelling gear as common practice, as well as clean and disinfect the boat after every tour. Please click HERE to see our COVID-19 Safe Plan.

4 DIFFERENT GREAT BARRIER REEF SNORKELING TOURS TO CHOOSE FROM

You won’t get seasick.

Choose from 4 Great Barrier Reef snorkeling tours and island tours. Reef Sprinter caters for those looking for a true half-day reef experience without spending all day getting there.

• Cheapest reef tour in PD

Option A: Low Isles Reef Snorkelling Tour

• Smallest group to visit the island

Option B: Amazing Snorkelling at Low Island Lagoon

Snorkel from the beach in the beautiful lagoon. You will see lots of marine life, corals and turtles. Free glass bottom boat tour and island information walk.

• ONLY 1/2 DAY OUTER REEF TOUR IN PORT DOUGLAS

Option C: Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tour

In just 40 minutes we get you out to the Outer Reef, then snorkel for 1 1/2 hours at our great private snorkelling site. You will be back in time for lunch.

Eureka Sunset Cruise

Relax on a Sunset Cruise in Port Douglas!

Sit on the front deck bean bags and enjoy a relaxing cruise in the waters adjacent to Port Douglas whilst enjoying complimentary nibbles, listening to great tunes and having your favourite refreshing BYO beverage. Maximum 10 Passengers.

NEW PRICE SCHEDULE IS EFFECTIVE FOR BOOKINGS FROM 1ST JULY 2023

15 reasons to experience your great barrier reef tour with us.

1. We have 4 great different Port Douglas Barrier Reef tours.

2. You won’t get seasick. Speedboats have the wrong motion to cause sea sickness.

3. Just 15 minutes to the Low Isles Reef or 40 minutes to the Outer Reef.

4. Travelling at 40 knots (80km/hr) means getting there is half the fun!

5. You will have half a day to do something else.

6. Queensland’s only 2 1/4 hour reef trip or half day Outer Reef trip.

7. Up to a maximum of 14 passengers means you get personalised service.

8. 1 1/2 hours of some of the best snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef has to offer.

9. Free Glass Bottom Boat (Low Isles Reef and Lagoon Only).

10. No hidden extras. All snorkelling equipment, stinger suits, wet suits are included in the cost.

11. Personal snorkelling instruction so you can feel safe and comfortable. We also have flotation noodles.

12. Free prescription masks.

13. All snorkelers are under trained lifeguards supervision.

14. Low Isles snorkelling site is protected from South East tradewinds and is less than 2 metres deep.

15. The best value reef tours in Port Douglas.

16. 100% locally owned and operated.

TAKE YOUR MEMORIES HOME WITH YOU.

Call to book one in or request one when making an online booking

A GREAT WAY TO SEE THE BEAUTIFUL GREAT BARRIER REEF

"I was super impressed with the explanation given and felt totally at ease getting in the water. The crew were friendly and the boat is the speediest way to get to the Low Isles. Visibility was incredible. Thanks Reef Sprinter for such an unforgettable experience."

"Kids loved it. We will definitely come back and use this business again. So easy, no fuss. Just beautiful reef time and snorkelling in one of the most beautiful places! So lucky to have experienced this today! Thanks so much"

"Fun trip but a bit bumps along 5e wat. We snorkelled and also got in the glass-bottom boat. Our boat captains were fantastic and so knowledgeable about the reef life. Very highly recommended. Loved the Reef Sprinter experience."

"Excellent equipment and organisation with handing out stinger suits, flippers, masks and snorkels. Kindly slowed down the boat when someone spotted a turtle or shark so we could investigate. A thoroughly enjoyable experience."

CHECK OUT MORE REVIEWS ON TRIP ADVISOR HERE

THE 5 BEST Port Douglas Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Scuba & snorkeling in port douglas.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Agincourt Reef
• Quicksilver Dive
• Calypso Reef Cruises
• Abc Snorkel Charters
• Reef Sprinter
• Shaolin Port Douglas
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

2. ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers

3. Express Low Isles Reef Sprinter Snorkelling Tour

4. Low Island Snorkelling Private Charter Aboard Authentic Chinese Junk Boat

5. Quicksilver Dive 4 Day PADI Learn to Dive Course

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

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Full-Day Cruise Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef

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SeaQuest Day Trips to Outer Barrier Reef

Green Island Day Trip from Cairns with City Transfers

Barron River Half-Day White Water Rafting from Cairns

4-Day PADI Open Water Dive Course - Learn to Dive on the Great Barrier Reef

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What travellers are saying.

• Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas
• ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers
• Express Low Isles Reef Sprinter Snorkelling Tour
• Wavelength Reef Charters
• Blue Dive Port Douglas & Cairns
• Windswell Kitesurfing and Standup Paddle
• Quicksilver Cruises
• Silversonic Dive & Snorkel

MACKAY CORAL CAY

The Coral Cays are pure white sand surrounded by a large fringing reef system and crystal clear water.

Sailaway is the only operator from Port Douglas who has access to visit Mackay Cay. This exclusivity means we have the area to ourselves to explore without restrictions.

Low Isles is an idyllic Coral Cay island. The reef around Low Isles comprises 150 species of hard corals and is dominated by 15 species of soft corals.

Guests of Sailaway have the opportunity to snorkel in the lagoon of the island with our marine biologist, offering an interesting and informative tour.

Sunset Sailing

Enjoy the thrill of pure sailing. A must do when visiting Port Douglas is to relax with an exhilarating cruise on board this first class sailing catamaran.

Soak up the peace and tranquillity of a tropical sunset over the Coral Sea as you sail along the coast off Far North Queensland.

Stunning Outer Reef

Immersed in the northern frontier of Great Barrier Reef, this is the perfect sailing and snorkelling adventure for a conservation minded visitor.

Ideally suited to those who can swim and have a spirit of fun and adventure. Discerning guests can enjoy an inspiring full day experience to the absolutely stunning Coral Cays on the Great Barrier Reef in the most sustainable way!

An Eco Adventure on the Wild Side! Focussing on small groups and marine biologists to share their passion and knowledge of the reef.

Online Bookings

Welcome aboard wavelength full day outer reef snorkel tour.

At Wavelength we strive to do everything possible to provide the best outer reef experience available in a day trip, in a low impact way. Being locally owned and operated by marine biologists, we’re focused on small groups with a high level of interpretation. It makes the day more rewarding and more fun for everyone.

Wavelength has a maximum group size of 48 passengers on a boat built to carry 100. Small numbers ensures personal, friendly service, plenty of personal space, and provides the best possible wildlife viewing.

Pride themselves on providing the best Great Barrier Reef experience possible. We’re passionate about reef education and customer experience.

Welcome Aboard

Your day begins with checking in at the boat at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina at 8.10am. After boarding tea or coffee is available and our crew will then introduce the itinerary and provide a safety briefing.

Wavelength 4 has been designed and built in Australia utilising the latest technology to enable access to the outer reef with the most comfort and least impact.

We visit three outer reef sites each day. The skipper picks these on the day, from our wide selection of exclusive outer reef moorings. Our aim is always to show you the best reef, and the diversity of reef types.

The Snorkelling

Snorkelling is the perfect way to see the reef allowing maximum freedom to swim at your own pace where you want. The small group allows a more intimate, genuine, close to nature experience.

Wavelength's ~ Full Day Outer Reef Snorkel Tour

The journey.

After boarding at 8.10am, Wavelength departs Port Douglas’ Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina taking you on a 90-minute trip to the edge of the continental shelf. Passing Low Isles en route, we often encounter dolphins and in winter may see dwarf minke or humpback whales. The journey is a good opportunity for our crew to get to know you and answer any questions you have about the day. During this time, you’ll be fitted out with quality snorkelling gear and shown how to use it. One of the marine biologists will give tips on what to look out for to get the most out of your day.

Let’s Snorkel

On arrival at the outer reef the snorkel advisor conducts a comprehensive safety brief and, if it’s your first time snorkelling, we have plenty of time to help you feel comfortable. Once in the water guests are free to explore the reef under the expert advice of our crew. A difference with Wavelength is that the crew spend more time in the water with you to help you get going and to point things out.

Second Site

After morning tea (and some time to reflect on the weirdness of invertebrate life) we move along to another one of our many sites, chosen to suit the conditions on the day. Here, with passengers having mastered their snorkelling skills, we conduct guided snorkel tours. Our marine biologists help snorkellers discover aspects of the new site that might otherwise be missed, and point out some of the multitude of life forms. On a guided snorkel tour it’s possible to be handed a small number of different creatures, though we have strict guidelines on what can be touched so as to protect the integrity of the reef.

A Deli-style Lunch

The delicious deli-style lunch consists of gourmet rolls or food bowls for special diets. Due to Covid-19 hygiene requirements we’ve stopped buffet-style food, fruit platters and cake platters, but still have plenty of tasty, quality food available to keep you going! Water, soft drinks, coffee and tea are also available. Wavelength can cater for different dietary requirements including lactose and gluten free. We don’t serve prawns due to the significant by-catch associated with them and we don’t serve red meat as reducing meat consumption is one of the easiest ways an individual can reduce personal carbon emissions.

During lunch, our marine biologists conduct our interactive reef talk. This is where you can ask questions on anything that you’ve seen through the day or simply sit, relax and learn all about the ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef.If you’d rather just chill out you don’t have to listen to the talks.

Once everyone’s appetites have been satisfied and all questions answered we head to our final site of the day, where, with a better understanding of the reef, guests are free to adventure further. This is a good chance to make sure you have some great in-water photos. These are free of charge and forwarded by a Dropbox link along with a selection of our favourite Wavelength wildlife pictures.

Following afternoon tea we head back with the wonderful view of the sun dropping towards the rainforest clad mountains. Wavelength arrives back in Port at approximately 4.00pm.

What Should You Bring With You?

We will provide wet-suits, snorkelling equipment, food, water and all the things that you need to see the reef, however, we do recommend bringing along a small bag with some personal essentials. All equipment is very carefully sanitised for your use. We suggest you bring:

• Hat and sunglasses
• Change of clothes
• Jacket or Jumper (in Winter)
• Sea sickness medication or measures
• Extra food if you wish, or have special requirements

Passengers are more than welcome to bring their cameras along, but you should be careful with salt spray on the boat. We can’t be held accountable for the safety of your equipment. You can always let us worry about the photography!

Total freedom to swim at your own pace. Go where you want, when you want. All Equipment Included

Our Locations

• St Crispin Reef
• Tongue Reef

© Wavelength Reef Cruises 2024

Website created by RJ New Designs

• Destinations
• Things To Do
• Accommodation
• Eco Holidays

Set sail for the sandy coral cay islands of Low Isles on a snorkel tour and explore an island paradise only a select few can enjoy daily.

Situated just 15km off the coast of Port Douglas , Low Isles is the ideal spot for an inner reef adventure. Made up of two small coral cay islands surrounded by 55 acres of reef, Low Isles is perfect for a full day or half-day tour. The two small islands, Low Isles and Woody Island, are separate, but share the common reef and are considered an important indigenous cultural site for both the local KuKu Yalanji and Yirraganydji tribes.

There are 150 different species of hard corals in the waters surrounding Low Isles, although these are dominated by 15 species of soft corals. Living amongst the corals is a large variety of fish, molluscs, sea cucumbers and other animals. Colourful blue, green and purple parrotfish are a common sight as well as angelfish, damselfish, clownfish, trevally, sweetlip and moon wrasse, just to name a few. In addition, the island has a prolific turtle population with underwater sightings common to snorkellers.

Low Isles is an ideal spot for couples and families alike for the range in tours suited to all tastes and budgets. Feel the sand between your toes as you snorkel and swim straight from the beach in the shallower waters surrounding the island; relax under the thatched umbrellas or explore the island to find the heritage-listed lighthouse and museum that has been operational since 1878.

When planning your perfect tropical island exploration visit, it’s important to know where to go and what to see! Sign up to our newsletter here for all the up-to-date local information and holiday deals, leaving extra time for snorkelling and turtle spotting.

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#VisitPortDouglasDaintree

Tourism Port Douglas Daintree acknowledges the custodianship of the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef by the local Kuku Yalanji and Yirraganydji people whose rich cultures, heritage values, enduring connections and shared efforts protect our natural assets for future generations, and we pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging.

Snorkel Only Tour - Opal & Tongue Reefs

Snorkelling from port douglas on the great barrier reef.

Enjoy the peace and serenity of the Great Barrier Reef with Calypso Snorkel, a dedicated snorkelling vessel departing Port Douglas daily.

Snorkelling from Port Douglas on the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most incredible experiences a person can enjoy. With much of the reef’s colour and marine life visible within a couple of metres of the water’s surface, snorkelling offers all swimmers, regardless of their skill level, the opportunity to see this diverse eco-system up close.

Float effortlessly over rich, colourful coral gardens teeming with life from the cute and playful clownfish to the graceful beauty of the green turtle. Giant clams, stingrays, maori wrasse, cods and colourful parrotfish, are just some of the hundreds of species you will encounter during your visit to Opal Reef with Calypso.

This 21-metre vessel offers comfortable day bed style seating, spacious decks and professional experienced crew ensuring a unique and personalised Great Barrier Reef experience for every guest.

Seasonal Rates:

Peak season: 1st April – 26th April | 22nd June – 11th October | 21st December – 17th January 2025

Off peak season: 27th April – 21st June | 12th October – 20th December | 18th January – 31st March 2025

Please note:  On days with low passenger numbers or unsuitable weather conditions, it may be necessary to move people between Agincourt and Opal Reefs. On the rare occasions that this occurs we will pick the tour and locations that will provide the best possible outer reef experience. It may not be possible to provide notice prior to travelling.

• Book Online
• Explore up to 3 outer reef sites
• Luxury large catamaran
• Guided snorkel tours
• All snorkel gear including lycra suits included
• Morning & afternoon tea included
• Lunch included
• Interpretive reef talk
• Easy access for getting in & out of water
• No diving option here

• Check In – Free parking is available if making your own way to Crystalbrook Marina Port Douglas. Transfers are available for a small fee, although have limited capacity, from Port Douglas accommodation. Upon arrival, check-in directly at the Calypso vessel at 8:20am
• Boarding Commences – At 8:20am at the Crystalbrook Marina, Port Douglas. As the Calypso crew welcome you aboard you will be fitted out with your own snorkelling equipment before relaxing with light refreshments.
• Cruise Time – It is time to sit back and relax while we travel to our first site.
• First Snorkelling Site – All guests will enjoy an informative talk on how to use the equipment and to snorkel safely. Crew are in the water to help as everyone explores our first snorkelling site. Morning tea is served.
• Second Snorkelling Site – We travel to our second breathtaking site where guided snorkelling tours are available before a tropical lunch is served. After all that scrumptious food, a reef interpretive talk will be conducted by one of the crew.
• Third Snorkelling Site – A short cruise to our final snorkelling site before enjoying afternoon tea.
• Cruise Home – Returning at approximately 4:15pm.
• Transfers – Transfers back to your accommodation (if pre booked)

How long does it take to get to the reef?

Calypso Snorkel Tour takes approximately 90 minutes to travel to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Our vessel cruises at a very comfortable 18 – 20 knots while travelling to Opal Reef and approximately 22 knots when travelling to Agincourt Reef.

What do I need to bring? Do you supply towels?

Please bring along swimmers, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, sea sickness tablets (if required), a change of clothes (there are fresh water showers on board) and credit card (VISA, MasterCard or EFTPOS, sorry no cash) for any on board purchases. We do not provide towels for guests, however please ask your accommodation provider who will supply beach towels for you

What is the best day to visit the reef?

For the Outer Great Barrier Reef is in calm seas (0-15 knots), with low tide in the middle of the day and blue skies. Unfortunately we don’t experience weather like this all the time so we do our best to provide information so you can decide the best day to travel. Selecting the day with the least wind and the right tide are the most important factors to consider when choosing a day to travel. Calypso has over 34 different reef sites to choose from and three are selected each day depending on the weather conditions.

For Low Isles, the best time to see the reef is at a higher tide allowing guests to snorkel above the reef. Calypso vessels will not travel if the weather conditions are unsuitable. Constantly referring to the Bureau of Meteorology for up-to-date weather forecasts, you will be given suggestions on which days to travel. Rain will not affect our tour and does not interfere with the visibility of the reef.

What if it rains? Does the tour get cancelled?

Operating in the Wet Tropics, we expect rain mainly during the summer months. However, it can rain all year round. Rain doesn’t affect our day to day operations to the Great Barrier Reef. We do not cancel tours due to rain as it does not affect the quality of the reef.

What are stingers? When are they around?

Stingers are a generalised term for jellyfish. During the summer months (November through to May), marine stingers, Irukandjis and box jellyfish, are present in the waters off the coast of Tropical North Queensland.

All Calypso vessels are equipped with lycra suits (free of charge) during these summer months. As well as a precaution, lycra suits have other benefits such as sun protection and also reducing the amount of sunscreen in the water.

Will I get seasick? Do you offer medication onboard?

You are not alone if you suffer from sea sickness. All Calypso vessels are wide-bodied catamarans for stability and have the advantage of cutting through the waves instead of riding the swell. Vessels do encounter some form of movement no matter what the conditions so prevention is best.

Two types of medication are offered on board our vessels. Ginger tablets are provided free of charge to passengers who prefer a natural option and are good for pregnant women. The other form of sea sickness medication is called Travacalm and costs $3 for 2 tablets.

Please see the crew on board. If you know you suffer from sea sickness, its best to see a pharmacist prior to your trip to the reef and to take these half hour before boarding.

Can I change my day of travel or cancel?

For Calypso, we are flexible if you want to move your day of travel, subject to availability, as long as you provide us with plenty of notice (24 hours). If you decide to cancel within 24 hours of your tour departing, a cancellation fee will be charged. This could be up to 100%.

Cancelling or rescheduling due to COVID19? Please read more info at our COVID Safe Plan page.

I am pregnant, can I still go to the reef?

Yes, you can travel to the reef. Snorkelling is low impact and a non strenuous activity great for pregnant women. Flotation devices are perfect for extra buoyancy and gentle kicking will provide enough propulsion for you to get around and explore the reef.

The lunch provided on board is a cold buffet which includes a selection of meats, salads, Mediterranean vegetables, breads and condiments. There is plenty of choice for pregnant women even without eating the cold meats.

Medicated sea sickness tablets cannot be taken but Ginger tablets are safe for pregnant women to take and are free onboard. If in doubt, see a pharmacist.

Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Most dietary requirements can be catered for, such as: coeliac, vegans, lactose intolerance and other allergies. Please call us to advise at least 24 hours before your departure. Vegetarians have a great selection, just avoid the meat platters. All meats are supplied in separate containers. If in doubt please contact us on +61 7 4099 6999.

“ It was an amazing trip, we went to the outer reef with three different locations to explore. The staff was kind, courteous, and educational! The food was more than we expected and the boat was clean and all the equipment was up to par! We hated to say goodbye! Jacqueline S via Tripadvisor

“ This tour was excellent from start to finish. All the crew were fab, visited 3 snorkelling sites, the last one was definitely the best! The second site one of the crew did a snorkelling tour and this was really informative. Lunch was included as well as morning and afternoon tea. I would highly recommend this tour. Suze via Tripadvisor

“ FANTASTIC DAY! Just book it you won’t regret it. Plenty of helpful, smiling crew to help make the day great. The three spots visited for snorkelling were terrific and we were so impressed with the variety of fish and coral seen. A top day. Thank you for the great experience! Jacquiel via Tripadvisor

“ Fantastic day snorkelling on Opal Reef. The staff were great- very knowledgeable, helpful and professional. Would definitely recommend this trip! Tamara via Tripadvisor

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THE ULTIMATE DIVING & SNORKEL ADVENTURE

Dive and  snorkel the great barrier reef.

Port Douglas

Enjoy your precious time at the great barrier reef in the superb style and comfort of the silver series..

We’re all about less people, more reef destinations, and a crew who knows the Reef like the locals they are. Our modern vessels are custom-designed and infused with over 40 years experience of Great Barrier Reef cruising to help you get the best out of your day. 

Choose from  Cairns-based Silverswift , or  Port Douglas-based Silversonic . Each visits a rich tapestry of World Heritage Great Barrier Reef sites.  With either vessel, you’ll be aboard luxury with everything you need to experience the underwater world of exceptional diversity and colourful marine life in safety and comfort.

5 Hours on the Reef

5 Hours On The Reef Across 3 Different Dive/Snorkel Sites.

Experience more

Experience Some Of The Best Diving On The Great Barrier Reef.

Lunch and gear included

Hot and cold Tropical Buffet Lunch & All Equipment Included.

departing Cairns Or Port Douglas Daily 8:30am – Return 4.30pm

Designed for adventure! A day with Silverswift and Silversonic is all about being in the water and experiencing the magical underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s exciting, exotic and breathtaking! With our exclusive permits and remote sites, you’ll be able to dive and snorkel 3 uniquely different and ecologically diverse sites, each chosen to suit the day’s conditions. In between water activities, relax on the sundecks or in the air-conditioned lounges, and of course, enjoy a delicious lunch for hungry adventurers!

Unlimited Adventure Snorkelling

 With a guided snorkel tour, snorkel briefs at each reef site and lifeguard supervision, explore the underwater delights in complete safety.

Introductory Divers

No experience is necessary for first time divers. Take the plunge in complete confidence with an experienced dive instructor by your side and enjoy up to 2 dives.

Certified Divers

Enjoy up to 3 dives. Our knowledgeable instructors accompany all dives at no extra charge, ensuring your dive experiences are maximised.

Included in your day

• Scrumptious morning tea including focaccias and muffin cakes on boarding
• Hot and cold tropical buffet lunch.
• Snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins).
• Equipment for divers provided, including wetsuit.
• Lycra suits included.
• Hot freshwater showers.
• Snorkel brief at each site.
• Qualified lifeguard supervision.
• Afternoon tea cakes, cheese & biscuits.
• Prescription masks available at no additional cost.
• Reef Interpretation.
• Return Silverswift/Silversonic cruise.
• Return coach transfer from Port Douglas (Silversonic)
• Reef Discovery guided snorkel tour

Choose your Adventure

Silverswift

Silversonic

Our exclusive dive locations.

Silversonic visits a selection of 35 stunning & exclusive reef sites at Agincourt Reef at the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, special reefs known as ‘ribbons’ run parallel to the Continental Shelf. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognised as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef’s environment. Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth and supports spectacular marine life.

Silverswift takes you to many exclusive dive sites on some of the very best Outer Great Barrier Reef locations at Flynn, Pellowe, Milln and/or Thetford Reefs. These sites are chosen for their magnificent coral formations, varied marine life and underwater visibility. They have superb bay-like dive and snorkel sites providing spectacular underwater sand dunes and remote steppingstone-like coral bommie systems. These sites are also renowned for their congregating schools of large pelagic fish.

More information

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most unique and amazing marine spectacles and is the largest natural feature on Earth  – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World!

And it’s big! The only natural feature visible from space, it extends for some 2300km (1300 miles) along the north-eastern coast of Queensland Australia, from the Far North to Bundaberg in the South. It’s not one single reef, but consists of…

SWIM WITH THE MINKES

Silversonic has one of the few permits available from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority that allows our guests to swim with dwarf minke whales if encountered – a truly unforgettable experience!

From our experience, July to September is the peak season to encounter the inquisitive minkes as they frequent the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs where Silversonic visits. They are however common in our waters between the months of March and October.

DESIGNED FOR COMFORT

Our magnificent sisterships are the perfect balance of comfort, style and function. Travelling at up to 32 knots, we spend less time getting there which means more time at the reef for you.

The only dive and snorkel vessels in Cairns and Port Douglas equipped with computerised ride control systems to help provide the smoothest journey.

Book your dive and snorkel adventure today

Dive Medical

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