Afternoon Low Isles Snorkelling & Sunset Sail from Port Douglas
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Sail to the Great Barrier Reef’s Low Isles during a relaxing, afternoon cruise aboard a luxury catamaran. Moor at a secluded island with pristine white-sand beaches where you can admire colorful fish, coral and sea turtles while snorkeling or taking an included glass-bottom boat tour. You can also enjoy a guided island heritage walk and watch the sunset during the return to Port Douglas. This premium reef experience is limited to a smaller group of up to 33 adult passengers. Light lunch, afternoon tea, canapes and refreshments are also included.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is an adults-only cruise (ages 13 years and over only)
Please bring towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and hat. We also recommend a jumper in the cooler months.
Underwater Camera's available for hire $75 for the day. Security deposit of $600 required.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
To participate in the activity of snorkelling, you must be confident in the water with the capacity to swim unassisted. If you are a poor swimmer, you may not be suitable to snorkel in the open water. Not all passengers will be suitable to snorkel, and our experienced crew have the discretion to advise against snorkelling if deemed “not suitable for the activity”. This is for the safety of the passenger. Please be advised snorkelling can be a strenuous physical activity, even in calm water and that older people are at an increased risk of death and/or injury due to a higher incidence of medical conditions made worse by physical exertion, such as heart disease and stroke. All passengers intending to snorkel will be asked to complete our Medical Declaration for Snorkelling form. Our experienced crew will discuss any issues relating to medical conditions and swimming ability. Sailaway reserves the right to decline any passenger from participating in snorkelling if we are concerned about your health condition and/or swimming ability. This is for your own safety, please listen to the advice of our experienced snorkel guides to ensure the safety of our guests.
Our Sailaway vessels are luxury sailing catamarans and we offer a pure sailing experience. This means the vessels travel in open seas and will move around whilst under sail. The decks of the vessels are multi levels and can be slippery when wet. Passengers must have good mobility to safely move around the vessels, step onto the glass bottom boats (if applicable) and get in and out of the water via the ladders on the back of the vessels. Unfortunately, we do not offer wheelchair access due to the layout of the decks and saloon areas. Our tours are adventure experiences for active travellers. Please choose your tour carefully to ensure it is suitable for your experience, age and physical health.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Complimentary beverages (soft & Alcoholic), and canapes
Tea, coffee and light lunch on arrival
Afternoon tea
Glass-bottom boat tour on our E-Tender, the 'EV Discovery'
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Low Isles Island Heritage walk
Guided snorkeling tour
Environmental Management Charge
What To Expect
Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina
After checking in at the Sailaway Boathouse, you are welcomed aboard the deluxe catamaran, one of the only boat operators permitted to visit the coral cays of the Low Isles. Start your afternoon cruise for passengers aged 13 and over with tea, coffee and a light lunch before enjoying the tropical breeze and scenery on the journey. On arrival at the Low Isles, you have several hours to do as much or as little as you like. From the beach, you can easily hop into the water and snorkel around the sheltered lagoon’s coral gardens. Learn more about the iridescent fish and colorful corals of the Great Barrier Reef during a guided snorkeling tour led by a marine biologist. You also get an excellent underwater viewing experience with expert commentary on the glass-bottom boat tour. Refuel on the return to Port Douglas with a view of the tropical sunset over the Coral Sea whilst enjoying complimentary beverages and canapes.
Options
Afternoon Low Isles Snorkelling & Sunset Sail from Port Douglas
Reviews
350 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Put this one on your must-do list!
805leahw,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A once in a lifetime experience that everyone must do! From the moment we stepped barefoot onto the sailboat we felt like 'yachties' - the crew of 3 and the small (ideal size) group of 18 passengers were treated to iced tea, hot & cold nibbles, friendly service and local knowledge. We were free to roam the vessel and find your ideal 'sailing' spot! We anchored off the low coral isle to don our flippers & snorkels and hit the warm water (along with 2 crew as guides). Many of us chose the offered foam noodles and i for one found this extra flotation a good safety net. I SWAM WITH TWO TURTLES! What a highlight! Once back on board the bar was opened and we lifted the big sail, cut the engine and sailed back to port under our own wind, with the music playing and the drinks flowing. Highly recommend this company and this trip.
Save for a sunny calm day.
GeoffRuthHudds,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00We were unlucky to have prebooked on a cloudy, windy day which followed an extremely wet night. Water clarity was poor and the coral lost it's colour and shimmer in the dull conditions. We saw sharks and batfish from the boat but only routine small fish and a sleepy turtle once we were in the water. Food was decent and plentiful. Choose your day to go carefully.
Great afternoon on the Reef
Y2221AYlaurac,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a super afternoon sailing to the Reef. As soon as we stepped on board, the whole thing had a great vibe. Lauren, Erin and Liam were fantastic! Very friendly, funny and attentive the whole time. Lauren did a great tour of the island - she is very knowledgeable, humorous and interesting. Erin was our snorkelling guide - she too was excellent. Liam was our skipper and did a fabulous job. Food and drink were superb. It was a very enjoyable afternoon - would highly recommend. Thank you from Laura, Lucy and Mel (from Scotland) xx
Most amazing adventure ever!
Lianne G,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely fantastic! Sailing on the catamaran was the most amazing experience and the folks that looked after us, Liam (skipper) Lauren, she was was so full of information, Erin, hospitality plus and a snorkelling legend, ensured we had the most amazing experience of our lives! We will never forget this trip!
Luxury, Sustainability, and Superb Service – A Perfect Day on the Reef
Lov0li,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was hands down one of the best day tours I’ve experienced—an absolute must if you’re visiting Port Douglas. The catamaran was gorgeous—modern, spacious, and incredibly well maintained. From the moment we stepped on board, the experience felt relaxed, elegant, and seamless. What really made the day unforgettable was the crew. Eliza, Kyra, and Liam were outstanding—so professional, welcoming, and genuinely attentive. They created such a warm and safe atmosphere and were easily the best crew I’ve ever encountered on a boat tour. The food and drinks onboard were plentiful and delicious, available throughout the trip, and thoughtfully prepared. It felt luxurious without being over the top. We also loved the glass-bottom boat ride, which was fully electric—a quiet and environmentally friendly way to explore the reef without disturbing the marine life. Such a thoughtful, sustainable touch! Snorkelling at the Low Isles was the true highlight. The coral was vibrant, the water crystal-clear, and we were lucky enough to see sea turtles and reef sharks. The guided snorkelling tour was informative and supportive—perfect for both beginners and confident swimmers. A huge thank you for such a stunning day on the Great Barrier Reef. This tour delivered everything: beauty, sustainability, great food, and a world-class team. Highly recommend!
Absolutely fabulous
brockywa,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A great afternoon and evening being spoilt by the location and staff. We definitely recommend this tour.
Fantastic cruise
GittaAmmerlaanA,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was the first experience with the “ Great barrier Reef” and it was fantastic: beautiful snorkeling and the crew members of the boat were very friendly. There were tasty snacks served and we had a wonderful day.
Incredible, must-do experience in Port Douglas!
Nicole M,
Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an incredible experience. Seeing the reef is definitely a must when in Port Douglas. The crew was very friendly, helpful, and gave a great guided tour of the reef around the low isles. We saw two black tipped reef sharks and a green sea turtle on our snorkel tour! It was amazing the number of fish and sea life we got to see. I have never snorkeled before and it was very accessible to beginners. The low isles are beautiful and the guided tour of the island was very interesting. This tour was also very accommodating for gluten free/celiac - we notified them ahead of time and they had a separate lunch and snack for my husband. We would 100% recommend this tour to everyone.
Unforgettable experience with Sailaway
940suzyr,
Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great afternoon out with Sailaway, very professional staff, carefully analysed our swimming capability and medical history before letting us enter the water. Small group on the boat. I was given the confidence by the patient staff member to snorkel after struggling to start.with. A great experience seeing a turtle, coral and many varieties of fish. We had a guided tour around the Island past the lighthouse. We were transported to and from the boat on a glass bottomed boat. The food was delicious and drinks on board were plentiful.
Perfect half day on and in the water
NIGEL W,
Jul 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a fantastic combination of relaxed luxury sailing and guided snorkelling made even better by the friendly, helpful, knowledgeable crew who do everything to ensure every participant gets exactly what they want from it
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Operated by Sailaway