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Outer Reef Mackay Cay Sail & Snorkel Adventure from Port Douglas

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Overview

Available languages

English

9 hours

Mobile ticket

Set sail from Port Douglas for a day of snorkeling and adventure on the Outer Barrier Reef. Immersed in the northern frontier of Great Barrier Reef, this is the perfect sailing and snorkeling adventure for a conservation minded visitor. Ideally suited to those who can swim and have a spirit of fun and adventure. The white sands of the coral cay are surrounded by tropical waters filled with fish, turtles and coral. This cruise is on a 82ft custom built catamaran, with good company and helpful assistance from the crew. A buffet lunch is included, along with morning & afternoon tea, a reef interpretation talk, a guided snorkel tour and an interpretive glass-bottom boat. Discerning guests can fully enjoy an inspiring full day of adventure using wind power to the absolutely stunning cay on the Great Barrier Reef in the most environmentally way!

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Vegetarian, vegan or gluten free option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Please bring towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and hat. We also recommend a jumper in the cooler months.

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 To Expect

1

Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina

The adventure starts with an early departure from the Port Douglas Marina. Sit back and relax as we set sail to the Mackay Cay, out from Cape Tribulation. Enjoy an authentic sailing experience, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected sites at the Coral Cay, nature activities will include snorkelling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation on a guided snorkel tour. A glass bottom boat coral viewing tour is also on offer. Premium reef sites showcase abundant marine life, including encounters with turtles and an amazing display of giant clam gardens, beautiful corals and a wide variety of fish. Explore the white sands of the coral cay, soak up the sun and swim in turquoise clear waters. A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas & coffees will compliment a day of adventure and relaxation.

9 hours • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Guided snorkel tour with marine biologist

Interpretive glass-bottom boat tour

Morning and afternoon tea & coffee with muffins and fresh fruit

Wetsuits during the winter months and lycra suits in summer

Buffet lunch

Time to explore the pristine coral cay

Use of snorkel equipment and instruction

Environmental Management Charge

Great Barrier Reef sailing cruise

Soft and alcoholic drinks (available for purchase on board)

Options

Outer Reef Mackay Cay Sail & Snorkel Adventure from Port Douglas

Reviews

4.86

443 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

402
27
11
1
2
  • Highly recommend

    Carol W,Mar 24, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Great boat and crew. Very professional without being stuffy. Snorkeling was terrific. Good food. Light lunch (or more if you wanted it)

  • Nice experience, seas a bit choppy

    MXSimpson,Mar 18, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    4.00

    Staff was nice and super helpful. Catamaran was the Sailaway VII. We had pretty choppy seas on the way there and back, which is 2 - 2.5 hours each way. A few folks were seasick. The snorkel sites were good, we saw beautiful corals and some deeply colorful blue ones. We saw fishes and a turtle. They gad a glass bottomed boat anchored and this was also a fun experience taking those who-opted to sit out a snorkel a little further out to see corals & fish. Staff was very attentive during the snorkels. Lunch buffet served and snacks for breakfast after lunch. Lunch buffet was yummy. Glad we went, wish weather would gave cooperated.

  • Fantastic experience, highly recommend

    574daved,Feb 15, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Truly exceptional experience with Sailaway. Great staff, Captain, and vessel. Knowledgeable staff provided a presentation on the reef on the way out and snorkeling guidance as well. We saw hundreds of fish, and also sting rays and the elusive sea turtles.

  • Must do!

    Gretchen M,Feb 11, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    The ultimate smirking experience. I have never seen coral or marine life like this before. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience. The crew and the boat were top notch! Must do experience!!

  • A Perfect Day!

    jamesaQ3151HH,Feb 8, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    An excellent day from start to finish! Very well organised with helpful support from the reservations team when booking and to the boat crew on the day. The crew were superb. The itinerary was well presented and their advice and support on the day was exemplary. Their knowledge of the Reef was fascinating. Great value for money. We'll be back!

    jamesaQ3151HH's photo 1
  • Once in a lifetime tour

    Diane T,Jan 20, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    The tour operators were very accommodating to both the experienced and novice swimmers. They were very vigilant in making sure all snorkelers were safe, although we had mild waves. The breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks were delicious. The snorkeling areas on the reef were beautiful with plenty of fish and coral life. The onboard presentation by the marine biologist was very informative before we went into the ocean. All in all it was a highlight of our trip to Australia.

  • Railway to the Great Barrier Reef is a MUST

    HowardHooper,Jan 14, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Amazing day on the reef. This is a MUST tour if you want to experience the Great Barrier Reef. The day with Sailaway was top tier and highly recommended. The crew was very professional and helped us have a most excellent day.

  • Incredible experience

    samanthac624,Jan 6, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    lt was my first time snorkelling and at the age of 60 i was very anxious about whether the trip was for me The main thing to say is that the staff on the boat are incredibly helpful patient and supportive and a special shout out to Erin who took me under her wing and made me feel safe and gave me the confidence and belief in myself that I could do it She took me out to the reef with her using her buoyancy aid and showed me how the most amazing corals and fish,pointing out giant clams, corals, rays and fish Without her I could have missed out on what truly was one of the most spectacular experiences of my life !

  • best sail & snorkel

    F4414KSgeorgiab,Jan 5, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Had the best time - staff and boat were lovely. Snorkelling was the best ever. Would 10/10 go back and recommend! boat was spacious considering big group.

  • barrier reef tour

    tinyManchester,Jan 1, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    great trip and i won’t add anything more about the trip itself as it’s as good as everyone says! however i need to mention how good all the crew ! isaac,erin,james and kyra! you guys all went the extra mile! and that makes big difference! kyra - hope your nye went well with your friend! and isaac enjoy going home to NZ thanks so much for looking after us!

From A$365.00

1 Adult

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Operated by Sailaway

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Australia: Pavel Australia Pty Ltd

Việt Nam: Công ty TNHH Trip Social

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