Available languages
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 snorkelling 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 smaller cruise is limited to just 52 passengers, ensuring good company and helpful assistance from the crew. A buffet lunch is included, along with a reef interpretation talk, a guided snorkel tour and a glass-bottom boat with an expert marine biologist as your guide .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!
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Vegetarian, vegan or gluten free option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Please bring towel, swimsuit, sunscreen and hat
Underwater Camera's available for hire $75 for the day. Security deposit of $600 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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Guided snorkel tour with marine biologist
Hotel pickup and drop-off (Port Douglas only)
Glass-bottom boat tour on our E-Tender, the 'EV Explorer'
Morning and afternoon tea & coffee with muffins and fresh fruit
Environmental Management Charge
Buffet lunch
Time to explore the pristine coral cay
Wetsuits during the winter months and lycra suits in summer
Use of snorkel equipment and instruction
Great Barrier Reef sailing cruise
Drinks (available for purchase on board)
Pickup included
371 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Peter B,
Apr 19, 2025
- Viator
One of the best snorkeling trips I've ever been on, if not the best. The boat was spacious, the crew were superb, the food and snacks were excellent and last but not least, the reef was magnificent.
Megan H,
Mar 28, 2025
- Viator
Fantastic trip! Despite a mostly wet day had a great time - equipment and crew were top notch. Loved the smaller group (only 24 passengers) which made it so much more personal and enjoyable. The sea turtles and the stop on the sand cay were highlights!
Derice H,
Mar 18, 2025
- Viator
We want to give Sailaway Tours a good review, even though the day did not go as everyone had hoped. We understand that sometimes things, like weather, happen and cannot be controlled. We thoroughly enjoyed our first snorkeling time which was in a fabulous area where we saw beautiful coral, fish and even turtles. While we would have loved to have the second snorkeling opportunity a medical emergency prevented it and then the weather did turn pretty bad on the return trip. Despite these things, it was clear that the staff were extremely capable and handled it all like pros.
Andrzej K,
Jan 16, 2025
- Viator
We did a great day trip to outer great reef. All was very professional and top standard. We are very happy from this experience dispite a stormy conditions we were coming back.
Andrea S,
Jan 5, 2025
- Viator
Boat was very comfortable and clean, with lots of shelter for a rainy day. Lunch was excellent quality. Marine biologist very helpful to explain what we’d see and also as snorkel support for those less comfortable with open ocean. I was one of those that needed a little extra help getting started and felt much better knowing a few crew members were in the water with us and watching us for safety the entire time. Swells were too great to use the glass bottom boat unfortunately, but crew tried their best to bring that boat along side the sailboat twice before deciding it wasn’t safe. Weather was not ideal but overall it was a lovely day.
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Operated by Sailaway