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 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 smaller cruise is limited to just 52 passengers on a 82ft custom built catamaran, ensuring 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!
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.
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
Glass-bottom boat tour on our E-Tender, the 'EV Explorer'
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)
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.
424 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
567nikolav,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our sailing experience was absolutely amazing. Having the opportunity to see the Great Barrier Reef with our own eyes was truly unforgettable. The staff were incredibly polite, friendly, and professional, making the entire journey feel smooth and enjoyable. The food on the boat was exceptional; far beyond what we expected, and the overall trip was nothing short of fantastic. We are leaving with beautiful memories that we will cherish for a long time. Highly recommended!



0shirinl,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Highly recommend it. Excellent service with personel with knowledge and great passionate to help and assist in any time. Very satisfying and a beautiful experience of the Reef. Magnificent.
948ashleighj,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a great day out, it filled up the whole day and everyone enjoyed themselves! The lunch was amazing too. Would recommend
johnlH1193EY,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
An amazing day from beginning to end. Fantastic itinerary and a super friendly and enthusiastic team. We loved every minute of the trip.
mkastrud,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
What an amazing day experiencing the Great Barrier Reef! Communication from the Sailaway team prior to our trip was excellent and the shuttle picked us up at our hotel right on time. The boat was spacious and comfortable, lunch was delicious and the staff was incredible! Isaac, Erin, Lauren, George and Damien were so friendly and really made the extra effort to make sure everyone had a blast. The snorkeling is truly bucket list worthy. We would recommend this trip to anyone lucky enough to find yourselves in Port Douglas.
U6827IUjr,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The staff were excellent.. The tour was so well organised, the staff were friendly and the boat was awesome. Loved the buffet lunch and cold drinks after the snorkeling was the best ever. Thanks crew for the best experience ever
Jean noel L,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The kindness of the crew, the organization at the top+++, support during activities full of kindness
hansgO1141RX,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We were really looking forward to this activity. We've been snorkeling and diving at many other reefs and anticipated that this experience would beat our previous ones. For the arrangement itself we would like to give a 5. The boat, the trip, the staff, the information, the gear, the food etc were ever so good - we had a terrific day out on the reef; however, we became very disappointed in the snorkeling part. There was, of course, some colorful and fascinating corals and fish, but not at all what we expected. Perhaps our expectations were set to high and the review unfair, but don't expect a "color-explosion" in corals and fish. For that you have to look elsewhere. To us the snorkeling part was a 3.
John K,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
Amazing trip! Highly recommend. Crew was professional and very helpful. Food was great and the boat very comfortable.
WARREN M,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
Fantastic day aboard a beautiful yacht, high quality food, professional friendly crew and the snorkelling on the reef was amazing. Can’t recommend this trip enough
Operated by Sailaway