Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove

Overview

Available languages

English

9 hours

Mobile ticket

Great for beginners, non-swimmers and first-time visitors to Tropical North Queensland cruise to Agincourt Reef. You can watch fish feeding, go on a snorkeling expedition, try scuba diving, view the coral and marine life on a semi-submersible submarine, and enjoy a tasty buffet lunch. Transport between Palm Cove and Port Douglas is included.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended. All participants will be required to complete a health questionaire prior to diving. Some pre-existing medical conditions (eg asthma, heart conditions, etc) may prevent you from diving, please consult your doctor

Minimum age for all diving activities is 12 years, the maximum age is 70 years

All diving activities (Ocean Walker and Introductory Dive) for children 14 years and under must be booked directly on the day of travel. Prices listed are cruise only

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Buffet lunch

Cruise from Port Douglas to Agincourt Reef

Semi-submarine reef discovery tour with commentary

Morning and afternoon tea, coffee

Use of snorkeling equipment

Underwater observatory

Environmental Management Charge

Lycra suits and buoyancy vests

Hotel pickup and drop off from Palm Cove

Drinks

Guided Snorkeling Tour (if option not selected)

Introductory Dive (if option not selected)

Ocean Walker Helmet Dive (if option not selected)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Departing from Port Douglas, your 90-minute high speed catamaran cruise takes you directly to Agincourt Reef, located on the Outer Great Barrier Reef The permanent pontoon moored here provides a sheltered base for your day on the reef. During the trip a snorkeling demonstration will get you ready for your adventure, and the staff will take you through your options for the day.

4 hours • Admission Included

Agincourt Reef

The clear water of the provides great underwater visibility and encourages rich coral growth which supports a wide variety of fish life, both large and small. Schools of damsel fish, solitary clown fish and small reef sharks are common visitors to this part of the reef, along with some brightly-colored parrotfish and elegant angel fish. You'll have around 3.5 hours to enjoy the reef at your leisure. Grab a snorkel and fins and hit the water on your own, or join an optional guided snorkeling tour with a qualified marine biologist. Snorkeling is a great way to explore the Great Barrier Reef, and there are friendly staff on hand to show you how. Prefer to stay dry? You can explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible submarine. You'll take a leisurely cruise through colorful coral gardens, giving you a snorkeler's view of the marine life without getting wet. For a little more adventure, why not try an introductory scuba dive. or a unique Ocean Walker Helmet Dive

4 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Cruise + Palm Cove Transfers

Full Day Tour : 3.5 hr exploring the Outer Great Barrier Reef with Buffet Lunch. Includes pickup/drop off from Palm Cove
Pickup included

15% off - Cruise and Pickup

LIMITED TIME SPECIAL OFFER: 3.5 hrs of reef exploring on the Outer Great Barrier Reef with Buffet Lunch. Pickup/drop off from Palm Cove included.
Pickup included

Reviews

4.53

38 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Incredible
Jennifer B,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This experience was one of the best days of my life. To witness the nature. I was only planning on snorkeling, but had talked to someone the day before who went on the intro scuba dive, and I chose to do that. Wild! I was quite anxious, and the scuba team Chris and my guide Hannah were beyond beyond wonderful. I also took the longer helicopter ride, which I felt was entirely worthwhile. The Reef is definitely worthy of taking in the aerial view.
What a cool way to snorkel the reef - at the edge of the continental shelf!
B9171ZVdawnd,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The staff was so helpful and attentive to everyone on the ship! The seas were a little rough on the way out and they may quick work to calm stomachs and nerves! The time on the anchored pontoon to snorkel and enjoy the reef was plenty and i was really happy the weather cooperated once we made it out! The trip is long but going to what feels like the "edge of the world" was pretty cool! Seeing the continental self of Australia was awesome! I think the overall value for the excursion was well worth it as the lunch served was also very well done and quite tasty too! Perhaps due to being the end of the "off season" the number of patrons on the ship was fairly light overall so it was very comfortable with plenty of seating and space! I'm so glad to have had the experience! The biggest bonus of all was seeing the sea turtles swimming with me!
Excellent snorkeling tour
Susan C,
Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Everything about this tour was well organized and fun, from hotel pick up to drop off. Perfectly suited beginner snorkelers like us. We couldn't believe the fish we saw swimming in the reef.
Great experience
Richard M,
Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience. The helicopter ride and scuba dive was amazing. Staff were helpful and the food was good.
Amazing experience for everyone!
IRENE P,
Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a great experience altogether! I was travelling with my mom who has limited mobility. Everyone was very nice, kind and attentive. I went snorkeling and it was an amazing experience! All was organised very well and it was quick and easy to get all that I needed, the suit, mask, snorkel and fins; I felt really safe thanks to the detailed instructions and the lifeguards always looking out on the people snorkeling. My mom and I then went on the semi-submerged boat tour and it was amazing! A great opportunity for her to view the coral reef without getting into the water. All the staff was super nice and friendly, the bartenders, the lifeguards, the bus driver… we can’t thank them enough!
Great experience
Masi G,
Apr 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a very organised experience. Also, lovely staff helping out with smile at all times. Totally recommend
Less is sometimes more 😩
brenner772016,
Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
That was mass handling , with over 300 people we went to the reef ! Upon arrival on the ship, we first noticed that there were not enough seats for everyone in the weather (occasionally rain).Some people occupy complete seats with their things! At the reef everyone threw themselves into the water without any rules of conduct, the reef at this point is not in good condition ! Mass tourism! We had planned our trip from Germany and it said with a catamaran with a picture ! ( of a small sailing catamaran and not of a large catamaran with 3 decks ) . Unfortunately, there was not enough time left to take a smaller tour to the reef! Less is sometimes more, you should think more about nature conservation and less about your own funds. Then you can offer these tours much longer , because so the reef is soon completely destroyed at this point and then you don't need to go there anymore.
The best
Richard C,
Feb 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
From first to last min a wonderful experience. The staff the boat the reef the lunch everything about this was a joy ,you are picked up at a small cost or you can drive to the port . The welcome is so lovely and genuine.
It was an easy process...
Julie Q,
Jan 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was an easy process and the pick up address was really close to where I was staying. All staff at Quicksilver were so efficient and made sure that everyone knew exactly what the process would be. They have systems in place if you are a nervous swimmer and all of the staff on the boat went out of their way to make this day a fantastic one! 🥰 Thank you!
Do this trip
Laura T,
Nov 7, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Crew, boat. Reef still spectacular although sadly bleached in spots. We left some personal items behind and reservations staff, Marieke, went extra mile to return the items to Pullman Palm Cove! Thank you again