Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Low Isles is an idyllic, unspoilt coral cay island just one hour's sailing from Port Douglas aboard the 30 metre sailing catamaran, Wavedancer. With snorkelling direct from the beach, this is the perfect day for families and couples seeking island relaxation. From the moment Wavedancer moors in the picturesque lagoon, a host of reef activities await. It's a leisurely, informative day where island visitor numbers are limited.Throughout the day, a shuttle boat transfers guests between the boat and the island. Snorkelling, glass bottom boat tour, marine biologist guided snorkel tour and island walk, tropical buffet lunch served onboard, morning and afternoon teas all included.
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We recommend you book this reef trip on your first full available day. You then have the opportunity to be flexible and change your travel date if you wish. Your booking can be changed at no additional cost directly with the operator once you are in Cairns. Prebook and secure your booking, but relax in knowing you can make amendments at no charge.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Buffet lunch served onboard
Guided snorkel tour with marine biologist
Morning tea/coffee on boarding, afternoon tea
Complimentary glass of sparkling wine on homeward journey
Use of lycra suit
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Guided beach walk with marine biologist
Environmental Management Charge
Glass bottom boat coral viewing
Cruise from Port Douglas to Low Isles
Drinks
Hotel pickup and drop off
Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise
Situated nine miles (15 kilometers) north-east of Port Douglas, Low Isles is a coral cay surrounded by 55 acres of reef. The sandy beach and clear, calm lagoon waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Low Isles is well-known for its population of green turtles, keep an eye on the surface as they regularly pop up for air. Occasionally dugongs can be seen grazing on sea grass and large rays may glide by. During the cruise, a Marine Biologist will conduct an informative talk on the fish and corals and provide details on the activities available throughout the day. The 30-meter luxury sailing catamaran offers the excitement of big ship sailing combined with the ultimate in comfort. Relax in the luxurious air-conditioned lounge with fully licensed bar, or soak up the sun under the sails on the expansive deck. On arrival a shuttle will take you from the boat to the island, or you can dive straight in and swim to the beach! Join an organized snorkel tour led by a marine biologist, or take to the water independently and explore at your leisure. Snorkeling equipment is provided and the friendly crew are on hand to assist.You don't have to get wet to enjoy a day at Low Isles. You can join a glass bottom boat tour over the soft coral gardens that surround Low Isles. Your guide will point out giant clams, a variety of fish and corals, and of course be on the lookout for turtles. On land you may like to join a guided beach walk around the small island. Learn about the flora and fauna of the island along with the history of Low Isles as an important place of marine research. We recommend you book this reef trip on your first full available day. You then have the opportunity to be flexible and change your travel date if you wish. Your booking can be changed at no additional cost directly with the operator once you are in Cairns. Prebook and secure your booking, but relax in knowing you can make amendments at no charge.
Sailing Cruise Full Day Tour: Cruise to Low Isles, Morning & Afternoon Tea, Snorkel Equipment, Glass Bottom Boat Tour, Guided Snorkel Tour & Nature Walk.
LIMITED TIME SPECIAL OFFER: Cruise to Low Isles, Morning & Afternoon Tea, Snorkel Equipment, Glass Bottom Boat Tour, Guided Snorkel Tour & Nature Walk.
251 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
michellemV8530ZP,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Very relaxing day out. This is our 4th time with Wavedancer. Staff are always friendly and helpful, lunch is delicious and the boat is always clean. There are better spots to snorkel but there is always something to see, we were standing amongst 4 turtles with the Marine Bioligist! The guitar player and bubbles top off a great day. Highly recommend.
H8603AQjanets,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We didn't love this trip and wouldn't particularly recommend it as an all-day trip if you have a choice to go elsewhere. We expected a sailing trip as advertised, but with engines all the way it just felt like every other boat trip. The coral wasn't that good (understanding that it was damaged in recent storms & flooding) and our glass-bottomed boat experience was boring with no information provided by the 'guide' whatsoever. Lunch was good and staff friendly. There are much better trips to go on with families.
Jess C,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
Great experience right from check in. The whole team were very accommodating and super knowledgeable. Great experience for all. We were lucky enough to see reef sharks, Green sea turtles and manta rays!
Helen H,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
Wonderful , great fun , beautiful weather well organised and. Nice lunch great staff , knew what they were doing , my husband really enjoyed the guitar and songs as we sailed home.
Jim S,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
Unfortunately, while standing on the dock lined up for the 10/27 departure, (boarding at 9:30 departure at 10 am) our Low Isles tour was cancelled due to a vessel malfunction. Given the late hour of notification there was no alternative excursion alternatives to obtain. Our day at Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef was lost. It would seem to me that cruise set up vessel testing would take place long before boarding. Cancellation at such a late time really ruined the day. All ticket purchasers had to get back in line at the Quicksilver office and request a refund. Our trip of a lifetime, didn't result in a snorkel to the Great Barrier Reef. If the cancellation had taken place a couple of hours earlier perhaps guests could have found alternatives. I'm not sure why the wait till 15 minutes before departure.
Steven N,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
The boat broke down before we left. They took their time letting us know. We sat in the hot sun for 20 minutes after we were to board. They only offered a refund, no alternative activity. I do not recommend this company.
Kiera L,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
We enjoyed this experience, we’ve done the outer reef before having children which is also beautiful but we found this experience really suitable to take our one year old. The crew were great, nice food and the environment was nice and relaxed. We were a bit worried what it would be like out on the island but there were shaded areas and swimming in the shallows off the island was good for the little one.


Glenn H,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Beautiful islands with snorkeling option, the coral has been damaged by a huge storm, but the marine biologist show the best parts.







Tina W,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
Amazing! Staff were fantastic, food was great, the catamaran was incredible & the snorkelling & Low Isles were absolutely breathtaking. Swam with massive turtles, saw reef sharks & the most beautiful coloured fish i could ever imagine seeing. We were all in total awe. To experience this with my family was so special.
hayleya690,
Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Such a wonderful day - the crew were so friendly and knowledgeable, Heather the marine biologist was amazing to listen to and I even snorkeled with a sea turtle! Lunch was plentiful and delicious, and loved the relaxing sail home with a glass of bubbles and some tunes. It was a great way to enjoy this beautiful part of the country. Would absolutely come back and do it again.

Operated by The Quicksilver Group