Port Douglas is the closest mainland town to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Boats leave each morning from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, and the crossing is short enough that you are on the reef by mid-morning — which is why this stretch of coast, rather than Cairns, is where many people choose to spend their reef day.
The seven tours below depart Port Douglas and go to two quite different places. This page sets out what each one offers so you can compare them properly.
Outer reef or Low Isles?
Nearly every reef decision from Port Douglas comes down to this.
The outer reef — Agincourt Reef, Opal Reef and Mackay Cay, out on the edge of the continental shelf. Deeper water, bigger coral structures, wall diving and larger fish. A full day out, with the longer of the two crossings.
Low Isles — a coral cay with a heritage lighthouse, and the closest reef to Port Douglas. Shallower, calmer, sheltered, with turtles that come in close. A shorter day and an easier one in choppy weather.
Both are genuine Great Barrier Reef experiences. If you have two reef days, do both. Read the full Low Isles vs Outer Reef comparison →
Compare reef tours from Port Douglas
Prices checked 27 August 2026. Live pricing and availability are shown on every tour page.
| Tour | Reef | Boat | Day | Adult | Child | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quicksilver Cruises | Agincourt Reef | Large catamaran to a moored pontoon. Glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible included. | Full day | $338 | $179 | Check dates |
| Silversonic | Agincourt Reef — 3 sites | Dive and snorkel vessel. Certified and introductory diving available. | Full day | $338 | $238 | Check dates |
| Poseidon Reef Cruises | Outer reef — 3 sites | Dive and snorkel vessel. Marine biologist presentation on board. | Full day | $328 | $238 | Check dates |
| Calypso Reef Cruises | Outer reef | Day boat. Snorkelling and scuba. | Full day | $329 | $219 | Check dates |
| Sailaway — Outer Reef | Mackay Cay | Sailing catamaran. Small group. | Full day | $370 | $260 | Check dates |
| Wavedancer | Low Isles | Sailing catamaran. Glass-bottom boat. Boards 9:30. | Day trip | $276 | $148 | Check dates |
| Sailaway — Low Isles | Low Isles | Sailing catamaran. Small group. Departs 8:30. | Day trip | $365 | $255 | Check dates |
Family rates are available on some tours — Wavedancer is $710 for a family, infants free. Also departing Port Douglas: the Snapper Island SUP & Snorkel private charter, priced per boat.
How to narrow it down
Three questions get most people to a shortlist of two or three.
How confident is everyone in the water? Every outer reef tour offers ways to see the reef without swimming, and Low Isles is shallow and sheltered. Nobody has to snorkel to have a reef day.
Do you want to dive? Some boats are built around diving with multiple sites and instructors on board; others focus on snorkelling and viewing. This is the choice that most changes your day.
Big boat or small? The large catamarans carry more people and more facilities. The sailing catamarans carry far fewer. Neither is better — they are different days out.
If you would rather talk it through than compare tables, our Which Great Barrier Reef Tour? guide walks through the same decision in more detail, and Compare Reef Tours sets the options side by side.
Where the boats go
Agincourt Reef — a ribbon reef system on the outer edge of the continental shelf, and the destination for most Port Douglas pontoon tours. More about Agincourt Reef →
Opal Reef — coral gardens closer in than Agincourt, favoured by dive and small-group operators. More about Opal Reef →
Mackay Coral Cay — a sand cay within the outer reef, and where the Sailaway outer reef trip spends its day. More about Mackay Coral Cay →
Low Isles — the closest reef to Port Douglas and the gentlest, with a heritage lighthouse and a sheltered lagoon. More about Low Isles →
Before you book
When should I book?
Ahead of time, particularly June to September when demand is highest. Popular boats sell out days in advance in peak season.
What is the best time of year?
Any month works. June to September brings calmer seas and clearer water; the wet season is warmer with fewer people. Best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef →
Do I need to be able to swim?
No. The outer reef pontoon tours include glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible viewing, and flotation aids are provided for snorkelling on every tour.
What sunscreen can I use?
Mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen. Operators ask guests to use it, and it is far better for the coral either way — your tour will confirm its own requirements when you book. Reef-safe sunscreen guide →
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a prescription mask if you use one. Snorkel gear is generally provided, stinger suits are supplied in season, and most full-day tours include lunch — inclusions vary, and each tour page lists what comes with it. Full reef packing list →
How long is the crossing?
It depends on the vessel and the conditions. The outer reef is the longer trip of the two; Low Isles is considerably closer. Each tour page gives its own departure and return times.
Where do the boats leave from?
Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, at the base of the Port Douglas peninsula. Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure. Getting to the marina →
What if I get seasick?
Take medication before you board rather than after. Operators carry tablets, and the crossing is calmest in the dry season.
