Low Isles Snorkeling: Sailing Catamaran & Marine Guide

Low Isles: snorkeling, a glass bottom boat over soft corals, a guided island walk, and lunch aboard a sailing catamaran

Snorkeling at Low Isles, a coral cay nine miles northeast of Port Douglas, aboard the 30-metre Wavedancer sailing catamaran departing from Palm Cove. You snorkel directly from the beach, join a marine biologist-led tour of the reef, ride a glass bottom boat over soft coral gardens, walk the island with a guide, and eat a buffet lunch onboard. A marine biologist gives an informative talk during the cruise, and visitor numbers to the island are limited throughout the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing and exploring Low Isles

• Depart from Palm Cove aboard Wavedancer
• Enjoy marine biologist's informative talk
• Arrive at Low Isles and shuttle to island
• Join guided snorkel tour or snorkel independently
• Take glass bottom boat tour over coral gardens
• Join guided beach walk around the island
• Enjoy tropical buffet lunch onboard
• Relax in air-conditioned lounge or on deck
• Return to Palm Cove by sailing catamaran

The experience

Low Isles sits in 55 acres of reef in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, surrounded by clear, calm lagoon waters and a sandy beach. The island is known for its green turtles, they regularly surface for air, and you may also see dugongs grazing on sea grass or large rays gliding past. The Wavedancer, a 30-metre luxury sailing catamaran, leaves Port Douglas and takes about an hour to reach the island. Once there, a shuttle boat moves you between the ship and the beach, though you can also swim straight in if you prefer.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can either join an organized tour led by a marine biologist or explore the reef at your own pace while the crew stands by to help. If you'd rather stay dry, the glass bottom boat tour takes you over the soft coral gardens, where the guide points out giant clams, fish, corals and turtles. A guided beach walk around the small island covers the flora, fauna and the history of Low Isles as a marine research site. A marine biologist gives a talk during the cruise about the fish and corals you'll encounter.

The day runs about ten hours. Lunch is a buffet served onboard, with morning tea on boarding and afternoon tea later. You also get a complimentary glass of sparkling wine on the return journey. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Palm Cove hotels are included. The operator allows you to change your booking at no extra cost once you're in the area, so you can book early and adjust your travel date if needed.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Palm Cove.
• snorkeling equipment and a guided snorkel tour led by a marine biologist.
• a glass bottom boat tour over the soft coral gardens.
• a guided beach walk around Low Isles.
• buffet lunch served onboard with morning and afternoon tea.
• a complimentary glass of sparkling wine on the return journey.
• use of a lycra suit.
• and the cruise itself aboard the Wavedancer sailing catamaran.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 120 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 21 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by The Quicksilver Group

Is this one for you?The marine biologist-led snorkel tour and the glass bottom boat option mean you can choose how deep to engage with the reef, whether you're confident in the water or prefer to watch from the boat. The limited visitor numbers and the leisurely pace suit families and couples looking for island time without the crowds.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What can I expect to see when snorkeling at Low Isles?

Low Isles is known for green turtles that regularly surface for air, and you may also spot dugongs grazing on sea grass or large rays gliding through the lagoon. The reef itself has soft corals, giant clams and a variety of fish. The glass bottom boat tour also gives you a view of these without getting wet.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join the tour?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided and the crew are on hand to assist. You can join the organized tour led by a marine biologist or explore at your own pace. If you prefer not to snorkel, the glass bottom boat tour and guided beach walk are included as alternatives.

How long does the sailing take from Palm Cove to Low Isles?

The Wavedancer takes about one hour to sail from Port Douglas to Low Isles. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Palm Cove hotels are included in the tour.

What's included in the lunch and refreshments?

A buffet lunch is served onboard, along with morning tea and coffee when you board and afternoon tea later in the day. A complimentary glass of sparkling wine is included on the return journey.

Can I change my booking if my travel plans shift?

Yes. Once you're in the Cairns area, you can change your booking at no additional cost directly with the operator, so you can book early and adjust your travel date if you need to.