Port Douglas: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & 3 Snorkel Sites

Summary

Snorkeling the Agincourt Reefs with locals from Port Douglas

You’ll feel that first rush as you slip into clear water at Agincourt Reef, spot wild flashes of color among coral gardens, share lunch stories with fellow travelers on deck, and finish your day salty-haired and smiling back in Port Douglas. It’s less about ticking boxes and more about those small moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to finish my coffee before the van pulled up outside our Port Douglas hotel — early start, but honestly, I was wide awake just thinking about the Great Barrier Reef. The catamaran was bigger than I’d pictured, all gleaming white decks and a salty tang in the air. Our guide, Mel, handed out gear and cracked jokes about “reef hair” (which is definitely a thing). I kept fumbling with my fins, but nobody seemed to care — everyone was buzzing for that first glimpse of blue.

The ride out was smoother than expected. Someone pointed out a flying fish skimming the surface — blink and you’d miss it. When we reached the first Agincourt Reef site, Mel gathered us for a quick rundown (“don’t touch the coral — trust me, it’s alive”). The water was cooler than I thought it’d be. Slipping under, there was this hush — just bubbles and flashes of color everywhere. I lost track of time watching tiny electric-blue fish dart between coral branches. At one point I floated above a giant clam — bigger than my backpack — its colors shifting in slow motion. Kind of surreal.

Lunch happened somewhere between sites two and three. Tropical fruit, cold noodles, something with ginger that tasted way better than it looked (sorry chef). People swapped stories over plates while the sun bounced off the water outside. Mel told us about her favorite spot for seeing turtles — not today though; apparently they have their own schedule. The last reef stop felt quieter somehow; maybe everyone was just tired from swimming or maybe we’d all settled into that gentle reef rhythm.

I still think about how light filtered down through the water at that last site — greenish-gold and kind of dreamlike. Back on deck, salt drying on my skin and hair sticking up everywhere (reef hair confirmed), I caught myself grinning for no real reason. If you’re even half-curious about snorkeling or diving on a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas… well, you’ll probably end up like me: wishing you could do it again tomorrow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise

• Pickup from Port Douglas hotel
• Board 29 meter catamaran
• Visit three Agincourt Reef sites
• Snorkel or scuba dive options
• Guided snorkel tour available
• Enjoy tropical buffet lunch
• Morning and afternoon tea served
• Relax on sundecks and use facilities

Top questions

How many reef sites do you visit on this cruise?

You visit three different sites on Agincourt Reef during the cruise.

Is hotel pickup included from Port Douglas?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from the Port Douglas area are included.

Can beginners try scuba diving on this tour?

Yes, introductory dives are available for beginners aged 12 and up who meet health requirements.

How long do you spend in the water?

You get up to five hours total in the water across all three reef sites.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

A tropical buffet lunch is served between sites along with morning and afternoon tea.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all snorkeling gear including lycra suits and prescription masks are included.

What if I only want to snorkel and not dive?

You can choose to snorkel at all three sites if you prefer not to dive.

Are guided snorkel tours available?

Yes, a marine naturalist leads a guided snorkel tour at one of the reef locations.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Port Douglas, use of snorkeling equipment (with lycra suits or prescription masks if needed), environmental fees covered, guided snorkel tour led by a marine naturalist at one site, plus a tropical buffet lunch along with morning and afternoon tea before returning relaxed in the afternoon.