Port Douglas: Great Barrier Reef Snorkel & Semi-Sub Tour

Summary

Snorkeling Agincourt Reef colors semi-submarine coral lunch

You’ll start your day cruising from Port Douglas to Agincourt Reef, where you can snorkel vibrant coral gardens or relax in a semi-submarine with commentary from local guides. Enjoy a laid-back buffet lunch on the pontoon between swims or reef explorations. Whether you’re new to snorkeling or just want to watch marine life glide past glass windows, this day trip leaves you with salt on your skin—and maybe something to dream about later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping onto the catamaran in Port Douglas was the mix of excitement and nervous chatter—someone behind me was already debating wetsuit sizes with their partner. The sky looked like it couldn’t decide if it wanted to rain or not, but nobody seemed bothered. Our guide, Mel, handed out lycra suits and cracked a joke about sunburned tourists looking like lobsters (I think she’s seen a few). The ride out to Agincourt Reef took about 90 minutes—fast enough that you feel the wind tugging at your hair, slow enough to spot flying fish if you’re lucky. I spent most of it pressed against the window, staring at that endless blue.

Once we reached the pontoon, things got real. There’s this faint tang of salt in the air and sunscreen everywhere, and people moving around in flippers like awkward penguins. Mel gave us a quick snorkeling demo—honestly, I was more nervous than I thought I’d be. But she made it seem easy, and there were staff everywhere ready to help (I saw one guy teaching a little kid how to clear her mask; she giggled every time). I tried the guided snorkeling tour with a marine biologist named Jess who pointed out these wild neon clams and something called a parrotfish—I still remember how its scales caught the light. If you don’t want to get wet, there’s a semi-submarine ride that glides just under the surface; my partner did that while I snorkeled. He said it felt like being inside an aquarium but with better commentary.

Lunch was a buffet on the pontoon—nothing fancy but honestly after swimming around for an hour everything tasted amazing. There was fresh fruit and something that looked suspiciously like lamingtons (I took two). Between snorkeling sessions, I sat by the edge just watching sunlight flicker through shallow water and listening to kids argue over who saw the biggest fish. It’s funny how quiet it gets sometimes even with so many people around—you sort of drift off into your own head for a minute. The Great Barrier Reef is right there under your feet but also feels far away somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and explore Agincourt Reef

• Depart Port Douglas by catamaran
• Attend snorkeling demonstration
• Arrive at Agincourt Reef pontoon
• Snorkel independently or join guided tour
• Explore reef via semi-submersible submarine
• Try introductory scuba or helmet dive
• Enjoy buffet lunch on pontoon
• Return to Port Douglas by catamaran

Top questions

How long does the Great Barrier Reef snorkel cruise take?

The cruise from Port Douglas takes about 90 minutes each way, plus around 3.5 hours at Agincourt Reef.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers or beginners?

Yes, non-swimmers can join activities like the semi-submarine ride or view marine life from the underwater observatory.

Are meals included on this Great Barrier Reef day trip?

A buffet lunch is included along with morning and afternoon tea on board.

Can children join this snorkel cruise from Port Douglas?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; strollers are allowed on board.

Is scuba diving available on this tour?

You can try introductory scuba diving or Ocean Walker Helmet Dive for an extra fee if you meet health requirements.

Are transfers included from hotels in Port Douglas?

The tour includes pickup options; check availability when booking as coach transfers aren’t wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring for snorkeling at Agincourt Reef?

Lycra suits, buoyancy vests, and snorkeling equipment are provided—just bring swimwear and sunscreen.

Is this Great Barrier Reef tour wheelchair accessible?

The boat and pontoon are wheelchair accessible except for coach transfers; service animals are allowed too.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all snorkeling gear plus lycra suits and buoyancy vests, guided commentary from marine biologists during reef talks and semi-submarine tours, access to an underwater observatory for dry viewing of marine life, morning and afternoon tea breaks, a buffet lunch served on the pontoon at Agincourt Reef, environmental management charges covered—and flexible booking dates if your plans change once in Cairns.