Port Douglas: Low Isles Sailing Cruise & Reef Snorkel Tour

Summary

Sail from port douglas to low isles for reef snorkel tours and island walks

You’ll sail from Port Douglas to Low Isles on a roomy catamaran, snorkel coral reefs with a marine biologist guide, watch turtles surface nearby, and enjoy a tropical buffet lunch onboard. Glass bottom boat rides and guided island walks add even more ways to see reef life up close. It’s relaxed but quietly thrilling—expect salty skin and those gentle moments you remember later.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway out from Port Douglas when I realized how salty the breeze tasted—like someone had left sea spray on my lips. The crew on the Wavedancer moved around with that easy confidence you only see in people who really know the water. Our guide, Jess, pointed out the faint line of Low Isles ahead and said if we were lucky we might spot green turtles before even stepping off the boat. She laughed when I squinted at the horizon trying to spot one—apparently everyone does that their first time.

The shuttle boat dropped us right onto this little sandy island ringed by shallow blue-green water. It’s weird how quiet it gets away from the catamaran—just soft waves and the crunch of coral sand underfoot. I joined a group for the guided snorkel tour (with a marine biologist, which felt fancy but she was super chill). We floated over gardens of soft coral while she pointed out giant clams and these tiny darting fish whose names I instantly forgot. At one point, a turtle actually surfaced near us—just for a second—and honestly, I grinned like an idiot into my snorkel.

I didn’t expect to care much about the glass bottom boat ride but it turned out to be kind of hypnotic watching rays glide by underneath. The guide told stories about dugongs grazing on seagrass here, though we didn’t see any that day. Back on land, there was an optional beach walk where another marine biologist (I think her name was Mel?) explained how researchers have used Low Isles for years—it made me notice little things like how sharp some leaves feel or how different the sand smells after rain.

Lunch was served back on board—a buffet with tropical fruit that tasted way better than anything I buy at home. People lounged around in the sun or cooled off in the air-conditioned lounge (I did both). On the way back to Port Douglas they handed out sparkling wine and everyone just sort of watched the coastline drift closer in silence. I still think about that feeling—salty skin, tired muscles, and not really wanting to check my phone yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and exploring Low Isles reef

• Depart from Port Douglas
• Enjoy sailing on Wavedancer catamaran
• Listen to marine biologist's informative talk
• Arrive at Low Isles
• Take shuttle boat to island or swim
• Join guided snorkel tour or snorkel independently
• Use provided snorkeling equipment
• Join glass bottom boat tour
• Take guided beach walk on island
• Enjoy tropical buffet lunch onboard
• Have morning and afternoon teas
• Relax in air-conditioned lounge or on deck
• Return sailing to Port Douglas

Top questions

How long is the sailing cruise from Port Douglas to Low Isles?

The cruise takes about one hour each way between Port Douglas and Low Isles.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included as part of your day trip.

Can beginners join the snorkel tour at Low Isles?

Yes, beginners are welcome—the guided snorkel tour is led by a marine biologist who helps everyone feel comfortable.

Are meals included during this Great Barrier Reef cruise?

A tropical buffet lunch is served onboard, along with morning tea/coffee and afternoon tea.

Is there hotel pickup included in this day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests depart directly from Port Douglas marina.

What wildlife can you see at Low Isles?

You may see green turtles surfacing for air, rays gliding by, colorful reef fish, giant clams, and sometimes dugongs grazing on seagrass.

Are there activities besides snorkeling on this tour?

Yes—you can join glass bottom boat tours over coral gardens or take a guided beach walk around Low Isles with a marine biologist.

Is this Great Barrier Reef sailing cruise suitable for families?

Yes—the calm lagoon waters make it ideal for families as well as couples seeking relaxation.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing aboard a 30-meter catamaran from Port Douglas to Low Isles with all snorkeling gear provided (plus lycra suit), guided snorkel tours led by a marine biologist, glass bottom boat coral viewing trips, an island beach walk also with a marine biologist guide, morning tea/coffee on boarding, afternoon tea later on, a tropical buffet lunch served onboard, complimentary sparkling wine for your return journey—and shuttle transfers between boat and island throughout your visit.