Port Douglas: Low Isles Sailing & Snorkel Cruise with Lunch

Summary

Sail to low isles snorkel with marine biologist lunch included

You’ll set sail from Port Douglas to Low Isles with a small group, snorkeling vibrant coral gardens guided by a marine biologist. Enjoy fresh seafood lunch on deck, relax under palm trees or join a glass-bottom boat tour before returning in late afternoon. Expect laughter with locals, quiet moments by the lighthouse and that feeling of salt on your skin long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly lost my hat before we even left Port Douglas — wind snatched it right off as we stepped onto the catamaran. The crew just laughed and handed it back, like this happens every day (maybe it does). There’s something about that first salty breeze, mixed with sunscreen and coffee, that makes you realize you’re really heading out to the Great Barrier Reef. I’d read about Low Isles, but seeing that little patch of white sand and palms appear after an hour’s sail was a different thing entirely.

Our guide, Li, is a marine biologist who actually seems more excited than any of us to get in the water. She pointed out where turtles usually hang around and gave us a quick “don’t touch the coral” talk — fair enough. The water near Low Isles is so clear you can see flashes of blue and yellow fish from the boat. Getting into the lagoon was a bit awkward for me (I’m not exactly graceful in flippers), but once I floated over those coral gardens… well, I forgot about everything else. There’s this soft crackle underwater, like cereal in milk, and then suddenly a turtle glides past your mask.

The glass-bottom boat tour was less dramatic but honestly kind of soothing after snorkeling — watching kids press their noses against the glass while someone pointed out giant clams below. Lunch was mostly seafood (I went back for seconds on the prawns), eaten on deck with legs stretched out and sun warming my shoulders. At some point I tried to pronounce “parrotfish” in Mandarin; Li laughed so hard she almost dropped her tea.

I wandered up to the old lighthouse after lunch, just because it felt like something you should do if you’re on an island built for postcards. The walk isn’t long but there’s this odd silence except for wind in the palms and distant splashes from snorkelers. On the way back I found myself dragging my feet — not ready to leave yet. Even now, weeks later, I still think about how light everything felt that day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and snorkel at Low Isles

• Sail from Port Douglas on catamaran
• Arrive at Low Isles coral cay
• Relax on white sandy beach
• Snorkel in sheltered lagoon
• Walk to historic lighthouse
• Join guided snorkel tour with marine biologist
• Take glass-bottom boat tour
• Enjoy seafood buffet lunch on board
• Sunbathe on deck or snorkel again
• Return to Port Douglas by 4pm

Top questions

How long does the Low Isles sailing & snorkelling cruise last?

The cruise lasts a full day, departing in the morning from Port Douglas and returning by 4pm.

Is lunch included on this Port Douglas snorkel tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included on board the catamaran during your visit to Low Isles.

Do I need snorkeling experience for this tour?

You should be confident swimming unassisted; guides will assess suitability for snorkeling based on ability and health.

What is the maximum group size for this Low Isles cruise?

The cruise is limited to 33 passengers for a more personal experience.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available if requested at booking.

What should I bring for the Great Barrier Reef sailing trip?

Bring towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat—and maybe a jumper in cooler months.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby Port Douglas marina.

Can non-swimmers join this Great Barrier Reef tour?

If you’re not confident swimming unassisted you may not be suitable for snorkeling; other activities like glass-bottom boat tours are available.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing aboard a luxury catamaran from Port Douglas to Low Isles with all snorkelling equipment provided, guided snorkel tour led by a marine biologist, buffet lunch served on board plus morning and afternoon tea, glass-bottom boat tour with expert commentary, guided heritage walk to the historic lighthouse and coverage of environmental management charges before returning in late afternoon.