Snorkeling at Low Isles: Catamaran Sail & Reef Tour
Snorkel the reef's coral gardens, then watch the sunset from the water
Afternoon snorkeling at Low Isles departs Port Douglas aboard a deluxe catamaran, with guided snorkel tour led by a marine biologist, glass-bottom boat viewing, island heritage walk and sunset sail back. Light lunch, afternoon tea, canapes and drinks are included. The group stays under 33 passengers.
Step-by-step itinerary
Afternoon cruise and reef activities
- Check in at Sailaway Boathouse
- Board deluxe catamaran
- Enjoy tea, coffee, and light lunch
- Cruise to Low Isles
- Snorkel in lagoon coral gardens
- Join guided snorkeling tour
- Take glass-bottom boat tour
- Guided island heritage walk
- Watch sunset on return cruise
- Enjoy canapes and refreshments
What’s included
- Snorkeling equipment.
- guided snorkel tour led by a marine biologist.
- glass-bottom boat tour with expert commentary.
- island heritage walk.
- light lunch on arrival.
- afternoon tea.
- complimentary soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
- canapes on the return sail.
- environmental management charge for the reef.
- Every day 12:30
Information
Sail to Low Isles on a catamaran to snorkel coral gardens with a marine biologist, explore by glass-bottom boat, walk the island.
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The experience
The catamaran leaves the Sailaway Boathouse in Port Douglas in the afternoon, carrying tea, coffee and light lunch aboard. The vessel is one of only a handful permitted to moor at the Low Isles coral cays, and the journey itself is part of the experience. You're traveling under sail across open water, so the boat moves and the decks shift beneath you. Once anchored in the sheltered lagoon, you have several hours to move at your own pace. The water is calm enough to wade in from the beach, and the snorkeling starts right there: colorful fish and coral gardens are visible in shallow water without needing to venture far.
A marine biologist leads a guided snorkel tour, pointing out species and reef structure as you move through the water. If you'd rather stay dry or want a different vantage, the glass-bottom boat tour, the EV Discovery, lets you watch the same fish and coral from above the surface, with expert commentary. The island itself has a heritage walk available, so some travelers spend their time on the beach and learning the site's history instead of in the water. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the crew will assess your swimming ability before you enter the water. They have the discretion to suggest the glass-bottom boat or the island walk if open-water snorkeling isn't the right fit for you.
The return to Port Douglas happens at sunset, with complimentary drinks and canapes on deck as the light fades over the Coral Sea. The whole experience runs about five and a half hours from check-in to return. Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen and hat. A jumper is useful in cooler months. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available if you request them when booking.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): 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's the snorkeling like at Low Isles?
Low Isles sits in a sheltered lagoon where the coral gardens are visible in shallow water close to the beach. You snorkel among colorful fish and coral without needing to swim far from shore. A marine biologist leads a guided tour pointing out species and reef structure, or you can explore on your own in the calm water.
Can I snorkel if I'm not a strong swimmer?
Snorkeling requires confidence in the water and the ability to swim unassisted. The crew will discuss your swimming ability before you enter and may recommend the glass-bottom boat tour or the island walk instead if open-water snorkeling isn't suitable for you. This is a safety decision made on the day.
What happens if I don't want to snorkel?
The glass-bottom boat tour lets you see the same fish and coral from above the water with expert commentary. There's also a guided island heritage walk on Low Isles itself, so you can spend your time on the beach and learning about the site instead of in the water.
What's included in the afternoon snorkeling trip?
The price includes snorkeling equipment, the glass-bottom boat tour, the guided snorkel tour with a marine biologist, the island heritage walk, light lunch on arrival, afternoon tea, complimentary drinks and canapes on the return sail, and the environmental management charge for the reef.
How long is the whole experience?
The afternoon departs Port Douglas in the early afternoon and returns at sunset, running about five and a half hours from check-in at the Sailaway Boathouse to arrival back in port.
What should I bring?
Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and hat. A jumper is useful in cooler months. Snorkeling equipment is provided. If you have dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free), let the operator know when you book.
Operated by Sailaway. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated today
Snorkeling at Low Isles: Catamaran Sail & Reef Tour
5h 30m · EN
from AU$ 328.50 per person
≈ US$ 227 in your currency
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