Port Douglas: Outer Reef Snorkel & Dive Small Group Tour

Summary

Small group reef adventure from Port Douglas with marine guides

You’ll join a tiny group from Port Douglas for a guided day on the Great Barrier Reef — swimming alongside your marine expert, spotting wildlife without crowds, sharing stories over lunch on deck, and feeling like you’ve really been let in on something special.

What’s the experience like?

“Just breathe through your mouth and float,” Sam said, grinning as he adjusted my mask. I’d barely stepped off the ABC boat and already felt the salt on my lips and that weird, excited flutter in my chest. There were only ten of us — you could actually hear people laugh over the slap of water against the hull. The sun was sharp but not cruel, and someone passed around mugs of tea while we waited for our wetsuits to dry a bit. I liked how our guide didn’t rush; she pointed out which reefs we’d try today, depending on where the crowds weren’t.

The first plunge was colder than I expected — even in summer — but then it was just quiet blue all around. Our marine expert swam right beside us, pointing at a parrotfish nibbling coral (the crunching sound is real, by the way). At one point I lost track of everyone because I got distracted by these tiny purple things waving from a crevice. When I popped up to ask what they were, Li laughed and told me their name in Mandarin — I probably butchered it but she said it was close enough. The best part? No other boats anywhere near us; just our small group floating above this wild patch of Great Barrier Reef.

Lunch was simple but hit the spot — deli sandwiches, fruit, and strong coffee that tasted even better with wet hair and sunburnt cheeks. We swapped stories about half-seen turtles and someone’s mask mishap (that wasn’t me… this time). It felt easy to ask questions; our guide knew every fish by sight and didn’t mind repeating herself when I forgot which one was which. The ride back felt slower somehow — maybe it was just that salty exhaustion or watching sunlight flicker off the water. Still think about that silence under the surface sometimes, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and explore outer reef

• Board ABC boat at Port Douglas
• Meet marine expert guide
• Snorkel with guide in water
• Visit multiple outer reef locations
• Enjoy exclusive small group experience
• Observe diverse reef wildlife
• Return to Port Douglas

Top questions

How many people are on the ABC Reef Safaris boat?

The boat takes a maximum of 12 passengers per trip.

Is there a guide in the water during snorkeling?

Yes, an expert marine guide is always in the water with guests during snorkeling.

Are wetsuits provided for snorkeling?

Yes, premium 5mm wetsuits are provided in winter and full-length lycra suits in summer.

Is lunch included on this Port Douglas reef tour?

Yes, a deli-style lunch is included. Special diets can be accommodated with 24 hours’ notice.

Can prescription masks be provided?

Yes, quality snorkeling equipment including prescription masks is available.

Does this tour visit crowded reef spots?

No, ABC’s special permit allows them to choose outer reef locations away from crowds.

Are flotation devices available?

Yes, flotation devices and life jackets are provided for all guests.

Is pickup included from hotels in Port Douglas?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes fully guided snorkel tours with expert marine guides right in the water beside you, all snorkeling gear (including prescription masks), premium wetsuits or lycra suits depending on season, flotation devices if needed, plus tea, coffee and a deli-style lunch served onboard — they’ll even refill your water bottle as you go along.