Snorkeling at Agincourt Reef from Palm Cove

Snorkel, submarine, or walk the reef floor: three ways to see Agincourt in one day

Snorkel Agincourt Reef, part of the Outer Great Barrier Reef, departing from Port Douglas with hotel pickup from Palm Cove. The cruise includes a 90-minute catamaran ride to the reef, 3.5 hours of water time, semi-submarine coral viewing, an underwater observatory, snorkeling equipment, buffet lunch, and morning and afternoon tea. Optional guided snorkeling with a marine biologist, introductory scuba diving, and helmet diving are available to book in advance. Diving activities require a health questionnaire and are limited to ages 12–70.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Agincourt Reefs4h
2. Great Barrier Reef6h

Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise

• Depart from Port Douglas by catamaran
• Enjoy 90-minute cruise to Agincourt Reef
• Attend snorkeling demonstration
• Choose activities for the day
• Snorkel or join guided snorkeling tour
• Explore reef via semi-submersible submarine
• Try optional scuba or helmet dive
• Watch fish feeding at underwater observatory
• Enjoy buffet lunch on pontoon
• Return to Palm Cove or Port Douglas

The experience

What makes this different from a standard reef trip is the setup: you're based on a permanent pontoon moored at Agincourt, which means no jostling for space and a sheltered platform to return to between water time. The catamaran leaves Port Douglas early and takes 90 minutes to get there, giving you a solid 3.5 hours on the reef itself. The water is clear enough to see both the coral structure and the fish moving through it: damselfish, clownfish, small reef sharks, parrotfish and angelfish are regulars here.

You control how deep you go. Grab snorkeling gear and fins and explore on your own pace, or join an optional guided snorkeling tour led by a marine biologist if you want someone pointing out what you're looking at. If you'd rather not get wet, the semi-submersible takes you slowly through the coral gardens so you see what a snorkeler sees without entering the water. The underwater observatory lets you watch fish feeding from a fixed platform, and you can watch introductory divers working with instructors if that interests you. Introductory scuba dives and helmet diving (where you walk on the reef floor breathing air from the surface) are optional add-ons you book ahead of time.

The day wraps around meals: buffet lunch is included, along with morning and afternoon tea and coffee. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Palm Cove are included in one of the two booking options. The other is cruise-only. Lycra suits and buoyancy vests are provided. The whole outing runs about 9 hours door-to-door.

What’s included

• Catamaran cruise from Port Douglas to Agincourt Reef (90 minutes each way).
• 3.5 hours on the reef.
• snorkeling equipment, lycra suit and buoyancy vest.
• semi-submarine coral viewing with commentary.
• underwater observatory access.
• buffet lunch.
• morning and afternoon tea and coffee.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Palm Cove (included in one booking option).
• environmental management charge.

Options for this experience

2 options

15% off the cruise and pickupGuide in English · Available from 27 Apr 2027Special offer: 3.5 hours of reef exploring on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, with buffet lunch included. Pickup and drop-off from Palm Cove are included. Pickup is included.

Cruise with transfers from Palm CoveGuide in English · 09:00Full-day tour: 3.5 hours exploring the Outer Great Barrier Reef, with buffet lunch. Includes pickup and drop-off from Palm Cove. Pickup is included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to10d before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 300 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteAU$ 10

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by The Quicksilver Group

Is this one for you?Choose the option with Palm Cove pickup if you're staying in that area and want to skip the drive to Port Douglas. Book cruise-only if you're already based in Port Douglas or prefer to arrange your own transport. The 3.5 hours on the reef gives you time to snorkel, ride the semi-submersible, and watch the observatory without rushing, so beginners and experienced snorkelers can both move at their own pace.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4): free.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes, the product is designed for beginners and non-swimmers. A snorkeling demonstration happens during the boat ride to get you ready, and staff on the pontoon will show you how to use the equipment. A guided snorkeling tour with a marine biologist is optional and costs extra, but it's built for novice snorkelers.

What's the difference between the semi-submersible and the underwater observatory?

The semi-submersible is a boat that cruises slowly through the coral gardens. You sit inside and look out at the reef and fish through windows without getting wet. The underwater observatory is a fixed platform on the pontoon where you can watch fish feeding and see divers in action, also without entering the water.

How much time do I actually spend in the water snorkeling?

You have around 3.5 hours at Agincourt Reef to snorkel, explore the semi-submersible, visit the observatory, or mix all three. You're not on a timed schedule. You choose how to spend that time.

Is the guided snorkeling tour included, or do I pay extra?

The guided snorkeling tour with a marine biologist is optional and must be booked and paid for in advance. Unguided snorkeling with equipment is included.

What happens if I want to try scuba diving?

Introductory scuba dives and helmet diving are both optional activities you book and pay for ahead of time. Introductory dives are led by qualified instructors and designed for first-time divers. Both require you to complete a health questionnaire, and diving is limited to ages 12–70. Diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended.

Does the price include drinks?

Buffet lunch, morning tea, and afternoon coffee are included. Alcoholic and other beverages are not.