Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Port Douglas, Australia
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Visit the outer Great Barrier Reef in luxury and style on a full-day cruise aboard a custom-designed vessel. Travel from Port Douglas to Agincourt or Opal Reef for snorkeling opportunities at three superb sites, and the option to do an introductory scuba dive—no experience required. Certified diving is available for advanced divers. Includes lunch, morning and afternoon tea, use of snorkel equipment, and guide.
- Full-day Outer Great Barrier Reef snorkel or diving tour, from Port Douglas
- Visit three excellent snorkel or dive sites
- Choose a Great Barrier Reef tour with options for all levels of experience
- Includes lunch, snacks, use of snorkel gear, guide, cruise
What's Included
- LunchBuffet lunch
- Afternoon Tea & Coffee/Tea
- Professional Local guide
- Guided snorkel tour (Use of Snorkelling equipment) and Interpretive reef talk
- Soft drinks / chocolate bars
- Transfers from Port Douglas accommodation
- Transfers from Northern Beaches of Cairns
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia
Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, 44 Wharf Street, Port Douglas QLD 4877 **Transfers from Port Douglas and Palm Cove are available at an additional cost payable directly to the operator. Please contact Calypso Reef Cruises for more information**
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.8:20 am
What To Expect
When your boat departs, your guide provides a safety briefing and introduction to the day's activities, and scuba divers are briefed about the dive sites.
Custom built snorkel-only vessels allow access to renowned sites throughout the Barrier Reef. If you want to go diving, introductory divers are placed in small groups with a PADI Dive Instructor. Certified divers dive in small groups accompanied by PADI Dive Masters. Scuba diving is for an additional charge.
Arrive at your first dive site at either Opal or Agincourt Reef. Have time to snorkel and enjoy morning tea before moving on to the second site before noon. Guided snorkel tours are optional at the second site. Have lunch on board the boat, then listen to an interpretive talk about the Great Barrier Reef.
Move to the third site of the day and take the optional guided snorkel tour, then nibble your afternoon tea afterwards. Finally, depart for the mainland.
Custom built snorkel-only vessels allow access to renowned sites throughout the Barrier Reef. If you want to go diving, introductory divers are placed in small groups with a PADI Dive Instructor. Certified divers dive in small groups accompanied by PADI Dive Masters. Scuba diving is for an additional charge.
Arrive at your first dive site at either Opal or Agincourt Reef. Have time to snorkel and enjoy morning tea before moving on to the second site before noon. Guided snorkel tours are optional at the second site. Have lunch on board the boat, then listen to an interpretive talk about the Great Barrier Reef.
Move to the third site of the day and take the optional guided snorkel tour, then nibble your afternoon tea afterwards. Finally, depart for the mainland.
1
Calypso Reef Cruises
2
Agincourt Reef
3
Opal Reef
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Environmental Management Charge of $7.00 per person is included in the fare from 1st July 2023
- Diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended. All participants will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to diving. Some pre-existing medical conditions (eg asthma, heart conditions, etc) may prevent you from diving, please consult your doctor
- Additional dives may be booked and paid for on board (subject to availability). Maximum of three dives in a day.
- Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted to dive.
- Near public transportation
- Evidence of dive certification is required from all divers wishing to participate in a certified dive
- Infants must sit on laps
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- If its raining on your day of travel, the tour will still go ahead. If Calypso cancels due to poor weather, mainly high winds, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Cancellation fees may apply if less than 24 hours notice is given prior to departure
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 85 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Kelly_H
We went to 3 different spots on The Great Barrier Reef. Each one was terrific. We saw a baby shark, a ton of fish, and beautiful coral. All of the staff were friendly, nice and full of knowledge. I would highly recommend this tour!
Reviews
4.9
based on 1,410 reviews
Sandra_T, Apr 2026
What a wonderful day. I was nervous about going as a solo traveler. Concerned I would get left or have difficulty, the staff on calypso was wonderful and made me feel very safe and comfortable. We drive 1.5 hrs on a very rough journey to the opal reef. At the opal reef we snorkeled at 3 different sites. They have stinger suits with hood, and gloves for everyone since it is the end of stinger season. They have life jackets and noodles. The reef is very superficial and you simply need to float on the top of the water at the edge of the reef to see amazing fish, coral, etc. the last snorkel site I did the introductory scuba dive where I was taken out with a guide Roman. He was terrific and also a patient teacher and very reassuring and calming. He calmly taught me the in water skills (book work or way out). Then took me around the bottom of the reef. Although it was only about 10 feet down, it’s amazing how different the reef looked lower. It was a wonderful experience. I didn’t think they would leave me once I got on the boat as it’s a small group with not more than 85 people. They have multiple 2-4 wandering the ship counting before they leave. As for at each snorkeling site, they have a couple of spotters on the boat, a few staff in the water swimming around to ensure everyone is ok. Even a dingy boat hanging out to help distressed swimmers. It was a wonderful experience. The reef was beautiful, the staff was amazing, I felt quite safe and the only complaint was the rocky ride out to the reef which is common this time of the year. Take the anti sea sick meds they sell!
Natalie_N, Apr 2026
Excellent tour on Calypso! Staff was excellent on the boat and in the water. Very safely conscious and attentive. Buffet lunch was plentiful. Turkey, roast beef, rolls and salad etc. 3 reef stops were perfectly clear on April 20th. We wore stinger suits which were comfortable. It was end of the stinger season. They covered us from head to ankle including our hands. Fins covered our feet. We snorkeled and the view of the reefs and fish were amazing. Colors of the fish were brilliant with a huge variety big and small many in schools. Coral was like a garden of neon flowers. All stunning. I would have preferred to dive but couldn't at that time. The snorkeling happily surpassed my expectations. The guides in the water were protective and informative pointing to things like moray eel and a giant clam along with an array of fish. The fish and coral were a rainbow of bright colors. On one of the reef stops, the guided tour talked about the sea life between snorkeling. On the way back we stopped to view Low Isle off Port Douglas. Steve Irwin was taken to Low Isle following the fatal stingray attack near by on September 4, 2006 and that is where he passed before a rescue helicopter got there. Very fun, educational experience. Bucket list checked!
CeciliaH_G, Apr 2026
Everything was excellent!
It started right on time; the crew was fabulous: efficient, sharp, helpful, and friendly making an environment friendly and vibrant.
The boat was clean and well kept. The food was very pleasant and appropriate for a day on the ocean.
And the reef was spectacular!!! Wonderful experience!!!! And the crew was knowledgeable & made us understand and respect de environment.
A+++++++
Highly recommended
tamzenbury, Mar 2026
We loved this trip. We went to 3 different locations at Opal reef, where we had up to an hour’s snorkelling at each location. Saw some lovely fish and coral, and I particularly enjoyed the guided (middle) snorkel, where the guide pointed some fish & coral out, and gave some facts. After each snorkel stop there was a rest with light snack/drink (morning & afternoon), and at lunchtime drinks, fruit and a roll with choice of meats/veggie fillings. Due to my high blood pressure I was concerned I may not be able to snorkel for long if too much effort was involved, but they instructed me to use a life jacket for my snorkels, which worked perfectly. They also recommended all snorkellers used pool noodles as 3 lots of hour long snorkels would be pretty tiring otherwise. Most people used the noodles. On the way back, they stopped by the low isles for photo opportunities and some info, and we were lucky enough to see a small species of shark (black tipped maybe?). There’s also a photographer onboard so you can buy a photo of you snorkelling. We had an amazing day, the boat had plenty of seating inside and out, and the team were great I would definitely recommend this Calypso outer barrier reef trip.
Patrick_M, Mar 2026
This was truly a bucket-list experience and one of the highlights of our trip. Snorkeling the outer Great Barrier Reef was absolutely breathtaking—the coral was vibrant, the marine life was incredible, and every stop offered something new to take in.
The crew on the Calypso was outstanding. They were highly professional, organized, and clearly prioritized safety at every step, which made it easy to relax and fully enjoy the experience. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or trying it for the first time, you feel well taken care of.
The day was very well run from start to finish. The snorkeling sites were excellent, the equipment was top-notch, and the included lunch, along with morning and afternoon tea, was a great touch and much appreciated after time in the water.
One important note for future travelers: the ride out to the reef (about 1.5 hours) can be quite rough depending on conditions. Our day was very wavy, and several people experienced significant seasickness that lasted most of the day. I strongly recommend taking motion sickness medication well before departure—it will make a big difference in your overall experience.
Overall, this tour delivers exactly what it promises—an incredible day on the reef with a top-tier crew. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Port Douglas.
Maureen_G, Mar 2026
Loved the snorkeling. Going to theee sites was fantastic and we only had around 60 people on board! Lunch was great and really enjoyed the talk by the marine biologist! Overall 10 out of 10!!
RobynC_L, Feb 2026
Wonderful experience!! The staff was super nice, friendly, and helpful. Three different dive/snorkel spots; lunch; drinks. Professional photographer to take pics above & below the water. Would recommend this experience to everyone!!
Michele_s, Feb 2026
This experience was amazing! The staff was excellent, we enjoyed this so much and learned a lot about the Great Barrier
Christopher_P, Feb 2026
No matter what your level of experience with snorkeling or diving, Calypso will make sure you get to see the beautiful Barrier Reef. The staff is ready to help in any way they can, even a really terrible swimmer like me got to experience the snorkeling experience and have a wonderful time. To me, the Great Barrier Reef is definitely a world wonder. Also the tour was just the right length, we got back in plenty of time to have a full evening of fun back in Port Douglas. My only minor complaint is that the food they served for lunch made me nauseous. Maybe, that's not the point of the cruise, but better food would make for a better day.
Chuck_M, Jan 2026
Wonderful experience. Crew was very attentive. Very comfortable ship. Lunch and Tea were great. Thank you Timmy and Crew. Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef was an experience of a lifetime.
Angie_C, Dec 2025
We found the entire experience amazing! The crew and the snorkeling were absolute top notch. Would recommend to anyone.
Patrick_P, Nov 2025
Great trip, well organised. Quite a lot of people on the boat so the guided snorkel tour was a bit cramped. It’s a long way out to the reef.
Marius_L, Nov 2025
Insistence on barefoot onboard is outdated. Especially when you have so many area being exposed to direct sun.
kelly_w, Nov 2025
Amazing tour. we have snorkled all over the world but this has to ne one of the best snorkling experiences EVER. saw so many fish, coral and even a shark.
the staff were great and very experienced. lunch was great
100% would do again
Eve_O, Nov 2025
Loved this tour! The crew were all amazing! Really helpful and nothing was too much to ask! The food was great too and plenty of it
Steve_J, Oct 2025
Absolute class day on the reef, so glad we chose to go with Calypso. Professional yet easy going, we could not fault a thing
John_M, Sept 2025
Crew, boat, and snorkeling was great. The bathrooms were clean and well maintained. The food quality was less than expected. The meal is portions of cold meats and potato salad. We had much better food in Hervey Bay Whale Watching.
Khristine_C, Sept 2025
The crew were knowledgeable, helpful and welcoming. The boat was very clean and functionable. The large size boat handled the rough water well. I appreciated that the crew was honest with guests and recommended anti-nausea medication for the trip. We were very happy with the reefs selected and how the rough weather day was handled.
StephanieAnn_W, Sept 2025
great trip, very enjoyable. the crew are very friendly and helpful. boat is in good order.
They could do with a little more food as it ran out.
Miranda_M, Aug 2025
The team were awesome and made sure we had all the gear and some idea of what we were doing. We got to see so much wildlife at all three spots which were all completely different from each other. A great day out, would 100% recommend
David_M, Aug 2025
I acknowledge that this tour is expensive, but it was completely worth the investment. This was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and none of our family of four will ever forget it. The boat was a very comfortable spot to spend the day (when we weren’t in the water) and the food was tasty (albeit not fancy — but we didn’t sign up for the food!) The places they took us to snorkel were absolutely amazing. We went to three different spots, and each on was more amazing that the last. At two different locations, the guides gave us tours of the reef, to point out interesting featured (like a GIANT giant clam). They also had free wet suits available for everyone, which we happily used to keep warm during the slightly cooler winter season. We spent over three hours in the water, which was more than enough. (In fact, I came back a bit early on the final dive as I was getting a bit tired and chilly — but others stayed out the whole time, including the rest of my family). We saw whales and a sea turtle from the boat too, which really added to the experience.
The only aspect of the tour that wasn’t quite as polished as the rest was the talk that one of our guides gave between dive sights. Her facts seemed a bit muddled, and she contradicted herself with dates and ages. That was more amusing than anything else to us, as we were there for the sights — which we got in spades. But if you are seeking an educational tour, this one may not be for you.
Karen_M, Aug 2025
Excellent day snorkelling over the Great Barrier reef. Calypso boat, and crew were very knowledgeable and happy to help everyone.
Kate_E, Aug 2025
Everything about this activity was excellent. The care and attention from the staff was exemplary. I couldn’t fault them on anything. We had a wonderful time and would recommend it to everyone.
Suzanne_M, Aug 2025
It is amazing… do it! Really helpful, friendly staff and an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended.
Danielle_N, Aug 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 11/10 Experience – Thank You, Calypso Reef Cruises!
From the moment we stepped on board, the team at Calypso Reef Cruises were nothing short of amazing. So friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful — you can really tell they love what they do.
We asked last minute if we could try scuba diving for the first time, and they went out of their way to make it happen. What we thought would be one dive turned into two incredible dives thanks to the confidence and support we were given.
A massive shoutout and thank you to Delphine, our scuba instructor — she was absolutely amazing. So calm, kind, and patient. I was really close to backing out of the dive, but Delphine saw how much I wanted to do it and made me feel completely comfortable and safe. I’ll never forget that.
This was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our lives — thank you again to everyone at Calypso, and especially to Delphine. Highly, highly recommend!
Linda_L, Aug 2025
A great experience. The coral and fish were amazing. The crew were super helpful and we felt safe at all times. The food was good also. It was a bumpy wet ride but all good fun
Eliana_K, Aug 2025
Amazing! The staff was super friendly and helpful. The three diving sites were great and we got to see a lot of cool corals and fish.
Justin_F, Aug 2025
An amazing day! From start to end it was so professional, but also really friendly and informative. We were doing our explore first scuba dive and was really put at rest by the instructors, and Astrid who took us down was just amazing, and really settled u'd, got us comfortable with all the practical things you need and found us a shark, Nemo, Dory and the rest of the gang you all want to see.
The snorkeling was just as good, on the first one Astrid had to kindly tap me on the shoulder and ask me to come back because I was enjoying it so much, and the whole things was amazing.
Shout out to the official photoapher who took some amazing shots of me and the boyfriend, and also they person who did our lunchtime talk (it could had been Freya, but not sure) as it really gave insight and some facts that blew our mind.
I've anorklex elsewhere in Euraaia but this was literally wow! The icing on the cake was sering a blue fin great trevally which was literally wow!, and to cap it all we saw lots of whales, some close up as the captain made sure we were close but respectful when w we spotted some.
Ecological best practice was first and foremoar it seemed which was great.
Finally food was yummy and having a (inexpensive and reasonable) bar for the return journey was a nice touch.
Great value, lovely people, modern clean boat, and such skill and care meant this is absolutely 5* and rated!
Katrina_N, Jul 2025
Had an amazing time snorkeling. Our boys did an into scuba dive. The staff was knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. Would definitely recommend this.
Jade_S, Jul 2025
Great day out, got to snorkel at 3 seperate locations. Very helpfull and knowledgeable staff and great food
From $234.83
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas
1,410
8 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$234.83
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Water Tours
- Full-day Tours
- Day Cruises
- Lunch Cruises
- Dining Experiences
- Catamaran Cruises
- Cruises & Sailing
- Day Trips
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Food & Drink
- Private and Luxury
- Port Douglas
- Water Tours - Palm Cove
- Full-day Tours - Palm Cove
- Day Cruises - Palm Cove
- Water Tours - Cape Tribulation
- Full-day Tours - Cape Tribulation
- Water Tours - Aeroglen