Wavedancer Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise
Recommended by 91% of travelers
Port Douglas, Australia
- 7 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Explore the fascinating underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day sailing catamaran cruise to Low Isles. Snorkel straight from the beach on this beautiful coral cay known for its resident population of green sea turtles. View coral gardens and tropical marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour, explore the tropical on a guided nature walk and relax on the pristine, sandy beaches. The fun-filled day at sea includes a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea
- Full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef island of Low Isles from Port Douglas
- Swim and snorkel from the beach with instructors on hand to help
- Guided snorkel tour led by a marine biologist
- Glass bottom boat coral viewing
- Guided beach walk around Low Isles
- Tropical buffet lunch
- Cruise on a luxury catamaran accommodating up to 200 passengers
What's Included
- Cruise from Port Douglas to Low Isles
- Use of Snorkeling equipmentUse of Snorkelling equipment
- Guided snorkel tour with marine biologist
- Drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Fuel Surcharge ($4 Adult AUD & $2 Child AUD). Payable at check-in on day of travel.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia
Please check-in at Quicksilver's office at the Crystalbrook Marina, Port Douglas to obtain your boarding passes. Check-in is required by 9am
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.9:00 am
Itinerary
Surrounded by 55 acres (22 hectares) of reef, the low-lying coral key of Low Isles provides an excellent base for exploring the famous coral formations and marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard a luxurious 98-foot (30-meter) sailing catamaran, relax in an air-conditioned cabins or lounge on the sun decks while cruising across the beautiful aquatic landscape of the Coral Sea. Learn about the marine life you can expect to see with an onboard presentation by a marine biologist.
After arriving at Low Isles, don provided equipment and snorkel straight off the beach to begin exploring the reef. Swim in designated areas on your own, or join a guided tour to learn more about the coral gardens and creatures you see, including giant clams, tropical fish and green sea turtles. You can also experience the reef from the dry cabin of a glass-bottom boat and explore the white sand beaches and tropical forest of the island on a guided nature walk.
Recharge your energy with a tropical buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon tea. If you prefer something stronger, treat yourself to a cocktail from the catamaran’s fully licensed bar (own expense). After several hours of adventure and relaxation, enjoy the luxurious return cruise to Port Douglas.
After arriving at Low Isles, don provided equipment and snorkel straight off the beach to begin exploring the reef. Swim in designated areas on your own, or join a guided tour to learn more about the coral gardens and creatures you see, including giant clams, tropical fish and green sea turtles. You can also experience the reef from the dry cabin of a glass-bottom boat and explore the white sand beaches and tropical forest of the island on a guided nature walk.
Recharge your energy with a tropical buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon tea. If you prefer something stronger, treat yourself to a cocktail from the catamaran’s fully licensed bar (own expense). After several hours of adventure and relaxation, enjoy the luxurious return cruise to Port Douglas.
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Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- We recommend you book this reef trip on your first full available day. You then have the opportunity to be flexible and change your travel date if you wish. Your booking can be changed at no additional cost directly with the operator once you are in Cairns. Prebook and secure your booking, but relax in knowing you can make amendments at no charge.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 156 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
Leanne_V
What a perfect day we had on the Wavedancer Low Isles day trip. Staff were amazing and super friendly and all so knowledgeable about the reef and Low Isles. We had a perfect day weather wise with plenty of sun and a beautiful sea breeze. Great for young families who want to spend the day on a beautiful beach or snorkel off the sand. We were a family of four with 20y and 17y old kids and even they were impressed which isn’t easy these days! We saw heaps of green turtles, small reef sharks and beautiful fish. Lunch was yummy with fresh salads, cold meats and prawns. If you want a beautiful chilled relaxing day on the Great Barrier Reef and don’t want to go to an outer reef this is the perfect day. This would definitely rank in my top Barrier Reef tours I have done. My daughter even got to sing with Ray who is the nicest guy, as he played guitar and entertained us on the trip back to Port Douglas.
Reviews
4.6
based on 252 reviews
Jess_C, Nov 2025
Great experience right from check in. The whole team were very accommodating and super knowledgeable. Great experience for all. We were lucky enough to see reef sharks, Green sea turtles and manta rays!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that your experience from check-in to the reef was seamless and enjoyable. It’s wonderful that our team’s knowledge and care made the day special, and seeing reef sharks, green sea turtles, and manta rays must have been unforgettable!
Helen_H, Nov 2025
Wonderful , great fun , beautiful weather well organised and. Nice lunch great staff , knew what they were doing , my husband really enjoyed the guitar and songs as we sailed home.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your lovely review! It’s fantastic that your husband enjoyed the live guitar and songs on the way home, we love creating memorable experiences like this. We hope to welcome you back for another fun day on the water soon!
Jim_S, Oct 2025
Unfortunately, while standing on the dock lined up for the 10/27 departure, (boarding at 9:30 departure at 10 am) our Low Isles tour was cancelled due to a vessel malfunction. Given the late hour of notification there was no alternative excursion alternatives to obtain. Our day at Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef was lost. It would seem to
me that cruise set up vessel testing would take place long before boarding. Cancellation at such a late time really ruined the day. All ticket purchasers had to get back in line at the Quicksilver office and request a refund. Our trip of a lifetime, didn't result in a snorkel to the Great Barrier Reef.
If the cancellation had taken place a couple of hours earlier perhaps guests could have found alternatives. I'm not sure why the wait till 15 minutes before departure.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by the unexpected mechanical issue. We completely understand how disappointing this must have been. On that day, our other boats had already departed, so the only options available were a full refund or rebooking for another date. We truly regret the disruption and would love the opportunity to welcome you back for the Great Barrier Reef experience you were hoping for.
Steven_N, Oct 2025
The boat broke down before we left. They took their time letting us know. We sat in the hot sun for 20 minutes after we were to board. They only offered a refund, no alternative activity. I do not recommend this company.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
We’re very sorry for the inconvenience caused by unforeseen mechanical issue. Unfortunately, our other boats had already departed that day, so we could only offer a full refund or rebooking for another date. We apologise for the disruption and hope to welcome you on board for a proper Great Barrier Reef experience in the future.
Kiera_L, Oct 2025
We enjoyed this experience, we’ve done the outer reef before having children which is also beautiful but we found this experience really suitable to take our one year old. The crew were great, nice food and the environment was nice and relaxed. We were a bit worried what it would be like out on the island but there were shaded areas and swimming in the shallows off the island was good for the little one.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear you found our tour family-friendly and that your little one enjoyed the island. We hope to welcome you all back for another memorable day on the reef soon!
Tina_W, Sep 2025
Amazing! Staff were fantastic, food was great, the catamaran was incredible & the snorkelling & Low Isles were absolutely breathtaking. Swam with massive turtles, saw reef sharks & the most beautiful coloured fish i could ever imagine seeing. We were all in total awe. To experience this with my family was so special.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’d love to welcome you back for another unforgettable reef adventure!
linda_c, Aug 2025
Great day out on the low isles. Great lunch and snacks. Friendly helpful staff. All in all a great day out.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
We’re thrilled it was such a great day out and hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience soon!
David_P, Jul 2025
There is no coral and water clarity is very disappointing. I appreciate the after effects of the cyclone but a more trueful up front of the reef system would have been appreciated.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the reef and water conditions didn’t meet your expectations. As you noted, the Low Isles were impacted by a “once in a 100-year flood” in late 2023, which affected coral in some areas and can influence what is visible on the day. However, as the living coral colonies gradually recover, visitors can still enjoy sightings of green sea turtles, friendly reef sharks, and an abundance of fish. To support the restoration of this sensitive ecosystem while ensuring an engaging experience, we’ve also limited visitor numbers to the Low Isles. We hope to welcome you back on board on day in he future.
Simin_K, Jul 2025
Great starter snorkelling trip in the Great Barrier Reef! We saw amazing fish and turtles and reef sharks. Boat was large and clean and staff were helpful and enthusiastic. The lunch was perfect - even for our fussy kids. Lots of snacks and great info by the marine biologist. Glass bottom boat a bit disappointing as we didn’t really see much from that - you could probably see just as much looking over the side of the boat. Snacks and drinks on the way back also perfect - we were all serenaded by live guitar music! ☺️ Only negative is that it was a bit expensive - but that is Port Douglas for you!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the snorkeling, spotted turtles and reef sharks, and found the staff helpful and enthusiastic. It’s wonderful that the lunch, snacks, and live guitar music made the day even more enjoyable. We hope to welcome you back for another Great Barrier Reef adventure soon!
Christopher_S, Jul 2025
A wonderful day trip to the Low Isles. From the informative marine biologist, the helpfully delightful crew, and the fantastic island itself, it is highly recommended.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! We hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience soon!
From $185.45
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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