Set sail from Port Douglas for a day of snorkeling and adventure on the Outer Barrier Reef.Immersed in the northern frontier of Great Barrier Reef, this is the perfect sailing and snorkelling adventure for a conservation minded visitor. Ideally suited to those who can swim and have a spirit of fun and adventure.  The white sands of the coral cays are surrounded by tropical waters filled with fish, turtles and coral. This smaller cruise is limited to just 45 passengers, ensuring good company and helpful assistance from the crew. A buffet lunch is included, along with a reef interpretation talk, a guided snorkel tour and a glass-bottom boat with an expert marine biologist as your guide.Discerning guests can fully enjoy an inspiring full day of adventure using wind power to the absolutely stunning sand cays on the Great Barrier Reef in the most environmentally way!
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Sailaway Shop 18, 44 Wharf Street Sailaway - Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Port Douglas, Queensland 4877 Australia

The adventure starts with an early departure from Port Douglas Marina. Sit back and relax as we set sail to the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs. Enjoy an authentic sailing experience, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains.

Once at the protected sites at the Coral Cays, nature activities will include snorkelling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation on a guided snorkel tour. A glass bottom boat coral viewing tour is also on offer. Premium reef sites showcase abundant marine life, including encounters with turtles and an amazing display of giant clam gardens, beautiful corals and a wide variety of fish.

Explore the white sands of the coral cays, soak up the sun and swim in turquoise clear waters.

A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas & coffees, supplied by local plantations, will compliment a day of adventure and relaxation.

Duration: 9 hours

Reviews

Susan_G - 1/5
My partner was injured walking to boat at marina and we could not go. Tried to go the next day but the operator said not possible due to nature of booking. No refund either. Very poor service. Would not recommend to anyone.
Dan_V - 4/5
Kiera and Isaac were great. Made awkward swimmers feel very comfortable and supported. Great that wetsuits were available
Greenyclan25 - 5/5
Cannot speak highly enough of this trip and the crew. Super friendly and fun. Everything was so well thought out. Boat was stunning. We had some cloudy weather to begin but it clear when we got to the reef. Water clarity was crystal clear - my favourite bit! And abundance of fish, turtles and healthy coral.
Tracey_B - 5/5
Great crew. Great boat. Great day. We had a perfect day, sunshine, calm ocean, good water visibility and beautiful food for lunch and snacks. A really lovely experience. Thank you.
katestar65 - 4/5
We spent a wonderful day travelling on a catamaran from Port Douglas to the Outer Reef. There were 2 opportunities to snorkel for an hour each time, a visit via glass bottom boat to a sand cay as well as a tasty lunch, snacks and beverages. A marine biologist spoke at length about the reef. This slick operation provided by a friendly, helpful crew catered to all our needs for the day. We saw turtles, stingrays, reef sharks and lots of beautiful tropical fish. As a nervous first time snorkeler I felt safe and in good hands.
ozgaz63 - 5/5
absolutely top day. left at 8am. it’s a couple of hours tom get out but the trip was really enjoyable due to a couple of factors. firstly the maximum number of people on board is capped and there was plenty of room to move around and spread out. secondly one of the crew was a marine biologist and gave a few really interesting talks to explain what we were going to see. once we made it out to the reef we did some snorkeling. then did a trip out to the cay and then had time for some more snorkelling. we saw turtles and lots of different fish and coral. we spent about three - four hours in total there and had an excellent time. trip back was enjoyable too - sat out the front in the splash zone and enjoyed the sun and company. all crew members were super friendly and very professional. safety was at the top of their minds at all time. all in all an amazing day and would recommend it 100%.
Redwrex - 5/5
Great day with a happy and attentive crew. Heaps of time to snorkel at multiple stops, listen to a crew member speak about the sea life and get a drink! Whilst lunch and afternoon tea are provided, you do need to buy your own drinks. All equipment supplient. The rough ride back upset some passengers but mainly bc they didn't heed the advice to take the anti seasickness pills!! Huge kudos to Kyra on Sailaway VII who was an awesome crew member who looked after us - even when we laughed at her because someone was sick on her.
P4540GIadamm - 5/5
What an extremely well rounded, informative and exciting adventure! We visited two different reefs and got to visit a tropical sand cay! The staff on board were friendly, knowledgeable and eager to help. We were gifted with near perfect conditions and saw a bloody octopus!! The difference of the two reefs visited was an awesome touch for the day and the beers on the front deck to finish off the day was just perfect! You should request Zac, he's a bloody sweetheart.
AnabelleScb - 5/5
Our experience was an eventful one but in no way a bad one! When we first went out the boat had some technical issues and we had to return to shore to refuel. This put a delay on the whole day. (Staff assured us that this is a rare occasion) and we were safe the entire time. The staff were amazing about this, we were given the option of rebooking for another day or staying on the boat with less snorkeling time. We decided to rebook for a few days later. We were given free drinks for the issue and also given a complimentary sunset cruise. The staff were amazing on both days, making sure everyone was okay and providing info on the day. The reef itself was incredible as expected. Highly recommend using the pool noodles when snorkelling, I am a pretty strong swimmer but it just made it so easy and relaxing. Lunch was beautiful and fresh. Highly recommend using sailaway for your water adventures!
T-L-R-1967 - 5/5
Bucket list experience. Wow! Staff were friendly, knowledgeable and lots of fun. Boat and equipment very clean. Food was also great! Marine biologists on board ensured we saw all the reef had to offer… A green turtle my highlight! Thanks Sailaway….What a great experience.

Inclusions

  • Great Barrier Reef sailing cruise
  • Morning and afternoon tea, pastries and muffins
  • Buffet lunch
  • Use of snorkel equipment and instruction
  • Guided snorkel tour with marine biologist
  • Glass-bottom boat tour
  • Time to explore the pristine coral cays
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (Port Douglas only)
  • Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions

  • Drinks (available for purchase on board)
  • Environmental Management Charge AU$7.00 per person payable on check-in (valid from 1 July 2023)

Terms & Conditions

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.

Additional Information

    • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
    • Please bring towel, swimsuit, sunscreen and hat
    • Underwater Camera's available for hire $55 for the day
    • Near public transportation
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 45 travelers
    • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
    • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
    • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
    • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
    • Guides required to regularly wash hands
    • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons