Great Barrier Reef & Coral Cay Day Tour

    • Places: Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Port Douglas, Mackay Coral Cay
    • Region: Tropical North Queensland, Queensland
    • Duration: 9 hours
    • Price: From $370 per person (AUD)
    • Operator: Sailaway
    • Accessibility: Accessible with assistance
    • Payment: Book now, pay later available: no payment today, card charged 3 days before the tour. Departures within 5 days are pay now only.
    • Good to know: Family pricing: Family fare available: 2 adults + 2 children from $1130, saving $130 on separate tickets. Prices are confirmed live when you book.
    • Rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 2 reviews

    The Great Barrier Reef & Coral Cay Day Tour offers a full-day sailing experience from Port Douglas to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Guests explore vibrant coral gardens through snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours, with a chance to relax on a coral cay. The tour emphasizes sustainability and small group experiences aboard an elegant catamaran. Meals are provided throughout the day.

    Activities

    • Snorkelling
    • Glass Bottom Boat
    • Sailing
    • Meals

    Features

    • Courtesy coach transfers to Marina
    • Morning tea, buffet lunch, and afternoon tea
    • Sail on Sailaway VII catamaran
    • Glass bottom boat tours
    • Guided snorkel tours
    • Reef interpretation talk

    The Tour

    Departure and Arrival

    Guests begin their day with a courtesy transfer from their Port Douglas accommodation or central pickup point to the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. Alternatively, guests can make their own way to the Sailaway Boathouse. The tour departs from Port Douglas at 8:00am aboard the Sailaway VII catamaran.

    Sailing to Mackay Coral Cay

    The journey starts with a relaxing sail towards the Mackay Coral Cay. Guests can enjoy morning tea with coffee and muffins while taking in the scenic views. A marine guide provides a reef interpretation talk to enhance the understanding of the ecosystem.

    Snorkelling and Glass-Bottom Boat Tours

    Upon arrival at Mackay Coral Cay, guests have the opportunity to snorkel in two secluded reef sites. Guided snorkel tours are available for those who want expert insights into the marine life. For those preferring to stay dry, a glass-bottom boat tour offers a unique perspective of the vibrant coral gardens.

    Lunch and Relaxation

    A buffet lunch is served on board, allowing guests to refuel before continuing their exploration. After lunch, there is more time for snorkelling or simply relaxing on the catamaran.

    Return to Port Douglas

    Afternoon tea is served as the catamaran begins its journey back to Port Douglas. Guests return by 5:00pm, with a courtesy transfer back to their accommodation.

    Tour options

    • Reef & Coral Cay Day Tour from $370 This full-day tour from Port Douglas includes snorkelling at two reef sites, a glass-bottom boat tour, and a visit to Mackay Coral Cay. Meals are included, and it's suitable for all ages. Hotel transfers are provided, or guests can make their own way to the marina.

    What to bring

    • Swimwear
    • Beach towel
    • Sunscreen
    • Sunglasses
    • Sun shirt
    • Sea sickness tablets
    • Light jumper
    • Credit card for onboard purchases

    Meeting point

    You can choose to be picked up from accommodation or central points across the Port Douglas area, with pickups between 7:00am and 7:30am. Alternatively, make your own way to the Sailaway Boathouse at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Port Douglas. Check in by 7:30am for an 8:00am departure. The tour returns to the marina at 5:00pm.

    Useful information

    Age suitability

    The tour is suitable for all ages, making it ideal for families and groups.

    Meals provided

    The tour includes morning tea, a buffet lunch, and afternoon tea.

    What to bring

    Participants should bring swimwear, a beach towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun shirt, sea sickness tablets, a light jumper, and a credit card for onboard purchases.

    Snorkeling activities

    The tour offers guided snorkel tours at two vibrant coral gardens and includes a glass-bottom boat tour.

    Accessibility

    The tour involves boarding a catamaran and exploring the reef, which may require assistance for those with limited mobility. Complimentary bus transfers are available from Port Douglas hotels. Please contact us before booking to discuss your needs.

    Customer reviews

    • Geoffrey D. (5.0/5), 25-07-2016: Great crew, looked after everybody extremely well, brilliant day out!
    • Brenda G. (5.0/5), 14-04-2016: One of the best experiences of my life. The snorkelling was sensational. The small number of people on the boat made this trip very special, we had personal interaction with Steve and Charlotte. The lunch on board was fabulous. Loved the sail home! Good short tour around the island. A very special day!

    Check live availability and book online on this page.