Sailing and Snorkelling tours
Sailaway Port Douglas
One of the most sustainable and relaxing ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef
Designed for those seeking a more unhurried and refined way to explore the worldâs largest coral reef ecosystem, Sailaway Port Douglas offers premium, intimate sailing and snorkelling experiences on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
Tours are thoughtfully structured and guided by qualified marine biologists, providing insight into this extraordinary and ecologically rich underwater haven and the diverse marine life encountered along the way.
Operating daily, Sailaway offers a range of sailing, snorkelling and sunset tours aboard state-of-the-art sailing catamarans, each providing ample space to relax and unwind.
Outer Reef Tour
The only operator from Port Douglas with daily access to the pristine Mackay Coral Cay. Venture further offshore to explore the unspoilt Outer Great Barrier Reef, spending your day snorkelling across two secluded and vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. Between exploring the reef, spend time unwinding aboard our premium sailing catamaran, and taking in panoramic views paired with delicious onboard dining.
8.00am – 5.00pm
Suitable for all ages
Courtesy Coach transfers to Marina
Includes morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea
Sailaway VII
Custom built 25m sailing catamaran
Guided snorkel tours
glass bottom boat tours
Reef interpretation talk
Full Day Low Isles Tour
Spend the day on âisland timeâ – relaxing on the white sandy shores of Low Isles, a secluded coral cay just off Port Douglas. Snorkel directly offshore into sheltered lagoon waters on a guided tour with a marine biologist, gliding over magnificent coral gardens teeming with schools of fish and turtles.
On land, explore the picturesque island on a guided walk, discovering its lush surrounds, extraordinary birdlife, unique history and lighthouse dating back to 1878. Back on board, a fresh buffet lunch awaits, with the afternoon spent relaxing on the vessel, snorkelling, or both.
8.30am â 4.00pm
Sailaway VI â Lagoon 560 Catamaran
Suitable for all ages
Courtesy Coach transfers to Marina
Includes morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea
100% solar electric glass bottom boat tours
Guided snorkel tours
Guided island nature walk
Pure sailing experience
Afternoon Sunset Low Isles Tour
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the idyllic Low Isles, when the island feels quieter and the pace slows. Snorkel the calm, clear waters bustling with marine life, followed by a guided walk uncovering the islandâs history and lush surrounds.
Later, unwind aboard the state-of-the-art catamaran before finishing the day with a spectacular sunset sail â complete with complimentary drinks. Watch as the colours light up the reef and the Daintree Rainforest as we sail back toward Port Douglas.
1.00pm – 6.30pm
Suitable for all ages
Courtesy Coach transfers to Marina
Guided snorkel tours
Includes light lunch, afternoon tea and a selection of canapĂŠs
All beverages included (Choice of beer, wine or sparkling wine)
Sailaway IV and V
Lagoon 500 Catamarans
100% solar electric glass bottom boat tours
Guided island nature walk
Spectacular sail at sunset
Sunset Sail Tour
Take in one of Port Douglasâ mesmerising tropical sunsets from the water, watching the ever-changing colours unfold across the sky. Glide along the coastline aboard a premium catamaran, soaking up the tranquil surrounds, paired with a welcome drink and delicious canapĂŠs. Then feel the thrill of pure sailing as you journey into the sunset. An unforgettable way to end the day in this beautiful corner of Australia.
5.00pm â 6.30pm
Suitable for all ages
Includes canapès
Pure sailing experience
Welcome drink of wine, sparkling wine, beer, cider or soft drink
Sailaway IV Lagoon 500 & Sailaway VI Lagoon 560
Great ambience and music
Views of the Daintree mountains
Spectacular sunset
Rainforest to Reef Tour
An all-inclusive journey through two of Australiaâs most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes.
Explore the worldâs oldest tropical rainforest on a Dreamtime walk through the Daintree before setting sail for the idyllic Low Isles. Snorkel crystal-clear lagoon waters, wander the islandâs lush surrounds and discover the stories that make this special place unique.
9.00am – 6.30pm
All beverages included
Suitable for all ages
Courtesy Coach transfers to Mossman and Marina
Includes light lunch, afternoon tea and a selection of canapĂŠs
Guided dreamtime walk through the Daintree
Guided island nature walk
Spectacular sail at sunset
Rainforest to Sunset Sail Tour
Journey through two of Australiaâs most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes. Discover the Daintree Rainforest on a guided Dreamtime Walk through Mossman Gorge before unwinding on a spectacular sunset sail, taking in the ever-changing colours of the tropical sky from the water.
9.00am – 6.30pm
All beverages included
Suitable for all ages
Courtesy Coach transfers to Mossman and Marina
Includes light lunch, afternoon tea and a selection of canapĂŠs
Guided dreamtime walk through the Daintree
Guided island nature walk
Spectacular sail at sunset
We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Sailaway in Port Douglas, exploring the Great Barrier Reef at Low Isles. From start to finish, the day felt like going on a boat trip with a group of friends: relaxed, enjoyable, and incredibly well organised.
The crew, Dylan, Ken, Yasmin, and Zoe
were all fantastic. They were highly qualified, friendly, and always happy to answer our questions clearly and thoroughly. The experience itself was truly special, especially because we were able to see the animals from such a close distance. At one point, a turtle even swam incredibly close to us, which was an unforgettable moment!
Everything was perfect, and the crew made the whole day even more enjoyable with their professionalism and welcoming attitude. We would absolutely recommend Sailaway to anyone looking for an amazing Great Barrier Reef experience from Port Douglas!
Thanks to all the SailAway crew.
Thanks so much skipper Dylan, Kira ( I hope the spelling is right) and Max for such a great day. Our family enjoyed it so much and Iâm still on cloud 9 after swimming with so many sea turtles!!!
The snorkeling was phenomenal, and we were thrilled to see such amazing marine wildlife. What truly elevated the trip, though, was the crew. They are incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to explain the marine life, giving us a much deeper appreciation and understanding of what we were looking at and how the Great Barrier Reef fits into the greater ecosystem.
A huge shoutout to Mickey, Erin, and Pippa, who went above and beyond to make the trip so memorable for us. We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a top-tier, educational reef adventure!
FAQs
Which Great Barrier Reef tour from Port Douglas is right for me?
Whatâs the difference between a Low Isles tour and an Outer Great Barrier Reef tour?
Can I enjoy a reef tour if Iâm not a confident swimmer?
You donât need to be an experienced swimmer to snorkel, but some swimming ability is required. Flotation devices are available, and our crew can help assess your confidence in the water. If you prefer not to snorkel, our Low Isles Tours offer glass-bottom boat viewing, guided island walks and time to relax on the beach.
Are your tours suitable for families with children?
Children of all ages are welcome on Sailaway tours. Our Low Isles Tour is particularly suitable for families, offering sheltered snorkelling waters, beach time, guided nature walks and glass-bottom boat viewing. Childrenâs swim vests are available, and our friendly team can help you choose the best experience for your familyâs ages and swimming abilities.
Whatâs included in a Sailaway tour?
Sailaway offers premium sailing experiences aboard comfortable catamarans, with onboard dining featuring fresh, seasonal produce. Our reef tours include snorkelling equipment, guided snorkelling and glass-bottom boat viewing. Activities, meals and other inclusions vary depending on your chosen experience, so explore our Sailaway Tours for full details.
What makes Sailawayâs sailing experiences different?
What sets Sailaway apart is its combination of premium, eco-certified sailing experiences, spacious catamarans, marine biologist guides and a strong commitment to reef conservation. With fewer guests than the vesselsâ licensed capacity, visitors can enjoy a more personal and relaxed way to experience the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas.