From Port Douglas: Outer Reef Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

Set out on a full-day sailing and snorkeling adventure from Port Douglas to the Outer Great Barrier Reef’s Mackay Cay. Cruise aboard a luxurious catamaran for a 2-hour journey, taking in coastal views and spotting marine life along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a guided snorkeling tour led by a marine biologist, exploring the pristine coral reef. The day’s activities don’t end there, as you’ll also indulge in a tropical buffet lunch, take a glass-bottom boat tour, and savor afternoon tea – all while immersed in the natural wonders of this remote and unspoiled coral cay. It’s an opportunity to discover the true beauty and diversity of Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Port Douglas.

Key Points

• Full-day sailing and snorkeling adventure to the Outer Great Barrier Reef’s Mackay Cay from Port Douglas on a luxurious catamaran.
• Opportunity to spot marine life, snorkel over pristine coral reef, and explore the remote and picturesque coral cay.
• Tropical buffet lunch, glass-bottom boat tour, and afternoon tea included as part of the comprehensive experience.
• Guided snorkeling tour led by a marine biologist ensures a safe and educational underwater exploration.
• Spacious and stable catamaran with ample deck space for relaxation and enjoyment of the Coral Sea views.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Adventure

This full-day sailing and snorkeling adventure from Port Douglas takes visitors to the Outer Great Barrier Reef’s Mackay Cay on a luxurious catamaran.

The 2-hour journey to the reef site allows guests to relax and take in the stunning coastal views.

Upon arrival, travelers can snorkel over the pristine coral reef, with a guided tour by a marine biologist providing insights into the vibrant underwater ecosystem. Guests can also explore the coral cay itself before enjoying a tropical buffet lunch onboard.

A glass-bottom boat tour and afternoon tea add to the luxurious experience.

Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as snorkeling equipment and environmental management charges.

Voyage to Mackay Cay

After departing from Port Douglas, the luxury catamaran embarks on a 2-hour journey to the Outer Great Barrier Reef’s Mackay Cay, allowing guests to sit back and soak in the breathtaking coastal vistas along the way.

As the vessel glides across the azure waters, passengers have the opportunity to spot marine life such as sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds.

Upon arrival at the remote coral cay, guests can prepare for their snorkeling adventure, donning the provided equipment to explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful marine life.

The experienced crew provides a guided tour led by a marine biologist, ensuring a captivating and educational experience.

Luxury Catamaran Experience

Aboard the luxury catamaran, guests enjoy a comfortable and well-appointed sailing experience designed to maximize their enjoyment of the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

The spacious, stable catamaran features:

• Ample deck space for relaxing and taking in the stunning ocean vistas
• An onboard galley serving a delectable tropical buffet lunch
• A glass-bottom boat for up-close views of the vibrant coral and marine life

With attentive crew on hand to ensure a seamless journey, guests can enjoy the natural wonders of this remote and pristine reef system, confident they’re experiencing the Great Barrier Reef in style and comfort.

Snorkeling Over Pristine Coral

Snorkeling over the pristine coral reef at Mackay Cay allows guests to marvel at the vibrant underwater world teeming with diverse marine life.

Guided by a marine biologist, visitors can explore the intricate coral formations and spot a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating creatures.

The clear, warm waters provide excellent visibility, allowing guests to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

Whether it’s their first time snorkeling or they’re experienced underwater enthusiasts, guests can enjoy the opportunity to discover the wonders of this delicate ecosystem up close and personal.

The guided tour ensures a safe and educational experience for all skill levels.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Exploring the Coral Cay

From Port Douglas: Outer Reef Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

Exploring the Coral Cay

Guests can explore the lush and vibrant coral cay, marveling at the intricate underwater landscapes teeming with diverse marine life. The coral formations on the cay are a sight to behold, with a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes that captivate visitors.

Guests have the opportunity to venture onto the cay itself, where they can discover the unique terrestrial habitats and observe the seabirds that call this island home.

• Discover the intricate coral formations and vibrant marine ecosystems of the coral cay.
• Explore the island’s terrestrial habitats and observe the diverse seabird populations.
• Immerse in the natural wonder of this remote and pristine coral reef environment.

Onboard Tropical Buffet Lunch

Guests can enjoy a freshly-prepared tropical buffet lunch while sailing back to Port Douglas after their reef exploration.

The onboard lunch features a variety of delicious and nutritious options, including locally-sourced seafood, grilled meats, and an abundance of vibrant salads and sides. Vegetarian and dietary-friendly choices are also available to cater to all guests’ needs.

The buffet is replenished regularly to ensure a wide selection throughout the cruise. Diners can savor their meal while admiring the stunning views of the Coral Sea from the catamaran’s spacious deck.

With attentive service and a relaxed ambiance, the onboard lunch is a highlight of the Outer Reef adventure.

Glass-bottom Boat Tour

After exploring the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling, guests can embark on a glass-bottom boat tour to observe the reef’s breathtaking beauty from a different vantage point.

This unique experience offers a chance to witness the intricate coral formations and diverse marine life without getting wet. The glass-bottom boat allows visitors to:

• Peer into the depths of the reef and spot schools of colorful fish swimming gracefully among the coral.
• Gain a better understanding of the reef ecosystem and the importance of its conservation.
• Enjoy a leisurely and relaxing ride as the boat glides across the turquoise waters.

The glass-bottom boat tour complements the snorkeling adventure, providing a well-rounded exploration of the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Important Information and Reviews

The Outer Reef Cruise by Luxury Catamaran may not be suitable for guests with certain medical conditions or mobility issues, and the boat may be slightly rocky, potentially causing seasickness. While snorkeling is the only water activity offered, the itinerary may vary depending on weather and other factors. The cruise boasts an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 103 reviews, with guests praising the knowledgeable crew, the condition of the boat, and the snorkeling experience. However, some comments mention the quality of the food and suggest the tour may not offer the best value for money.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Knowledgeable crew	Food quality
Boat condition	Value for money
Snorkeling experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Yes, guests can bring their own snorkeling equipment. However, the tour operator provides high-quality snorkeling gear, so it’s generally unnecessary. Using the provided equipment ensures it’s properly fitted and in good condition for the snorkeling experience.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to Scuba Diving?

Unfortunately, the cruise does not offer an option to upgrade to scuba diving. The itinerary specifies that the activity is limited to snorkeling only, and there are no provisions for scuba diving included in the tour.

Are Children’s Life Jackets Available on the Boat?

Yes, the boat provides properly-sized life jackets for children. The crew ensures all passengers, including kids, wear life jackets for safety during the snorkeling and sailing portions of the tour.

Can I Store My Valuables on the Boat Safely?

The boat provides secure storage for passengers’ valuables. Lockers or designated areas are typically available to safely store items like wallets, phones, and cameras during the excursion. Guests can rest assured their belongings will be looked after on the vessel.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy typically allows participants to cancel or reschedule their tour up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty. Last-minute cancellations may incur fees or forfeit the full cost of the tour.

Recap

This full-day sailing and snorkeling adventure from Port Douglas to the Outer Great Barrier Reef’s Mackay Cay offers a luxurious and immersive experience.

Cruise aboard a state-of-the-art catamaran, explore the pristine coral reef through guided snorkeling, and indulge in a tropical buffet lunch and afternoon tea.

With exceptional service and an opportunity to witness the natural wonders of this remote coral cay, this is a must-do activity for visitors to the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: