Port Douglas: Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning waters of Port Douglas with the Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on a luxury catamaran. This 5.5-hour excursion whisks you away to the picturesque Low Isles, where you’ll have the chance to learn about the vibrant marine life through snorkeling and glass-bottom boat viewing. But the adventure doesn’t end there – a guided heritage walk unveils the fascinating history of this tropical paradise. As the catamaran sails back towards the sunset, you’ll savor a delectable light lunch and refreshing drinks, leaving you with memories that will last long after the cruise.

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

Key Points

• 5.5-hour journey departing from Port Douglas to the Low Isles, a 15 km distance, with a 3-hour moor in a sheltered blue lagoon.
• Includes guided snorkeling, glass-bottom boat viewing, and a guided heritage walk exploring the island’s history and environment.
• Provides light lunch, afternoon tea, canapés, and complimentary drinks during the cruise.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off, and all necessary snorkeling equipment are included.
• Overall positive reviews from customers, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 78 evaluations.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on a luxury catamaran takes passengers on a 5.5-hour journey departing from Port Douglas, with hotel pickup included.

The cruise sails 15 km to the Low Isles, where guests moor in a sheltered blue lagoon for 3 hours. During this time, they can enjoy a guided snorkel tour with a marine naturalist, glass-bottom boat viewing and reef interpretation, and a guided heritage walk on Low Isles.

The cruise also includes a light lunch, afternoon tea, and canapés, as well as complimentary soft and alcoholic drinks.

At the end of the day, guests sail back to Port Douglas as the sun sets.

Departure and Pickup

The tour departs from Port Douglas, with hotel pickup included for guests.

A luxury catamaran sets sail from the Port Douglas marina, transporting guests 15 km offshore to the stunning Low Isles. The smooth journey takes around 45 minutes, offering scenic views of the coastline and the sparkling Coral Sea.

Once at the Low Isles, the catamaran moors in the sheltered blue lagoon, providing easy access to the island’s beaches and snorkeling spots.

The return trip back to Port Douglas is timed to coincide with a breathtaking sunset sail, capping off a memorable afternoon on the water.

Sail to Low Isles

After a comfortable hotel pickup, the luxury catamaran sets sail from Port Douglas marina, embarking on the 45-minute journey to the stunning Low Isles.

Guests take in the scenic views of the coastline and the sparkling Coral Sea as the vessel smoothly makes its way offshore.

As the catamaran approaches the sheltered blue lagoon, travelers are treated to a breathtaking glimpse of the coral reef and tropical islands that make up the Low Isles.

The attentive crew ensures a safe and comfortable crossing, providing guests with the opportunity to relax and prepare for the upcoming snorkeling and exploration activities at their island destination.

Snorkeling and Reef Viewing

Upon arriving at the Low Isles, guests suit up with provided snorkeling gear and join the guided snorkel tour led by the onboard marine naturalist. The group ventures into the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon, marveling at the vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life below the surface. The naturalist points out unique species and shares insights about the delicate reef ecosystem.

For those less inclined to snorkel, the glass-bottom boat offers an alternative way to view the underwater world without getting wet.

The guided heritage walk on the Low Isles is another option, allowing guests to learn about the islands’ rich history and environmental significance.

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Guided Heritage Walk

Guests who opt for the guided heritage walk on Low Isles can explore the island’s rich history and environmental significance led by knowledgeable staff.

The walking tour takes visitors through the preserved island habitat, highlighting the unique flora and fauna as well as the area’s important role in the region’s maritime past.

Visitors will learn about the island’s Indigenous connections and the early scientific expeditions that contributed to our understanding of the Great Barrier Reef.

The tour covers the island’s historic lighthouse, built in 1878, and provides insights into the challenges faced by early mariners navigating the treacherous coastal waters.

This guided heritage walk offers a fascinating glimpse into Low Isles’ storied past.

Sunset Sail Back

As the sun dips below the horizon, the catamaran glides gracefully back to Port Douglas, offering a picturesque sunset sail to cap off the day’s adventures. Guests can relax on the open decks and soak in the breathtaking views as the vessel gently cuts through the water.

The crew serves complimentary drinks and canapés, allowing travelers to unwind and reflect on the day’s highlights:

• Witnessing the vibrant colors of the sunset paint the sky
• Catching glimpses of wildlife, like seabirds and dolphins, along the journey
• Enjoying the cooling sea breeze and peaceful ambiance of the return trip
• Arriving back in Port Douglas with a renewed appreciation for the region’s natural beauty.

Inclusions and Amenities

The Low Isles Afternoon Cruise includes a range of amenities and services to enhance the experience for guests. These include hotel pickup and drop-off, providing convenient transportation to and from the departure point.

Snorkeling gear, instruction, and assistance are also provided, allowing participants to safely explore the underwater world.

A light lunch, afternoon tea, and canapés are served, along with complimentary soft and alcoholic drinks.

The tour also covers the environmental management charge, ensuring guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the Low Isles without any additional costs.

These thoughtful inclusions make the cruise a well-rounded and hassle-free experience for visitors to Port Douglas.

Restrictions and Reviews

Some guests may not be able to participate in the Low Isles Afternoon Cruise due to certain medical conditions or mobility issues, as the tour has age and health restrictions.

Despite these limitations, the cruise receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 78 customer evaluations. Guests consistently praise the friendly staff, smooth organization, and delicious food and drinks provided.

While some opted out of snorkeling, they enjoyed the other activities, such as:

• Glass-bottom boat viewing and reef interpretation
• Guided heritage walk on Low Isles
• Sunset sail back to Port Douglas
• Complimentary drinks (soft and alcoholic)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, guests can bring their own snorkeling gear. However, the tour provides high-quality snorkeling equipment and assistance, so it’s not necessary. Using the provided gear ensures proper fit and function during the guided snorkel tour.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Meals?

The tour includes a light lunch, afternoon tea, and canapés. While no specific dietary restrictions are mentioned, guests with special dietary needs should contact the tour operator in advance to discuss accommodations.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Drinks?

There is typically no set limit on the number of complimentary drinks included during the tour. However, passengers are expected to drink responsibly and the crew may cut off service if anyone appears intoxicated for safety reasons.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour?

Yes, there is typically an option to book a private tour. Private charters allow for more customization and a more exclusive experience. Availability and pricing for private tours may vary depending on the specific tour operator and your group size.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Guests may be able to arrange for a longer cruise, depending on availability and additional costs. However, the standard 5.5-hour afternoon cruise is the typical tour offering.

Recap

The Port Douglas: Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on Luxury Catamaran offers a well-rounded experience, with a guided snorkel tour, glass-bottom boat viewing, and a heritage walk on the Low Isles.

The luxury catamaran provides a comfortable and scenic sailing, along with a light lunch, afternoon tea, and complimentary drinks.

Guests can enjoy a relaxing and informative day exploring the natural wonders of the Low Isles.

You can check if your dates are available here: