• This Great Barrier Reef trip caters for divers as well as snorkellers, something for everyone. Up to 3 certified dives and up to 2 introductory dives. Only 65 passengers onboard.
• Stand on the upper deck, with the backdrop being the crystal clear turquoise waters and darker blue areas of the Great Barrier Reef. Smile and click. You won’t believe how amazing the waters look behind you.
• One of only 3 day boats in Port Douglas with a "Swim with Dwarf Minke Whales" tours June to July. This is a rare event and not guaranteed.  
• A very well-known and respected Great Barrier Reef tour operator. Professional crew, the choice of many reef moorings, visting 3 on a daily basis. A great trip for dedicated scuba divers looking for the best day tour.

Port Douglas dive & snorkelling tour. 1 of 3 boats in Port Douglas with a "Swim with the Dwarf Minke Whales permit", whale season goes from early June to July. Visit 3 Great Barrier Reef locations.

What to Expect

Join our highly popular Port Douglas dive and snorkelling tour, where you'll explore three incredible outer reef locations in the Agincourt Ribbon Reef system on the Great Barrier Reef with only 65 passengers onboard. The Agincourt Ribbon Reefs are long narrow reefs located along the very Outer Edge of the Great Barrier Reef, which is flushed out at every tide by clear oceanic water; coral thrives in this clear water, creating spectacular gardens and a huge variety of marine life. This tour is in so much demand for the high-quality dive and snorkel locations that it visits each day.

We have 30 exclusive reef permits allowing us to visit different reef sites on a daily basis based on weather conditions and marine activity. This adventure caters to both snorkellers and certified divers, offering guided tours and educational talks on the vibrant marine life that inhabits the reef. During June and July, you may also be fortunate enough to encounter Dwarf Minke Whales, as we are one of only three boats in Port Douglas with a special permit for whale interactions. Please note swimming with whales is not a guaranteed activity. It is based on the Minke Whales desire, timing of the boat tour and weather. While this tour primarily focuses on diving and snorkelling, encountering these curious whales is just a rare bonus when possible.

Features and Highlights

Three Diving and Snorkelling Locations off Port Douglas

With our departure from Port Douglas, you will visit three spectacular dive and snorkel sites chosen by the skipper on the day of your Great Barrier Reef tour. These reef sites are selected based on the weather, tides, and currents, ensuring you experience the best possible conditions for snorkelling and diving. These locations are within the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, known for their pristine coral gardens and diverse marine life. Each stop offers both shallow areas perfect for snorkellers and deeper walls for scuba divers. You will not find any better snorkel or dive locations than those on the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs.

Diving and Snorkelling

This Great Barrier Reef tour offers a mix of activities for both snorkellers and certified divers. Snorkellers will enjoy swimming above the coral gardens, encountering colourful fish and other marine creatures. For those who prefer to dive, you can complete up to three guided dives at different outer reef sites. All dives are conducted under the supervision of expert dive masters, ensuring a safe and thrilling experience. Introductory diving is also available for those who want to try diving for the first time.

Catering to experienced divers, an additional dive tender, capable of carrying up to ten people, is available for drift diving and guided snorkel tours with marine interpretation. For an even more personalized experience, private guided dives can also be arranged.

At each site, our marine biologists accompany guests, providing insightful interpretation as they snorkel over the stunning coral gardens of the Agincourt reefs.

Swimming with Dwarf Minke Whales (June to July)

From early June to July, there may be a rare chance to swim with Minke Whales during their annual migration. These inquisitive whales often approach boats and snorkellers, creating an incredible opportunity for a close encounter. Our boat has one of the few permits that allow guests to swim with the whales if they choose to interact. Guests will hold onto a rope from the boat and wait quietly as the whales decide to approach. It’s important to note that while Minke whale encounters are not guaranteed, they provide an unforgettable experience when they do occur.

Whale Watching (July to September)

From July to September, you might also witness Humpback Whales as they migrate through the region to calve in the warm, protected waters of the Great Barrier Reef. You may even spot the famous Migaloo, a rare albino Humpback Whale who was known to frequent these waters.

Great Barrier Reef Talks and Guided Tours

At the second reef site, a marine naturalist will give an interpretative reef talk, explaining the ecology, biodiversity, and significance of the Great Barrier Reef. A guided snorkel tour is also available at the third site, where the naturalist will point out unique species and help you better understand the delicate balance of this underwater ecosystem.

Buffet Lunch and Afternoon Tea

Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch after your second dive or snorkel session, featuring prawns, cold meats, salads, and other delicious items. In the afternoon, treat yourself to tea, coffee, and freshly baked banana cake as you cruise to the third reef site.

Comfortable Vessel with Plenty of Amenities

Our custom-designed boat ensures a comfortable journey with an air-conditioned saloon and a spacious open deck for lounging and sunbathing. There’s plenty of room to relax between dive sessions, and the attentive crew is on hand to make sure you have a comfortable and enjoyable day on the reef. Passenger numbers are limited to 65, ensuring a high staff-to-guest ratio, including qualified marine biologists, to provide a personalised and immersive experience.

Additional Information:

• Departure Time: The tour departs early in the morning and returns to Port Douglas around 4:30 PM.
• Included: All snorkelling gear, flotation devices, and guided snorkel and dive tours.
• Diving Requirements: Certified divers need to bring their certification cards. Introductory diving must be pre-booked due to limited spots.
• Whale Interactions: Minke Whale interactions are not guaranteed as they depend on the whales' willingness to approach. Our boat follows strict guidelines for swimming with whales to ensure both the whales' and guests' safety. Do not book this Great Barrier Reef tour based on swimming with whales.

This Port Douglas dive and snorkelling tour is a fantastic way to explore the best of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you're diving or snorkelling, the chance to encounter the rare and playful Dwarf Minke whales and humpback whales makes this trip extra special. Book early, especially during school holidays to secure your spot!

See all the best dive and snorkel tours from Port Douglas and Cairns.

Read the Tour Specialists Blog and learn all the things you need to know before you go.

If you wish for a guranteed swim with Minke whales experience you can book an overnight trip from Cairns.  

Snorkelling Tours On The Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas

The best way of seeing and experiencing the magic of the Port Douglas and Cairns Great Barrier Reef is by snorkelling and the majority of visitors choose to snorkel. Our boats crew pride themselves on offering excellent customer service, with a team of dedicated snorkelling instructors to assist your every need.

They also provide in water assistance and floatation devices like pool noodles and floatation vests for those who are beginner snorkellers or a bit frail. A reef interpretation talk is given by a marine naturalist at the second dive and snorkel site explaining the ecology and history of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

By this time you are generally starving and its here where they serve a tropical buffet of prawns, cold meats, breads and salads (the best potato salad I have ever had.) A guided snorkel tour is offered at the third scuba diving and snorkel site by a marine naturalist and is one activity that should not be missed.

Scuba Diving On The Port Douglas Great Barrier Reef

For those with scuba diving certification you can enjoy up to 3 guided scuba dives at different outer reef locations. Some of the spectacular scuba diving sites include walls, pinnacles and coral gardens with a fantastic variety of fish and coral life all at the very edge of the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.  All dives are guided at no extra cost and you will be briefed by your dive master on the sites, equipment and safety procedures.

After the third dive and snorkel site they serve afternoon tea consisting of tea and coffee and the yummiest banana cake you have ever had. At 2.45pm MV-Poseidon departs the reef and heads back to Port Douglas where it arrives at the Marina at around 4.30pm.

MV-Poseidon also offers Introductory Diving, so why not give it a go. All diving activities need to be prebooked as there are limited spots available. 

Swimming With Dwarf Minke Whales in Port Douglas - Early June to July.

During the winter months of June to July our tropical waters may present the added bonus of sighting Dwarf Minke Whales as these gentle giants migrate to mate and give birth to their young.

Our dive boat has been awarded one of only three permits to swim with these Dwarf Minke Whales and if they are around on the day you visit the Great Barrier Reef then you just may have the opportunity to hop in the water with your snorkel gear on and interact with these inquisitive whales.

Please note: swimming with whales is at the whale's discretion and not yours. Swimming with the whales is a bonus on this reef trip if they feel playful at the time you are enjoying your Great Barrier Reef tour - This is not a guaranteed activity, as it happens on rare occassions so you have to be very lucky at the time.

We are to abide by very strict guidelines and regulations with this permit and they are not actively allowed to pursue the whales or come within 300 meters of them.

The Dwarf Minke Whales have to be the ones to request the interaction with the boat by swimming over to it and showing interest in the snorkellers that are in the water holding onto a rope that is attached to the boat.

These whales have been known to follow the boat to the next snorkel and diving location so they can get a closer look at the humans in their territory. Ten snorkellers are in the water at one time and change over is every ten minutes so that all guests can have the chance to spend some time swimming with the Dwarf Minke Whales.

This is a diving and snorkelling tour and not a dedicated swim with whales tour.

See this page for swimming with whales.

Humpback Whales On the Cairns-Port Douglas Great Barrier Reef

Whale season is something you just do not want to miss especially when the giant Humpback Whales arrive in search of mates and to calve in the safety of the Cairns and Port Douglas Great Barrier Reef in the months of July to September.

Australia also has a very rare white Albino Humpback Whale that has been named Migaloo and he migrates to Cairns and Port Douglas nearly every single year to the delight of everyone in the tourism industry.

Film crews and photographers from all over the world come to Cairns and Port Douglas to capture his annual migration and antics.

It has also been reported that Migaloo has a son or daughter that is also an Albino and these may be the only two Albino Humpback Whales that have been identified in the world to date.

Please note: Whale season is changeable each year due to water temperatures and currents so the arrivals of whales may vary from one year to the next.

Our vessel was custom-designed to provide uncrowded snorkelling and scuba diving adventures.

The vessel boasts a number of great features including an air-conditioned saloon and open deck so you can kick back and enjoy your day on the reef.

See all the diving and snorkelling tours from Port Douglas.

A favourite island tour is to Low Isles.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Port Douglas

Departure Time

7.00am to 8.00am check in - 8.15am boarding - 8.30am departure - 4.15pm return

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove
• Port Douglas

• Transfers are available from Cairns & Northern Beaches for an additional cost.
• Transfers are included from Port Douglas only.

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Visit 3 different reef sites at Agincourt Ribbon Reefs

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Does not operate Christmas Day

Duration

8 hours

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Introductory Diving
• Certified Diving
• Wetsuits for snorkellers available onboard
• Professional photographer service onboard

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Restrictions

Scuba Diving – minimum age 12

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
• Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
• Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

• Your camera
• Swimming costume and beach towel.
• Hat, sunscreen and shirt for sun protection.
• Cash for drinks at the bar, credit card for shopping and additional dives.
• Underwater digital cameras available for hire.
• Camera (charged)

• Child price applies to children 4 to 14
• Children 3 years and under travel free of charge
• Minimum age for diving is 12