• We determine what vessel guests travel on based on weather conditions and the passenger requirements for that day's tour. 
• Snorkel or dive at two Great Barrier Reef sites selected daily for the best available conditions, coral quality and marine life. Exclusive access to low use reefs that other operators can’t access.
• Explore the Great Barrier Reef with a maximum of 12 guests on Independence or 24 guests on Voyager, with personalised attention from marine guides.
• Discover coral gardens and tropical marine life with expert marine biologists, plus the option to try introductory scuba diving with no previous experience required.

Small-group Port Douglas dive tour with up to 24 guests. Marine biologist-guided snorkelling & dives on exclusive low use reefs.

What to Expect

Experience the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas on a small-group snorkelling and diving tour designed around personalised service, marine education and carefully selected reef locations. With significantly fewer passengers than many larger Great Barrier Reef tours, guests receive more individual assistance both onboard and in the water.

ABC Reef Safaris operates two purpose-built vessels, Independence and Voyager. The vessel used for each departure is determined by weather conditions and the requirements of guests booked on the day.

Independence carries a maximum of just 12 guests and specialises in intimate Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and diving experiences. Voyager is a luxury catamaran accommodating up to 24 guests, primarily operating outer reef snorkelling tours with the option to add an introductory scuba dive.

Small groups are a key part of both experiences. Marine biologists, naturalists and experienced dive professionals join guests throughout the day. Guided snorkelling operates at approximately one marine guide for every six guests, while the wider operation maintains approximately one crew member for every four guests.

Rather than visiting the same locations on every departure, the Captain chooses two Great Barrier Reef sites each day based on weather, water conditions, coral quality and marine activity. This allows the tour to target suitable reef environments on the day and, when conditions permit, may include more distant locations such as the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs.

Once in the water, snorkel through coral gardens where sections of reef can rise close to the surface. Wildlife encounters vary from day to day, with possible sightings including anemonefish, giant Maori wrasse, butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, reef sharks, green sea turtles and schools of tropical reef fish.

Marine biologists are available both onboard and in the water to help identify species and explain the ecology of the Great Barrier Reef. Guided snorkelling provides additional support and reef interpretation, while independent snorkelling may also be available aboard Voyager.

All essential snorkelling equipment is supplied, including mask, snorkel and fins. Prescription masks are complimentary when requested in advance. From November to April, full-length lycra suits are provided for sun and marine stinger protection, while 5mm wetsuits are supplied during the cooler winter months. Children aged 7–12 receive full wetsuits.

The minimum age for snorkelling is 7 years, and children must be comfortable swimming in open water.

Optional Introductory Scuba Diving

Guests aged 12 years and over can add an introductory scuba dive without needing previous diving experience or certification.

Before entering the water, certified instructors and divemasters provide briefings covering equipment, safety procedures and underwater communication. An instructor remains with participants throughout the dive, providing close supervision while exploring coral gardens and reef formations.

Introductory dives generally last approximately 20 minutes, with a maximum depth of 10 metres. Medical and health restrictions apply.

Introductory scuba diving attracts an additional charge and is incorporated into the day's program so guests still have time to snorkel.

Features and Highlights

• Small-group Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and diving tours from Port Douglas
• Visit two Great Barrier Reef locations, selected daily according to conditions, coral quality and marine life
• Maximum of 12 guests aboard Independence
• Maximum of 24 guests aboard Voyager
• Guided snorkelling ratio of approximately 1 marine guide to 6 guests
• Approximately 1 crew member for every 4 guests across the operation
• Marine biologists, naturalists and experienced dive professionals onboard
• Explore outer Great Barrier Reef locations and, when conditions allow, more distant reef systems including the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs
• Guided snorkelling with marine education and species identification
• Quality mask, snorkel and fins included
• Complimentary prescription masks available when requested in advance
• Seasonal full-length lycra suits or 5mm wetsuits supplied
• Minimum snorkelling age of 7 years
• Optional introductory scuba diving available from 12 years
• No previous scuba certification required for introductory dives
• Easy water access for comfortable entry and exit
• Catering and refreshments provided during the day
• Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements available with advance notice
• Suitable for families, couples and small groups of friends

Voyager – Luxury Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tour

Voyager combines a small-group Great Barrier Reef experience with additional onboard space and comfort. Carrying a maximum of 24 guests, the luxury catamaran is primarily designed for outer Great Barrier Reef snorkelling, with optional introductory scuba diving available.

Inside is an air-conditioned saloon with business-class-style seating, while outdoor areas include queen-sized daybeds on the sundeck, bow seating and a shaded aft deck. Barefoot-friendly decking and a purpose-built ocean access platform with stairs provide straightforward access to and from the water.

Morning refreshments include fresh fruit and pastries accompanied by premium teas and freshly ground local coffee.

Lunch is served grazing-style around a large rainforest timber banquet table in the air-conditioned saloon. A selection of hot and cold dishes is prepared using fresh local produce.

Cold water, tea and coffee are complimentary throughout the day. Juices, sparkling water, soft drinks and additional beverages can be purchased onboard. Premium wines and beers are available after the day's in-water activities and during the return trip to Port Douglas.

Independence – Small-Group Great Barrier Reef Diving & Snorkelling

Independence is an award-winning dive and snorkel vessel carrying a maximum of only 12 guests.

Its limited passenger numbers allow for a more personalised approach to exploring the Great Barrier Reef, with marine biologists and experienced dive professionals providing assistance, reef interpretation and in-water support throughout the day.

Independence is particularly suited to guests looking for a small-group Great Barrier Reef diving and snorkelling tour from Port Douglas without the passenger numbers associated with larger reef vessels.

Important Information

Bring a towel, reusable water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, camera and dry clothing for the return journey. Swimwear should be worn underneath your wetsuit or lycra suit.

Guests who are prone to motion sickness should consider taking their usual seasickness medication before departure.

Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements can be accommodated when advised at the time of booking.

ABC Reef Safaris determines whether guests travel aboard Independence or Voyager according to weather conditions and the passenger requirements of that day's departure. A particular vessel should therefore not be assumed unless specifically confirmed.

Great Barrier Reef sites are also selected on the day and are not guaranteed in advance. This gives the Captain the flexibility to choose two suitable locations based on prevailing weather, water conditions, coral quality and marine activity.

Both Independence & Voyager are available for a private charter. Contact us today.

Sample Itinerary

Voyager Daily Itinerary

7:45 am – Check-in
Meet the Captain and crew aboard Voyager and enjoy fresh fruit, pastries, tea and locally roasted coffee in the air-conditioned interior.

8:00 am – Depart Port Douglas
Cruise towards the Great Barrier Reef while the crew conducts safety and snorkelling briefings and provides an introduction to the reef and marine environment.

10:30 am – First Reef Session
Begin exploring the Great Barrier Reef with the marine biology team. Guided and independent snorkelling options may be available, along with optional introductory scuba diving for eligible guests.

12:15 pm – Grazing Lunch
Return onboard for a substantial grazing-style lunch featuring hot and cold dishes prepared with local produce.

1:00 pm – Second Reef Session
Return to the Coral Sea for another snorkelling session and further exploration with the marine biology guides.

2:30 pm – Return to Port Douglas
Relax onboard with afternoon tea while the bar opens for the return cruise.

3:00 pm – Port Douglas Arrival
Arrival is generally around 3:00 pm. When Voyager visits more distant reef systems such as the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, arrival may be closer to 4:30 pm. The amount of in-water time remains the same, with the later return resulting from additional cruising time.

Voyager departs from Finger C at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, 44 Wharf Street, Port Douglas. Free parking is available in the main marina area.

Independence Daily Itinerary

7:45 am – Check-in
Meet your Captain and crew at Independence at Marano's Wharf.

8:00 am – Depart Port Douglas
Travel towards the Great Barrier Reef while the crew provides safety, snorkelling and equipment briefings, along with marine talks introducing the reef environment.

10:00 am – First Reef Session
Enter the water with the marine biology team and begin exploring the Great Barrier Reef through snorkelling or diving.

11:30 am – Morning Refreshments
Enjoy fresh fruit and pastries with tea or coffee while Independence relocates to the second reef site.

12:00 pm – Second Reef Session
Return to the water for another opportunity to explore coral gardens and marine life with the marine biology guides.

1:30 pm – Return Cruise
Begin the journey back to Port Douglas while enjoying a gourmet deli roll or wrap for lunch. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available at additional cost, while tea, coffee and cold water are complimentary throughout the day.

3:00 pm – Arrive Port Douglas
Return to Marano's Wharf after the day's Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and diving experience.

Independence departs from Marano's Wharf, 39 Port Street, Port Douglas. It does not depart from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. Free parking is available.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Port Douglas

Departure Time

Vessels departs at 7:45am & returns at 3pm

Departure Instructions

• Voyager is located on the main finger C at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina,
• Independence is moored at Marano’s Wharf Port Douglas, 39 Port Street, Port Douglas. INDEPENDENCE IS NOT located at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.

Destinations

Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Operates daily subject to minimum guests numbers and weather conditions
We operate two purpose-built vessels, Independence and Voyager, with the vessel allocated according to weather conditions and the guests booked on the day.

Duration

7 - 8.5 Hours

Fitness Level Required

Medium

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.

Additional Information

Dietary Requirements: we can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements, but do require advance notice. Please provide details at the time of booking, so our crew can prepare meals to suit your clients needs while maintaining premium quality onboard.

Hat, Water Bottle, Change of clothes, Towel

Diving minimum age is 12 years old. Certified Junior Open Water Divers from 10 years old.