• The Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef tours from Port Douglas can accommodate disabled guests-wheelchairs, non-swimmers and young families with safe, fun and interactive ways to explore the reef in so many ways.
• This is the one and only outer Great Barrier Reef tour from Port Douglas that has a floating activity platform. The multitude of fully inclusive activities and options enable guests to see the reef in such a rich varied variety of ways.  
• If you are prone to seasickness then this Port Douglas reef trip is the best reef tour for you. If you wish to avoid a boat trip to the pontoon, you can take a scenic helicopter flight to take you one way and or return.
• Family Deal - Save $156 based on 2 adults 2 children
• For the ultimate outer Great Barrier Reef tours from Port Douglas book the Fly/Fly in a helicopter to the floating pontoon

Quicksilver offers the only Great Barrier Reef pontoon tour from Port Douglas. Dive the reef, snorkel or opt for a dry adventure while delving into the wonders of the reef from the semi-submarine. View the fish from an underwater observatory, or enjoy a thrilling helicopter ride.

What to Expect

Ultimate Great Barrier Reef Adventure from Port Douglas

Experience the unparalleled beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with Quicksilver's exclusive pontoon tour, the only one of its kind departing from Port Douglas just north of Cairns. Dive into the reef, snorkel in vibrant coral gardens, or enjoy a thrilling semi-submarine tour. With activities for swimmers and non-swimmers alike, this outer Great Barrier Reef tour is perfect for families, large groups, and solo travellers looking for an unforgettable adventure. You can even book a helicopter ride to and fro the pontoon or a scenic flight on the pontoon.

Features and Tour Highlights

• High-Tech Vessel: Travel aboard Quicksilver’s advanced Wavepiercers for a smooth, comfortable ride to the outer reef.
• Pristine Reefs: Explore the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, renowned for their clear waters and diverse marine life.
• For Everyone: Whether you prefer to stay dry or get wet, this Port Douglas reef tour offers multiple ways to experience the reef, including snorkelling, scuba diving, semi-submarine tours and helicopter rides.
• Interactive Pontoon: Enjoy a range of activities from snorkelling and diving to helicopter rides and underwater observatory tours.
• Gourmet Dining: Indulge in a delicious tropical buffet lunch and enjoy morning and afternoon teas.
• Spacious Decks: Relax on the sun decks, soak up the rays, and take in the stunning views.
• Scenic Helicopter Rides: Elevate your experience with a breathtaking helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef.

Quicksilver Tour Itinerary - Your Day

9:15 am - Check-In

• Arrive at the Quicksilver reservations counter at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina to receive your boarding pass.

9:30 am - Boarding

• Step aboard the vessel and savour complimentary morning tea and coffee. Get comfortable in the air-conditioned cabins or on the outside decks.

10:00 am - Departure

• Set sail from Port Douglas Marina and choose your spot to enjoy the ride. The advanced Wavepiercer ensures a smooth journey to the outer reef.

10:30 am - Marine Presentation

• Learn about the reef’s incredible ecosystem through an engaging marine biology presentation, followed by a snorkelling demonstration. If you're scuba diving or helmet diving, attend a briefing with the dive crew.

11:30 am - Outer Barrier Reef Activities

Arrive at the activity platform and dive into a world of adventure:

• Snorkelling: Swim among vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life.
• Underwater Observatory: View the underwater world without getting wet.
• Semi-Submarine Tours: Depart every 15 minutes for a closer look at the reef.
• Guided Tours: Join pre-booked guided snorkelling, scuba diving, and helmet diving sessions.
• Helicopter Rides: Take to the skies for an unforgettable aerial view of the reef.
• Fish Feeding: Watch the feeding frenzy in the snorkelling area.

12:00 pm - Tropical Buffet Lunch

Feast on a hot and cold buffet featuring fresh prawns, pastas, meats, salads, and fruit. Enjoy full bar facilities with a variety of drinks available for purchase.

Afternoon Activities

Continue exploring the reef or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking views from the pontoon.

3:00 pm - Return to Port Douglas

Depart Agincourt Reef and enjoy the return journey. Chat with marine biologists, watch a reef video, and view photos from the day.

4:30 pm - Arrival

Arrive back at Port Douglas Marina, bidding farewell to the Quicksilver crew after an unforgettable day.

Additional Information

Snorkelling & Diving Tour from Port Douglas

• Quicksilver Cruises, one of Australia's most awarded marine tour operators, offers a premier reef tour experience perfect for all ages and abilities. Their tours provide a variety of activities from an interactive pontoon platform, ensuring everyone has a memorable day.

Agincourt Ribbon Reef

• Located on the edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, Agincourt Ribbon Reef offers pristine water clarity and visibility year-round, providing the perfect backdrop for your reef adventure.

Semi-Submersible Submarine Tour

• Experience the reef without getting wet on a 25-minute semi-submersible submarine tour. Departing every 15 minutes, this tour provides an up-close view of the reef and its inhabitants, complete with informative commentary.

Marine Platform Underwater Observatory

• Visit the underwater observatory on the pontoon to watch scuba divers, snorkellers, and a plethora of tropical fish and coral formations.

Snorkelling

• All snorkelling equipment is provided, and the crew will assist with fitting and provide tips. Flotation aids and guidelines are available for extra support.

Optional Extras

• Introductory Scuba Diving: Try diving for the first time with no prior experience necessary.
• Certified Scuba Diving: Explore the reef with up to two dives for certified divers.
• Guided Snorkelling Adventures: Join a marine biologist for an educational snorkelling tour.
• Scenic Helicopter Flights: Take a 10-minute flight for a stunning aerial view of the reef.

Coach Transfers

• Luxury air-conditioned coaches provide transfers from Cairns or Port Douglas accommodations, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey to the marina.

Accessibility

• Quicksilver’s pontoon is equipped to cater to disabled guests, including a hydraulic lift for easy water access. Contact the Tour Specialists team to confirm availability and facilities.

Cruise Ship Passengers

• Quicksilver’s Great Barrier Reef tour is perfectly timed for cruise ship passengers docking in Port Douglas, providing ample time to explore the reef and return to the ship.

Important Notes

• Check-In: Self-drivers should check in at the Port Douglas Crystalbrook Super Yacht Marina office by 9:15 am.
• Seating: Choose indoor air-conditioned seating or outdoor seating on the deck.
• Reef Presentation: A marine biology presentation is shown 30 minutes after departure.
• Snorkelling Demonstration: Learn how to snorkel with a demonstration following the reef presentation.

Book Your Adventure Today!

Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure with Quicksilver Cruises. Whether you're a family with young children, a non-swimmer, a large group, or a solo traveller, this tour offers something for everyone. Book now for a day of excitement, exploration, and breathtaking beauty.

See all Great Barrier Reef tour options from Port Douglas.

Learn more abou the Great Barrier Reef on our blog.

What we like about this Great Barrier Reef Tour

• The Quicksilver vessel - Technologically advanced Wavepiecers ensure a smooth ride to the outer reef
• Agincourt Ribbon Reefs - These reefs sit on the outer edges of the Great Barrier Reef offering the most pristine eco systems for scuba diving and snorkelling.
• Non Swimmers - You can choose to get wet or stay dry and still see the Great Barrier Reef on the Quicksilver pontoon - 4 ways to explore the reef and stay dry  
• Interactive Pontoon - Activities on the pontoon include snorkelling, scuba diving, Ocean walker, semi-submersible submarine, helicopter rides, underwater observatory 
• The only pontoon reef tour from Port Douglas 
• Food and Beverage - Delicious catering for the day and bar facilities
• Spacious Sun Decks - The pontoon offers great spaces for relaxation during the day
• Scuba Diving - Optional activity for introductory diving and certified diving
• Helicopter Rides & Combo Reef Tours  - Fly out to the pontoon - Fly from Pontoon to Port Douglas or have a scenic flight from the pontoon

Quicksilver Tour Itinerary - Your Day

9.15am - Check in at the Quicksilver reservations counter to receive your boarding pass at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina 

9.30am - After checking in, board the vessel and enjoy the complimentary morning tea/coffee on boarding. For your safety, hot drinks are not served once the vessel is underway. Passengers are required to be onboard the vessel 15 minutes before departure (10am).

10.00am - Departure time -  Choose to sit in the air-conditioned cabins or on the outside decks as our Wavepiercer departs the Port Douglas Marina for the Outer Barrier Reef.

10.30am - A Marine biology presentation is shown on the vessel monitors 30 minutes after departure. A snorkelling demonstration will follow. If you’re participating in scuba diving or helmet diving, you’ll have a 30 minute briefing with the dive crew in readiness for your dive.

11.30am - Outer Barrier Reef - Swim and snorkel from the activity platform. Underwater observatory open for coral and fish viewing. Semi-subs depart every fifteen minutes from the rear of the platform. Pre-booked guided snorkelling, scuba and helmet diving, and scenic helicopter rides commence as scheduled. Fish feed presentation conducted in the snorkelling area.

12 - 1.30pm Lunch served - Lunch [included in the fare] is served. Enjoy a hot and cold tropical buffet, containing fresh prawns, pastas, meats, salads and fruit. There are full bar facilities available where you can purchase drinks.

After Lunch - Time for more reef activities or just relax and take in the view!

3.00pm Return to Port Douglas - Depart Agincourt Reef for Port Douglas. Chat with the marine biologists, enjoy the reef video and even the photographers photos of the day on the homeward journey.

4.30pm Arrival at Port Douglas Marina - Farewell from the Quicksilver crew 

Snorkelling & Diving Tour Port Douglas

When looking for a world class reef tour experience from Port Douglas you simply cannot go past Quicksilver Cruises. They are one of Australia's most awarded marine tour operators and their Great Barrier Reef tours have been introducing guests to some of the most spectacular sites on the outer Barrier Reef on their pontoon  tour and their snorkeling and dive tours for over 20 years.

Their Great Barrier Reef tours are the perfect choice for families with young children, non-swimmers , active teenagers and those adventurers that wish to explore the sites of the Great Barrier Reef in a multitude of ways on an interactive platform that offers all the in-water toys. The Wavepiecer hull of the cruise boat is also a generation above others and glides along the waters of the Great Barrier Reef providing a smooth ride for those that suffer seasickness.

Upgrade your Great Barrier Reef tours for a scenic flight like no other. Fly out or back in a scenic helicopter flight  to see the reef from above and then snorkel & dive down below to see it up close. This is one Great Barrier Reef tour you will remember for a lifetime. (Note: Infants age 3 must pay for a seat)

Port Douglas Great Barrier Reef Tours - Snorkeling - Diving - Helicopters 

Now for a bit of information on the Port Douglas Outer Great Barrier Reef location where the Quicksilver boat travels to our floating pontoon for your day of snorkeling and scuba diving adventures.  

Agincourt Ribbon Reef is situated on the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf. 

This area is 39 nautical miles (72 kilometres) from Port Douglas and is situated opposite the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, and this of course means you will have pristine water clarity and visibility all year round. 

As Quicksilver was the first company to provide Great Barrier Reef tours daily, they have chosen two of the best locations for the placement of their Outer Barrier Reef snorkeling pontoon platforms and to this day they are still the only platform on the very outside edge of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. 

The Boat Ride To The Great Barrier Reef

Getting out to the reef is almost as exciting as actually being on the Great Barrier Reef.  The reef trip boat is what we call a wave piercer and with the torpedo shaped multi hull this vessel actually does pierce the waves giving a smooth floating like feeling on your journey to the Great Barrier Reef which is perfect for those that experience sea-sickness. 

This Port Douglas reef tour company is also very conscious of the environment and the flagship vessel underwent a complete refit on the engines which cost around $3 million to ensure it was not impacting the reefs eco system. 

This enabled carbon emissions to be reduced by about 20%. Now that’s money well spent to ensure our future generations can also enjoy our beautiful rainforests and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. 

Agincourt Ribbon Reef Port Douglas Floating Pontoon Activities

Upon arrival to the Great Barrier Reef tours pontoon it is a big decision what to do first. 

Our suggestion is to do a semi submersible submarine tour first and then have a look at the underwater observatory on the platform and get these activities completed while you are still dry and it also means once you get in the water you don’t have to get out again.  

These two under water activities are included in your reef trip ticket price. They are also a great option for people who still want to see the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet so non-swimmers line up and book this Port Douglas reef trip.

Semi Submersible Submarine Tour

The Semi Submersible submarine  tour is a fantastic experience that takes 25 minutes and includes an informative commentary on the reef and the marine life inhabitants on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. 

The Semi Submersible Submarine tours depart every fifteen minutes from the pontoons rear platform.

As it name describes you walk down stairs to the seating in the base of the semi submersible floating submarine which has Perspex windows for you to witness all of the marine life that swim by, the beautiful corals along with the underwater activities such as the divers floating around on the bottom of the ocean.

From here you will see turtles, fish, divers, snorkelers and an amazing array of coral outcrops, bommies and the marine life that inhabit the differing coral structures.

The driver controlling the semi-submersible submarine is up top and fresh air flows thru the semi submersible submarine.

You may join this tour as many times as you like during the day which is a great way for the non swimmers to see the Great Barrier Reef.    

Marine Platform Underwater Observatory

Our underwater observatory is located in front of the platform and this is a great place to check out the “first time” scuba divers trying out the introductory scuba diving classes.

It’s even better if you know some of the guests doing the introductory scuba diving classes as you can take photographs for them. 

And don’t forget that not only the scuba divers and snorkelers can be viewed from here an abundance of  tropical species of fish can also be viewed from the observatory and again this is a great place for the non swimmers to regularly visit during the day to watch all of the Agincourt Ribbon Reef pontoon underwater activities.

Snorkeling The Great Barrier Reef

All snorkeling equipment is provided on the platform from various different sanitization storage containers and the boats crew will look after and assist you in choosing the right gear for you.

It is super easy to get in the water from the submerged platform. Our crew are always there to offer you assistance with snorkelling equipment and provide you with a few tips for snorkelling.

You will find it very easy to snorkel of course and if you or your children are having a bit of trouble keeping afloat or are a bit nervous then there are various flotation aids available for adults or children from the crew. 

You will also find long lines of rope or guidelines and floating rest stations which are great to take a break if you are starting to feel a little fatigued. 

Snorkelling for the first time? Read our Travel Tips for Snorkellers  

Great Barrier Reef Tour Optional Extras

Optional Extra Great Barrier Reef Activities

There a number of different optional extras that our Port Douglas reef trip offers and it is strongly recommended that they are booked at the time you book your Great Barrier Reef tour to avoid disappointment.

Introductory Scuba Diving – something you have to try at least once in your life and there is no better place than Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. 
No experience is necessary the only requirement is that you are over 12 years of age and pass the on board medical questionnaire. 
We conduct a scuba dive briefing which takes about 30 minutes and this is conducted on the way out to the reef.  All equipment is provided including wetsuits, and prescriptions masks if required. 
All dive instructors are PADI qualified and there are even multi –lingual scuba diving instructors available on request.

Are you a first time introductory scuba diver? If yes then be sure to read our Travel Tips for scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef before you go.

Certified Scuba Diving – We are sure if you are a certified scuba diver that you could not go past diving on this most pristine part of the Great Barrier Reef where both the marine life and visibility is excellent. 
Certified scuba divers can partake in up to 2 dives.
Guided Snorkeling Adventures - There are two types of snorkeling adventures to experience one being for those with little snorkeling experience and the other for the advanced snorkeler these trips are all guided by an experienced Marine Biologist who can show you and explain some fantastic areas of the Great Barrier Reef and its inhabitants.

Scenic Helicopter Flights – There is no more awe inspiring way to see the reef than by helicopter. 
You will obtain a different perspective of the reef and be given an insight into the sheer size of the Great Barrier Reef.  We highly recommend to stretch that budget just a little more for a 10 minute scenic helicopter flight that is so amazing as it takes you up over the coral reefs systems you have actually snorkeled and the surrounding reefs. 
We have personally done this trip a couple of times and even in this short duration the amount of marine life sighted from the Helicopter is amazing, turtles, manta rays, white tipped reef sharks and lot’s more.

If you want to experience a bit more then of course there is the ultimate way to get the reef and that is by Helicopter. Flying out to the reef pontoon and then cruising back by boat to Port Douglas.

This can be done in reverse order of course. This is an exciting adventure to either start or finish the day and of course there is also the option to fly in both directions. Imagine the photography you will have to show your friends.

Note: Infant age 3 must pay for a seat

Meals Are Incuded on all Great Barrier Reef Tours

Morning tea, afternoon tea and lunch are served on the Outer Barrier Reef pontoon during the day.

Lunch is a superb hot and cold tropical buffet, which includes fresh prawns, pasta, meats salads and fruits. 

There is also a full bar facility where drinks can be purchased during the day.

Coach Transfers

From the moment the luxury air conditioned silver coach arrives to pick you up from your Cairns or Port Douglas holiday apartment hotel or resort accommodation its time to sit back, relax and enjoy the drive watching the beautiful scenery go by.

If you are lucky enough to be holidaying in Cairns or the Northern Beaches you are in for a spectacular trip along some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the whole of Australia.

The road to Port Douglas is one of the most highly photographed journeys in Australia so make sure your camera is on hand.

Port Douglas Reef Tour Caters For Disabled Guests

The only Great Barrier Reef tour to cater for guests in wheelchairs. We cater for guests who may be disabled or in a wheelchair by the installation of a hydraulic powered lift on the back of the pontoon that gently lifts the guest down into the water.

This allows the guest to swim directly off the hydraulic lift chair to snorkel and explore the Great Barrier Reef at your own pace.

The necessary floatation equipment is provided giving disabled guests the same opportunity to experience the azure waters of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in comfort and safety.

Read our tips and hints for travellers who may have a disabiity here.

Please note: Do not make a booking online if you are in a wheelchair and have a travel companion. Speak to The Tour Specialists team first to confirm availability. Tours are to be confirmed 24 hours prior to depature as the boats and pontoon platforms may have changed making it inoprable for disabled guests. 

Port Douglas Reef Dive & Snorkel Tours - Things You Need to Know

For self drivers check in for the boat at the Port Douglas Crystalbrook Super Yacht Marina office is at 9.15 am and once on board, complimentary tea and coffee is served with some biscuits. (Check your voucher as times may change)

With seating it is up to you whether you want to sit outside and enjoy the wind blowing through your hair or inside in the saloon with club style seating air conditioned comfort.

Please beware if you do sit outside hold onto your hat and also do not forget the sunscreen and lip balm. The reef trip cruise time from Port Douglas to the Great Barrier Reef floating pontoon takes approximately 90 minutes which you will find is a smooth and fast journey.  

So sit back, relax and enjoy the Marine Biologists Great Barrier Reef presentation which is shown on the monitors 30 minutes after departure. 

If you have never snorkeled before and feeling a bit nervous there is also a snorkeling demonstration following this presentation to show you how easy it is. The Tour Specialists have a saying, if you can breathe you can snorkel. 

For those who have pre booked Scuba diving or Snorkeling Adventure Tours you will need to listen out for your briefing as these are done on the boat way out to the reef as well.

When booking on line see the great optional extras you can do to make your day even more special.

This is the perfect Great Barrier Reef tour for non-swimmers and guests with young children from Port Douglas.

To see the Great Barrier Reef from a spectacular vantage point book a seat on a 7 seat helicopter for a scenic flight out to the pontoon or a return scenic flight back to Port Douglas or book a fly/fly helicopter with transfers both ways.

Please ask our Great Barrier Reef reservations team about our disabled facilities on our floating reef pontoon.

Our tour is also the perfect option for Cruise ship passengers who are berthing in Port Douglas. 

View more dive & snorkelling tours from Port Douglas and Low Isles

Port Douglas Cruise Ship Passenger Tour to The Great Barrier Reef

When cruise ships call into Port Douglas the passengers love to get off the boat and enjoy some shore excursions and whilst in Port Douglas they like to see the Great Barrier Reef.

Our Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef tour is perfectly timed to accommodate these cruise ships and the facilities on our floating pontoon are also perfect for non-swimmers.  

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Port Douglas

Departure Time

• Cruise/Cruise: check in 9:00am - boarding 9:30am - departs Port Douglas Marina 10:00am - return to Port Douglas Marina at 4:30pm
• Cruise/Fly: check in 9:00am - boarding 9:30am - departs Port Douglas Marina 10:00am - departs pontoon/platform 2:45pm
• Fly/Cruise: departs Port Douglas 11:10am - departs pontoon/platform 3pm - returns to Port Douglas Marina 4:30pm
• Fly/Fly: departs Port Douglas 11:10am - departs pontoon/platform 2:45pm

Departure Instructions

Check-in at Quicksilver’s Reservations office, Port Douglas marina for boarding passes.

Pickup Locations

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

• Pick up time & location to be confirmed at time of booking
• Please note pickups may be from centralised locations, please see below:
• 0745hrs Hungry Jacks, Westcourt Plaza.274 Mulgrave Road Westcourt.
• 0755hrs Bay 1, Reef Fleet Terminal. 1 Spence Street City.
• 0805hrs Aquarius Bus Stop. 107 Esplanade City.
• 0810hrs Dunwoodys. 317 Sheridan St. Cairns North.
• 0830hrs Trinity Beach Bus Turn Around Cnr Trinity Beach Road and Moore Street.
• 0840hrs Paradise on the Beach 119-121 Williams Esp. Palm Cove.

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Agincourt Ribbon Reefs

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

This tour operates on Christmas Day, bookings need to be made well in advance.

Duration

6.5 hours (approx.)

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Introductory and Certified Scuba Diving - needs to be pre-booked
• Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tours - needs to be pre-booked
• Scenic Helicopter Flights - needs to be pre-booked
• Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total
• Return accommodation transfers - needs to be pre-booked
• Souvenirs, photos & underwater camera

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium, Disabled

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.

Scuba Diving, Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo.
• Participation is subject to medical questionnaires completed on board with the tour operator.
• Minimum age for scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo 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

• Scuba Diving - must 12 years old and pass dive medical questionaire
• Certified Scuba Divers must present dive card on day of travel

Eco Certifications

Your camera, swimming costume and beach towel, hat, sunscreen and shirt for sun protection, cash for drinks at the bar, credit cards for souvenirs

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• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)
• Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive
• Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total