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.
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.
Arrive at the activity platform and dive into a world of adventure:
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.
Continue exploring the reef or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking views from the pontoon.
Depart Agincourt Reef and enjoy the return journey. Chat with marine biologists, watch a reef video, and view photos from the day.
Arrive back at Port Douglas Marina, bidding farewell to the Quicksilver crew after an unforgettable day.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Port Douglas
Check-in at Quicksilver’s Reservations office, Port Douglas marina for boarding passes.
January - December
Daily
This tour operates on Christmas Day, bookings need to be made well in advance.
6.5 hours (approx.)
Low, Medium, Disabled
Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
Scuba Diving Restrictions
Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.
Scuba Diving, Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions
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 cards for souvenirs
Reviewed on December 30, 2018
Everything was as expected. The staff was really friendly and helpful. The food was delicious.
Response From The Tour Specialists
Thank you for your great feedback, It's wonderful to hear you enjoyed your Great Barrier Reef tour from Port Douglas out on the pontoon! We look forward to welocoming you back to Port Douglas
Reviewed on July 10, 2018
My Daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the reef tour - we went on the advanced snorkel group with marine biologist Greg - he was attentive and informative The food was really good and the day ran smoothly although it was a rough trip out - the crew were very diligent and caring with the ill The sea turtles were a highlight for my daughter - 16 yo
Response From The Tour Specialists
Sarah thank you very much for your review of the Quicksilver tour from Port Douglas out to the platform Your feedback is greatly appreciated by other guests and our team at The Tour Specialists We hope to see you back in Port Douglas soon
Reviewed on August 25, 2017
what an awesome experience! the helicopter flight was amazing, the only way to see the beauty of the barrier reef, the pilot was very informative all the way, the pontoon at the reef was awesome too, the staff were great, the food was great we couldn't fault anything on our day out with quick silver, highly recommend them.
Reviewed on October 11, 2016
We changed to saturday the 8th as it was so windy. Loved our day out on the reef.very choppy but amazing. Staff were fabulous and food was great. So pleased we went
Response From The Tour Specialists
Dear Reegan, We are very pleased that you had a great day on the Great Barrier Reef. As you experienced first-hand, reef trip is worth doing even on a choppy day! Please don't hesitate to contact us next time you are visiting Cairns area and want to try some other adventures whether it will be the reef, rainforest or adventure activities!
Reviewed on October 08, 2016
There is nothing more beautiful than this gift that God has created for us all! Your staff played a important role in this lifetime experience; the knowledge and the little things they did for me like find a giant clam! I have already sent pictures to my American friends and they are eager to come next year. Congratulations Quicksilver on a job well done! I'll be back soon
Response From The Tour Specialists
Dear Angela, We are very pleased that you appreciate this miracle of nature as much as we do. Great Barrier Reef is really something special and you will have to experience it yourself to truly appreciate it. Please let us know when you are travelling next time in Cairns and Port Douglas area, we would love to assist with your Great Barrier Reef and other amazing tours.
Reviewed on October 08, 2016
The experience was good we all enjoyed snorkeling and the semi submersible
Response From The Tour Specialists
Thank you Tania, The quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruise does offer a wide range of activities for all ages so we are delighted your family all got to experience this Natural wonder! The Agincourt Ribbon Refs do offer some of the best coral in the region and the semi-submersible is a great way to see and learn about it while staying dry
All doors are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs
There are ramps from the quay and the ponton to the catamaran.~|~Wheelchair ramps are available from the catamaran to the pontoon~|~8 steps to the Semi-submersible.
Ramps
Ramps at all points of access
Information sheets are available
Disabled toilets* are available onboard the catamaran
*From the pontoon, toilet access is via a ramp to the toilets on the catamaran
There are ramps from the quay and the ponton to the catamaran.
All doors are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs
4 steps to diving area~|~6 steps from diving area to entry water area
There are ramps from the quay and the ponton to the catamaran.
Wheelchair ramps are available from the quay to the catamaran
Wheelchair ramps are available from the catamaran to the pontoon
Tanks and weight belts can be put on and taken off in the water if you are unable to walk with equipment on
Ramps at all points of access – allows access to ground area and toilet facilities
Disabled toilets are available onboard the catamaran
Catamaran - All doors are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs.
Helicopter – wheelchair will be bought over on the boat if you fly from Port Douglas to the pontoon or vice versa.
This tour is not suitable for non-mobile passengers. There is a step into the helicopter but a certain amount of mobility is required.
There are ramps from the quay and the ponton to the catamaran.
The helicopter lands and takes off from a separate landing station away fro the pontoon that is reached by small boat
A certain amount of mobility is required stepping down into and out of a small boat (onto the pontoon and helicopter platform)
A certain amount of mobility is required stepping up and down off of the helicopter
In seated position for the helicopter trip
Ramps at all points of access on vessel and at quay
Disabled toilets* are available onboard the catamaran
*From the pontoon, toilet access is via a ramp to the toilets on the catamaran
16 steps to the Underwater Observatory
Wheelchair ramps are available from the quay to the catamaran
Wheelchair ramps are available from the catamaran to the pontoon
Disabled toilets* are available onboard the catamaran
*From the pontoon, toilet access is via a ramp to the toilets on the catamaran
Hydraulic chair lift is on the pontoon to allow access to the water for snorkeling
Wheelchair ramps are available from the quay to the catamaran~|~Wheelchair ramps are available from the catamaran to the pontoon
There are ramps from the quay and the pontoon to the catamaran.
Ramps at all points of access
Disabled toilets* are available onboard the catamaran
*From the pontoon, toilet access is via a ramp to the toilets on the catamaran
Transfer from Cairns/Northern Beaches accomodation to be organised seperately (speak to your tour specialist if you have any special requirements for this transfer)
You must arrange your own local transport in advance.
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Operators policy:
au$312.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$164.00
Family: au$796.00
Tour Code: 26