About this tour
Sail aboard an 82-foot catamaran from Port Douglas to the outer Barrier Reef for a full day of snorkelling, marine exploration and beach time on a pristine coral cay. This nine-hour voyage combines proper sailing with guided reef tours led by a marine biologist, interpretive glass-bottom boat viewing, and meals throughout the day. The boat relies on wind power to reach Mackay Cay, making it an environmentally conscious choice for reef-goers comfortable in open water.
Highlights
- Guided snorkel tour with marine biologist interpretation
- Glass-bottom boat tour without getting wet
- Pristine white-sand coral cay exploration
- Full buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon tea
- 82-foot catamaran sailing under canvas power
- Turtles, reef fish and coral directly accessible
- Wetsuits and snorkel gear supplied
What to expect
You'll board a multi-level catamaran at Port Douglas and spend the journey under sail to the outer reef. The boat moves constantly whilst underway, so expect some motion and the need to navigate wet, sloping decks carefully. Once at the cay, a marine biologist briefs you on reef ecology before entering the water via stern ladders. The crew guides you through snorelling while less confident swimmers can board the glass-bottom boat instead. Lunch and tea breaks punctuate the day. Decks have multiple levels and can be slippery; you'll need reasonable mobility and fitness to move safely around the vessel.
Good to know
You must be a confident, unassisted swimmer to snorkel; crew reserve the right to decline unsuitable swimmers for safety. Bring your own towel, sunscreen, hat and swimsuit. Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) must be noted at booking. The activity is physically demanding; those with cardiovascular issues should reconsider. No wheelchair access due to deck layout.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.