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Snorkelling – Website Promo

7 hours 45 mins

Snorkel three hand picked outer reef sites at the Agincourt ribbon reefs or Escape Reef from Port Douglas, with a marine biologist briefing at every stop, a tropical buffet lunch with prawns, and the option to add an introductory or certified dive.

Quick read before you book.

  • Three outer reef sites chosen for the day's conditions
  • Coral gardens of the Agincourt ribbon reefs and Escape Reef
  • Join a citizen science survey with the onboard biologist
  • Chance to swim with dwarf minke whales in season
  • Add an introductory or certified dive

What’s included

  • Outer reef cruise from Port Douglas Marina
  • Snorkelling at three reef sites
  • Marine biologist briefing at each site
  • Snorkelling equipment, flotation devices and instruction
  • Prescription masks at no extra cost (limited range)
  • Morning tea, tropical buffet lunch with prawns and afternoon tea
  • Environmental Management Charge

Commonly asked questions.

Check in at the Poseidon reservations counter inside Port Douglas Marina between 7:30am and 8:00am. The boat departs at 8:30am, so bring photo ID and the credit card used to book.

The day is best suited to guests who are confident in the water, as snorkelling can be strenuous. Crew give instruction and in water guidance, and flotation vests and swimming noodles are provided free.

Yes, a limited range of prescription masks is available at no extra charge, so ask about your strength before you travel. Our guide to snorkelling with glasses has more tips.

No. The day runs from the boat, with a large hydraulic platform at the back for easy water access, and the skipper chooses three sites each day to suit the conditions.

Morning tea with focaccia and muffins on boarding, a tropical buffet lunch with prawns, and afternoon tea with cake, cheese and biscuits on the way home are all included.

Yes. Infants aged 0 to 3 travel free, child fares apply from 4 to 14, and children must always be accompanied by an adult in the water. The minimum age for diving is 12.

There's no fee for cancellations made before midday the day before travel, a 50% fee between midday and 6pm the day before, and no refund after 6pm the day before. If weather affects the trip, you'll be offered another date or a full refund.

Poseidon is designed to be a very stable boat, but if you're prone to motion sickness it's worth taking precautions. Free ginger tablets are available onboard and motion sickness medication can be bought on the boat.

Plenty, from rainforest days to croc spotting and sunrise balloon flights. Browse our Port Douglas tours and experiences to plan the rest of your stay.

Read more? Here’s the full description.

There's no pontoon on this trip. The whole day runs from the boat, which means your skipper can pick the three best outer reef sites for the day's conditions. It's built for people who love being in the water, with a marine biologist on board and plenty of time to snorkel. You'll check in at the Poseidon counter inside Port Douglas Marina before the 8:30am departure, then enjoy morning tea with focaccia and muffins as you head out to the Agincourt ribbon reefs or Escape Reef, where special permits open up a diverse spread of World Heritage sites. At each site the biologist runs a briefing on what you're about to see, then you're in. Shallow lagoons hold some of the best coral growth on the reef, while drop offs and coral pinnacles reward more experienced snorkellers. You can even join a citizen science survey, counting marine life on a timed swim. Keen to go deeper? Introductory and certified dives can be added to your day. Lunch is a tropical buffet with prawns, and afternoon tea with cake, cheese and biscuits keeps you going on the way home. During the dwarf minke whale season, you may even get the chance to swim with these curious visitors. Staying a few days? Pair your reef day with Hartley's Crocodile Adventures from Port Douglas, and if you're still choosing a base, our Port Douglas vs Cairns guide weighs it up. Explore the details below, then check availability for your dates.

Additional info by the operator.

Check in: Poseidon reservations counter inside Port Douglas Marina between 7:30am and 8:00am. The boat departs at 8:30am. Duration: About 7 hours 45 minutes. Who it suits: Guests who are confident in the water. Snorkelling can be strenuous, so the ability to swim and a fair level of fitness are recommended. Children must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Ages and fares: Infants aged 0 to 3 travel free and child fares apply from 4 to 14 years. Diving: Introductory and certified dives are optional extras, payable by cash or card on the day. The minimum age for diving is 12, and certified divers need to bring their certification card. What to bring: Swimwear, towel, sunglasses, a hat and shirt for sun protection, marine friendly sunscreen, a camera and a drink bottle for the onboard water fountain. Drones aren't permitted. Good to know: Bring photo ID and the credit card used to book for check in. Fuel and credit card surcharges may apply. During scheduled maintenance, the catamaran Silversonic operates in place of Poseidon. Cancellation policy: No fee for cancellations made before midday the day before travel, a 50% fee between midday and 6pm the day before, and no refund after 6pm the day before.