Boat Tours in Port Douglas

Australia’s Far Northern Queensland abounds with natural beauty. The Great Barrier Reef sits along its shore, and rivers wind through the coastal rainforest.

The Low Isles and Outer Barrier Reef attract divers and snorkelers to their pristine waters. Its rivers afford you glimpses of the Daintree Rainforest and its exotic inhabitants. A boat tour from Port Douglas is an ideal way to see all that this diverse area has to offer.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours to these exciting places, one of the best outdoor activities in Port Douglas.

What are the most popular boat tours from Port Douglas?

River wildlife cruises

The Port Douglas area’s rivers are spectacular wildlife viewing sites. A boat tour on the Daintree or Mossman Rivers winds you through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the oldest in the world. Look out for wildlife, as you glide over the water.

Low Isles boat tours

Some Low Isles boat tours include a stop at Low Island for a guided beach walk which passes by the island’s famous lighthouse. Take a spin on a glass-bottomed boat for underwater views without getting wet. Soak in views of the Daintree Mountains from your boat, and look out for sea turtles, dugongs and reef sharks

A Low Isles boat trip includes a snorkeling tour led by a marine biologist, snorkeling gear, lycra suits in the summer, wetsuits in the winter, a glass-bottomed boat tour, coffee or tea, and lunch. A special feature is locally-grown Tropical Northern Queensland Tea.

Sunset sailing tours

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Far North Queensland on an evening sail from Port Douglas. Experience a sunset over mainland Australia while cruising on a luxury catamaran over the Great Barrier Reef. Savor canapes and drinks while you watch the sun disappear, and keep your eyes out for marine life.

Outer Barrier Reef boat tours

A boat trip to the Outer Barrier Reef brings you to world-class dive sites. Agincourt Reef and Opal Reef are renowned for clear waters and prime views of ocean life. Its location at the edge of the continental shelf makes for otherworldly geological formations.

Scuba diving tours

Whether you are a first-time diver or an expert, you can expect an unforgettable experience on scuba diving tours in Port Douglas, whose the waters boast some of the best diving spots in the world. Receive expert instruction to work toward your diving certification, or just explore and enjoy if you’re already certified.

Private boat tours

You can have a personalized boating tour in Port Douglas or a romantic meal on a private tour. Relish the company of just your group, as you snorkel, sightsee, dine or relax.

How much do boat tours in Port Douglas cost?

• River wildlife cruises cost from US$25 per person to US$45 per person, depending on the duration of the trip and group size.
  
• Low Isles cruises cost from US$140 per person to US$190 per person, depending on the duration of the trip and inclusions like lunch and glass-bottomed boat tours.
  
• Sunset sailing tours cost around US$50 per person.
  
• Outer barrier reef tours cost from US$180 per person to US$250 per person, depending on inclusions and the duration of the tour.
  
• Scuba diving tours cost from US$180 per person to US$340 per person, depending on the amount of dive sites on the tour and whether you are fully certified.
  
• Private boat tours from Port Douglas start at US$25 per person for a group of six people.

Which places are visited?

What you see on your boat trip from Port Douglas varies according to what you’d like to enjoy. River excursions are a tropical rainforest experience, while ocean boat trips afford views of the area’s fragile reefs and their many inhabitants.

Mossman and Daintree rivers

The freshwater and brackish mixes that are found in these rivers and their tributaries host hundreds of species. Look for crocodiles, kingfishers, butterflies and tropical flora on your 1- to 1.5-hour tour.

Low Isles

Low Isles consists of coral cays with two islands in the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known as one of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the region, it has some of the clearest water in northern Australia.

Outer Barrier Reef

Part of the Great Barrier Reef, the Outer Barrier Reef provides some of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba sites. Agincourt and Opal Reefs are top destinations in the area. Known for extremely clear water, these two reefs will afford you views of coral gardens, rock formations and tropical fauna.

How long does a boat trip last?

Boat trips from Port Douglas vary greatly in length, depending on which kind of tour you choose. River tours and sunset sailing tours last from 1 to 2 hours. Low Isles tours last from 4 to 8 hours. Outer barrier reef tours last from 6 to 8 hours.

Scuba diving and boat tours last around 8 hours, and customizable private boat tours last from 1 to 8 hours.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Ocean boating trips start at the marina on Wharf Street in Port Douglas. River excursions on the Mossman or Daintree Rivers start at Daintree Village in Mossman.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Port Douglas?

Any time of year can make for a delightful boat trip in Port Douglas. Its tropical location provides warm weather year-round. Your best chances of spotting whales is during July and September.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Boat tours from Port Douglas will be canceled if weather conditions are unsuitable, and you can reschedule your trip or get a refund.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Port Douglas?

• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Hot air balloon rides
• Airplane tours
• Rafting
• Helicopter tours

Travel tips

• Wear a hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen, and bring a rain jacket on river tours.
• Carry a bottle of water and lunch or snacks if your tour does not include them.
• Tours sell out quickly, so book your trip early.
• If you suffer motion sickness, take medication one hour before your tour.