On the water · PORT DOUGLAS BOAT TOURS
Every one of these 9 port douglas boat tours has a queue of people who have already been. Below: what each costs, how long it runs and where they differ.
Cruise the calm Dickson Inlet aboard Lady Douglas for about 90 minutes. Your skipper points out crocodiles, birds, mudskippers, shipwrecks, mangroves, and Port Douglas landmarks, with commentary from crew such as Richard, Jay, and Jake. A drink and snack plate are included, and the boat returns to Wharf Street.
“Excellent trip. Family run operation. Very relaxed and lots of information give. A must if you are in Port Douglas”
Spend about an hour on the Daintree River aboard the quiet solar-electric Solar Whisper. Your guide points out crocodiles by name, along with birds, frogs, snakes, fish, and mangrove life. Small groups, live commentary, tea, and coffee make this a calm, good-value wildlife outing near the Daintree ferry.
“Great trip, guide is very knowledgeable, saw plenty of crocs. Boat only has one row of seats in each side unlike other larger boats which can be 3x3 so everyone gets a good view and the skipper turns the boat so both sides gets close to each croc!”
From Port Douglas, Calypso takes you to Agincourt or Opal Reef for three water sessions. You can snorkel with a guide, try introductory scuba with a PADI instructor, or join certified scuba groups. The day includes gear, lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments, and an interpretive reef talk aboard a comfortable custom-built boat.
“Really great day out on the reef. Great snorkelling locations, friendly and knowledgeable crew. Definitely recommend.”
Spend one hour on the Daintree River with guides such as Bruce, Ray, Brad, or Griff, watching for crocodiles, birds, tree snakes, and other wildlife. The cruise travels through a UNESCO-listed region and includes tea, coffee, or children’s slushies. Sightings are not guaranteed, but crocodiles are spotted on most trips.
“Had a great time, started raining half way through but the guide was amazing and made sure we still got to see a few crocs”
Board Wavelength at 8:10am for a snorkeling-only cruise from Port Douglas to three Outer Reef sites. Marine biologists lead optional guided swims, explain coral and sea life, and help nervous beginners. You get gear, suits, lunch, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, and free in-water photos.
“The crew were really energetic and knowledgeable. Taught us a lot about the incredible reef. We went to three reef areas to snorkel and all quite varied. Wish we had more time to repeat this amazing experience!”
Spend a full day at Agincourt Reef aboard Quicksilver’s air-conditioned catamaran. Snorkel, ride a semi-submersible, visit the underwater observatory, or add scuba, helmet walks, guided tours, and a helicopter flight. The crew, including marine biologists, helps swimmers and non-swimmers enjoy the reef.
“Loved the trip. The staff really helpful and informative. There were a lot of people on the tour but it was well organised”
From Port Douglas, you’ll ride the Calypso XI for 30 minutes to Low Isles, where you can snorkel with a guide, ride the glass-bottom boat, and explore the island’s lighthouse and tropical paths. Crew members such as Katie, Dani, Cedric, and Ruth have helped make the trip welcoming for first-timers. Muffins, fruit, tea, coffee, and equipment are included.
“It was a much anticipated experience that lived up to its billing.”
Join Lady Douglas for a 90-minute river cruise from Port Douglas Marina. Your skipper guides you through mangroves and Dickson Inlet, watching for saltwater crocodiles, birds, fish, rainforest mountains, and boats. Drew, Jake, and Chris are among the guides praised for lively commentary. A bar drink and snack box are included.
“The captain was an excellent guide and told stories up and down the lagoon. Excellent value for money.”
Settle aboard Sailaway Port Douglas’s luxury catamaran for a 90-minute sunset sail from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. You’ll receive a beer, wine, champagne, or soft drink, plus hot and cold canapés, while the crew sails along the Coral Sea and Daintree coastline. Small numbers, polished service, and a smooth ride make this an easy evening outing.
“The sunset cruise was excellent with great crew awesome food cold drinks and a location to die for. What more would you want. The boat was spotlessly clean. 10 out of 10.”
Pick a hull, a coast or an hour of the day.
