ABC Snorkel Charters | Great Barrier Reef Day Tour
Departure Times
Departure Point: Port Douglas Marina
Pricing Options
Explore the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas like never before with a boutique, small-group snorkelling tour!
- Eco-certified reef tour that prioritises low-impact activities and reef preservation
- Maximum of 12 people onboard for an intimate, small-group experience
- Visit rare, uncrowded reef sites and admire undisturbed marine life
- Flexible itinerary so you can truly see the best of the Great Barrier Reef
Overview
If you’re looking for the highest-quality Great Barrier Reef experience, consider a Snorkelling Day Tour with ABC Snorkel Charters! This full-day, small group tour combines reef education and preservation with an action-packed day of fun and snorkelling. Visit 2 reef sites on the Outer Reef from Port Douglas, with your eco-certified guides choosing the best locations on the day. Have a leisurely, unrushed day of admiring marine life, exploring the underwater world, and enjoying a laid-back experience on the Coral Sea.
Highlights
- Boutique Great Barrier Reef trip from Port Douglas
- 12 guests maximum
- Visit non-touristy reef sites
- Relaxed atmosphere with no set itinerary
- Eco-friendly vessels with modern diesel engines
- Explore pristine marine environments
- 2 snorkel locations
- Morning tea and lunch provided
- Beer and wine for purchase on the return journey
- Ratio of 6 guests per 1 marine snorkel guide
Sample Itinerary
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Flexible day tour
With an ABC Snorkel Tour, every day is a unique experience! There is no fixed schedule for the day and no designated reef sites. The eco-certified company has a special Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority permit, where the skipper can roam the waters at will and choose the best locations based on the day’s conditions.
Basic Itinerary
7:45am - Check-in at our vessel at ...
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Reef Sites
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Uncrowded reef sites
Because of the flexibility on tour, your guide can choose the best reef sites for the day! There will be 2 snorkel locations for the day, each chosen with care and consideration so you get the best quality experience.
ABC Snorkel Charters visits all the Outer Reefs from Port Douglas, which may include Agincourt Reef and lots of other lesser known, uncrowded reefs.
Dedica...
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Uncrowded reef sites
Because of the flexibility on tour, your guide can choose the best reef sites for the day! There will be 2 snorkel locations for the day, each chosen with care and consideration so you get the best quality experience.
ABC Snorkel Charters visits all the Outer Reefs from Port Douglas, which may include Agincourt Reef and lots of other lesser known, uncrowded reefs.
Dedication to sustainability
ABC Snorkel Charters is dedicated to preserving and protecting the Great Barrier Reef. Their low-impact reef tours have small-group numbers and a flexible schedule so the guides can explore new reef sites every day and avoid overusing the same locations.
The vessels are fuel-efficient, and the crew will choose live boat snorkelling where possible to avoid anchoring on the reef. ABC Snorkel Charters also uses recyclable materials for lunch and snacks when possible, and the crew makes an effort to educate guests about reef ecology and conservation.
Important Information
What To Bring
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Food/snacks
- Water bottle
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sea sickness medication if required
- Dry change of clothes
- Camera
- Natural insect repellant
- Credit card for onboard purchases
What's Included
- Snorkelling equipment
- Fully guided snorkelling tours with 6 guests per guide
- Full-length lycra suits or 5mm wetsuits in winter
- Snorkel instruction
- Flotation devices and life jackets
- Prescription masks available
- Tea, coffee, drinking water
What's Extra
- $8 EMC charge - payable on board (included in advertised price). As of 01 April 2026, this charge will be included in the tour price.
- Private transfers to the marina
- Additional dive guide (recommended if you are not a confident swimmer and you want your own private guide)
- The following can be purchased onboard with credit card (no cash accepted)
- Waterproof phone bags
- Reef safe sunscreen
- Micro SD memory cards
- Soft drinks, beer, and wines
- Go Pro camera hire
Cancellations
Cancellations made within 48 hours prior to the booked tour date or ‘no shows’ are subject to 100% cancellation charge with no refund.
A refund in the event of cancellation is subject to both our Cancellation Policy and the terms of the supplier.
Terms and Conditions
Our Terms & Conditions apply to this experience. Please review them before booking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the boat ride to the Outer Reef from Port Douglas?
Depending on where the boat ends up, it’s around 70-90 minutes to travel from Port Douglas to the Outer Reef. The crew will provide reef talks and snorkel demonstrations on the way so you can maximise your time in the water when we arrive at the reef sites.
What reef sites will we visit?
ABC Snorkel Charters never visits the same reef sites two days in a row! The crew is constantly switching it up to minimise impact on these precious reef sites. The crew will be checking the conditions on the day and keeping the schedule open so you can stop at the best places.
Do I have to be a strong swimmer?
It’s important to be comfortable in the water if you’re joining an Outer Reef snorkelling tour. But flotation devices like noodles and life jackets are provided for those who want them, and you have the option to hire your own private snorkel guide if you want the extra assistance.
Is food included?
Yes, morning tea and a deli-style lunch are included. Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions upon booking!
Are drinks included?
Drinking water is included, so bring a refillable water bottle! Soft drinks, beer, and wine are also available for purchase with a credit card (no cash). Alcohol can only be purchased after you have finished the day’s water activites, for safety reasons.
How do we get to the marina in Port Douglas?
It’s recommended to have a hire car or walk to the marina in Port Douglas for your tour. There is free parking at Maranos Fuel Wharf if you're driving, or you can also organise private transfers for an extra cost.
Is there an age restriction?
The minimum age is 7 years old. There is no maximum age, however guests must be comfortable in the open ocean!
