Private Great Barrier Reef Day Charter | ABC Reef Safaris

FROM: $5900
24
SingleDay
FOR AGES
All Ages

Departure Times

Departs: 8:00am - Daily
Returns: 4:00pm - Daily

Departure Point for 13-24 Pax Charters: C finger at Crystalbrook Super Yacht Marina, Port Douglas

Departure Point for 1-12 Pax Charters: Marano’s Fuel Wharf, Port Street, Port Douglas

Pricing Options

$5900 AUD / Charter - Standard Private Charter 1-12 Pax (Snorkel Only) (Between: 18 Feb 2025 and 31 Mar 2027)
$17950 AUD / Charter - Standard Private Charter 13-24 Pax (Snorkel Only) (Between: 10 Dec 2025 and 31 Mar 2027)

Plan the perfect uncrowded and intimate day on the Great Barrier Reef with ABC Reef Safaris!

  • Customisable private charter itinerary on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Visit tropical islands, sand cays, the low isles, or pristine reef sites
  • Professional crew onboard to tend to your needs and ensure the day runs smoothly
  • Perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends

Overview

For a customisable expedition on the Coral Sea around Port Douglas, charter your own vessel! ABC Reef Safaris from Port Douglas provide bespoke experiences aboard purpose-built, eco-friendly dive and snorkel vessels. Whether you want to lounge on deserted tropical beaches or snorkel at an uncrowded slice of reef, you can have your dream excursion on the Great Barrier Reef with a private charter!

Highlights

  • Bespoke private charter from Port Douglas
  • Explore non-touristy parts of the Great Barrier Reef
  • Flexible itinerary
  • 6 passengers per snorkel guide
  • Visit unique reef sites, islands, and coral cays
  • Eco-friendly vessels with modern diesel engines
  • Morning tea and lunch provided
  • Beer and wine for purchase on the return journey
  • Expert crew included on your charter
  • Scuba diving charter upgrade available

snorkeller swimming over colourful coral reefs

Sample Itinerary

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Flexible Itinerary for your Private Charter

On your private day charter with ABC Reef Safaris, the day is entirely up to you and the weather conditions! There is no fixed itinerary and the skipper can select the best snorkelling locations based on the ocean to ensure you get the best visibility. The eco-certified company has a special Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority permit, so you have...

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Reef Sites

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Unique reef sites

ABC Reef Safaris visits all the reef sites on the Outer Great Barrier Reef near Port Douglas. The most popular reef site here is Agincourt Reef, though there are lots of other uncrowded and non-touristy reef sites that your guide may choose. The charter is entirely flexible, giving the crew the chance to select the best reef sites on the day based on the conditions!


Eco-frien...

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Unique reef sites

ABC Reef Safaris visits all the reef sites on the Outer Great Barrier Reef near Port Douglas. The most popular reef site here is Agincourt Reef, though there are lots of other uncrowded and non-touristy reef sites that your guide may choose. The charter is entirely flexible, giving the crew the chance to select the best reef sites on the day based on the conditions!


Eco-friendly efforts

When you book a charter with ABC Reef Safaris, you can feel confident that you're supporting a company that is dedicated to preserving the Great Barrier Reef ecosystems. Every reef tour and private charter emphasizes low-impact tourism, with small group numbers and the flexibility to visit reef sites outside the usual tourist circuit. 

Your charter will also have fuel-efficient vessels, recyclable materials, and live boat snorkelling (to avoid anchoring on the reef). You can also learn about the Great Barrier Reef's ecology and the local conservation efforts from your expert guides onboard!

great barrier reef corals underwater cairns

Our Delicious Sample Menu

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Morning Tea 

Start your day with a morning tea or coffee accompanied by a pastry and fresh fruit. 


Lunch

Refuel after some epic snorkelling with a Deli-style roll and a delicious cookie.


Drinks

Purchase beer and wine on the return journey home to toast away the fantastic day on the Great Barrie...

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Important Information

The prices above are for standard snorkel only charters. Enquire to book luxury upgrades or scuba diving upgrades!

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

  • Full day private charter for up to 24 guests
  • Crew
  • 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
  • Deli-style lunch
  • Reef safe sunscreen
  • Return transfers from Port Douglas

What's Extra

  • Return transfers from Cairns or Palm Cove
  • Luxury lunch upgrade
  • Scuba diving charters
  • 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 within 5 days of charter date occur a 100% charge.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat ride to the Outer Reef from Port Douglas?

It's usually around 70-90 minutes to travel from Port Douglas to the Outer Reef. But the exact travel times depend on which reef sites or sand cays your group wants to visit, and the conditions at sea. 

What reef sites can we snorkel at?

ABC Reef Safaris visits all of the reef sites around Port Douglas, giving you a huge list of options. The crew will pick the best locations based on the conditions, and they will take your input into account as well. A private charter is entirely flexible, and the Great Barrier Reef is full of stunning snorkel locations!

Can we book scuba diving?

ABC Reef Safaris does offer scuba diving charters! Please contact us for rates.

Does everyone in the group need to be a confident swimmer?

If anyone wants to snorkel, it's important that they are comfortable in the water. 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. 

Do we have to go snorkelling?

No! This is a private charter, so the itinerary is entirely up to you. If all or some of your group isn't interested in snorkelling, you can also visit sand cays around Port Douglas to sunbathe and swim near the shore.

How do we get to the Port Douglas marina?

It’s recommended to have a hire car or walk to the marina in Port Douglas for your tour, or you can organise coach transfers. 

Please note:

Departure Point for 13-24 Pax Charters: C finger at Crystalbrook Super Yacht Marina, Port Douglas

Departure Point for 1-12 Pax Charters: Marano’s Fuel Wharf, Port Street, Port Douglas

Is there a minimum age?

There is no minimum age for private charters, but all children have to be supervised. 

Jayme
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