Duration7 hrs
Start & End Time9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Minimum AgeAll ages
Fitness LevelLow
MealsIncludedi
Start & End LocationPort DouglasWhat's Included
- Get up to $20 cash back per person when you book with us
- Return Wavedancer cruise to Low Isles, 1 hr from Port Douglas, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef
- Use of lycra swimming suits, snorkelling mask, snorkel & fins to explore the dynamic & beautiful underwater world of the lagoon, reef & coral gardens
- All meals, including morning and afternoon teas on board as you sail, plus a tropical smorgasbord lunch
- Insightful & interesting reef presentation by a marine biologist
- A range of island activities including glass bottom boat coral viewing, guided snorkelling trips with Marine Biologist, & a Marine Biologist guided beach walk
- Qualified Lifeguard on hand for peace of mind
- Environmental Management Charge, which contributes to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's management & conservation of the reef
Where we Visit:
- Great Barrier Reef
- Low Isles
What's Excluded
Transfers are not included. Please check-in at the Wavedancer reservations counter inside Port Douglas Marina from 9.15 am
What to Expect
A secluded tropical paradise, set like a jewel in the Great Barrier Reef, Low Isles is an idyllic, unspoilt coral cay island. Combined with the romance of sailing aboard a luxury 30-metre sailing catamaran, Wavedancer, this is the perfect day for families and couples seeking island relaxation.
As you board the boat, you'll enjoy morning tea with tea and coffee included before setting sail. Then, the moment Wavedancer moors in the calm waters of the island’s picturesque lagoon, a host of reef activities await. The friendly crew will take you on a leisurely, informative day where island visitor numbers are limited.
Discover the mysteries of marine life while snorkelling, which is a ton of fun and a brilliant way to view this watery wonderland. All equipment is provided, and a friendly supervisor is on hand to give you a few tips. Snorkelling direct from the beach, you can discover the corals very close to the island making for an enjoyable experience for snorkelers of all abilities. You'll even have the opportunity to join organised snorkel expeditions and view the creatures of the reef under the guidance of a Marine Biologist.
If you prefer to stay dry, or just see the reef from a different perspective, join the glass bottom boat tour. It leaves the island regularly and cruises over the delicate soft coral gardens that surround Low Isles. An informative commentary will be conducted to point out the corals, brightly coloured tropical fish and magnificent giant clams. Perhaps this is your chance to meet a turtle!
While the water is alluring, there's also a lot to see on dry land. The knowledgeable Marine Biologist conducts a guided beach walk, showing you the unique marine life living at the water's edge. You'll also hear about flora and fauna inhabiting the island, along with the history of Low Isles as an important place of marine research. Plus, you can take a guided tour through a “Heritage Walk”, which outlines human use of the island, past and present.
Once you've worked up a hearty appetite, a tropical buffet lunch is served on board. There is also a fully licensed bar operating all day where you can purchase beverages.
At the end of the day, afternoon tea is also served onboard as you relax under the sails on your homeward journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
We operate year-round, every day is a holiday! Generally, you will find the warm air and water temperatures in the tropics make for comfortable conditions year-round for water activities.
If you are visiting between the months of May to October, while certainly not guaranteed, there is the added bonus of potential whale sightings on the journey to and from the reef. Humpback whales regularly migrate from Antarctic waters every winter to the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef. They are most commonly sighted from June to September. The smaller Minke Whales can often be seen at Agincourt Reef from as early as April but from our experience, the most common sightings occur from June to July.
Low Isles is 15km NE of Port Douglas. Travelling time aboard our sailing catamaran Wavedancer from Port Douglas to Low Isles is 70 minutes.
Bring along a towel, sunscreen, hat, swimwear and camera to capture your memories. Limited underwater digital cameras are available to hire onboard. A professional photographic service is also available for you to purchase photos of your day. For optional activities or onboard purchases like souvenirs or drinks from the bar, bring along your credit card or some cash.
Yes, our daily buffet lunch provides food options for vegetarians. Our meals are prepared daily by our Catering Department utilising local produce wherever possible. All menu options are labelled with ingredients lists. Please contact us directly if you have specific dietary needs.
Due to government regulations and the comfort of all passengers, smoking is not permitted on board any of our vessels. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on the island. Please ensure cigarette butts are disposed of responsibly in the receptacles provided.
Low Isles is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Yes, there is no reserved seating and you are free to sit where you prefer. It’s up to your personal preference whether you would like to sit inside in the air-conditioned cabins, on the outside decks undercover or in the sun.
Hopefully not. Our sailing catamaran cruise provides a smooth a ride as possible in most sea conditions. Where there is motion whether in a car, bus, plane or boat, some people will suffer from motion sickness. Motion sickness medication is available onboard for purchase. Ginger tablets are available as a natural alternative motion sickness medication on a complimentary basis. To be effective, motion sickness medications should be taken immediately on boarding prior to travel.
We do not have lockers however we do have safety bags that can be used for smaller items like wallets, passports, jewellery and small cameras. This is at no cost and can be accessed by checking with our bar staff.
Yes we take Visa, Mastercard & Amex
There are no toilet facilities on Low Isles, Toilet facilities are located onboard Wavedancer.
Our Wavepiercer catamarans and reef platforms are pram-friendly with ample room on the boat and ramped areas on the platform. We do not recommend prams on our Wavedancer Low Isles cruise as the sailing catamaran has many stairs and narrow entries. The beach at Low Isles has quite soft sand and therefore not practical for prams.
Yes, infants and children are welcome however we recommend they are supervised and are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. We suggest buoyancy vests are worn and these are available free of charge. Noodles/flotation devices are also available. There are many activities for children and families to enjoy together at Low Isles.
On Low Isles, there is shade provided by trees and large thatched umbrellas which line the beach.
Two shuttle vessels operate throughout the day to transfer guests to and from the island at their leisure.
0-5 metres depth. The corals are close to the island which makes snorkelling easy and enjoyable.
At certain times of the year, jellyfish, commonly called marine stingers, can affect the seas of Northern Australia. Most jellyfish are harmless to man, however certain varieties may cause a serious reaction. Incidents involving serious marine stings in this area are extremely rare. Quicksilver’s crew are conscious of the danger of marine stingers and will take appropriate steps to ensure your protection if they believe conditions are such that there is a possibility of encountering these creatures. Lycra suits are available to protect guests from the sun and to reduce the possibility of stings and irritations.
Wavedancer is a large boat and can take up to 150.
Policies
- Presentation of a valid photo ID or the credit card used to book is required for verification purposes at check-in
- Snorkelling can be a strenuous activity. Please use caution and inform our crew of any medical conditions
- All schedules, activities and prices may be varied without notice
- On rare occasions, services can be subject to the effect of weather or unforeseen circumstances. Should a cruise not operate for any reason passengers will be offered an alternative day of travel or a refund will be authorised
- The passenger shall comply with the instructions of the company’s servants and agents concerning all matters connected with the service and shall comply with any notice exhibited on the vessel
- For cancellations after 6:00 pm on the day prior to travel, a 100% cancellation fee will apply
- For cancellations between 12 midday and 6:00 pm on the day prior to travel, a 50% cancellation fee will apply
- For cancellations before 12 midday on the day prior to travel, no cancellation fee will apply
- Any Environmental Management Charge collected is to be refunded
- Any refund given will be by the same method payment was made
- A change of travel date can be made to your booking without incurring any cancellation fee
Tour Operator
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