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Important: Hours or services may differ. To get the most accurate information please refer to the supplier's official website. This destination you intend to travel to may have COVID-19 travel restrictions in place. Please check any national, local and health advisories for this destination before you book.
We recommend booking a tour with free cancellation* in case your plans change. *There is always a timeline associated with the free cancellation policy. Please check the terms and conditions of the cancellation policy before you book.

  •  Activities
  •  Port Douglas
  •  Low Isles Island and Snorkelling Half Day Tour by Calypso Reef Cruises (Morning Departure)

Low Isles Island and Snorkelling Half Day Tour by Calypso Reef Cruises (Morning Departure)

Calypso Reef Cruises

  • Port Douglas
  • English
  • 4 hours (approx.)
  • Free Cancellation prior to 7 days of travel date
  • 24 Working Hours Confirmation

Standard Inclusions

  • 1. 30-minute cruise to Low Isles on the Great Barrier Reef
  • 2. 2.5-hours at Low Isles
  • 3. Snorkel equipement incl. lycra suits, wetsuits, flotation devices & prescription masks
  • 4. Refreshments
  • 5. Guided snorkel tour
  • 6. Guided island walk
  • 7. Glass Bottom Boat
  • 8. Environmental Management Charge & Levies
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1 Key Facts

Included

  • 1. 30-minute cruise to Low Isles on the Great Barrier Reef
  • 2. 2.5-hours at Low Isles
  • 3. Snorkel equipement incl. lycra suits, wetsuits, flotation devices & prescription masks
  • 4. Refreshments
  • 5. Guided snorkel tour
  • 6. Guided island walk
  • 7. Glass Bottom Boat
  • 8. Environmental Management Charge & Levies

Not included

  • 1. Transport from/to hotels
  • 2. Food & beverages not listed as Inclusions
  • 3. Souvenirs
  • 4. Travel Insurance
Destination Port Douglas
Depature point ● Departs: daily, all year round
  Tour does not run on Christmas Day (25 December)
● Departure Point:  Crystalbrook Marina, Port Douglas (Address: 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877)
● Departure Time: 07:30
  Departure time is reference only and subject to availability.
  During the off season & COVID period, these tours may be reduced to one departure per day.
● Arrives back at approximately 11:30
Address 21-23 Warner Street Shop 3, Port Douglas QLD 4877 Australia
How to get there ● By Car
Located approximately 43km north of Palm Cove, takes about 50 minutes; approximately 66km north of Cairns Airport, takes about 1 hour 10 minutes; approximately 69km north of Cairns City, takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.

- Onsite parking available

● By Public Transport
Unfortunately there is no direct public transport available.
Operating hours
Morning Cruise - Daily 07:30 - 11:30 Boarding at 07:15
Afternoon Cruise - Daily 13:15 - 17:15 Boarding at 12:45
Christmas Day (25 December) Closed
Reconfirmation requirements Please be advised you are required to contact The Service Provider 24 hours prior to the travel date during business hours to reconfirm your booking, departure location and time, and boarding time with your confirmation number. Please adjust your travel plan according to the details given by The Service Provider at time of reconfirming.
Check-in requirements Please arrive at the ticket office 30 minutes prior to the departure time to exchange for ticket/boarding pass before proceeding to the boarding terminal. Regrettably, failure to arrive before this time will most likely be classified as no-show and result in forfeiting the booking and it cannot be refunded or transferred.

If you are not familiar with the area or travelling on a weekend or local public holidays / school holidays, please make sure you've checked your timetable or driving route beforehand, and allow extra travelling time for unexpected delays to ensure you do not miss your check in
What to bring/wear ● Motion-sickness medicine (if required)
● Swimwear, towel
● Protective clothing, hat, sunscreen lotion, and sunglasses
● Comfortable shoes
● Light jacket / sweater for windy or cool days
● Camera (waterproof)
● Money / credit card for optional purchases
Other info 【Important Post-Covid Service Information】
- Please use contactless payment options at all times.
- Customers will be required to provide a current phone number and residential address (address of accommodation if travelling) and full name in order to complete activity. Customers' personal data may be provided to official government bodies to help stop the spread of any health outbreaks.
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● The tour is operating in the Wet Tropics, rain is expected mainly during the summer months. However, it can rain all year round. Rain doesn't affect the day to day operations to the Great Barrier Reef. The Service Provider does not cancel tours due to rain as it does not affect the quality of the reef.
● Due to some weather conditions, it may not be possible to access the island. Please contact the Service Provider for more information.

2 Overview

This half day cruise departing from Port Douglas is a great way for those short on time to visit the Great Barrier Reef. After a picturesque 30 minute cruise, be transported to the crystal clear waters of the Low Isles for a guided snorkel tour and free time to explore the unique island. You will have 2.5 hours to snorkel this calm water reef lagoon and view over 150 varieties of coral and tropical fish that can be found here. This tour is also perfect for non-swimmers who can take in views of the coral reef from a glass bottom boat or dry land.

Low Isles Island and Snorkelling Half Day Tour by Calypso Reef Cruises

Low Isles

Low Isles is situated 15 kilometres north-east of Port Douglas, the Low Isles comprise a four acre coral cay surrounded by 55 acres of reef. The reefs are very close to the island, which makes snorkelling an easy and enjoyable experience. The two small islands are separate but share the common reef.

The larger of the two, Woody Island, is uninhabited except for a large bird population. It is a vital habitat for many species.

The smaller of the Low Isles is a coral cay with a lighthouse that has been operating since 1878. Weather data has been gathered from the island since 1887, and scientific associations date back to 1928 when it was the base for a year-long scientific survey that examined the structure and ecology of the surrounding reef. This was the first scientific study of a coral reef anywhere in the world, and many current theories of coral reef ecology are based on the findings of this expedition.

There are 150 different species of hard corals in the waters surrounding Low Isles, although these are dominated by 15 species of soft corals. If you look closely, the feathery tentacles of soft corals can often be seen collecting tiny food particles from the water around them. Living amongst the corals is a large variety of fish, molluscs, sea cucumbers and other animals. Colourful blue, green and purple parrotfish are a common sight as well as angelfish, damselfish, anenomefish or clownfish, trevally, rabbitfish, sweetlip, moon wrasse and fusilleers, just to name a few! Plus, you might run into the resident turtles.

The lightstation (controlled by Queensland Parks and Wildlife) on the flat low lying western island, was completed and exhibited in 1878. The 18 metre tower was originally constructed on a timber frame with a galvanised sheath in the typical Queensland fashion, however Low Isles was the first to have porthole windows.

 

Tour Highlight
  • Explore the reef and its inhabitants without the crowds
  • Comfortable spacious vessel
  • Only a maximum of 23 guests per tour
  • Guided snorkel tour
  • Fruit, tea & coffee provided

 

Join this half day tour for a snorkelling experience at a secluded island, Low Isles. Arriving at Low Isles after a 30 minute journey, guests will explore the coral reef and its inhabitants without the crowds.

The comfortable vessel travels to Low Isles with only 23 guests and allows approximately 2.5 hours to snorkel and explore this picturesque coral cay, a similar amount of time as some full day tours have at the island. Snorkel in the calm lagoon or view the reef from the glass bottom boat, the crew will provide tours for guests to learn and appreciate the incredible Great Barrier Reef. Access to the reef is very easy, either from the back of the vessel or from the beach as the reef hugs close to the island.

Guests can access the island and explore the sandy paths winding through the vegetation. See first hand the historical Lighthouse, the Lighthouse Keeper's home and the Weather Station where local weather data is collected. Bird life found here is spectacular, with many sea birds breeding and nesting in the vegetation and on the ground.

This tour is perfect for visitors who have limited time and want to explore the picturesque Low Isles on the Great Barrier Reef.

 

Sample Itinerary

Reference Only. Subject to change without notice. Itineraries may operate in reverse order, in a different sequence, be swapped around, or in rare circumstances be replaced by other best suited items to suit tides, times & conditions.

 

  • 07:15 - 07:30 Boarding Commences
    At 07:15 at the Crystalbrook Marina, Port Douglas. As the crew welcome you aboard you will be fitted out with your own snorkelling equipment before relaxing with light refreshments.
  • 07:30 - 08:00 Cruise Time
    It is time to sit back and relax while we travel to Low Isles. Half hour travel time with refreshments served.
  • 08:00 - 10:00 Free time
    Choose your own experience. Walk to the lighthouse, jump on a guided snorkel tour, swim, sunbathe, jump on Glass Bottom Boat or relax.
  • 10:45 - 11:00 Boarding
    Jump back on board Calypso bost to head back to Port Douglas.
  • 11:00 - 11:30 Cruise back
    Enjoy short cruise back to Port Douglas.

 

3 Policy

Cancellation Policy

● If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
● If you cancel between 0 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
● If no show, no refund.

4 FAQ

5 Yotpo Reviews

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