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Low Isles

Low Isles: Our most recommended tours and activities

Port Douglas: Low Isles Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour

1. Port Douglas: Low Isles Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour

Join a magical snorkeling experience around a beautiful, secluded island in the Great Barrier Reef. Travel aboard a unique glass-bottom boat from Port Douglas to the Low Isles and enjoy a light refreshment. Dive into a calm lagoon to explore a colorful coral reef. Board a fun glass-bottom boat with plenty of space to lounge around. Depart from Port Douglas and feel the wind on your face while you navigate to the Low Isles. Join the crew on a guided snorkeling tour of the site. Learn about the incredible Great Barrier Reef and appreciate its majesty. Discover the small island at your own pace, walking through sandy paths and tropical vegetation. Come across the historical lighthouse, the lighthouse keeper's home, and the station where local weather data is collected. Hop back aboard and view the underwater world as you sail back.

Port Douglas: Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise

2. Port Douglas: Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise

FULL DAY OUTER REEF SNORKEL TOUR The Journey After boarding at 8:10am, Wavelength departs Port Douglas’ Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina taking you on a 90-minute trip to the edge of the continental shelf. Passing Low Isles en route, we often encounter dolphins and in winter may see humpback whales. The journey is a good opportunity for our crew to get to know you and answer any questions you have about the day. During this time, you’ll be fitted out with quality snorkelling gear and shown how to use it. One of the marine biologists will give tips on what to look out for to get the most out of your day. Let’s Snorkel On arrival at the outer reef the snorkel advisor conducts a comprehensive safety brief and, if it’s your first time snorkelling, we have plenty of time to help you feel comfortable. Once in the water guests are free to explore the reef under the expert advice of our crew. A difference with Wavelength is that the crew spend more time in the water with you to help you get going and to point things out. Second Site After morning tea we move along to another one of our many sites, chosen to suit the conditions on the day. Here, with passengers having mastered their snorkelling skills, we conduct guided snorkel tours. Our marine biologists help snorkellers discover aspects of the new site that might otherwise be missed, and point out some of the multitude of life forms. On a guided snorkel tour it’s possible to be handed a small number of different creatures, though we have strict guidelines on what can be touched so as to protect the integrity of the reef. A Deli-style Lunch The delicious deli-style lunch consists of gourmet rolls or food bowls for special diets. Water, soft drinks, coffee and tea are also available. Wavelength can cater for different dietary requirements including lactose and gluten free (YOU MUST ADVISE US THE DAY PRIOR OF ANY SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS). We don’t serve prawns due to the significant by-catch associated with them and we don’t serve red meat as reducing meat consumption is one of the easiest ways an individual can reduce personal carbon emissions. Reef Talks During lunch, our marine biologists conduct our interactive reef talk. This is where you can ask questions on anything that you’ve seen through the day or simply sit, relax and learn all about the ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef. If you’d rather just chill out you don’t have to listen to the talks. Third Site Once everyone’s appetites have been satisfied and all questions answered we head to our final site of the day, where, with a better understanding of the reef, guests are free to adventure further. This is a good chance to make sure you have some great in-water photos. These are free of charge and forwarded by a Dropbox link along with a selection of our favourite Wavelength wildlife pictures. Cruising Following afternoon tea we head back with the wonderful view of the sun dropping towards the rainforest clad mountains. Wavelength arrives back in Port Douglas at approximately 4.00pm.

From Port Douglas: Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour

3. From Port Douglas: Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour

Climb aboard Quicksilver’s luxury 30-meter (99-foot) Wavedancer sailing catamaran and sail to the idyllic Great Barrier Reef island of Low Isles. Enjoy a relaxing day out for families and couples in a tropical island paradise ambiance. Set like a jewel in the Great Barrier Reef, Low Isles is an unspoiled coral cay island. Moor in the calm waters of a picturesque lagoon, and enjoy a host of reef activities that await. Before your arrival at Low Isles, a marine biologist will conduct an informative talk to provide passengers with an appreciation of the reef, enabling you to view the corals with informed eyes.  Once at Low Isles, take a snorkel tour to see the colorful creatures of the reef. Alternatively, see turtles and many brightly colored tropical fish from a glass bottomed boat. Back on the beach, join a marine biologist guided beach walk to discover the unique marine life living at the water’s edge. Then relax and tuck in to a delicious tropical buffet lunch.

Port Douglas: Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

4. Port Douglas: Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

Embark on an afternoon departure on a luxury catamaran. Upon arrival, delight in freshly-brewed Tropical North Queensland tea or Jaques coffee with a light lunch. Take off for a leisurely 15-kilometer journey to the Low Isles. After some slow and smooth cruising, moor in the sheltered blue lagoon for 3 hours. The crew will set you up with complimentary snorkeling equipment and optical masks (and seasonal lycra snorkeling suits or wetsuits and flotation devices if required). Relax on the island, join the guided snorkel tour lead by a marine naturalist, take a trip on the glass-bottom boat and join the guided heritage walk. The marine biologist will provide in-depth information about the reef and its colorful inhabitants. Cure your curiosity - there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea and coffee with fresh homemade scones and a fruit platter. Then, enjoy a delicious selection of canapés with a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink in hand as you admire the sunset over the Coral Sea. The spectacular sunset sail back to port will showcase beautiful views of the Daintree mountains. End the tour back at the Marina at 6:30 PM and continue your evening in beautiful Port Douglas.

Port Douglas: Reef & Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

5. Port Douglas: Reef & Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

Begin your day in paradise with a transfer from your Port Douglas accommodation to the marina. Upon arrival, you will board the luxury catamaran for an early morning departure. Once on board, enjoy freshly brewed tea, coffee, fresh fruit, and Danish pastries. The vessel moves smoothly and comfortably across the ocean, offering guests a unique Great Barrier Reef experience. Spot the beautiful Low Isles in the distance after the 15-kilometer journey and skip the crowds arriving at the Low Isles before most other visitors. See the protected coral cay, white sandy beaches, and coconut palms. The boat will moor in the sheltered blue lagoon for 4.5 hours. Relax on the island, join a guided snorkel tour lead by a marine naturalist, take a trip on the glass bottom boat and join the heritage walk. The marine biologist will provide in-depth information about the reef and its colorful inhabitants. A gourmet, alfresco lunch will be served, including freshly cooked prawns, tandoori chicken, ham and roast beef, potato salad, mixed green salad, Asian noodle salad, bakery-fresh bread, and more. Enjoy a honey nougat slice and some fresh fruit for afternoon tea and an exhilarating sail back to Port Douglas. Transfer back to your Port Douglas accommodation, where your tour will end.

Port Douglas: Daintree National Park Ziplining & Cruise

6. Port Douglas: Daintree National Park Ziplining & Cruise

Take in Daintree National Park from all angles with a tour on foot, through the trees, and across the water. Venture from Port Douglas to North Queensland’s wilderness to discover the species that thrive in Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Grab lunch at the park and take home photos from the zipline. Get picked up bright and early from your Port Douglas accommodation and let the adventure begin. Cross the Daintree River by ferry and make your first stop at Alexandra Lookout. See panoramic views of Port Douglas, Low Isles and Snapper Island out at sea, and the mouth of the river. Reach Cape Tribulation for a guided stroll along the beach where the rainforest meets the reef. Take a short drive to the adventure center and have some tea before gearing up for the zipline. Spend 2 hours of fun in the trees as guides take you through the canopy of the oldest rainforest on Earth. Having worked up an appetite, dig into lunch and share stories about the fun had in the trees. Fill up for your journey south and prepare for a wild cruise. Spend 1 hour on the water searching for crocodiles and more fascinating wildlife while learning about the incredible ecosystem of mangroves. Make a quick last stop at the Daintree Ice Cream Company for a chance to try ice cream made from tropical fruit grown locally. Head back on the Daintree River ferry and get driven back to Port Douglas, finishing up around 5 PM.

Port Douglas: Low Isles Sail & Snorkel Cruise on the Shaolin

7. Port Douglas: Low Isles Sail & Snorkel Cruise on the Shaolin

Spend the day exploring the Great Barrier Reef on a relaxing cruise from Port Douglas onboard the Shaolin. The unique Chinese Junk boat is a fun way for the family to sail to nearby Low Isles for an easy day of snorkeling and exploring the small island. Shaolin Chinese Junk is a sailing boat you will fall in love with and never want to get. Her unique charm and beauty make her one of the original icons of Port Douglas. There is ample comfortable seating around the table, cushions for relaxing on the front deck, toilets, and a kitchen on board. On arrival at Low Isles, the Shaolin's experienced staff assist you with snorkeling gear and take you on a guided snorkeling tour gliding over the spectacular coral reefs, and spotting reef fish and sea turtles. The shallow waters around the island make a perfect home for a variety of corals, fish, and marine life. The protected waters are also perfect for beginners and those not comfortable swimming in deeper waters. You have time to take a stroll around the beautiful Low Island and admire the historic lighthouse and museum. The island is a popular nesting location for a variety of seabirds, and the surrounding waters are a popular spot to see turtles. Morning tea, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and a complimentary drink on the way home are all included in your Low Isles day trip on the Shaolin. Kick back on the way home and soak up the scenic views of mountain ranges and coastline while sailing back to Port Douglas.

Other Sightseeing Options in Low Isles

Want to discover all there is to do in Low Isles? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Low Isles

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 336 reviews

We decided to do Low Isle after the outer Great Barrier Reef (we had rough weather conditions). The coral was not as vibrant in color or as diverse and the water was slightly less clear. The coral was shallower at Low isle and the water was much calmer which provided more pleasant relaxed snorkeling. We saw 3 sea turtles and were able to swim alongside them which was amazing. The fish species at low isle are also very colorful and varied. We definitely were able to snorkel longer in the calmer water. Plus you can always retreat to the island if feeling slightly unwell. Only complaint is equipment could use a little upgrading.

As a family of 4 with two very active thrill seeking teenagers, the Daintree Zip Line was perfect and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. It was raining but made for a wonderful experience and welcoming. Our tour guide Sam was funny and brilliant. Highly recommended. The river cruise down Cooper's Creek in search for crocs had us all in stitches with Ernie our guide. A visit to Alexandra Lookout and unexpected stop to the Daintree Ice Cream shop put a smile on everyone's face.

Excellent half day, crew very knowledgeable and everything felt very safe. I enjoyed the snorkelling and my husband, who doesn’t swim, took great photos on the glass bottom boat and the bird life on the isle. Pouring rain didn’t spoil our experience at all and in fact it was rather nice to feel so cool! We were there in the rainy season so couldn’t complain about that. Thank you Imogen for great snorkel tour and Gus and was the third member Mark?

We had the most amazing time, so happy we did this! The group was small and we were well looked after. The conditions were incredible, very clear, and we swam inches away from turtles! The guides told us loads about the reef and were there to help in any way needed. Best snorkeling trip we've ever been on, will defo go again :)

Was a very well organised and professional charter, highly recomend! Thanks to the crew for such a wonderful afternoon