Port Douglas Snorkelling Tours
Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard Dive & Snorkel Excursions
Great Barrier Reef Cod Hole, Northern Reef & Coral Sea Live Aboard Tours
Great Barrier Reef Overnight Sailing Tours
Great Barrier Reef Island Day Tours
Great Barrier Reef Island Resorts
Daintree & Cape Tribulation Day Tours
Daintree & Cape Tribulation Rainforest Overnight Tours
Quicksilver - Great Barrier Reef Tour
Duration: Full Day Tour
Departs: Departing Cairns 08:00am Daily, Departing Palm Cove 08:35am Daily, Departing Marina Mirage Port Douglas 10:00am Daily
Quicksilver's friendly crew will take you to the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and life. Floating like an island in a coral sea, the modern platforms provide the ultimate in facilities, with easy access to reef viewing and plenty of space for relaxation in all types of weather conditions.
The coral gardens in the Agincourt reef lagoon offer the finest areas for snorkelling. Scuba diving on Agincourt is amongst the best in the world. The ribbon reef systems north of Port Douglas are renowned for their excellent water clarity and exquisite coral formations.
Only Quicksilver take you to a floating activity platform at Agincourt Ribbon Reef on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef. With Quicksilver you can choose to stay dry and explore the stunning reef world from the comfort of a Quicksilver semi-submersible, just one metre underwater. Or watch the fish feeding from the unique viewing platform and underwater observatory.
If you would like to stay dry, then you can explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a Quicksilver sub. The semi submersibles cruise slowly through the colourful coral gardens giving passengers, seated just one metre underwater, the opportunity to experience a snorkellers-eye view of the marine life without getting wet. The semi-sub experience takes approximately 25 minutes and includes an informed commentary on the marine life observed during the journey and an overview of the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Semi-subs depart every fifteen minutes from the rear of the platform. Anouncements are made to prompt you before departure.
You can also see the coral and watch the fish feeding from Quicksilver's unique viewing platform and underwater observatory located directly in front of the platform. From here, you can also view "first time" divers taking part in introductory dives.
Snorkelling is one of the best ways to view the incredible underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, and Quicksilver's friendly staff are always on hand to show you how. On your way out to Agincourt Reef you can view an instructional video on how to snorkel to teach you the right techniques. Upon reaching the outer reef, you can obtain your snorkelling equipment from the storage containers on the platform.
Easy access to the water is available from submerged platforms. Friendly snorkelling safety officers can assist you with your snorkelling gear, and give you a few tips so that you can fully enjoy your experience.
If you would like to learn a little more about the Great Barrier Reef whilst snorkelling, you may like to try an optional Snorkelling Expeditions with a qualified Marine Biologist. Snorkelling can be a strenuous activity. Please use caution and inform the crew on the day of any medical conditions.
Diving is for everyone, including those who have never dived before. There is still plenty of time to enjoy all other activities on board with family and friends.
We have been taking people to the reef for over 10 years and all Quicksilver Dive instructors are PADI qualified. Our divers can follow Queensland's only underwater ecotrail, a series of explanatory plaques that can help you learn as you dive.
Please note a medical form must be completed on board prior to diving. Multi-lingual Instructors are available on request.
Important Note: Age restrictions apply - minimum 12 years and maximum 70 years inclusive. Some medical conditions and medications may preclude passengers from scuba diving.
Agincourt Reef, the only Ribbon Reef accessible to day trips, has a range of ecosystems unique to this region. See the moray eels and barracuda at Nursery Bommie, the clams and coral gardens at Horseshoe Reef or the broken wreckage and giant maori wrasse at the Wreck Site. A custom designed dive tender will take you to 2 of 20 different dive sites.
Important Note: Age restrictions apply - minimum 12 years and maximum 70 years inclusive. Some medical conditions and medications may preclude passengers from scuba diving.
- Return Wavepiercer cruise from Port Douglas
- Morning and afternoon teas on board
- Informative reef presentation by marine biologist
- Hot and cold tropical smorgasbord lunch
- All snorkelling equipment provided
- Qualified snorkelling safety offices on hand
- Underwater observatory fish and coral viewing
- Coral viewing by semi-submersible vessels
Rates - Valid 01st of April 2024 to 31st of March 2025Ex Wharf - Based on Self Check-in at the Port Douglas Marinas
- Adult AU$312.00
- Child (4-14 years of age) AU$164.00
- Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children 4 – 14 years of age) AU$796.00
Ex Port Douglas - With Return Coach Transfers from Port Douglas Accommodation
- Adult AU$336.00
- Child (4-14 years of age) AU$176.00
- Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children 4 – 14 years of age) $856.00
Ex Cairns & Northern Beaches - With Return Coach Transfers from Cairns & Northern Beaches Accommodation
- Adult AU$353.00
- Child (4-14 years of age) AU$187.00
- Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children 4 – 14 years of age) AU$901.00
Infants Aged under 4 years of age travel free of charge
Family Package rates are based on 2 Adults & 2 Children aged between 4 – 14 years of age
Important Booking Notes:
On making a reservation please indicate in 'Comments Box' if requiring return coach transfers from Port Douglas or Cairns & Cairns Northern Beaches accommodation or making own way to check in at the Port Douglas Marina - as well as indicating if any optional activities are required on top of standard package.
Optional Activities
If you have never dived before and would like to experience the magic of SCUBA, Quicksilver offers introductory dives with a highly qualified dive instructor. The only requirements are that you are aged 12 years and over and pass an onboard medical questionnaire and participate in a 30 minute dive brief!
Rates - Valid 01 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2025
- 1 Introductory Dive (All equipment provided) AU$198.00
Scuba Diving right at the edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf is simply spectacular. At these unique Ribbon Reefs, visibility is excellent and the variety of marine life is exceptional!
Rates - Valid 01 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2025
- 1 Certified Dive (All equipment provided) AU$150.00
- 2 Certified Dives (All equipment provided) AU$225.00
Marine Biologists will introduce you to a new and exciting world during guided snorkel tours. You will be part of a small group, guided by experienced marine biologists who can revel so much more about the magnificent marine life of this fragile reef ecosystem. Some snorkelling experience is recommended in participating.
Introductory Guided Snorkel Tour with Qualified Marine Biologist - Rates Valid from 01 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2025
- Adult AU$80.00
- Child (4 -14 years of age) AU$45.00
- Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children aged 4 - 14 years of age) AU$205.00
Advanced Guided Snorkel Tour with Qualified Marine Biologist - Rates Valid from 01 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2025
- Adult AU$100.00
- Child (4 -14 years of age) AU$50.00
- Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children aged 4 - 14 years of age) AU$250.00
A unique and fun experience, see the reef from up close during a Helmet ‘Dive’. Breath fresh air delivered from the surface into your helmet, you will walk under water on a reef platform, you can even wear your glasses if you wish! Oceanwalker is suitable for non-swimmers and person aged 12 years and over! After a short brefing and subject to medical conditions, you will find yourself amongst amazingly bright fish and corals!
Rates - Valid 01 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2025
- Ocean Walker Helmet Diving AU$198.00 per person (must be pre-booked)
For a different and spectacular perspective of the jewel like Ribbon Reefs, a 10 minute helicopter flight is available from the pontoon moored at Agincourt Reef
Valid from 01 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2025
- Adult - Cruise + 10 minute Reef Scenic Flight (from Pontoon) AU$480.00
- Child (aged 4 - 14 years of age) - Cruise + 10 minute Reef Scenic Flight (from Pontoon) AU$347.00
Fly from Port Douglas out to the Agincourt Reef Pontoon. This is the perfect way to shorten the cruise travelling time and enjoy seeing the amazingly spectacular Great Barrier Reef from the air. Options include one way scenic helicopter transfer with luxury fast catamaran transfer or eliminate boat transfer altogether and fly both ways, out and back!
Passengers travelling out of Cairns can join all options by self drive to Port Douglas!
Valid from 01 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2025
From Port Douglas - Flying from Port Douglas to PontoonFly & Cruise Fly via Helicopter to Outer Barrier Reef Pontoon from Port Douglas / Cruise back from Outer Barrier Reef Pontoon to Port Douglas via Catamaran
- Cruise & Fly AU$670.00 per person
Cruise & Fly Travel via fast Catamaran from Port Douglas to Outer Barrier Reef Pontoon / Fly back from Outer Barrier Reef Pontoon via Helicopter
- Cruise & Fly AU$670.00 per person
Fly / Fly Fly via stunning scenic Helicopter to Great Barrier Reef located Pontoon - out and back - increase flying time with 2 stunning scenic helicopter flight components and do away with boat travel altogether / Fly both ways!
- Fly & Fly AU$1176.00 per person
Please Note: The operator can carry up to 7 participants from the one group, dependant of passenger weights and helicopter availability. Please ensure that you indicate a close estimation of your individual weight details in lbs or kgs in the Booking Form's Comments Box if making a reservation.
Helicopter rates & pricing are subject to change without notice
Important Notes for Helicopter Tours
Passenger Weight Policy
Due to Aviation Weight Restrictions a client’s body and luggage weight must be advised prior to the reservation being confirmed. Should a client advise a weight variance of more than 10%, the right is reserved to charge a 100% cancellation fee.
*** Weight limit is 130kgs maximum per person. If weighing in over 130kgs please email us for additional information, as the operator can carry passengers over 130ks by arrangement by applying a 50% surcharge to the pricing and reducing the number of passengers carried on the flight (subject to availability)
Child’s Rate Policy
One (1) infant under their 3rd birthday may travel free of charge if seated on a guardian’s lap. A maximum of one infant per helicopter may travel as per CASA regulations. Children 3 years and above pay full fare.
Insurance
The helicopter operator carries full insurance including Public Liability Insurance of $50,000,000.00.
Minimum and maximum passenger numbers
Minimum passenger numbers may apply. Groups larger than 6 passengers may require private charter. Please liaise with Cairns Visitor Centre at time of booking.
Fuel Surcharge
With fluctuations in world oil prices, it may be necessary to apply a fuel surcharge to the ticket price. In such cases any charge will be collected on departure.
Cancellation Policy
Booking deposit non refundable. Cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to the flight to receive a full 100% refund. If weather conditions preclude the flight from operating, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the helicopter flight component.