Contact Cairns Visitor Centre

Wavedancer - Low Isles - Island Day Tour

Destination: Low Isles
Duration: Day Tour

Departs: Cairns - Via coach 08:00am Daily, Palm Cove - Via coach 08:35am Daily, Port Douglas - Marina Mirage Port Douglas 10:00am Daily
Returns: Port Douglas 4:00pm Daily (returns to Cairns via coach at 6.00pm)

Book Wavedancer - Low Isles - Island Day Tour Enquire About Wavedancer - Low Isles - Island Day Tour

View Rates For Wavedancer - Low Isles - Island Day Tour

Wavedancer - Low Isles - Island Day Tour
  • Wavedancer - Low Isles - Island Day Tour
  • Wavedancer - Low Isles - Island Day Tour
  • Wavedancer - Low Isles - Island Day Tour
  • Wavedancer - Low Isles - Island Day Tour
  • Wavedancer - Low Isles - Island Day Tour
  • Wavedancer - Low Isles - Island Day Tour
The Cruise

Wavedancer is a 30 metre luxury sailing catamaran. Wavedancer offers the excitement of big ship sailing combined with the ultimate in comfort. Let the crew pamper you in the luxurious air-conditioned lounge with its fully licensed bar, or soak up the sun and sea air under the sails on our expansive deck.

Set like a jewel within a lagoon of secluded coral gardens, Low Isles offers everything you can dream of in a tropical island paradise. From the time your luxury catamaran moors in the calm waters of the lagoon, a host of reef activities await you at this Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Island.

Enjoy snorkelling or experience a first time dive in the underwater playground of brilliantly coloured tropical fish. Explore the island beach with a marine biologist. View the corals through a glass bottom boat, laze on the beach under a thatched umbrella, or relax on the decks of Wavedancer moored in the island's lagoon.

A fantastic tropical smorgasboard lunch is served during the course of the day as well as Morning and Afternoon Teas!

For a leisurely and relaxed Great Barrier Reef day tour, let Wavedancer's friendly crew take you on an adventure to this unspoilt coral island where visitor numbers are limited.

The Isles

Situated 15km northeast of Port Douglas, the Low Isles is a 4 acre coral cay surrounded by 55 acres of reef. The corals are very close to the island, which makes snorkelling an enjoyable experience. On the island we erected permanent thatched umbrellas for our passengers' comfort. Your experience can be as educational as it is relaxing - many activities are available for your participation.

The two small islands are separate with one 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 the expedition.

The Coral Reef Environment

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! At least seven species of sea grasses grow on the inter-tidal sand-flats of Low Isles, providing a home and food for such animals as Sea Cucumbers, the attractive Spidershell, as well as Rays, Green Turtles and Dugongs.

The Snorkelling at Low Isles

Snorkelling is a ton of fun and a brilliant way to view this watery wonderland. All equipment is provided and there is always a friendly snorkelling supervisor is on hand to give you a few tips, so all you have to do is enjoy this visual and sensory masterpiece.

Guided Snorkelling Tours with Marine Biologist

Before departure for Low Isles, a Marine Biologist will conduct an informative talk on the reef and corals to provide you with a better appreciation of the reef. Snorkellers have the opportunity to join organised snorkel expeditions and view the creatures of the reef under the guidance of a Marine Biologist. Please be aware that snorkelling can be a strenuous activity. Please use caution and inform our crew on the day of any medical conditions.

Glass Bottom Boat Coral Reef Viewing

Coral viewing is so easy with a glass bottom boat tour. The coral viewing boat 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, the many brightly coloured tropical fish and magnificent giant clams to the passengers. Perhaps this is your chance to meet a turtle!

Includes
  • Return Wavedancer cruise from Port Douglas
  • Morning and afternoon teas on board
  • Informative reef presentation by Marine Biologist
  • Tropical smorgasbord lunch including prawns, hot & cold buffet dishes & garden fresh salads 
  • All snorkelling equipment provided
  • Qualified snorkelling safety officers on hand
  • Glass bottom boat coral viewing tour 
  • Marine Biologist guided beach walk
  • Guided snorkelling trips with Marine Biologist

Rates - Valid 1st of April 2024 to 31st of March 2025
From The Marina Mirage in Port Douglas
  • Adult AU$254.00 - Includes Government Reef Tax
  • Child (4 –14 years of age) AU$136.00 - Includes Government Reef Tax
  • Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children aged 4-14) AU$652.00 - Includes Government Reef Tax

With Return Coach Transfers From Port Douglas, Silky Oaks or Thala Beach Accommodation
  • Adult AU$278.00 - Includes Government Reef Tax
  • Child (4 –14 years of age) AU$148.00 - Includes Government Reef Tax
  • Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children aged 4-14) AU$712.00 - Includes Government Reef Tax

With Return Coach Transfers From Cairns & Cairns Northern Beaches Accommodation
  • Adult AU$295.00 - Includes Government Reef Tax
  • Child (4 –14 years of age) AU$159.00 - Includes Government Reef Tax
  • Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children aged 4-14) AU$757.00 - Includes Government Reef Tax

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 use the Booking Form's Comments Box to indicate if you require Optional Return Coach Transfers from accommodation in Port Douglas, Silky Oaks, Thala Beach or from Cairns City or Cairns Northern Beaches based accommodation. 
Book Wavedancer - Low Isles - Island Day TourEnquire About Wavedancer - Low Isles - Island Day Tour