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Sailaway Port Douglas

Home > Port Douglas > Animals and Wildlife | Beaches | Boating | Day Trips | Family
by Lydia C. Lee (subscribe)
Lydia C. Lee is still trying to work out what to do with her one wild and precious life. She currently is a haphazard blogger. Read more at holidazeandhellidaze.blogspot.com.au or www.pandoraandmax.blogspot.com
Published September 5th 2013
Sailaway to perfection
You don't go all the way to Far North Queensland and not see the reef. Our problem was, due to cost we could only choose one boat excursion, so did we head to the outer reef or Low Isles? Two of our party were under seven which meant that ocean snorkelling could be problematic. Unfortunately I knew it would be me who was lumbered on deck with the bored kids.


So we opted for the smaller sail boat and coral cay island for snorkelling and sandcastles. Little did we know we would have the perfect day.

[ADVERT]You head out under sail on a luxury catamaran, which for us is a treat in itself. The boat offers wetsuits (which I foolishly didn't take - I found it chilly, my son didn't). For the first time ever, I was offered prescription mask so if you wear glasses, bring your prescription, though you can try on the different options like I did.

Once there, the little ones chose the glass bottom boat (bonus sharks included on our visit).

My eldest and I took the guided snorkelling tour. We saw and learnt a lot, and it made for a really interesting swim. The staff member was extremely knowledgeable, and very enthusiastic on the natural environment under the sea. Alas only one sea turtle in sight, though plenty of giant clams and other fish.


We spent a couple of hours on the beach relaxing and snorkelling, enjoying the sunshine. They also offer a guided island tour, looking at the flora and the historic lighthouse that was built in 1878.

We headed back to the boat for a delicious lunch that included prawns, of course, as well as tandoori chicken and pasta on offer on the buffet.

After lunch it was back in the water for some snorkelling in deeper water, offering different fish and corals.

When it was time to sail home, we had the front deck to ourselves, the benefit of a smaller boat meant less people.


I cannot recommend this tour enough. It's relaxing and enjoyable, yet ticking many boxes for snorkellers of all skill levels. It was decidedly the highlight of our holiday for everyone and in a family of different ages and interests, that's a rare thing indeed.
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Why? Fantastic snorkelling with the opportunity to relax on an island, for those not prepared to swim for hours. Great lunch on beautiful sail boat
When: Daily
Phone: 0417 993109 or bookings 1800 085 674
Where: Leaves from the Marina in Port Douglas, though pick-ups are available
Cost: From $215 (adult), $130 (child) or $620 family (4)
Your Comment
Lydia I am so jealous! What a lovely looking trip!
by Karina Bryer (score: 2|257) 3566 days ago
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