Great Barrier Reef Tours from Port Douglas for the Family
Port Douglas is the closest launch point in Tropical North Queensland to the Great Barrier Reef, with the Low Isles just 30 minutes offshore and the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs a little further out. Whatever age the kids are, there's a reef day here that suits them, from a calm lagoon morning to a full day exploring three separate reef sites.
Great Barrier Reef Cruise to Quicksilver Port Douglas Pontoon
The Quicksilver Port Douglas Pontoon Cruise ties up at a spacious reef platform with a semi-submersible and an underwater observatory, so swimmers and non-swimmers in the family can all see the reef up close. A Family ticket covers 2 adults and 2 children, with child pricing for ages 4 to 14 and infants under 3 travelling free.
Low Isles Morning Cruise
The Low Isles Morning Cruise keeps things simple with a half day trip to a calm, sheltered lagoon, 2.5 hours to snorkel or explore the island on foot, and a glass bottom boat for anyone who prefers to stay dry. Child pricing applies for ages 4 to 14, with infants under 3 travelling free, and the small group size of up to 23 guests keeps it relaxed.
Poseidon Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise
The Poseidon Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise visits three distinct reef sites across a full day out, with unlimited snorkelling time for the whole family and an optional introductory dive for older kids and adults. Child pricing applies for ages 4 to 14 for snorkelling, while the minimum age for diving is 12.
Frequently asked questions
Which Great Barrier Reef tour suits non-swimmers in the family?
The Quicksilver Pontoon Cruise suits non-swimmers best, with a semi-submersible and underwater observatory alongside the snorkelling option.
Is there a shorter reef option for families with younger kids?
Yes, the Low Isles Morning Cruise is a half day trip to a calm, sheltered lagoon, with child pricing for ages 4 to 14 and a smaller group size.
Can the whole family go snorkelling on the Poseidon cruise?
Yes, snorkelling is open to kids aged 4 and over with unlimited time in the water, while the optional introductory dive has a minimum age of 12.
Do infants need a ticket for these reef cruises?
Infants under 3 travel free on the Quicksilver, Low Isles and Poseidon cruises, making them easy options for families with very young children along for the ride.
How far is the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas?
The Low Isles are around 30 minutes offshore, while the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs visited on full day cruises are further out on the outer reef.
Local tip: pack sea sickness tablets for the younger kids on full day outer reef trips, the Low Isles Morning Cruise is the gentler option if anyone in the family is prone to motion sickness.
Sort your family's Port Douglas reef day above, the Quicksilver pontoon, a calm Low Isles morning, or a full day with Poseidon. All good days are waiting.
