Port Douglas: Shaolin Seafood Lunch Sail, with Fresh Prawns

If you’re after a uniquely relaxing way to enjoy Port Douglas’s incredible scenery and fresh local seafood, the Shaolin Seafood Lunch Sail offers an experience worth considering. This 1.5-hour cruise combines the charm of a traditional Chinese junk boat with panoramic views, tasty bites, and some fascinating stories about the vessel’s history. It’s a small, intimate outing that seems designed to let you unwind and soak up the tropical atmosphere, but with enough informative commentary to keep your curiosity engaged.

Three things we particularly love about this tour are the beautifully preserved Shaolin junk boat, the delicious seafood offerings, and the chance to enjoy spectacular views of the Daintree Mountains and nearby islands. The friendly crew ensures you feel welcomed and well-attended, and the boat’s interior and deck spaces provide comfortable settings for either lounging or taking in the scenery. One potential consideration is that this experience isn’t accessible for those with mobility issues due to the steep boarding point and limited on-board space, so it’s best suited for guests who are able to navigate stairs and a narrow entry.

This tour appeals most to those who appreciate good food, scenic sailing, and engaging local stories—all wrapped into a compact adventure. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a laid-back way to spend part of your day, it’s an experience that balances value with authenticity.

Key Points

• Authentic Chinese Junk Boat: Experience sailing on a rare, beautifully preserved vessel with rich history.
• Fresh Seafood Feast: Enjoy locally caught prawns, crocodile, and barramundi spring rolls, with vegetarian options available.
• Scenic Views: Gaze at the Daintree Mountains and surrounding islands from the teak deck or inside the saloon.
• Informative Commentary: Learn about the vessel’s background and the local environment from friendly, knowledgeable guides.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: Choose between the shaded saloon or deck seating for a laid-back, tropical vibe.
• Value for Money: A compact, well-curated experience offering excellent food, views, and stories for around 1.5 hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

The Vessel: A Chinese Junk with Character

The Shaolin is a true gem among Port Douglas’s fleet, standing out as a rare Chinese Junk boat with a history that captures attention immediately. Reviewers highlighted the “beautiful old boat,” and many felt it added a special, authentic touch to the experience. The teak deck calls for relaxed lounging, while the detailed craftsmanship of the vessel adds to its charm—it’s a boat that feels both historic and lively.

What the Cruise Offers

Starting with a warm welcome and a complimentary drink, the vibe is friendly and informal from the outset. The crew, including skipper Rob—described as “amazing” and “knowledgeable”—are enthusiastic about sharing stories and answering questions. As the boat departs from Port Douglas, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Daintree Mountains and the surrounding islands, which are particularly stunning on clear days.

Food Highlights: Fresh, Local, and Delicious

The star of the show is undoubtedly the seafood. You’ll be served a generous box of locally caught wild prawns, accompanied by bread, lemon, and seafood sauce. Reviewers are unanimous in praising the freshness and quality of the prawns, with one noting that they’re “the freshest prawns ever.” Non-seafood options are available if you specify this when booking, making it accessible for all dietary preferences.

The starter includes spring rolls filled with crocodile and barramundi—an unusual but popular choice that reflects the local fauna—and many guests have described them as “delicious.” Given the feedback from visitors, the seafood portion offers excellent value for its quality, especially considering the short duration of the cruise.

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Scenic and Relaxed

Expect to drift across the Coral Sea, with unobstructed views of the lush Daintree Mountains and distant islands. Many reviews mention enjoying the tropical ambiance either from the shaded saloon or the open deck. The boat’s design allows you to soak up the atmosphere whether you prefer sitting inside in comfort or catching the breeze outside.

Educational and Entertaining Commentary

The guides and crew take pride in sharing stories about the vessel’s unique background. Guests have appreciated the way the crew blends history with local insights, creating an engaging experience. One reviewer specifically mentioned how “Jake and Rob are history buffs,” and their stories kept everyone captivated, including kids asking lots of questions.

Duration and Flexibility

At just 1.5 hours, this tour is perfect for those short on time but wanting a memorable taste of Port Douglas’s maritime charm. The tour runs with flexible start times—check availability to find a slot that fits your schedule.

Accessibility and Practicalities

While the experience is charming and intimate, it’s important to note that the boat isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, as boarding involves steep stairs and limited on-board space. The tour is conducted primarily in English, with friendly, approachable guides ready to make the trip enjoyable and informative.

How Does It Stack Up for Value?

While the cost isn’t explicitly stated in the provided data, reviews suggest that the experience offers good value, especially considering the high quality of the seafood, scenic sailing, and engaging storytelling. The inclusion of a complimentary beverage and the opportunity to learn about the vessel and surroundings make it a pretty appealing package for the price.

Who Would Love This?

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic experience combined with a taste of local cuisine. Food lovers, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates authentic maritime charm will enjoy this cruise. It’s a great choice for couples, small groups, or families (excluding those with mobility challenges) looking for a memorable, intimate outing.

Final Thoughts

The Shaolin Seafood Lunch Sail is a standout experience that manages to pack scenic beauty, delicious local food, and engaging storytelling into just around 90 minutes. It offers a charming glimpse into Port Douglas’s maritime history, all aboard a vessel that’s as visually striking as it is historically significant.

You’ll love the way the crew balances friendliness with expertise, making you feel welcome and informed. The fresh prawns and crocodile spring rolls are a highlight, especially for seafood lovers, and the views from the boat are simply stunning—perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the tropical landscape.

While it’s not designed for guests with mobility issues, those who can handle the steep boarding will find this tour a delightful, authentic way to experience Port Douglas’s coastal charm. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or part of a small group, this experience offers great value in a relaxed setting that’s both fun and educational.

FAQs

Is the boat accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the boat isn’t accessible for those with mobility challenges due to steep boarding points and limited space on board.

What kind of food is included?
You’ll enjoy a box of locally caught, wild prawns with bread, lemon, and seafood sauce. Crocodile and barramundi spring rolls are also served. Vegetarian options are available if advised at the time of booking.

How long does the tour last?
The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a perfect short outing.

Are drinks included?
Yes, each guest receives a complimentary beverage upon boarding, and the vessel’s relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy a drink while taking in the scenery.

Can I join if I don’t speak English?
The tour is conducted in English, and guides are friendly and approachable, but language support isn’t specified.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While children are welcome, it’s best for those able to handle the steep entry and limited on-board space. The experience is relaxing and educational, which suits many family groups.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for warm weather is ideal, along with sun protection like hats and sunscreen.

What views can I expect?
Expect breathtaking vistas of the Daintree Mountains, local islands, and the Coral Sea—perfect for photography and peaceful contemplation.

Is the experience weather-dependent?
It’s advisable to check the weather forecast before booking, as rough weather could cause a change in plans or a brief change of scenery, like a river cruise instead of ocean sailing.

This tour offers a charming blend of scenic sailing, delicious seafood, and little-known stories about one of Port Douglas’s most iconic vessels. It’s a genuine, laid-back way to soak up the tropical surroundings and enjoy a taste of local life, all in a cozy 1.5-hour package. Whether you’re a foodie, history enthusiast, or simply looking to relax with a good view, it’s a trip that delivers on all fronts.

You can check availability for your dates here: