We Rank The 10 Best Sailing Experiences In Port Douglas

Port Douglas is one of Australia’s top gateways to the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea, offering some of the most spectacular sailing opportunities you’ll find on the Queensland coast. Whether you’re after a full-day reef adventure or a peaceful sunset sail, this charming town makes it easy to get out on the water and enjoy stunning views, marine life, and the tropical climate.

What makes Port Douglas stand out is its combination of small-group luxury experiences, eco-friendly sailing, and access to some of the most pristine islands and coral reefs. For example, the Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise [] is a beautifully intimate way to explore the reef with only 33 passengers, while the Sunset Sailing Cruise offers a relaxed evening on a luxury catamaran, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

If you’re keen to combine adventure with comfort, the region offers options for all budgets and interests. For those seeking a comprehensive reef experience, the Outer Reef Cruise by Luxury Catamaran [] provides a full day of snorkeling, sailing, and reef exploration. For a more romantic or laid-back outing, the Sunset Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas [] offers a smooth ride with stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities.

Now, let’s get into the details of each sailing experience so you can choose the best fit for your trip.

1. Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise from Port Douglas

This full-day adventure offers an intimate way to experience the Great Barrier Reef, sailing aboard a luxury catamaran to the Low Isles. With a maximum of 33 passengers, you’ll avoid the crowds and enjoy a more personalized experience. The tour includes a buffet lunch and two rounds of tea, plus equipment and instructions for snorkeling, making it suitable even for beginners.

What really makes this trip stand out is the opportunity to visit Low Isles early in the day, before most visitors arrive. You’ll have about four and a half hours on the island, where you can lounge on white sand beaches, walk to the 1878 lighthouse, or snorkel in sheltered coral gardens. A guided snorkeling tour led by a marine biologist is included, providing a deeper understanding of the reef’s underwater life. The glass-bottom boat tour offers a different perspective, perfect for those who prefer to stay dry.

Rated 5/5 with over 560 reviews, travelers love the attentive crew and the small-group atmosphere. Many report seeing turtles and vibrant fish, and appreciating the relaxed pace.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a full day of reef exploration with plenty of comfort and education, all in a small-group environment.

2. Sunset Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas

For a more relaxed outing, this 1.5-hour sunset cruise offers the chance to enjoy spectacular views of the Coral Sea and Low Isles without leaving land. It’s ideal for an evening escape, especially if you’re looking to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The cruise departs from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, where you’ll board a luxury catamaran and sip on a complimentary drink—choose from wine, beer, soft drinks, or sparkling wine.

During golden hour, the boat drifts along the coastline, providing excellent photo opportunities of the mountains, Daintree Rainforest, and the sunset itself. Canapés are included, making this a light but satisfying way to indulge in local flavors while soaking in the scenery. Reviewers praise the staff’s friendliness, the quality of the drinks, and the intimate vibe with only 12 guests on board.

While not a full reef experience, it’s a fabulous choice for couples or those wanting a peaceful evening on the water. It’s a budget-friendly option at around $67 per person, making it accessible for most travelers.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a romantic or laid-back evening with stunning sunset views and personalized service.

3. From Port Douglas: Outer Reef Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

If your main goal is to see the Outer Great Barrier Reef, this 9-hour full-day tour delivers a top-tier experience. Departing aboard a luxury sailing catamaran, you’ll head out to Mackay Cay, a pristine reef site. The tour emphasizes environmentally friendly sailing, reducing the carbon footprint while maximizing reef time.

Highlights include snorkeling alongside marine biologists, who will guide you through the reef’s vibrant coral and fish. You can also relax on deck, enjoying plentiful refreshments, including a tropical buffet lunch and tea throughout the day. This tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive reef experience in a small-group setting, with fewer crowds and more personalized attention.

Quality reviews mention the diversity of marine life and the professionalism of guides. The focus on sailing adds an eco-conscious touch that appeals to environmentally aware travelers. At 9 hours long, it’s a full day of immersion and adventure.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a premium, eco-friendly reef experience with guided snorkeling and sailing.

4. Port Douglas: Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

This sunset cruise offers a shorter but equally memorable experience, lasting 1.5 hours. Departing from the Port Douglas marina, it’s geared towards those wanting to unwind with a drink in hand. The boat glides along the coastline, offering views of Daintree Rainforest and the open sea, all while the sun dips toward the horizon.

Guests are served canapés and drinks, with the crew providing attentive service. The luxury catamaran is small, with a maximum of 34 passengers, ensuring a relaxed environment. Many reviews mention the excellent quality of service and the beautiful scenery, with some noting the good value for the experience.

This cruise is perfect for couples or small groups wanting a peaceful evening without the commitment of a full-day tour.

Bottom Line: Great for a romantic, scenic wind-down with excellent service and a friendly atmosphere.

5. From Port Douglas: Sail to Low Isles Great Barrier Reef

This 7-hour sailing tour offers a leisurely day on a sailing catamaran heading to Low Isles. Once there, you’ll enjoy a limited visitor environment, ideal for families or those after a quieter reef experience. You can spend your time snorkeling, swimming, or relaxing on the beach.

The tour includes a marine biologist-led activity, giving you insight into the reef’s unique animals. Snorkeling with turtles is common, and the guided activities help you spot the reef’s secrets. The sail includes a beach walk around the island and a glass-bottom boat viewing option, so you get different perspectives of the reef’s beauty.

The reviews highlight the calm and friendly atmosphere, with many noting the value of the guided educational components. It’s a good choice for those wanting a full day with a focus on reef wildlife and a smaller crowd.

Bottom Line: Well-suited for families or travelers wanting a relaxed, educational reef day with plenty of snorkeling and exploration.

6. Port Douglas: Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

This 5.5-hour afternoon tour is perfect if you want to enjoy both sailing and reef time without a full-day commitment. Setting out from Port Douglas, the luxurious catamaran takes you to Low Isles, where you can snorkel, walk, or simply relax.

The tour features a heritage walk, guided snorkel tour, and glass-bottom boat viewing, offering multiple ways to explore. Canapés and refreshments are served during the sail, and you’ll watch the sunset over the reef, adding a magical finish to your day. The small group format ensures attentive service, with plenty of personalized touches.

Reviews praise the quality of the sailing experience and the clarity of the reef, with many feeling it’s excellent value given the combination of activities.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a shorter, relaxed reef trip with added cultural and scenic elements.

7. 2 Hour Sunset Sailing

For those with limited time, this 2-hour sunset cruise offers a compact yet memorable experience. Departing from Port Douglas, the boat Indigo 2 accommodates up to 12 guests, creating an intimate setting. As you cruise along, you’ll sip on drinks and nibble on cheese and other light bites.

During sunset, the boat’s vantage point provides fantastic views of the mountains of Mossman Gorge and the surrounding coastline. Many reviewers mention the peaceful atmosphere and personalized service, with some noting the skipper’s excellent tunes and the quality of the cheese platter.

This trip is perfect if you’re looking for a quick, relaxing escape with great photo ops and a cozy vibe.

Bottom Line: Best suited for small groups or couples wanting a short, scenic sunset with a personal touch.

8. Wavedancer Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise

This full-day cruise combines sailing, snorkeling, and reef exploration at Low Isles. The large 30-meter sailing catamaran can host up to 200 passengers but the experience feels more intimate due to the well-organized layout. The tour includes swimming and snorkeling from the beach, with instructors on hand, and a guided reef tour led by a marine biologist.

You’ll also enjoy a glass-bottom boat and a guided beach walk, giving you multiple perspectives of the reef. The tropical buffet lunch keeps you fueled, and the friendly staff earn praise for their knowledge and helpfulness. Many rave about seeing turtles, reef sharks, and manta rays, making it a hit for wildlife lovers.

While larger than other tours, reviews value the organized nature and comprehensive activities. It’s an excellent option for families or groups wanting a full-day reef immersion.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a lively, all-encompassing reef day with guided snorkeling and reef viewing.

9. Port Douglas: Reef & Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

This 8-hour cruise offers a small-group, premium experience to the Low Isles, with guided activities like a heritage walk, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat. The focus is on comfort and quality, with a chance to relax on the deck while feeling the sea breeze.

The tour emphasizes snorkeling in protected coral gardens and includes morning and afternoon teas, fruit platters, and a gourmet lunch. Many reviews highlight the excellent service and personalized touches in this quieter, more intimate setting.

It’s well-suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of leisure and education and prefer a smaller, more exclusive experience.

Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a luxurious, relaxed reef trip with attentive service and guided exploration.

10. Private Catamaran Charter to Low Isles with Snorkelling and Lunch

If you want complete flexibility, this private charter offers a fully customizable day on a luxury catamaran. Up to 12 people can enjoy a tailored itinerary, including snorkeling, island walks, and gourmet lunch. Departing from Port Douglas, the crew will craft your perfect day on the reef with options to see whales (July/August) or simply relax.

The experience begins with a scenic sail over the Coral Sea, and once at Low Isles, you can snorkel with turtles, walk around the island, or enjoy quiet time on deck. The gourmet lunch and the possibility of spotting whales during the right season make this a premium and flexible option.

Reviews are limited, but the high price reflects the exclusivity and tailored service. This is best suited for small groups or special occasions.

Bottom Line: For those seeking a private, customizable sailing experience with all the bells and whistles.

How to Choose Your Perfect Sailing Experience

Choosing among these options depends on your budget, time, and interests. If you’re after a comprehensive reef experience, the Outer Reef Cruise by Luxury Catamaran offers a full day of snorkeling and sailing. For a romantic evening, the Sunset Cruise delivers a scenic, peaceful outing. Those with limited time will appreciate the 2-hour sunset sail for a quick escape, while families or wildlife enthusiasts might prefer the Wavedancer or Full Day Low Isles trips.

Think about whether you want guided educational activities—like the Low Isles tours with marine biologists—or a more relaxed, scenic cruise with gourmet food and drinks. For a truly exclusive day, the Private Catamaran Charter allows full customization.

Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season (June to September), as these tours tend to fill up quickly.

In summary, Port Douglas offers a rich variety of sailing experiences, from full-day reef adventures to intimate sunset cruises. The best choice depends on your interest in reef exploration, budget, and how much time you want to spend on the water. For a well-rounded reef day with guided snorkel tours, the Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise is hard to beat. If you’re seeking a romantic wind-down, the Sunset Cruise offers stunning scenery with excellent service. For those looking for flexibility and privacy, the Private Catamaran Charter is the ultimate treat.

Whatever you choose, sailing in Port Douglas promises unforgettable views, marine encounters, and a chance to enjoy this beautiful corner of Queensland’s coast. Book early, prepare your camera, and get ready for an adventure on the water.