Outer Reef Mackay Cay Sail & Snorkel Adventure from Port Douglas

Port Douglas, AU
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (436 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Buffet lunch
  • inclusion
    Government fees
  • inclusion
    Interpretive glass-bottom boat tour
  • inclusion
    Use of snorkel equipment and instruction
  • inclusion
    Wetsuits during the winter months and lycra suits in summer
  • inclusion
    Time to explore the pristine coral cay
  • inclusion
    Great Barrier Reef sailing cruise
  • inclusion
    Guided snorkel tour with marine biologist
  • inclusion
    Morning and afternoon tea & coffee with muffins and fresh fruit

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Soft and alcoholic drinks (available for purchase on board)

Meeting Point

If you are making your own way to the marina, please check in at 7.30am inside the Sailaway office. If you have hotel transfers booked, please contact Sailaway on +61 7 4099 4200 for your pickup time.

Meeting point

Sailaway Boathouse Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina 8, Shop 18/44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877 , Australia

End point

End Point

If you are making your own way to the marina, please check in at 7.30am inside the Sailaway office. If you have hotel transfers booked, please contact Sailaway on +61 7 4099 4200 for your pickup time.

Meeting point

Sailaway Boathouse Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina 8, Shop 18/44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877 , Australia

End point

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
18 Central Plaza Port Douglas
Bay Villas Resort
Beach Terraces
Beaches Port Douglas
Beachfront Terraces
Club Tropical Resort
Dreamcatcher Holiday Apartments
Freestyle Resort Port Douglas
Hibiscus Resort & Spa
Lazy Lizard Motor Inn
Mantra Heritage Port Douglas
Mantra on the Inlet Port Douglas
Mantra PortSea Port Douglas
Marina Terraces Holiday Apartments
Martinique on Macrossan
Meridian Port Douglas
Mowbray By The Sea
Oaks Port Douglas Resort
Paradise Links Resort
Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas
Pink Flamingo
Pool Port Douglas
Port Douglas Plantation Resort
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas
Reef Club Resort
Reef Resort Villas Port Douglas
Saltwater Luxury Apartments
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas
Silkari Reflections of Port Douglas
The Mediterranean - Port Douglas
Titree Resort Holiday Apartments
Tropic Sands Apartments
Whispering Palms

What to expect

1
Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina

The adventure starts with an early departure from the Port Douglas Marina. Sit back and relax as we set sail to the Mackay Cay, out from Cape Tribulation. Enjoy an authentic sailing experience, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected sites at the Coral Cay, nature activities will include snorkelling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation on a guided snorkel tour. A glass bottom boat coral viewing tour is also on offer. Premium reef sites showcase abundant marine life, including encounters with turtles and an amazing display of giant clam gardens, beautiful corals and a wide variety of fish. Explore the white sands of the coral cay, soak up the sun and swim in turquoise clear waters. A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas & coffees will compliment a day of adventure and relaxation.

Duration 540 minutes
Admission Admission Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Additional information
    Our Sailaway vessels are luxury sailing catamarans and we offer a pure sailing experience. This means the vessels travel in open seas and will move around whilst under sail. The decks of the vessels are multi levels and can be slippery when wet. Passengers must have good mobility to safely move around the vessels, step onto the glass bottom boats (if applicable) and get in and out of the water via the ladders on the back of the vessels. Unfortunately, we do not offer wheelchair access due to the layout of the decks and saloon areas. Our tours are adventure experiences for active travellers. Please choose your tour carefully to ensure it is suitable for your experience, age and physical health.
  • Additional information
    Please bring towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and hat. We also recommend a jumper in the cooler months.
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    To participate in the activity of snorkelling, you must be confident in the water with the capacity to swim unassisted. If you are a poor swimmer, you may not be suitable to snorkel in the open water. Not all passengers will be suitable to snorkel, and our experienced crew have the discretion to advise against snorkelling if deemed “not suitable for the activity”. This is for the safety of the passenger. Please be advised snorkelling can be a strenuous physical activity, even in calm water and that older people are at an increased risk of death and/or injury due to a higher incidence of medical conditions made worse by physical exertion, such as heart disease and stroke. All passengers intending to snorkel will be asked to complete our Medical Declaration for Snorkelling form. Our experienced crew will discuss any issues relating to medical conditions and swimming ability. Sailaway reserves the right to decline any passenger from participating in snorkelling if we are concerned about your health condition and/or swimming ability. This is for your own safety, please listen to the advice of our experienced snorkel guides to ensure the safety of our guests.
  • Additional information
    Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Additional information
    Vegetarian, vegan or gluten free option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Provided by Sailaway

What our experts say

  • icon
    Try the fresh fruit at morning tea.
  • icon
    Explore the cay during your free time.
  • icon
    Bring an underwater camera for photos.
  • icon
    Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
  • icon
    Consider a vegan meal option if needed.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate sailing and snorkeling adventure on the Outer Barrier Reef! Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the northern frontier of the Great Barrier Reef as you set sail from Port Douglas. This tour promises a day filled with excitement, exploration, and a conservation-minded experience. Get ready for an unforgettable journey to the white sandy coral cays surrounded by turquoise waters teeming with vibrant marine life.

What to expect?

During this 540-minute adventure, prepare to be amazed by the wonders that await you. Begin the day with an early departure from Port Douglas Marina and enjoy an authentic sailing experience while admiring the stunning coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs, engage in activities like snorkeling over pristine coral reefs. A qualified marine biologist will guide you on a snorkel tour, providing fascinating reef interpretation. You also have the opportunity to explore the underwater world on a glass-bottom boat tour, where you'll witness the abundant marine life, including turtles, giant clam gardens, and a variety of fish. Take your time to relax, sunbathe on the white sands of the coral cays, and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Indulge in a delicious tropical buffet lunch and morning and afternoon teas made from local produce, perfectly complementing your day of adventure and relaxation.

Who is this for?

This sailing and snorkeling adventure is ideally suited for those with a spirit of fun and adventure who can swim confidently. Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, this experience offers something for everyone. The smaller cruise size, limited to just 52 passengers, ensures a personalized and enjoyable journey for all. So, if you're a nature enthusiast, conservation-minded visitor, or simply seeking an awe-inspiring adventure on the Great Barrier Reef, this tour is perfect for you!

Why book this?

Step aboard this environmentally-friendly sailing tour and embark on an exquisite journey to the Great Barrier Reef's coral cays. This experience allows you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, using wind power to reach the stunning sand cays. The expert crew will provide you with invaluable insights and make your trip unforgettable. The opportunity to snorkel with a qualified marine biologist and receive a guided tour adds another layer of excitement and educational value to your adventure. With a focus on conservation and limited passenger numbers, this tour ensures you can enjoy the Great Barrier Reef in an intimate and sustainable way.

Good to know

Before embarking on this incredible adventure, remember to check in at 7.30 am inside the Sailaway office located in the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. The tour operates for a duration of 540 minutes, allowing you ample time to explore and indulge in the wonders of the Outer Barrier Reef. All meals and refreshments, sourced from local plantations, are included, ensuring you stay energized throughout the day.

Reviews

Customers who have experienced this tour rave about the knowledgeable crew and the opportunity to snorkel with a marine biologist as their guide. They praise the pristine coral reefs, abundance of marine life, and the personal attention provided due to the smaller group size. Travelers highly recommend this tour for its unique and eco-conscious approach to exploring the Great Barrier Reef, making it an unforgettable experience for all.

Select Currency