Outer Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Day Cruise from Port Douglas

Port Douglas and the marina

Port Douglas is a relaxed tropical town about an hour's drive north of Cairns, squeezed between the rainforest-covered coastal range and the long sweep of Four Mile Beach. It is the closest town to the ribbon reefs of the outer reef, which is why so many travellers choose a Great Barrier Reef tour from Port Douglas rather than from Cairns. The marina sits on Dickson Inlet at the end of Wharf Street, a few minutes' walk from the cafés and shops of Macrossan Street.

Check-in for this cruise opens at 9:00 at the reservations counter inside the superyacht marina, boarding starts at 9:30 and the catamaran leaves at 10:00 sharp. If you are staying in Cairns, the coach option collects you from selected central hotels and brings you to the marina in time for departure, so you do not need to drive.

Agincourt Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef

Agincourt Reef is part of a chain of long, narrow ribbon reefs that line the edge of the continental shelf, where the sea floor drops away into the deep Coral Sea. Being far from the coast and its rivers, the water here is usually much clearer than on inner reefs, and the coral formations are among the most varied in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a World Heritage area stretching more than 2,300 km along the Queensland coast.

The crossing takes around 1.5 hours each way on a large, stable wave-piercing catamaran with indoor seating. Along the way the crew gives a safety briefing and explains the day's activities. On calm days you may spot flying fish and seabirds; during the winter months humpback whales sometimes pass through these waters.

The reef activity platform

The heart of the day is a spacious, permanently moored activity platform in a protected lagoon at Agincourt Reef. It is a stable base with shaded decks, changing rooms and fresh-water showers, so you can move between the water and the deck as often as you like during your roughly 3.5 hours at the reef. Snorkellers enter from wide steps straight onto the coral gardens, with lifeguards watching from the platform and buoyancy vests available for anyone less confident.

Lunch is a hot and cold tropical buffet served on board, with morning and afternoon tea on the cruise. Optional extras can be added on the day, subject to availability: introductory dives for beginners, certified dives, helmet diving on an underwater walkway and snorkel tours guided by a marine biologist.

Semi-submersible and underwater observatory

You do not need to swim to see the Great Barrier Reef on this trip. The semi-submersible is a boat with a viewing cabin below the waterline, which glides slowly over the coral while a guide explains what you are seeing: plate and staghorn corals, giant clams, sea cucumbers and shoals of fusiliers and damselfish. It is ideal for younger children, older travellers and anyone who prefers to stay dry.

The underwater observatory on the platform offers a window onto the reef at any time during your stay, and the crew's fish feeding often brings large reef fish such as the hump-headed wrasse right up to the glass. The reef presentation by a marine biologist explains how the reef was formed, why coral is a living animal and how visitors can help protect it.

Helicopter option and best time to visit

For a once-in-a-lifetime view, one option adds a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over the outer reef, where the patterns of ribbon reefs, sand cays and blue channels become clear from the air. The rest of the day is the same as the classic cruise, with the platform, snorkelling, semi-submersible and lunch included.

The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas is during the dry season from June to October, with calm seas and excellent visibility. From November to May the water is warmer and lycra suits are provided to protect against marine stingers. Seas can be choppy on windy days, so if you are prone to motion sickness, ask a pharmacist for advice before you travel.