Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Palm Cove

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Great for beginners, non-swimmers and first-time visitors to Tropical North Queensland cruise to Agincourt Reef. You can watch fish feeding, go on a snorkeling expedition, try scuba diving, view the coral and marine life on a semi-submersible submarine, and enjoy a tasty buffet lunch. Transport between Palm Cove and Port Douglas is included.

Agincourt Reef sits at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, a ribbon reef running parallel to the Continental Shelf. Clear water provides great underwater visibility and encourages rich coral growth which supports a wide variety of fish life, both large and small. Schools of damsel fish, solitary clown fish and small reef sharks are common visitors to this part of the reef, along with some brightly-colored parrotfish and elegant angel fish.

Departing from Port Douglas, your 90-minute high speed catamaran cruise takes you directly to Agincourt Reef. The permanent pontoon moored here provides a sheltered base for your day on the reef. During the trip a snorkeling demonstration will get you ready for your adventure, and the staff will take you through your options for the day.

You'll have around 3.5 hours to enjoy the reef at your leisure. Grab a snorkel and fins and hit the water on your own, or join an optional guided snorkeling tour with a qualified marine biologist. Snorkeling is a great way to explore the Great Barrier Reef, and there are friendly staff on hand to show you how.

Prefer to stay dry? You can explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible submarine. You'll take a leisurely cruise through colorful coral gardens, giving you a snorkeler's view of the marine life without getting wet.

For a little more adventure, why not try an introductory scuba dive. or a unique Ocean Walker Helmet Dive - no diving experience necessary.

See 'Itinerary' below for more details on your options, and click the 'price guide' button below to compare pricing.

Take part in an optional Ocean Walker Helmet Dive during your Outer Barrier Reef Cruise

Daily

Tour departs from Palm Cove hotels

Cruise departs from the Marina Mirage at 10:00am. Hotel pick ups are between 7:30am and 9:00am.

Tour returns to original point of departure.

Tour departs from Palm Cove hotels. Please advise your hotel name and address at time of booking.

Included Activities:

Snorkeling at Agincourt Reef
Snorkeling is one of the best ways to view the incredible underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, and friendly staff are on hand to show you how. On your way out to Agincourt Reef you can view an instructional video on how to snorkel to teach you the right techniques.

Upon reaching the outer reef, you can obtain your snorkeling equipment from the storage containers on the platform. Easy access to the water is available from submerged platforms. Our friendly snorkeling safety officers can assist you with your snorkeling gear, and give you a few tips so that you can fully enjoy your experience.

Semi Submersible coral viewing
If you would like to stay dry, then you can explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a sub. The semi submersibles cruise slowly through the colorful coral gardens giving passengers, seated just one meter underwater, the opportunity to experience a snorkelers-eye view of the marine life without getting wet.

The semi-sub experience takes approximately 25 minutes and includes an informed commentary on the marine life observed during the journey and an overview of the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Semi-subs depart every fifteen minutes from the rear of the platform. Announcements are made to prompt you before departure.

Underwater Observatory
Watch the fish feeding from the unique viewing platform and underwater observatory. From here, you can also see the "first time" divers taking part in introductory dives. Butterfly fish, parrot fish, angel fish and elegant nudibranchs dance before your eyes and coral gardens beckon you to explore. Watch, entranced, as a clownfish snuggles into the embrace of a sea anemone.


Optional Activities (book and pay in advance):

Introductory Snorkel Tour
Led by a marine biologist, this tour provides an introduction to the Great Barrier Reef. Designed for the novice or beginner snorkeler, this tour is a great way to learn about the marine environment.

Introductory Dive
If you've never dived before, and would like to experience the magic of SCUBA, try an introductory dive with a highly qualified dive instructor. The only requirements are that you are at least 12 years of age, pass the on-board medical questionnaire and participate in a 30-minute dive brief. No experience necessary.

Ocean Walker - Helmet Diving
A unique and fun experience, see the reef up close during a helmet "dive". Breathing fresh air delivered from the surface into your helmet, you'll walk underwater on a reef platform - you can even wear your glasses if you wish! Ocean Walker is suitable for non-swimmers and persons aged over 12 years. After a short briefing and subject to medical conditions, you will be walking amongst the reef fish and corals.

All diving activities (Ocean Walker and Introductory Dive) for children 14 years and under must be booked directly on the day of travel. Prices listed are cruise only.


Optional Activities (book and pay on the day of travel):

Certified Diving
Scuba diving right at the edge of Australia's continental shelf is simply spectacular. At these unique ribbon reefs, visibility is excellent and the variety of marine life is exceptional. Certified divers must posses an internationally recognized SCUBA certificate card.

Scenic Helicopter Flight (10 minutes)
For a different and spectacular perspective of the jewel like ribbon reefs, a ten minute helicopter flight is available from platforms moored at Agincourt Reef.

Squid Squad Kid's Club
A fun Kids Club designed for children aged 5 - 12 years. There's fun and games to play with three 45-minute "Squad" sessions available each day at the Outer Reef. So while the kids are in the "Squad", mum and dad can enjoy some guilt-free time to snorkel, lunch together and relax on the sundeck.