Poseidon Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise - 8 Hours
Highlights & inclusions
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August 2026
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Highlighted reviews
10 / 10 make sure you see the reef with this crew
The crew on board the Poseiden were fantastic and there at every step to make sure our day on the reef was spectacular. I can't recommend this highly enough to anyone visiting Port Douglas. The two sites we visited on the reef were rich in coral and different species of fish. We also learned a lot about the area of the reef and were provided with a nice lunch after we were done with snorkelling. It had been a number of years since both my husband and I had snorkelled but the crew had good tips and equipment to help us and others in our group feel safe and confident on the water. Thank you to the Poseiden team!!
Top class
Wow! What a superb experience. And Lucy (ocean ecologist) she was absolutely incredible. The crew in general was great: good vibes, high alert, helpful, professional and motivated. Loved all the details, we were safe, informed, catering was really nice (did not expect so much food😆). 100% recommended.
What you can expect
Discover three breathtaking and distinct reef environments on this established snorkel and dive cruise of the Great Barrier Reef. This exceptional experience is designed to be personalised to you, with access to over 30 exclusive reef sites at the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs and Escape Reef. During the cruise, you’ll learn all about this underwater realm and its inhabitants through a fascinating reef interpretation talk before you set out to explore. Whether snorkelling or diving, you’ll be surrounded by clear outer reef waters teeming with beautiful corals and diverse marine life.
As a snorkeler, you’ll have unlimited time to explore the marine wilderness and even join a guided tour led by a marine biologist. If you’re a first-time diver, you’ll have the chance to try an introductory scuba dive, while certified divers can jump straight in and enjoy up to three dives. Throughout the incredible day, your attentive and friendly crew will ensure you’re well taken care of, with morning and afternoon tea and a delicious tropical buffet lunch featuring fresh prawns to fuel your adventure. Along with the onboard comforts, the special permit to swim with the Dwarf Minke Whales (if they're spotted) makes this experience a unique extraordinary reef excursion.
Location
What you need to know
- Return coach transfers from accommodation in Port Douglas
- Return Poseidon cruise from Port Douglas
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Delicious tropical buffet lunch with prawns
- Reef Biosearch marine biologist site brief and interpretation at each reef site
- Citizen science – opportunity to observe and participate in a GBRMPA monitoring survey
- Guided snorkel tour with marine biologist
- All snorkel equipment and tuition
- Drift diving from a dedicated dive tender (subject to conditions and if diving selected at time of booking)
- Lycra suits and flotation devices
- Fresh water showers
- Visit three spectacular coral reef sites
- Professional photographer on board
- Maximum capacity of 65 passengers with high staff ratio providing personalised and attentive service
- Transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches accommodation (available as an optional extra)
- Scuba diving (available as an optional extra)
- Drinks and souvenirs
- Fuel Surcharge: Due to significant volatility in fuel supply and operational costs, a surcharge will apply and be collected at check-in on the day of travel (Adult - $10 AUD, Child - $5 AUD).
- Boarding commences at 8:15am
- This experience departs at 8:30am and returns at approximately 4:30pm
- Cruises operate Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
- This experience is eight hours in duration.
- This experience is located at 44 Wharf, Street Port Douglas QLD 4877.
- This experience departs from the Quicksilver Office at 8:00am located inside the Port Douglas Reef Marina on 44 Wharf, Street Port Douglas QLD 4877 (please check in here).
- Voucher
- Camera
- Swimwear
- Hat
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Cash or credit card for drinks and souvenirs
- Minimum age for diving is 12 years
- Fuel Surcharge: Due to significant volatility in fuel supply and operational costs, a surcharge will apply and be collected at check-in on the day of travel (Adult - $10 AUD, Child - $5 AUD).
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the tour
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this experience
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
Recent reviews
Amazing day out
Thank you amazing crew at Poseidon. Fun, light, helpful, informative and professional. We felt incredibly welcome and looked after. Food was delicious and sites calm even though seas were rough. Special thanks to Gordon for his calmness and kindness, making me comfortable after too long a break in diving. Much recommended!!
Finding Nemo by Walt Disney - is here!
As I awaited the gruelling boat journey out to sea on a cramped timber seat. After I had got up early! I remember feeling rather forlorn, like another old reef adventure, is about to begin. But Poseidon must have been watching over us! Pretty soon I heard people cheering whilst snorkelling, sharing stories with strangers on board about what they saw and taking under water photos, and chatting excitedly. I soon realised this was no ordinary reef tour! I was not disappointed because once I got use to the idea of being in a wet lycra sting suit and getting acquainted with my fins and snorkel at three separate sites! Each rather unique and beautiful display was perfick and beautiful. The team on board Poseidon were work health and safety experts keeping us informed throughout the day. Alicia asks, ‘are you ok?’ ‘If I swim to you and ask if your ok - just do this unicorn sign above your head and I know your ok’, ‘who wants to come on a tour with me, by a marine biologist hands up’ ‘just be careful of that side of the boat where the current is stronger there’ ‘try swimming over there if you want to see…’, ‘this fish is a…’ ‘Just like the aboriginal word..’ ‘this is how coral gets its colour’! ‘If you need help with your equipment just ask me’ and ‘this is how coral reefs are made’’it looks like we have come across a…’, ‘these are the cucumbers who make our sand white without them..’ And ‘Finding Nemo’ by Walt Disney - definitely a good film is truly alive on this tour! And out there (on the Great Barrier Reef) - anything is possible. All members on board were pleasantly surprised by the chosen sites. The only thing I got worried about was a small fishing boat visiting the area we were about to anchor - I got the impression they were pushing boundaries. There is so much to see! The team of attentive young people who put people’s safety first, are impressive. Alicia reminds me of the late Jane Goodall, but totally immersed in the marine biologist space, so listen carefully, and get out there people!
Wonderful Experience Combining Fun and Safety
Had a wonderful experience on board Poseidon for introductory diving and snorkeling on the outer reef. The entire crew were very profession and created a perfect blend of fun and safety. Was so impressed the first day that I went back for a second day with a friend. Special thanks to Moni and Joe who taught me how to dive and made me feel safe (even after making dumb mistakes). Because I felt safe I had an incredibly enjoyable experience and now seem to be addicted to diving. It will be my new hobby (as a 66 year old beginner)!! I fully recommend the Poseidon cruise for your Great Barrier Reef adventure.
