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Low Isles Half Day Tour

Low Isles Island & Snorkelling Tour

Join us for a snorkelling experience at a secluded island at the best times of day….early morning and afternoon. Arriving at Low Isles after a 30 minute journey, guests will explore the coral reef and its inhabitants without the crowds.

You get 2.5 hours to snorkel and explore this picturesque coral cay, a similar amount of time as some full day tours have at the island. Snorkel in the calm lagoon or view the reef from our glass bottom boat, Calypso’s crew will provide tours for guests to learn and appreciate the incredible Great Barrier Reef. Access to the reef is very easy, either from the back of the vessel or from the beach as the reef hugs close to the island.

On our two departures daily*, guests can access the island** and explore the sandy paths winding through the vegetation. See first hand the historical Lighthouse, the Lighthouse Keeper’s home and the Weather Station where local weather data is collected. Bird life found here is spectacular, with many sea birds breeding and nesting in the vegetation and on the ground.

This tour is perfect for visitors who have limited time and want to explore the picturesque Low Isles on the Great Barrier Reef.

Important note: Please be advised there will be no Glass bottom boat tours if travelling between 25th – 28th March 2024.

Seasonal Rates:

Peak season: 1st April – 26th April | 22nd June – 11th October | 21st December – 17th January 2025

Off peak season: 27th April – 21st June | 12th October – 20th December | 18th January – 31st March 2025

See some of the beauty Calypso Low Isles offers in a virtual tour by clicking the button below!

Please note: *During the off season, these tours may be reduced to one departure per day.
**Due to some weather conditions, it may not be possible to access the island. Please contact us for more information.

Book Online

  • Explore Low Isles
  • Morning or afternoon half day tour
  • All snorkel gear including lycra suits included
  • Morning or afternoon tea included
  • Guided snorkel tour
  • Guided island walk
  • Glass Bottom Boat
Adult Peak Season
Off Peak Season
$249
$229
Child Peak Season
Off Peak Season
4 - 14 Years
$199
$189
Infant
0 - 3 Years
FREE

Morning Itinerary

  • 7.15am to 7.30am
    • Boarding Commences – At 7.15am at the Crystalbrook Marina, Port Douglas. As the Calypso Low Isles crew welcome you aboard you will be fitted out with your own snorkelling equipment before relaxing with light refreshments.
  • 7.30am to 8:00am
    • Cruise Time – It is time to sit back and relax while we travel to Low Isles. Half hour travel time with refreshments served
  • 8:00am to 10:30am
    • Free time – Choose your own experience. Walk to the lighthouse, jump on a guided snorkel tour, swim, sunbathe, jump on Glass Bottom Boat or relax
  • 10.45am to 11:00am
    • Boarding – Jump back on board Calypso bost to head back to Port Douglas.
  • 11:00am to 11:30am
    • Cruise back – Enjoy short cruise back to Port Douglas.

Afternoon Itinerary

  • 1pm
    • Boarding Commences – At 12.45am at the Crystalbrook Marina, Port Douglas. As the Calypso Low Isles crew welcome you aboard you will be fitted out with your own snorkelling equipment before relaxing with light refreshments.
  • 1.15pm
    • Cruise Time Departure – It is time to sit back and relax while we travel to Low Isles. Half hour travel time with refreshments served
  • 2:00pm to 4:30pm
    • Free time – Choose your own experience. Walk to the lighthouse, jump on a guided snorkel tour, swim, sunbathe, jump on Glass Bottom Boat or relax
  • 4.30pm to 4.45pm
    • Boarding – Jump back on board Calypso bost to head back to Port Douglas.
  • 4.45pm
    • Cruise back – Enjoy short cruise back to Port Douglas.

FAQs

What is the difference between Outer Reef and Low Isles?

Low Isles is a smaller area with roughly 55 acres of coral reef surrounding a picturesque coral cay and a mangrove island. Separated from the main reef system by the shipping channel, Low Isles is home to many giant green sea turtles, beautiful coral gardens and ample marine life.

Will I see a turtle? A shark? What will I see?

The Great Barrier Reef contains thousands of different species of marine life. We cannot guarantee what marine life you will see on your day of travel, however there will be many different species of fish, coral and molluscs. Giant green sea turtles are found around the Great Barrier Reef and are frequently sighted at Low Isles. Reef sharks are quite common and a wonderful sight to see.

How long does it take to get to the Low Isles?

Calypso takes approximately 30 minutes to travel to Low Isles

What do I need to bring? Do you supply towels?

Please bring along swimmers, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and credit card (VISA, MasterCard or EFTPOS, sorry no cash) for any on board purchases. We do not provide towels for guests, however please ask your accommodation provider who will supply beach towels for you.

What if it rains? Does the tour get cancelled?

Operating in the Wet Tropics, we expect rain mainly during the summer months. However, it can rain all year round. Rain doesn’t affect our day to day operations to the Great Barrier Reef. We do not cancel tours due to rain as it does not affect the quality of the reef.

What are stingers? When are they around?

Stingers are a generalised term for jellyfish. During the summer months (November through to May), marine stingers, Irukandjis and box jellyfish, are present in the waters off the coast of Tropical North Queensland.

All Calypso vessels are equipped with lycra suits (free of charge) during these summer months. As well as a precaution, lycra suits have other benefits such as sun protection and also reducing the amount of sunscreen in the water.

Will I get seasick? Do you offer medication onboard?

Our smaller Calypso Low Isles boat is still a  wide-bodied catamaran for stability and has the advantage of cutting through the waves instead of riding the swell. Vessels do encounter some form of movement no matter what the conditions so prevention is best. Two types of medication are offered on board our vessels. Ginger tablets are provided free of charge to passengers who prefer a natural option and are good for pregnant women. The other form of sea sickness medication is called Travacalm and costs $3 for 2 tablets. Please see the crew on board. If you know you suffer from sea sickness, its best to see a pharmacist prior to your trip to the reef.

I am pregnant, can I still go to the reef?

Yes, you can travel to the Low Isles. There is plenty to do such as Glass Bottom Boat or walks to Lighthouse if you wish to stay dry and relax. Snorkelling is low impact and a non strenuous activity great for pregnant women. Flotation devices are perfect for extra buoyancy and gentle kicking will provide enough propulsion for you to get around and explore the reef.

Medicated sea sickness tablets cannot be taken but Ginger tablets are safe for pregnant women to take and are free onboard. If in doubt, see a pharmacist.

Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Most dietary requirements can be catered for, such as: coeliac, vegans, lactose intolerance and other allergies for the morning or afternoon tea. Please let us know if you have an allergy 24 hours before your departure. If in doubt please contact us on +61 7 4099 6999.

We did the half day cruise to Low Isles. The boat-staff are really friendly, knowledgeable and professional. You get good quality flippers, mask and snorkel that fit well, and as much help or instruction as you need. A glass-bottom boat tour serves as an appetizer to the snorkelling. There were literally thousands of fish, mounds of coral, two or three reef sharks about a metre long, and two or three turtles.

Bonnyvia Tripadvisor

THE BEST EXPERIENCE EVER!! The most incredible afternoon on the Low Isles. I can’t recommend this company enough and in particular our crew. Having always wanted to snorkel but never having the confidence to do it, the guidance on how to use the equipment from Davina and the patience of Taylor in the water meant that I succeeded!! Sea Turtles; an array of fishes; sea cucumber and star fish along with the most incredible coral was my prize

Michelle Pvia Tripadvisor

Perfect time of year to enjoy Low Isles snorkel and glass bottom boat 1/2 day tour. Beautiful corals and fish to see while snorkelling and exploring the shallow waters just out from Low Isles shoreline. Quality vessel. Quick 1/2 hour trip to Low Isles on fast comfortable boat.

Aija Bvia Tripadvisor

Toured the half day Low Isles trip, didn’t fancy a full day at sea however we weren’t disappointed or left wishing we had done the full day outer reef trip.
Very friendly and knowledgable guides and we also got to swim side by side with a sea turtle and a reef shark which was an amazing experience... a very safe and family friendly environment

Marty Mvia Tripadvisor

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