Port Douglas Reef Charters
Enquiries please contact us
ph. 0439 910 133
ABN 1562 4312 279
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a half day reef trip to the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas?
A: No. There are half day reef trips which visit Low Isles- a coral cay just 8 miles off the coast of Port Douglas.
The true outer Great Barrier Reef is a minimum of 30 nautical miles off the coast of Port Douglas, therefore it usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours travel time one way to get to the reef. Most full day reef trips allow you 4-5 hours snorkelling time on the Great Barrier Reef.
If time is limited and you only have a half day available then a helicopter flight to a sand cay would be a good alternative. If you wish to dive and only have a half day available you can do a helicopter flight to an outer reef boat, the cost is around $900 per person for the flights and diving.
Q: What is the difference between Low Isles and the Outer Reef?
A:Typically the difference between the outer reef and Low Isles is clarity of water and distance. The visibility at Low Isles averages out at 2-3 metres whereas the clean water from the Coral Sea means that visibility on the outer Great Barrier Reef usually averages out at 15-20 meters. Low Isles is a great option for families especially during the peak season when we get the south easterly trade winds. Low Isles is also a good option for those concerned about getting seasick or those with older passengers or toddlers in their group.
Q: What will the weather like in Port Douglas for the reef / fishing / wedding / diving trip I want to do?
A: Have a look at these great weather forecast sites that we in the boating community in Port Douglas rely upon. The weather bureau has a radar which shows where the rain squalls are, the intensity and volume of rain received,plus Port Douglas local wind readings from weather buoys located at Low Isles, Green Island- right up the coast to the Torres Straits.
Wind forecasts and the actual winds velocity can be two very different things. In fact, a lot of the time the weather bureau forecast higher than winds actually recorded in Port Douglas. (just in case!)
It's a big area from Cooktown to Cardwell- a distance of around 600klm by road.
Here are the weather links for Port Douglas:
Cooktown to Cardwell Marine Forecast including Port Douglas Area
Local Port Douglas Rainfall location and intensity and shower location
What the wind is actually blowing out on the reef near Port Douglas
Q: Will it cost me more to book my reef charter or Barrier Reef Cruise through Port Douglas Reef Charters?
A: No it will not cost more. Whatever the price on the brochure is, it will be the same if you book your reef tour through Port Douglas Reef Charters or direct with the operator. The benefit to you is that Port Douglas Reef Charters deals with all reef operators, therefore you will receive the best impartial advice based on your individual requirements. Port Douglas Reef Charters offers excellent advice and customer service.
Q: I will be in Port Douglas during the stinger season, can I still go to the Great Barrier Reef?
A: Yes you can still snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Stinger Season runs from October to May depending on local weather conditions. During the "stinger season" there are enclosures on the Port Douglas 4 mile beach. These nets prevent box jellyfish from entering the enclosure. Box Jellyfish live up to a mile offshore from the beaches. Irukandji are small jellyfish that inhabit the offshore waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The chances of encountering them are rare- one in 150 Million- but all reef operators have a duty of care to provide protection against the likelihood of a "sting", that is why all reef and Low Isles tour operators will insist that you wear a lycra or "stinger" suit. These lycra suits also protect you from the sun.
Q: I really want to try Game Fishing for Marlin. Do you organise share charters for Game fishing?
A: Sorry no, Port Douglas Reef Charters do not organise share charters for Game Fishing. The reason for this is that there are too many variables that can affect your end price. If you want to go Marlin Fishing, the cost usually starts around $1800 for the day.
Q: I am worried about getting seasick, which reef tour would be best for me?
A: It really depends on the time of the year you are in Port Douglas, the tides and wind speed. The best bet if you are worried is to visit a chemist and speak with the Pharmacist, they will be able to recommend suitable medication for you to prevent seasickness. On the day of your reef tour, eat a light breakfast and whilst on the tour make sure you get plenty of fresh air and keep your eyes on the horizon. Avoid enclosed areas like toilets or saloon. Ginger tablets are great, crystallized ginger pieces are also recommended. If you want a short boat trip and some terra firma then consider a Low Isles tour. Low Isles is great for families with young children, there is a lovely sandy beach, a protected lagoon for snorkelling..teeming with Turtles and Giant Clams.
Q: Which reef tour operator should I do my Great Barrier Reef cruise with?
A:It really depends on you and what your individual needs or requirements are. Port Douglas Reef Charters are the local experts on reef tours for fishing, scuba diving and introductory diving- send us an email with some information about yourself and we will do our best to assist.
Q: What reef is the best to visit from Port Douglas?
A:It depends on which tour shop you go into! There are lots of marketing myths out there about the best reefs. Each boat operator has a permit for a particular reef- based upon the numbers the boats take and their impact on reef sites. Most of the large operators that take anywhere from 100 passengers to 400 passengers visit Agincourt Reef. They will have you believe that this is because Agincourt is the best reef...when in fact it is the reef that they HAVE to go to. Some operators will also tell you that they go to the very outer edge of the reef. This is another marketing myth. If they were to put passengers on the very outer reef- there wouldn't be much between you and an unscheduled visit to Fiji !
Also the water at the very outer edge is over 1klm deep. In reality tour operators take you to the inside edge of an outer reef. Here you get the benefit of the crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea, but also the protection of the edge of the reef from the swell. The coral gardens here are sheltered from swell and are very colorful and pretty.
So in a nutshell... the best reefs to visit from Port Douglas are the Outer Reefs like Opal, Tongue and Agincourt Reef.
Q: Are there bare boat yacht charters available in Port Douglas, like in the Whitsundays?
A:No there are no bare boat charters available. All charters in Port Douglas are fully crewed.
Do you have a question about Port Douglas or the Great Barrier Reef?
Feel free to email Port Douglas Reef Charters on info@portcharters.com and we will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Port Douglas Top Ten Tips
Great things to do in Port Douglas!
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Go and watch the Giant Groper Feeding at On the Inlet Seafood Restaurant Port Douglas.
Every day at 5.15pm the staff at this restaurant feed the Giant Queensland Groper that lives under the restaurant pontoon. They offer a sunset bar special which is a bucket of prawns and beer/wine/champagne for $20 You can throw the heads and shells of the prawns to the fish that live under the restaurant. Kids love it! And so do the BIG kids. Enjoy the beautiful Port Douglas waterfront views and stay for the sunset.
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Cane Toad Racing at the Iron Bar.
Tuesday and Thursday Nights at 7.30pm at the famous Iron Bar Port Douglas. A classic North Queensland activity. Hilarious commentary and a totally unique experience. Free entry.
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Picnic on the point.
Organize a seafood picnic or a bag of fresh local prawns from The Seafood House. Stop off at the bottle shop and grab some of your favorite beverages. Head down to Anzac Park and walk to the point. This is a great place to watch all the Port Douglas boats come in. Spectacular views of the mountain range and Coral Sea. The Port Douglas reef boats start to come in from around 3pm.
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Swim at Mossman Gorge.
Mossman Gorge is part of the World Heritage Daintree National Park and is only a 20 minute drive from Port Douglas. Fresh water swimming with no crocodiles! During the Wet Season, Mossman Gorge is a great place to cool off from the heat. After heavy rain, the Gorge can be dangerous to swim in due to the volume of water and strong currents...so be careful! Also be very wary about sun protection. The cool water reduces your awareness of exposure to the sun. 30 plus waterproof sunscreen and lots of it!
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Hire a pontoon boat from Port Douglas Boat Hire
Take yourself on a scenic cruise up the Dixon Inlet Port Douglas. Spot a wild crocodile, enjoy the panoramic views of the Rex Mountain Range and Mossman Gorge. Take a camera and insect repellent. Take a picnic and some drinks in the esky. Allow 2 hours to have a good look around.
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Lunch at the Marina Mirage.
There's a whole swag of diverse restaurants at the Marina Mirage Port Douglas. Great waterfront views, the whole fleet of boats from Port Douglas and great panoramic views of the Mountains and beaches. Plenty of shade and all the creature comforts. Relax and unwind.
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Breakfast at Lure Restaurant.
A small and cosy Port Douglas waterfront cafe that does a GREAT breakfast! Generous portions, amazing views and tropical ambience.
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Breakfast with the Birds at the Rainforest Habitat.
The Rainforest Habitat Port Douglas is a local wild life park- very much like an open air zoo with three separate walks to experience the endemic flora and fauna. Buffet breakfast with the birds walking around your table. Kangaroos and Wallabies that the kids can hand feed. A unique local attraction
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Bike ride along beautiful 4 Mile Beach in Port Douglas.
Make sure it is low tide!
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Lady Douglas River Cruise.
Enjoy informative commentary as you cruise the Dixon Inlet on this local paddle steamer. Lunch time cruise provides sumptuous buffet of local prawns and produce. Spot a croc in the wild.