Queensland, Australia
Low Isles is a highly protected coral cay 15 kilometers northeast of Port Douglas. Snorkel directly from the sandy beach and encounter resident sea turtles.
4.8 from 586 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Commercial boats depart daily from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.
Most bookedSet sail from Port Douglas for a day of snorkeling and relaxing on the Great Barrier Reef’s Low Isles. The sheltered white sands are surrounded by tropical waters filled...
Top ratedHalf day tours to the picturesque Low Isles with a maximum of 23 guests. Choose an early morning departure or afternoon departure, both with a duration of 4 hours...
Best valueLow Isles is an idyllic, unspoilt coral cay island just one hour's sailing from Port Douglas aboard the 30 metre sailing catamaran, Wavedancer. With snorkelling direct...
Explore
Discover the main coral cay, the reef lagoon, and Woody Island.
3 spotsThe Coral CayThe sandy coral cay serving as the main visitor hub and historical site.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsCoral Reef Lagoon55 acres of sheltered fringing reef offering calm-water snorkeling.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
2 spotsWoody IslandAn uninhabited mangrove island serving as a vital marine nursery.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
The islands are surrounded by 55 acres of sheltered coral reef.
Designated as a Green Zone by the Marine Park Authority.
Plan your visit
Tours range from 3.5 to 7.5 hours. Boat rides take 30 to 90 minutes.
Visit from May to October. This avoids the summer marine stinger season.
Boats leave from Port Douglas. Book your spot in advance.
Expect to pay $220 to $365+ AUD. This includes the mandatory reef Environmental Management Charge (EMC).
Low Isles comprises two distinct islands. Low Island is a 4-acre sandy coral cay that serves as the main visitor hub. Woody Island is a larger, uninhabited mangrove island. They sit within a highly protected Marine National Park zone.
The location holds significant scientific history. It served as the base for the world's first scientific study of a coral reef in 1928. Today, visitors explore the same waters to see 150 species of hard corals.
An active 18-metre lighthouse has operated here since 1878. You can learn more about its history by reading our guide to The Coral Cay.
We specify if the tour uses a sailing catamaran or a speedboat.
We list what you get, from glass-bottom boats to buffet lunches.
We note maximum guest numbers to help you find a less crowded option.
From Viator
586 reviews of the full-day sailing cruise on Viator
It was the most wonderful day out and the staff were all terrific and very knowledgeable and we loved iit
Great experience. Crew were amazing, fantastic advice on how to enjoy the reef and the dive. They were professional with a enough humour to create an amazing day.
My daughters thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The pace and locations were wonderful.
Kite and the crew were fantastic! It was a great 1/2 day experience. We saw turtles, plenty of fish and a giant clam!
Excellent day out, first class safety and plenty of staff on hand to help. Excellent knowledge. Equipment was great and helped make the experience that much better.
Excellent day out very informative knowledgeable and enthusiastic crew. Safely of all was paramount. Boat was spacious food was of good quality all activities very enjoyable. Could have benefited from being a little longer we were enjoying dispite less than perfect weather
Fabulous afternoon sailing and swimming. 5 star 🌟 We must commend the crew. A total credit to Sailaway. Every single one of the crew was polite, attentive, informative and enthusiastic. They simply couldn't do enough for everyone on board. Tight teamwork, clear instructions and generous with their time. Thank you so much. The Stuarts from Scotland. 😊
Wonderful experience from the moment we meet the team. They are so helpful and all so informative, nothing is too much trouble for Tayla, Mike and Kat. Three friends travelling together did the afternoon,snorkel, sunset cruise to the Low isles. We were not disappointed,trip out and back under sail was magic. Best trip I have done out to the reef 🪸 of which I have done 4 over the years. Highly recommend 🤩🤩🤩
Wonderful to sail on the Wavedancer and see the turtles and fish on the Low Isles. The safety and facilities were excellent, and staff took great care of us.
Travel tips
Tickets & PricesCompare tour prices and fees for a Low Isles visit.Read 
Getting ThereCompare boat types and travel times from Port Douglas to Low Isles.Read 
Best visiting seasonsFind out the best time to visit Low Isles and when to avoid stingers.Read Family Travel GuidePlan a safe and easy family trip to the Low Isles lagoon.Read Packing GuideEssential gear and clothing for your Low Isles snorkeling day trip.Read Compare reef tripsDeciding between the Outer Reef vs Low Isles for your Port Douglas trip.Read You must take a commercial boat from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas. Several operators run daily catamarans and speedboats. Read our Getting There guide for details.
The boat ride takes between 30 and 90 minutes. This depends on whether you take a fast speedboat or a sailing catamaran.
No. Island access is strictly prohibited between sunset and sunrise to protect local wildlife. There is no public accommodation.
Yes. The reef surrounding the islands holds a large population of resident green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles.
Yes, especially for beginners. Visitors can enjoy calm-water snorkeling straight from the sandy beach. The lagoon covers 55 acres and features 150 species of hard corals.
Tours typically cost between $220 and $365+ AUD per adult. Check Tickets for current options. This price usually includes the Environmental Management Charge.
Secure your spot on a boat from Port Douglas.
