Wavedancer Low Isles Reef Cruise

Wavedancer Low Isles is a beautiful tour to share with your family.

First, picture yourself sailing to a beautiful tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef and lying under an umbrella on the beach, enjoying the ocean breeze.

Then slipped into the warm turquoise water and snorkelled straight off the beach. It sounds too good to be accurate, but Wavedancer Low Isles will make this dream a reality.

Sailing to the Island

First, you will board this luxury 30-metre sailing catamaran in the Port Douglas Crystlebrook Superyacht Marina. After that, enjoy an hour sail before mooring in the calm waters of the island’s lagoon.

While you are on Low Isles, the friendly crew will ensure you get the most out of this tropical paradise. There are limited numbers on the island to protect the reef’s ecology. Therefore, you will experience this slice of heaven with only a select few.

Snorkelling at Low Isles

Next, Snorkel off the beach and explore the fringing coral gardens bursting with vibrant marine life. Meanwhile, discover the 150 species of hard corals and the dominating 15 species of soft corals.

Amongst the corals, you can find lots of colourful tropical fish, sea cucumbers and other animals—for example, sea turtles, rays and dugongs.

The brightly coloured blue, green and purple parrotfish are a common sight. In addition to clownfish and angelfish, to name a few.

Low Isles History

Wavedancer Low Isles has been taking passengers to the island since 1979. In 2008 Low Isles was formally registered on the Commonwealth Heritage List.

Importantly this was a first for the Great Barrier Reef. Therefore, it’s the first time one location received a duel listing for Indigenous history and Australian cultural heritage.

In 1770, Captain James Cook described Low Isles as a “small low island”, and so it was officially named Low Isles in 1819.

It’s an important cultural site for the KuKu Yalanji as well as the Yiragandi Aboriginal people. This location is where the sea country for both groups overlaps.

Weather data collection has been in practice since 1887 from the island. Also, the historic lighthouse has been operating since 1878.

The first scientific study of a coral reef anywhere in the world was based here in 1928.

Next, see our other Great Barrier Reef tours.

 

Highlights

Something for everyone

  • Wavedancer Low Isles is only 1-hour sail from Port Douglas.
  • Unspoilt coral cay with shady trees in addition to the protected lagoon.
  • Limited numbers, so no crowds.
  • Unrestricted access to the island.
  • Snorkel straight off the beach.
  • Great for families or relaxing.
  • Often see turtles as well as excellent island birdlife.
  • Enjoy guided heritage walks of Low Isles.

Itinerary

  • Check-in between 9:00 – 9:30 am. Present your voucher to the crew in the Quiksilver office at the Marina.
  • 9:45 am Enjoy a Marine Biologist presentation in the main cabin.
  • 10:00 am Wavedancer Low Isles departs the Marina.
  • 10:30 am A snorkelling demonstration is conducted on the journey to Low Isles.
  • 11:15 am Wavedancer arrives at Low Isles before a glass-bottom boat will take you to the island. Snorkelling equipment is available from storage containers on the beach.
  • 12:00 pm A tropical buffet lunch is served onboard Wavedancer. The bar operates throughout the day.
  • 1:30 pm A guided beach and heritage walk is conducted by a Marine Biologist.
  • 2:45 pm The last glass-bottom boat leaves the island to return passengers to the vessel. Afternoon tea is served before we depart for Port Douglas.
  • 4:30 pm Arrival back to the Crystlebrook Superyacht Marina.

Included

  • Return Wavedancer Low Isles cruise from Port Douglas
  • Morning and afternoon teas on board
  • Reef Levy
  • Informative reef presentation by Marine Biologist
  • Tropical smorgasbord lunch
  • All snorkelling equipment provided
  • Qualified snorkelling safety officers on hand
  • Glass bottom boat coral viewing
  • Marine Biologist guided beach walk
  • Guided snorkelling tours with Marine Biologist
  • Lycra swimming suits

Optional Extras

Return transfers from Port Douglas or Cairns accommodation

What to bring

  • Your camera
  • Swimming costume and beach towel.
  • Hat, sunscreen and shirt.
  • Cash for drinks at the bar.
  • Credit cards for shopping.
  • Underwater cameras are available for purchase or hire.

How to get there

If you are making your own way, please check-in at the Quicksilver counter at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina (44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877) at 9.00 am

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