Australia · BOAT TOURS IN PORT DOUGLAS & DAINTREE
A holiday always runs one day short. These 15 boat tours in Port Douglas & Daintree are the ones that earn the spare day, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes rather than an evening.
Join Lady Douglas at 44 Wharf Street for a 90-minute cruise through Dickson Inlet, Port Douglas Marina, and the coast. Richard, Jay, Jake, or another local crew member provides commentary on wildlife and town history. You receive a drink and snack box, with possible sightings of wild crocodiles, birds, crabs, and mudskippers.
“Lovely cruise with Lady Douglas, great service and lovely commentary, captain and Jake were lovely. Highly recommend”
Cruise the Daintree River near the ferry on a quiet solar-assisted boat carrying up to 24 people. Guides such as Mark and Dave point out crocodiles by name, along with birds, frogs, snakes, crabs, and fish. Tea and coffee are included, and the one-hour trip returns to its starting point.
“It is a very unique experience . Guide was very knowledgeable in spotting crocodiles including each names , age”
Spend an hour on the Daintree River with guides such as Bruce, Ray, Brad, or Griff, watching for crocodiles, tree snakes, kingfishers, and other wildlife. Choose a morning, lunch, or afternoon departure, then enjoy tea, coffee, or a children’s slushie. The cruise returns to the starting point.
“Great experience. Our guide, Ray, was very informative and witty. Our young one enjoyed the boat trip also. We were lucky to see a few crocs despite heavy rain.”
Spend about 10 hours exploring Mossman Gorge, the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and the Daintree River with a local guide. You’ll cruise for crocodiles, walk rainforest boardwalks, enjoy a cooked-to-order lunch, swim in Cooper Creek and stop for tropical-fruit ice cream. Groups are capped at 10, with pickup from Port Douglas.
“It was really amazing, being in a small group was so much fun Daniel was the perfect host and tour guide , taking time to check each group and individuals”
Sail from Port Douglas aboard a 33-passenger catamaran to Low Isles. Snorkel in a sheltered lagoon, join a marine biologist, ride the EV Discovery glass-bottom boat, walk to the 1878 lighthouse, and enjoy morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. The crew, including guides such as Jake, Zara, and Anna on some departures, keeps the day active but relaxed.
“Amazing snorkelling experience with great crew who we're enthusiastic and helpful. So tranquil sailing there. A must do to see an awesome undersea world. Buffet was sumptuous and plentiful. The sail back was exciting as we had a swell.”
Meet at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina at 4:30 pm for a 90-minute sunset cruise aboard a luxury catamaran. You’ll receive a drink, hot and cold canapés, and views of the Coral Sea, Low Isles, mountains, and Port Douglas coast. Crew members including Curtis, Amy, and Captain Mark have been praised for friendly service, but rough weather can make the ride uncomfortable.
“Wonderful crew, friendly and supportive. Especially for those a bit uncertain about walking around the boat. An accessible and enjoyable night.”
Join Crocodile Express for a one-hour guided cruise on the Daintree River. You may spot saltwater crocodiles, snakes, eagles, tropical birds, and other wildlife from a covered boat. Choose between the bird-rich upper river near Daintree Village and the Daintree Gateway route, with Thornton Peak views and a second cruise included within 30 days.
“Wonderful experience! Exceptional crew. Passionate with what they do and great knowledge of crocodiles and rainforest. Thank you.”
From Crystalbrook Marina, Calypso Snorkel & Dive takes you to Low Isles in about 30 minutes. You can join a guided snorkel, ride the glass-bottom boat, or walk to the lighthouse and weather station. Crew members such as Katie, Roman, Ruth, and Alison have helped make the trip friendly and reassuring for beginners.
“Great guided tour, knowledgeable staff and the free time to explore off of the beach was great to see the reef and make memories”
Spend 4 hours 45 minutes exploring two Far North Queensland highlights with Daintree Discovery Tours. After pickup in Port Douglas, cruise the Daintree River for crocodiles, snakes, frogs, and birds, then walk through Mossman Gorge and swim in its clear rainforest stream when conditions allow. Guides may include Cameron, Mel, Kim, Matt, or Peer.
“Perfect trip! Boat ride to spot crocodiles followed by a trip to Mossman gorge to see rainforest and swim in the river. Just a small amount of hiking/walking.”
Sail from Port Douglas to the Low Isles aboard Sailaway’s adults-only catamaran. You get guided snorkelling with marine guides, a glass-bottom boat option, beach time, refreshments, afternoon tea, and a sunset sail home. The five-and-a-half-hour trip carries no more than 33 passengers and suits confident swimmers aged 13 and over.
“We thoroughly enjoyed our trip with the Snorkelling team and highly recommend going with them. We had superb food, drinks and experience guided snorkelling and glass bottom boat for my husband who chose to stay on board.”
Board Lady Douglas at Port Douglas Marina for a gentle 90-minute cruise through mangroves, Dickson Inlet, and the harbor entrance. Your skipper points out crocodiles, birds, fish, rainforest mountains, islands, and local history. Drew and Chris are among the guides who have led departures, with a bar drink, snack box, and children’s coloring sheets included.
“Guide was knowledgeable and staff were super friendly. Saw four crocs!!”
Cruise the Daintree River for one hour with an English-speaking guide who points out crocodiles, birds, snakes, fish, and mangroves. Guides such as Charly, Adam, Chris, and Bruce have been praised for sharp wildlife spotting and clear explanations. Tea, biscuits, picnic areas, displays, and bathrooms are included, but you need your own transport to the centre.
“This was a great experience for us, our guide was very informative and we spotted lots of crocs. Good value for money and would recommend.”
Join Crocodile Express for a one-hour cruise on the Daintree River, guided in English by local naturalists such as Neil or Justin. Your pass covers Upper and Lower Daintree routes, so you can return for another cruise and compare the bird-rich river sections with the mangrove-lined lower reaches. Crocodile sightings are never guaranteed, but the scenery and wildlife commentary keep the trip worthwhile.
“Both tours with Crocodile Express were great although we dud not get to see any crocodiles on the first tour. Neil was our guide for the bonus tour that starts neae the ferry. With his experience and persistence we we able to take the most amazing pictures and videos of a huge croc slliding into the water. w We were so close. An amazing experience.”
Check in at Sailaway Boathouse at 4:30pm for a 90-minute catamaran sail from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. You will see the Coral Sea and Daintree coastline, enjoy hot and cold canapes, and receive one beer, wine, champagne, or soft drink. Skipper Guy and crew members George and Martie have led recent sailings, though staff may vary.
“Tim and the team offered a great experience the afternoon sunset sail was magic! Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would definitely do this again.”
Board Shaolin at 44 Wharf Street for a 90-minute sunset sail from Port Douglas. You get one alcoholic drink, shared yum cha canapés, and live commentary as the boat cruises the Coral Sea, Daintree coastline, islands, and nearby mountains. If wind makes the sea rough, the crew may take you up the inlet instead.
“Friendly staff, plenty of fluids and enough food. Great commentary and engaging skipper and crew who obviously enjoy sharing with people”
Pick a reef, a cellar door or a coast road.
