From $370
Start Time 08:00
Duration 9hr 30min
- Full-day cruise to Mackay Coral Cay Reef aboard ‘Sailaway VII’
- 4.5 hours in the water across two Outer Barrier Reef sites
- Full snorkel kit, optical masks, lycra/wetsuits & flotation devices
- Snorkelling instruction and in-water assistance
- Marine biologist-guided snorkel tour
- Glass-bottom boat ride with a reef interpretation talk
- Exclusive access to the pristine Mackay Coral Cay
- Tropical buffet lunch, including prawns
- Afternoon tea, coffee, cakes and fresh fruit
- Environmental Management Charge included
- Courtesy coach transfers from Palm Cove and Northern Beaches pickup zone
- Drinks available for purchase from the licensed bar on board
About This Experience
The Mackay Coral Cay Reef Tour is a premier Outer Great Barrier Reef experience, taking you beyond the sheltered inshore reefs to the remote Mackay Coral Cay aboard the luxury catamaran ‘Sailaway VII'. Unlike the Low Isles tours, this full-day adventure visits two Outer Reef sites, offering up to 4.5 hours in the water for guided snorkelling, reef exploration and glass-bottom boat viewing. With a marine biologist and Master Reef Guide onboard and tropical buffet lunch and refreshments, it is curated for guests wanting a more immersive Great Barrier Reef experience.
Two Outer Reef Sites In One Day
Your day begins with courtesy transfers from your Port Douglas accommodation to Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, where you'll board ‘Sailaway VII'. Settle in with tea, coffee and freshly baked pastries before the catamaran sets course for the Outer Great Barrier Reef. During the cruise, a Master Reef Guide will introduce you to the reef's unique ecosystem, sharing insights into the marine life and coral formations you'll encounter during the day.
The first stop is the spectacular Mackay Coral Cay, where you'll join a guided snorkel over vibrant coral gardens led by the marine biologist. You can also explore the reef from the comfort of the solar-electric glass-bottom boat or step ashore on the pristine sand cay — an experience very few Great Barrier Reef tours offer. Full snorkelling equipment, including wetsuits, optical masks, flotation devices and seasonal lycra suits, is provided, with in-water assistance available for anyone wanting extra confidence.
After a tropical buffet lunch that includes fresh prawns, the catamaran sails to a second Outer Reef site, giving you the opportunity to discover a different reef ecosystem. Here you can spend more time snorkelling at your own pace or continue learning from the onboard reef experts. To round off the day, afternoon tea with cakes and fresh fruit is served during the scenic sail back to Port Douglas.
Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For
The Mackay Coral Cay Reef Tour is ideal for visitors who want to experience the Outer Great Barrier Reef beyond the more sheltered waters of Low Isles. If you're seeking Sailaway's most comprehensive reef adventure, with access to a remote coral cay and two distinct Outer Reef sites, this is the experience to choose.
Cruise Details
Location Sailaway Boathouse Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina 8, Shop 18/44 Wharf St
| Departure | Boards | Departs | Returns | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 07:30 | 08:00 | 17:00 | 9hr 30min |
From $370
Start Time 08:00
Duration 9hr 30min
- Full-day cruise to Mackay Coral Cay Reef aboard ‘Sailaway VII’
- 4.5 hours in the water across two Outer Barrier Reef sites
- Full snorkel kit, optical masks, lycra/wetsuits & flotation devices
- Snorkelling instruction and in-water assistance
- Marine biologist-guided snorkel tour
- Glass-bottom boat ride with a reef interpretation talk
- Exclusive access to the pristine Mackay Coral Cay
- Tropical buffet lunch, including prawns
- Afternoon tea, coffee, cakes and fresh fruit
- Environmental Management Charge included
- Courtesy coach transfers from Palm Cove and Northern Beaches pickup zone
- Drinks available for purchase from the licensed bar on board
