“We had a fantastic day, the crew were knowledgeable and helpful. Lunch was great. Amazing snorkelling at the outer reef and the icing on the cake was the whales we saw on the way out breaching and then the way back in, having a large pod swim around the boat. Nice to see even the crew so excited about the experience let alone all the passengers.
9Hr Sailaway Mackay Coral Cay Reef Tour
4.5
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Duration: 9hr 30min
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Eligible refunds processed within 3 days
Customer Reviews
“We thoroughly enjoyed our trip with Sailaway to the Mackay Coral Cay. Our crew of Tess, Issac, Harry and the team worked hard to make our day perfect. They kept us safe, well fed, organised and informed on the biology of the reef. Such a fun and friendly team. We saw some amazing colourful coral and so many species of fish. We even swam with a Green Turtle. We enjoyed our stop on a sand island. So special! We would definitely recommend Sailaway if you are visiting Port Douglas.”
About
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.
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.
- 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
- Experience this flagship Outer Great Barrier Reef adventure, visiting the remote Mackay Coral Cay and two spectacular reef sites
- Enjoy up to 4.5 hours in the water, giving you more time to snorkel, explore and appreciate the reef than many day cruises
- Learn from a marine biologist and Master Reef Guide, with guided snorkelling and expert reef interpretation
- Cruise aboard the premium ‘Sailaway VII’, combining authentic sailing and exceptional onboard hospitality
- Adult $370
- Child $260
- Family $1130
Sailaway Boathouse, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina 8, Shop 18/44 Wharf St, Port Douglas
Google Map - CLICK HERE
Google Map - CLICK HERE
- 7:30am: Check in at the Sailaway office at the marina
- 7:45am: Board Sailaway VII at Berth D6; tea, coffee, muffins and pastries; welcome and safety briefing
- 8:00am: Depart Port Douglas, set sail towards Mackay Coral Cay; reef interpretation talk by a marine biologist and Master Reef Guide
- 10:15am: Arrive and moor at the first reef site; snorkel safety briefing and equipment fitted
- 10:15am onward: Snorkel over the coral gardens, guided snorkel tour, cay exploration, glass-bottom boat tour, free swim time
- 12:45pm: Tropical buffet lunch served onboard; relocate to the second reef site
- After lunch: Further free-time snorkelling at the second site
- 2:15pm: Afternoon tea, coffee, cakes and fresh fruit platter
- 2:30pm: Depart Mackay Coral Cay, set sail back towards Port Douglas
- 5:00pm: Arrive back in Port Douglas; coach transfer to accommodation
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (can be purchased onboard)
- Transfers outside the Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Northern Beaches pickup zones
- Gratuities and personal travel insurance
9Hr Sailaway Mackay Coral Cay Reef Tour (this package)
Venture beyond Low Isles to the Outer Great Barrier Reef on Sailaway's flagship reef tour. Visit the remote Mackay Coral Cay, snorkel two pristine reef sites and enjoy longer in-water time with marine biologist-guided experiences.
5.5Hr Sailaway Low Isles Coral Cay Afternoon & Sunset Tour (see alternate package)
The only Low Isles experience that combines reef exploration with a luxury Coral Sea sunset sail, featuring guided snorkelling, island discovery, afternoon tea, gourmet canapés and complimentary sundowner drinks.
1.5Hr Sailaway Coral Sea Sunset Sail (see alternate package)
Short on time? Enjoy the sunset without the reef visit on this 1.5-hour luxury sailing experience, complete with gourmet canapés, a welcome drink and panoramic views of the Daintree coastline.
7.5Hr Sailaway Low Isles Adventure Cruise (see alternate package)
Maximise your time at Low Isles with a full-day experience, including up to five hours to snorkel, join guided reef activities, explore the island and enjoy a tropical buffet lunch aboard a luxury sailing catamaran.
Venture beyond Low Isles to the Outer Great Barrier Reef on Sailaway's flagship reef tour. Visit the remote Mackay Coral Cay, snorkel two pristine reef sites and enjoy longer in-water time with marine biologist-guided experiences.
5.5Hr Sailaway Low Isles Coral Cay Afternoon & Sunset Tour (see alternate package)
The only Low Isles experience that combines reef exploration with a luxury Coral Sea sunset sail, featuring guided snorkelling, island discovery, afternoon tea, gourmet canapés and complimentary sundowner drinks.
1.5Hr Sailaway Coral Sea Sunset Sail (see alternate package)
Short on time? Enjoy the sunset without the reef visit on this 1.5-hour luxury sailing experience, complete with gourmet canapés, a welcome drink and panoramic views of the Daintree coastline.
7.5Hr Sailaway Low Isles Adventure Cruise (see alternate package)
Maximise your time at Low Isles with a full-day experience, including up to five hours to snorkel, join guided reef activities, explore the island and enjoy a tropical buffet lunch aboard a luxury sailing catamaran.
- Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to help@australiancruisegroup.com.au
- Refunds, where applicable, will be processed to the original payment method.
- No correspondence will be entertained for cancellations made after the free-cancellation period.
- A ‘no-show’ refers to any confirmed passenger who fails to board the vessel prior to scheduled departure. Please note, we make every effort to ensure our cruises depart on time. It is highly recommended that all passengers are ready for boarding 15 minutes prior to the stated time.
- An individual booking is defined as all bookings having less than 10 passengers on a single E-ticket. Individual bookings require full payment at time of booking.
- Up to 4 days prior: Full refund
- Within 3 days: 100% cancellation fee
- Group bookings are defined as all bookings for 10 or more passengers on a single E-ticket. Group bookings can be made with a partial payment of 20% as deposit. The balance amount must be paid 7 days before the cruise date.
- Up to 7 days prior: Full refund
- Within 6 days: 100% cancellation fee
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Moderate mobility is required to step onto tenders and get in and out of the water using the boat ladders
How far is Mackay Coral Cay from Port Douglas?
It's an outer reef location, further out than the inshore reef sites, which is why the sail out takes around two hours each way. The time is used for a guided reef interpretation talk rather than being dead travel time.
Do I need to be an experienced swimmer for this tour?
A moderate level of mobility is needed to board tenders and use the boat ladders, but full snorkeling gear, including wetsuits and flotation devices, is provided, so less confident swimmers are well supported.
Can I bring my own food or drinks onboard?
No, BYO food and drinks are not permitted. The catamaran has a fully licensed bar onboard serving Australian wines and beers, available for purchase.
Are hotel transfers included?
Yes, courtesy coach transfers are included for guests staying in the Port Douglas area, with pickups for Palm Cove and the Northern Beaches available on request at the time of booking.
Is snorkelling equipment provided?
Yes, the tour includes optical masks, seasonal lycra suits, wetsuits and flotation devices, along with in-water instruction and assistance from the crew.
What's the benefit of visiting two reef sites instead of one?
Moving between two moorings around Mackay Coral Cay gives you a wider variety of corals and marine life than a single anchor point without adding to the day's overall sailing time.
Is this tour suitable for children or infants?
Children aged 4 to 12 travel at a discounted rate, and infants aged 0 to 3 travel free. The guided snorkel, glass-bottom boat and cay time give younger guests options beyond continuous swimming.
Will I be cold snorkelling at the outer reef?
Wetsuits are included as part of the snorkelling kit, which helps with both warmth and buoyancy during the longer time spent in the water at the outer reef sites.
Why does an Environmental Management Charge apply?
Mackay Coral Cay sits within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and the charge goes towards ongoing conservation and management of this World Heritage site.
It's an outer reef location, further out than the inshore reef sites, which is why the sail out takes around two hours each way. The time is used for a guided reef interpretation talk rather than being dead travel time.
Do I need to be an experienced swimmer for this tour?
A moderate level of mobility is needed to board tenders and use the boat ladders, but full snorkeling gear, including wetsuits and flotation devices, is provided, so less confident swimmers are well supported.
Can I bring my own food or drinks onboard?
No, BYO food and drinks are not permitted. The catamaran has a fully licensed bar onboard serving Australian wines and beers, available for purchase.
Are hotel transfers included?
Yes, courtesy coach transfers are included for guests staying in the Port Douglas area, with pickups for Palm Cove and the Northern Beaches available on request at the time of booking.
Is snorkelling equipment provided?
Yes, the tour includes optical masks, seasonal lycra suits, wetsuits and flotation devices, along with in-water instruction and assistance from the crew.
What's the benefit of visiting two reef sites instead of one?
Moving between two moorings around Mackay Coral Cay gives you a wider variety of corals and marine life than a single anchor point without adding to the day's overall sailing time.
Is this tour suitable for children or infants?
Children aged 4 to 12 travel at a discounted rate, and infants aged 0 to 3 travel free. The guided snorkel, glass-bottom boat and cay time give younger guests options beyond continuous swimming.
Will I be cold snorkelling at the outer reef?
Wetsuits are included as part of the snorkelling kit, which helps with both warmth and buoyancy during the longer time spent in the water at the outer reef sites.
Why does an Environmental Management Charge apply?
Mackay Coral Cay sits within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and the charge goes towards ongoing conservation and management of this World Heritage site.
Snorkelling isn't suitable for all guests, and the crew may advise against it on health or safety grounds
The operator reserves the right to decline snorkelling participation where health or swimming ability is a concern
Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies.
What to Bring
The operator reserves the right to decline snorkelling participation where health or swimming ability is a concern
Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies.
What to Bring
- Beach towel
- Swimwear
- Hat
- Sun-shirt
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- These Terms and Conditions set out the terms on which you (on behalf of yourself and any person on whose behalf you are booking, together "you" or "your") book through Australian Cruise Group Pty Ltd ABN 89 152 554 302 (referred to as, we, us and our, in these Terms and Conditions) for all bookings, reservations, products and cruises operated by us including Sydney Showboats, Magistic Cruises, Clearview Cruises Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruises, Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruises, Vivid Sydney Cruises, Sydney Christmas Party Cruises, Sydney New Year’s Eve Cruises, and any other cruises, websites, operations or entities operated by us. These Terms and Conditions constitute the agreement between you and us.
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(a) We exclude all other guarantees, terms, conditions and warranties; and
(b) Our liability for breach of such guarantee, term, condition or warranty is limited to the supply of the relevant cruise again or the cost of re-supplying the cruise. - We exclude all liability for any loss or damage to clothing or personal items/belongings howsoever arising and whether or not our liability arises in tort, contract or otherwise.
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