On the Water
2–3 hours
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$160
per adult
Reef Sprinter
Reef Sprinter
5
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Half day snorkelling tours departs from Port Douglas. Choose from 3 different options. 15 minutes to Low Isles and 40 minutes to the Outer Reef. Enjoy a Fast, Fun boat ride with no sea sickness! 14 people maximum on every tour. Option A - Low Isles Reef - 2 1/4 hours. 15 mins out. 1 hour and a half of snorkelling and 15 minutes return. Glass bottom boat option (no island access, snorkelling from the back of the boat). $160 for adults and $140 for kids. Min age 5. Option B - Island and Lagoon - 3 1/2 hours. 15 mins out. 2 1/2 hours on the island to swim, snorkel or relax. Glass Bottom boat option. $205 for adults and $165 for kids. Min age 3. Option C - Outer Reef - 3 1/2 hours. 40 mins out. 1 1/2 hours snorkelling from the back of the boat. No Glass Bottom Boat option. 40 mins back. Min age 7. $250 per seat Option A can be booked through Viator. For our other tour options please visit www.reefsprinter.com.au
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Reef Sprinter
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Travellers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
1,832 reviews
Excellent
1,699
Very good
104
Average
18
Poor
6
Terrible
6
snaphook
2 contributions
Jan 2020
Our experience at Reef Sprinter was top-notch. We arrived as a party of five and wanted to do the half-day trip to the outer reef so we called directly. They needed eight people minimum to run to the outer reef and so they needed to find some more people. Sam was kind enough to call others who had inquired and got back to us to let us know the trip was on. They opened their website and were able to fill the boat with 14 people (full capacity).
The weather forecast was dicey but when we arrived they suited everyone up and out we went. About 15 minutes into the journey you could see the wall of weather we were heading into. We slowed down and the skipper informed us that it was risky to continue. Disappointed, but very appreciative of their concern for our safety and comfort, we turned around and came back to the marina.. The office was excellent. You could have a full refund or the choice was to wait an hour to see if the storm passed. If at that time the weather still wasn't cooperating you would get a full refund. 12 of the 14 people chose to stay and we continued an hour later. This time Skipper Steve (owner) and his mate/deckhand Bernie took us out again. They dodged the storm cells and we made it to the outer reef in 42 minutes! Reef Sprinter? No kidding!!!
The boat ride really is a great adventure. And we liked that you could race out to the reef in record time.
The snorkelling was superb. We saw lots of marine life (sea turtles, clown fish, sea cucumbers, amazing coral, jellyfish, parrotfish and much more).
An added bonus to this company is the guided snorkelling tour after you explore the reef on your own. Bernie guides us around a section of the reef no one has explored for about 30 minutes and pointed out all sorts of interesting marine life and that was really special.
The trip back was also excellent as we stopped at the Low Isles and Steve gave us a history lesson!
The company is top notch and we would highly recommend the half-day outer reef snorkelling tour.
The weather forecast was dicey but when we arrived they suited everyone up and out we went. About 15 minutes into the journey you could see the wall of weather we were heading into. We slowed down and the skipper informed us that it was risky to continue. Disappointed, but very appreciative of their concern for our safety and comfort, we turned around and came back to the marina.. The office was excellent. You could have a full refund or the choice was to wait an hour to see if the storm passed. If at that time the weather still wasn't cooperating you would get a full refund. 12 of the 14 people chose to stay and we continued an hour later. This time Skipper Steve (owner) and his mate/deckhand Bernie took us out again. They dodged the storm cells and we made it to the outer reef in 42 minutes! Reef Sprinter? No kidding!!!
The boat ride really is a great adventure. And we liked that you could race out to the reef in record time.
The snorkelling was superb. We saw lots of marine life (sea turtles, clown fish, sea cucumbers, amazing coral, jellyfish, parrotfish and much more).
An added bonus to this company is the guided snorkelling tour after you explore the reef on your own. Bernie guides us around a section of the reef no one has explored for about 30 minutes and pointed out all sorts of interesting marine life and that was really special.
The trip back was also excellent as we stopped at the Low Isles and Steve gave us a history lesson!
The company is top notch and we would highly recommend the half-day outer reef snorkelling tour.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thanks for your great review and patience while the storm passed. (It happens during the wet season)
Happy that with a bit of waiting we could give you the Outer Reef experience that you enjoyed so much.
We hope to see you on your next holiday in Port Douglas
Written 16 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leanne T
5 contributions
Oct 2020
We did both Option A & Option B half day trips during our stay and the best was easily Option B where you spend time on the beach. With two young kids (7 & 9) and one who was a little nervous, the ability to ease your way into the snorkelling from the beach was great! There was plenty of time to really see the reef on both trips, but you certainly get better value and a more protected area of the reef in option B.
Snorkelling off the beach, we saw 4 turtles, plenty of colourful soft & hard coral, giant clams, sting rays & plenty more within an easy swimming distance.
We also brought our own mini cooler bag, with some drinks and snacks as you certainly work up an appetite. The island itself if lovely for a quick walk around, and plenty of shells to keep the kids busy safely if they don't want to snorkel.
Our skippers were great, very knowledgeable guys who clearly enjoy what they do.
The speed boat was really smooth, even on a pretty windy, choppy day.
Highly recommend this experience and a great way to ease yourself into the barrier reef before heading out to the outer reef.
Snorkelling off the beach, we saw 4 turtles, plenty of colourful soft & hard coral, giant clams, sting rays & plenty more within an easy swimming distance.
We also brought our own mini cooler bag, with some drinks and snacks as you certainly work up an appetite. The island itself if lovely for a quick walk around, and plenty of shells to keep the kids busy safely if they don't want to snorkel.
Our skippers were great, very knowledgeable guys who clearly enjoy what they do.
The speed boat was really smooth, even on a pretty windy, choppy day.
Highly recommend this experience and a great way to ease yourself into the barrier reef before heading out to the outer reef.
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Leanne,
Thank you for such an extensive review on both of our Low Isles options. Yes, some prefer the comfort of having the beach, whilst others enjoy going off the back of the boat, glad that you got to experience both!
Happy that you enjoyed the speed boast as much as the snorkelling.
Hope to see you on your next holiday in Port Douglas.
Written 12 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sozi@
Brisbane, Australia22 contributions
Nov 2020
We have done a few trips out to the reef trips from Cairns & Airlie Beach and this was the best. The Reef Sprinter was so fast and we were snorkeling less than half an hour after leaving the terminal. Snorkeling gear and stinger suits all provided in the cost of $140. I am not a very confident swimmer but the patient staff assisted me and I was snorkeling on my own in no time. Definetly recommend using the pool noodle, as it can be quite exhausting after awhile. Saw lots of coral and fish and turtles and even a cranky monteray eel. We had our fill of snorkeling and returned to boat where we were taken on an informative talk on the glass bottom boat around the cay. The driver and staff on this boat are awesome and friendly and clearly love their job. Return trip back was exhilarating, and fast and just Fantastic!!
Written 15 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are happy that you enjoyed your trip and hope to have you onboard again in the future!
Reef Sprinter
Written 1 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lilly Cross
Melbourne 2 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
My partner and I opted for option B with Reef Sprinter & couldn’t be more happy with our snorkel trip.
Fitting everyone out with gear took no time at all, the crew is well organised and good at sorting you out quickly so you can get out to sea quicker.
The boat was nice & quick out to the low isle, so there was no chance of getting sea sick, it was much calmer than expected too (very minimal bumping around, given the speed).
While on the boat, the tour guide helped point out some good spots to look for, floats for safety and general advice.
Once out on the water, one of our guides kayaked around some really good spots to snorkel around or dive down to investigate (if that’s your style, definitely recommend dropping the snorkel and going for a dive!)
We really appreciated the guide giving us a bit of extra guidance for good diving spots!
We saw plenty of turtles, fish and coral! Well worth the trip!
Thanks again lads!
Fitting everyone out with gear took no time at all, the crew is well organised and good at sorting you out quickly so you can get out to sea quicker.
The boat was nice & quick out to the low isle, so there was no chance of getting sea sick, it was much calmer than expected too (very minimal bumping around, given the speed).
While on the boat, the tour guide helped point out some good spots to look for, floats for safety and general advice.
Once out on the water, one of our guides kayaked around some really good spots to snorkel around or dive down to investigate (if that’s your style, definitely recommend dropping the snorkel and going for a dive!)
We really appreciated the guide giving us a bit of extra guidance for good diving spots!
We saw plenty of turtles, fish and coral! Well worth the trip!
Thanks again lads!
Written 12 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for such a great extensive review.
We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the Option B tour with us.
Sounds like you had a great day and got to see lots!
Hopefully see you onboard again soon.
Thanks
Reef Sprinter
Written 14 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sawyersaid
Sydney, Australia124 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
My partner and I booked this experience whilst on a family trip.
I was very reluctant as I have a fear of sharks but it was amazing, I felt like I was in the little mermaid and when you swim of the little clams they closed.
We saw little reef sharks and up to 6 turtles!!
Another tourist mentioned he has been snorkeling around the world and has never seen turtles, well he definitely got value for money.
Pool noodles [foam floating sticks] are available on for those that feel a little uncomfortable snorkeling and wanted something to help them float.
When you get tired and need a break you can sit on the island and take a breather before hopping back in the water, or alternatively take a walk around the island.
Definitely would recommend reef sprinter has they only take up to 14 people, so you get quality time on the island and personal history lesson from the tour guides [Bert and Journey]
We booked the Option B- Island and Lagoon Tour.
Only regret was not hiring a go pro, which you can do for $50 from the reef sprinter store when you check in.
I was very reluctant as I have a fear of sharks but it was amazing, I felt like I was in the little mermaid and when you swim of the little clams they closed.
We saw little reef sharks and up to 6 turtles!!
Another tourist mentioned he has been snorkeling around the world and has never seen turtles, well he definitely got value for money.
Pool noodles [foam floating sticks] are available on for those that feel a little uncomfortable snorkeling and wanted something to help them float.
When you get tired and need a break you can sit on the island and take a breather before hopping back in the water, or alternatively take a walk around the island.
Definitely would recommend reef sprinter has they only take up to 14 people, so you get quality time on the island and personal history lesson from the tour guides [Bert and Journey]
We booked the Option B- Island and Lagoon Tour.
Only regret was not hiring a go pro, which you can do for $50 from the reef sprinter store when you check in.
Written 6 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank You for taking time to write a review!
It sounds like you had a fantastic day, especially with all the Turtles.
We look forward to seeing you on your next holiday to Port Douglas.
Thank You
Reef Sprinter
Written 22 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Toni G
Brisbane, Australia71 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
This is my second trip to the Outer Reef with Reef Sprinter - August 2019 and August 2020. The first time I went on my own, this time with my husband. I can’t recommend it highly enough - the boat trip to the reef and back is great fun and the snorkeling just as good. Wetsuits are recommended and I agree. You might not think the water is cold but after an hour or so it creeps up on you. I also recommend taking advantage of the pool noodles provided. I didn’t use one last year but did this year and found it easier to enjoy everything I was seeing. The fact that the trip only takes around 3 1/2 hours is an added bonus.
Written 14 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Great to have you onboard for a second time!
Happy to hear that you and your husband enjoyed the boat ride and the Island snorkelling.
Look forward to having you on for a third time in the future!
Written 16 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Penny G
Sutherland, Australia38 contributions
Mar 2021 • Friends
Admittedly it was perfect weather and tides, but the half day was fabulous. We had at least an hour swimming along the outside edge of reef with Emily as a guide. Thousands of fishes, as well as sharks, turtles, corals. So fast and easy to get out to reef. Wish I had a waterproof camera, because it was overwhelmingly good. Make sure you sign in early to put on the stinger suit provided, and bring a close fitting jacket for the ride home if you feel cold when hurtling through the ocean at 75km/hr. Well worth the spend.
Written 16 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for writing a review.
Great to hear that you enjoyed the trip with us and we hope to see you on your next holiday.
Thanks
Reef Sprinter
Written 13 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daz
8 contributions
Feb 2022
February and Covid makes for a quiet time in Port Douglas.
A lot of big companies can't afford to run their boats. Reef Sprinter have 14 seaters and can run with less people. Their boats however are built to get out to the reef fast and spend more time diving, less time getting there. That suited us perfectly. We only booked the day before. Had 9 people on the boat. Easy ride out. Staff were friendly, fun and explained alot. We would do it again with them but to a different reef next time. We did low isles and would go to the outer reef to see that one.
A lot of big companies can't afford to run their boats. Reef Sprinter have 14 seaters and can run with less people. Their boats however are built to get out to the reef fast and spend more time diving, less time getting there. That suited us perfectly. We only booked the day before. Had 9 people on the boat. Easy ride out. Staff were friendly, fun and explained alot. We would do it again with them but to a different reef next time. We did low isles and would go to the outer reef to see that one.
Written 8 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thanks for visiting Port Douglas in our off peak season!!!
Happy to hear that you enjoyed all the elements of the trip, from the quick speed boat ride to the snorkelling.
We hope to have you onboard for the Outer reef next time!
Thank you for the review
Reef Sprinter
Written 21 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Naomi M
Gove, Australia1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
Great way to see the Great Barrier Reef. Was booked for option B but as it was quite windy the staff were quick to recommend altering the tour to option a which was appreciated and we were refunded the difference. The boat ride was exhilarating and half the fun. All staff were helpful and efficient. Will definitely use this company again next time.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Naomi,
Thanks for taking time to review.
Yes, unfortunately if winds are too strong from the north, we can't always access the island.
Glad you enjoyed your experience on the Option A tour which provides great snorkelling without the Island access.
Look forward to seeing you on your next holiday in Port Douglas.
Written 27 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
E E
Newcastle, Australia14 contributions
July 2021 • Family
This 5 star rating does account for the very good weather we had on the day. It would not have been good if it were overcast, rainy, or windy because visibility when snorkelling would have been very poor. We went to Low Isles in the morning. I get sea sick so opted for Reef Sprinter because of the fast ride out. It was very comfortable boat and a small group. Even with a small group some people were late arriving but we still left in time with the boat right near the office at the marina. On arriving at Low Isles in very quick time, around 15 to 20 minutes, there were already quite a few smaller boats there. There is also a relatively small area to snorkel as recommended by the guides. But it turned out fine. There wasn't an issue running into people and we stayed in the water almost the whole time till we had to leave. Saw a turtle, ray, octopus, eel, reef shark, cuttlefish and great array of fish.
There was a tour through the Island by our skipper from Reef Sprinter and people went on that and walked around the island but we were there to snorkel and didn't participate in the tour so can't comment on that. There were some umbrella structures on the island but at that time of day didn't provide much shade but no issue as we were in the water the whole time. All up probably around two hours at the island to spend that time however you wanted. My only gripe, and very small one is I would have liked longer! The staff in the store and on the boat were professional and friendly and I would recommend this trip - especially for people who don't want to go on the bigger boats with hoards of people, get sea sick, and want the experience of snorkelling off the beach.
There was a tour through the Island by our skipper from Reef Sprinter and people went on that and walked around the island but we were there to snorkel and didn't participate in the tour so can't comment on that. There were some umbrella structures on the island but at that time of day didn't provide much shade but no issue as we were in the water the whole time. All up probably around two hours at the island to spend that time however you wanted. My only gripe, and very small one is I would have liked longer! The staff in the store and on the boat were professional and friendly and I would recommend this trip - especially for people who don't want to go on the bigger boats with hoards of people, get sea sick, and want the experience of snorkelling off the beach.
Written 16 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
We are three 25 year old girls and we don’t know what option to book. Which trip out of the three options would you recommend as the most enjoyable and most impressive sea life to see?
Written 1 July 2020
How much do the tours cost please
Written 10 November 2019
Hi, If you visit our website, you can view all tour options and prices.
Thank you
Written 15 November 2019
I would like to go to low isles in November but I’m scared of jelly fish. I’m a larger lady, do they provide stinger suits that would fit me?
Written 22 October 2019
Hi, Our largest stinger suit is XXXL and they are lycra so very stretchy.
Written 25 October 2019
Hi. Is this trip suitable for 2 x 60 year olds? We aren't comfortable in the water so would do the glass bottom boat. I'm squeamish about fish so wouldn't want them touching me. I feel the more expensive trip to the platform for us would be money wasted when we aren't water orientated but obviously coming from the UK we want to experience the Reef.
Written 11 August 2019
We only went to the lower reef with this trip and was about $400 . Was excellent.
Written 17 April 2019
Hello,
If you go on the outter reef tour with kids can they get back on the boat if they get tired?
I know there’s no glass bottom boat there.
Thanks 😀
Written 25 August 2018
The boat is really easy to get on/off. The staff are super helpful with kids!
Written 7 July 2019
Hello,
If you go on the outter reef tour with kids can they get back on the boat if they get tired?
I know there’s no glass bottom boat there.
Thanks 😀
Written 25 August 2018
You sure can, easy to get on and off. We got tired so got back on the boat but you can come and go as you please. From memory you only get an hour or so to snorkel and explore but honestly that is more then enough time . I do think their is a age restriction for out reef . 7 or older I think .
Written 25 August 2018
Does the boat pull up close to the island so you can snorkel from the island? Thanks
Written 24 May 2018
What if someone doesn’t want to snorkel the entire time!? Do they have wet suits or stinger suits for all sizes? Do you feel safe?
Written 18 February 2018
stinger suits. felt safe at all times. when my kids got abit tired they went in the glass bottom boat:)
Written 21 February 2018
What if someone doesn’t want to snorkel the entire time!? Do they have wet suits or stinger suits for all sizes? Do you feel safe?
Written 18 February 2018
1. If you do the trip that lets you go onto the low isles, you can relax on the beach.
2. Yes
3. Yes - had sharks swimming around and never felt in danger, also many guides to act as lifeguards if something does go wrong.
Written 6 April 2018
Showing results 1-10 of 29