Wavelength Reef Charters
Wavelength Reef Charters
5
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Small-group snorkeling tours of the Great Barrier Reef.
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
3,979 reviews
Excellent
3,750
Very good
186
Average
25
Poor
4
Terrible
14
jennymurphy2015
London38 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Me and my buddy did this tour yesterday and it truly was a highlight of our 4 week trip touring Australia. We had already visited the GBR off Hamilton Island with a larger tour group and we were looking for something more personal. We certainly found it in wavelength. A great day, really informative and full of awe! In comparison to the larger trip we found this tour excelled as it was 1) snorkelling focused (on the larger tour we found the focus more on scuba diving, as we were snorkelling we felt a bit left out! Wavelength is just snorkelling and that was far better for us) 2) far more informative (I learnt nothing about the reef on the larger tour, on the wavelength tour we were given a) tips ahead of our experience on how to behave around the animals and what we might see and b) a lecture on the reef over lunch and c) a guided snorkelling tour where we saw so much we would have otherwise missed). 3) we went to 3 different locations and had far more freedom than on the larger tour. Staff were super friendly and knew their stuff (as marine biologists), lunch was tasty and the photos were v reasonable ($30 for all the pictures compared to $20 PER PHOTO on the other tour we did) - the photos were also better quality on the wavelength tour.
If you’re debating between this tour and a bigger tour the only potential positive of a larger tour is the buzz from all the people. However, we preferred the more intimate tour wavelength gave us where people weren’t mucking about and frightening all the pretty fish away!
One thing to note - don’t piss about with the travel sickness tablets. We had a clear day and the boat was rocky. After taking the sea sickness tablets as directed we had no issues!
100% chose wavelength and you won’t regret it!
If you’re debating between this tour and a bigger tour the only potential positive of a larger tour is the buzz from all the people. However, we preferred the more intimate tour wavelength gave us where people weren’t mucking about and frightening all the pretty fish away!
One thing to note - don’t piss about with the travel sickness tablets. We had a clear day and the boat was rocky. After taking the sea sickness tablets as directed we had no issues!
100% chose wavelength and you won’t regret it!
Written 18 February 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.
Chris C
Townsville, Australia104 contributions
June 2020
Things are just beginning to open up in Port Douglas and we were looking for the opportunity to have a day on the reef. It was our great fortune to find that Wavelength were able to offer a charter arrangement that would cater for our group of four to both snorkel and dive. We had an absolutely marvellous day out, visiting 3 sites at mid Opal Reef. These sites are particularly good for snorkelling, but were also a joy to dive. The Wavelength team were absolutely fantastic - our 2 snorkelers had an outstanding day with Jenny, who both helped with their technique and offered lots of interpretation in terms of the reef and its inhabitants. All 3 members of the crew were friendly and helpful, making for a great day. While the onboard buffets are off the menu for now, the food was excellent. I highly recommend Wavelength and while our charter was a bit of a special experience it is clear that they are a highly accomplished operation and would be just as good on a regularly scheduled reef trip.
Written 30 June 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.
KAS452014
New York City, NY6 contributions
Feb 2020
This was my second trip with Wavelength and I can't recommend them enough. Their staff consists of marine biologists and friendly, attentive employees that keep everyone safe, well fed and educated on the fish and corals we saw. We went to three different sites and observed a wide variety of reef life. The best part is that you can buy a USB or dropbox link to the best 100-150 photos they took that day on their professional underwater camera. If you snorkel next to the guide, you'll have amazing photos of everything you saw. The boat is also spacious and in great condition. I really loved how the group size is smaller and more intimate than some of the other tour operators as well.
Written 1 March 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.
PKEM
Chelmsford, UK289 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We booked online well in advance, which was an easy process. We were picked up at our local hotel about 7:50am and were onboard the boat about 30 minutes later. Rash suits and equipment were handed out when we boarded and a short safety briefing followed. We were then on the way to the outer reef. The boat had a crew of 3 - the skipper (Mike) and 2 marine biologists (Jay and Casey). Jay did a briefing on what we might see before our 1st stop - including some reassurance on sharks. Casey also did a talk during lunch about the health of the reef. We did 3 snorkels during the day and all were very well supervised and a snorkel guide was also in the water at all times. At one snorkel stop, Jay did a guided tour and pointed out things we would have missed. Each stop was an hour in total (from first in to last out), but you could do as much or as little as you liked. A vegetarian lunch was included (which was very good), along with cake / fruit after the 1st and 3rd stop. Overall it was a very enjoyable but also educational day. We returned at 4:30pm to the harbour and then also got transferred back to our hotel. Thanks Mike, Jay and Casey for an unforgettable first visit to the GBR.
Written 22 February 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.
Nikki R
5 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We had such an amazing day with Wavelength. The crew are really professional and they were so informative, being qualified marine biologists. They took us to three beautiful spots and ensured everyone was safe and well looked after. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea were all provided and delicious! We would highly recommend the company and the full day trip to anyone wanting to visit the Great Barrier Reef
Written 8 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.
Matt W
1 contribution
Jan 2021 • Family
After several full day reef trips with different companies, i can easily say that if you want a personalised experience with passionate and knowledgeable marine biologists on board, these guys are without a doubt the best value for money. Not only will you have the time of your life snorkelling alongside reef turtles and fish, the coral species diversity at their locations is some of the best you will find.
Thanks to the crew onboard for all the great work in giving my family the best reef trip experience money can buy.
Thanks to the crew onboard for all the great work in giving my family the best reef trip experience money can buy.
Written 14 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.
Ali
1 contribution
Mar 2021 • Couples
Our day trip to the reef with Wavelength was a highlight of our time in Queensland. With a beginner and an experienced snorkeller the staff were great, knowledgeable and appropriately supportive for both of us. They really supported confidence in the water and were very attentive to any concerns. They provide optional pool noodles to support buoyancy for less confident snorkellers. They have different approaches at each of the three sites for the day that allows development of confidence in the water, while allowing experienced snorkellers to maximise their experience.
The reef locations are beautiful and the photos of the day taken by Wavelength are fantastic.
They provide all equipment in good condition and fit, including full coverage stinger suits (for that time of year). There is lots of room on the boat to move around, both in airconditioning and outside. We thoroughly recommend Wavelength for a reef trip.
The reef locations are beautiful and the photos of the day taken by Wavelength are fantastic.
They provide all equipment in good condition and fit, including full coverage stinger suits (for that time of year). There is lots of room on the boat to move around, both in airconditioning and outside. We thoroughly recommend Wavelength for a reef trip.
Written 11 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.
janev8
84 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Celebrating my 30th wedding anniversary this was something never done before and wanted to tick of our bucket list. From the moment of stepping onto the boat all staff where informative, knowledgeable, friendly and willing to help in any way. I was alittle sea sick on the way out and Kate was so amazing making sure I was ok and genuinely helping me. Once out on the reef it became alot calmer . We were fully educated on hand signals, had anti sting suits on and knowledge on the different reefs we were at including best place to snorkel. Morning tea, lunch afternoon tea and unlimited tea / coffee all included in price plus use of all equipment. Staff where out doing all photos of the reefs we were at including us and again provided in the price so very good value for a 8 hour trip. We did 3 different reefs with hour snorkling at each as well as cost free guided tours. We saw reefs sharks, turtles, clown fish and 100,s of other colourful fish. We were educated about the reef and its different levels and different colours. All staff where fully trained marine biologist and had a team of divers with us continuously working of things to protect and grow new coral that has damage to it. I would highly recommend Wavelength as the tour to go on . Our day was overcast and wet however you could swim all about the reef and admire its beauty and colour.
Written 24 April 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.
havvagoztepe
Australia37 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We are currently travelling around Aus with our pup and had the GBR as a must do.
Wavelength had a great sale on and we snatched up tickets for the day for $200 per adult which was by far the most affordable out of all companies we looked into.
When we called to book Donna was lovely and very informative. We have a dog and we’re struggling to find a dog sitter to mind the dog for the day and we were lucky enough to have one of the staff who weren’t working offer to mind the dog for the day which was the loveliest thing we have experienced so far on our trip. The conditions were exceptional and the staff were all friendly, experienced and very knowledgeable. Everyone had a smile, there was a great presentation and the included tour at the second site was a great way to learn more about the reef.
We saw an array of beautiful fish even a reef shark! Some saw turtles and rays and the coral was just breathtaking.
Ways to protect the reef were shared however not preached and we left feeling like we learnt a whole lot, experienced things we dreamt of and got good ol’ dinkum Aussie service.
Would definitely recommend!
Wavelength had a great sale on and we snatched up tickets for the day for $200 per adult which was by far the most affordable out of all companies we looked into.
When we called to book Donna was lovely and very informative. We have a dog and we’re struggling to find a dog sitter to mind the dog for the day and we were lucky enough to have one of the staff who weren’t working offer to mind the dog for the day which was the loveliest thing we have experienced so far on our trip. The conditions were exceptional and the staff were all friendly, experienced and very knowledgeable. Everyone had a smile, there was a great presentation and the included tour at the second site was a great way to learn more about the reef.
We saw an array of beautiful fish even a reef shark! Some saw turtles and rays and the coral was just breathtaking.
Ways to protect the reef were shared however not preached and we left feeling like we learnt a whole lot, experienced things we dreamt of and got good ol’ dinkum Aussie service.
Would definitely recommend!
Written 11 April 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.
Megan
8 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
My daughter and I were in Port Douglas and desperate to do a reef tour. We walked the main strip talking to a number of different operators and Jenny from WaveLength was by far the most interested in giving us all the details and answering all the questions we had. She spent about 15 minutes with us going through different things as well as talking to us about the weather (PD was on cyclone Kimi watch at this stage). She made it clear the safety of passengers was most important.
We went out on Wavelength 6, the boat was great, the team were very knowledgeable and helpful with everything.
We went to 3 different spots on the reef and you could tell the team had picked these ones based on giving us a different experience at each one.
Whilst the weather wasn’t ideal (tropical low still hanging around) the snorkelling was easy and the gear supplied was very good quality.
We have already started planning when we will return to PD and will definitely use Wavlength for our next reef tour!
We went out on Wavelength 6, the boat was great, the team were very knowledgeable and helpful with everything.
We went to 3 different spots on the reef and you could tell the team had picked these ones based on giving us a different experience at each one.
Whilst the weather wasn’t ideal (tropical low still hanging around) the snorkelling was easy and the gear supplied was very good quality.
We have already started planning when we will return to PD and will definitely use Wavlength for our next reef tour!
Written 21 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.
I suggest you get to the Marina by 8am. Check in is at 8:10am ON BOARD the Wavelength vessel at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas. Probably best to grab a coffee and get there early as a queue will form early as eager people wait to get ready for an amazing day on the water.
Written 1 September 2024
I payed for the photos but have recieved none. Could you send them to me? Thank you!
Written 22 July 2019
Have you tried contacting them directly? They may have sent them to the wrong email address
Written 14 December 2019
Can anyone recommend a good waterproof phone case for taking pictures during this?
Written 6 March 2019
I also recommend getting the photos taken by the crew. They are really good and you don't have to spend your limited time in the water trying to learn a new trade - underwater photography - that has a lot of limitations and requires extensive skill. The $20 charge is not unreasonable given you sometimes pay that much for a snapshot taken by a machine at some attractions.
Written 31 March 2019
Hi, I am planning to go snorkelling on around 28th of May this year. I will be going with my wife and 2 daughters age 8 and 10. Both my daughters are not particularly good swimmers, but there would be noodles or float jackets that can be used. Just wondering what the usual weather will be out on the reef during the end of may, and is your tour would suit us. Thank you
Written 10 January 2019
Hi Yuan,
Wavelength is an excellent eco certified tour offering daily trips to stunning coral reefs on the Great Barrier Reef.
The minimum age is 8 years old (so that's fine) life jackets and noodles are great, and the crew also take snorkelling tours at every location, every day. They have life rings for your daughters to hold on to.. and you and your wife can too if you would like to :-)
The weather will be getting a little colder as it is towards the end of summer but it is still nice and warm. Water is usually 25 degrees C. Outside temperature usually around 27 degrees C this time of year.
It may be a little windy in May. But June, July and August is usually the windy months and can get a little rough.
If you are prone to sea sickness it is better to take seasickness tablets in the morning when you go on the boat.
Please have a look on our website Tree Hugger Travel for more information on Wavelength and if you have any questions please message us anytime :-)
Written 18 January 2019
Can you prebook if so how ?
Thanks
Sam
Written 1 July 2018
Hi Sam
We were there in January of this year which is peak season and had no problem booking the tour. There were 4 of us
It might be worth emailing Wavelength to see what they would recommend and whether you have the option to change the day of the weather isn’t suitable for you.
Port Douglas is a lovely place to be with a very nice friendly atmosphere. I am sure you will have a great time
Written 3 July 2018
Hi we are interested in your snorkeling tour. We have a 1 year old baby traveling with us. Is it possible to take turns snorkeling with my wife while one of us watches the baby? Thanks!
Written 16 April 2018
The outer reef tour IMO is not the trip with an infant or small child. The trip to the closer island may work as it is only 30 min. by boat and you have access to land. The outer reef trips there is no land--only the boat, and it is cozy if full.
Written 23 April 2018
We are a family of five due to visit Port Douglas in August our 8 year old daughter can swim several lengths and she snorkelled last year in Florida, however in the ocean can she have a floatation device as not sure wether this would affect her confidence.
Written 18 February 2018
A lot of the charters have noodles available for floating on instead of life vests.
Written 23 February 2018
Hi, did someone this tour at the end of november? Currently, the water quality (visibility under water) is very poor. We have been to Magnetic Island and Whitesunday and have not seen anything. Is the water quality at the Great Barrier Reef better? Regards from Germany
Written 23 November 2017
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