On the Water
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$615
per adult
Abc Snorkel Charters
Abc Snorkel Charters
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursSightseeing ToursPrivate ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Join one of our 12 passengers for a UNIQUE GUIDED SNORKEL SAFARI with a marine biologist by your side the whole day both in the water and on our vessel. We offer 1st class service and take you to a series of low use reefs which are exceptional areas for coral condition and fish life. These parts of the Outer Great Barrier Reef set the backdrop for a snorkelling experience you will not forget.
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
3,217 reviews
Excellent
3,184
Very good
35
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Andrew Chapman
Melbourne, Australia28 contributions
Jan 2020
ABC Dive and Snorkel are a premium experience for people who wish to dive on the Great Barrier Reef. From the moment you book to the end of the day, you know you working with professionals who have your absolute safety in mind. The diving equipment is of the highest standard, the crew are friendly and highly informative, and as diving instructors, you know that they will have your best interests at heart. Our tour group was fortunate to complete 3 dives (up to 1.5 hours of underwater time in total), with our last dive at a site called 'Fish City' which delivered in terms of fish variety, and a couple of reef sharks thrown in for good measure. On board catering was excellent and covered off all dietary requirements. The boat was in good maintenance and served its function to get you into and out of the water quickly. Initially. When our group looked to book it seemed a bit on the high side, but having completed the day it was value for money. I look forward to booking with them again when we come back as they have a number of skippers on rotation who will take you out to their favourite dive sites. So worth asking who is on shift, and where they are likely to take you out to.
Written 10 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.
Thank you Andrew for your awesome review!
We love this sort of feedback and no mater how many we get the whole team are so excited to read these wonderful reviews they always give us a warm & fuzzy feeling!
Fish City is an amazing site a big cut through the middle of a reef usually with a big water flow which is why you get so many pelagic fish species and indeed this is where the big boys hang out!
We look forward to taking you or your friends out again.....
All the very best from the whole ABC team!
Written 10 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Keelan1974
London, UK15 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I chose ABC as it offers a truly unique boutique diving experience, that you will not find anywhere else in Port Douglas.
My diving experience is limited, and so the idea of fighting with a horde of other divers that some of the bigger operators offer was not my idea of fun. Keeping their trips to a maximum of 12 divers allows you to experience your dives in an unhurried and uncrowded way and this allowed me to feel like I was developing my skills as a diver.
The ABC experience is slick, well-managed and completely customer focused making sure each individual has an incredibly day. The booking procedure is easy, informative and very clear.
On board the vessel is spacious and immaculate All the equipment is excellent and without exception all the staff go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable and supported and offered useful advice if needed.
Special mention to Jorg and Sam who were brilliant throughout my dives.
Snacks and drinks are provided as is a fantastic buffet lunch.
You can find cheaper dive experiences in Port Douglas, but I seriously doubt that you will be able to find a better experience than that offered by ABC. I really recommend this friendly, professional and well run dive shop
My diving experience is limited, and so the idea of fighting with a horde of other divers that some of the bigger operators offer was not my idea of fun. Keeping their trips to a maximum of 12 divers allows you to experience your dives in an unhurried and uncrowded way and this allowed me to feel like I was developing my skills as a diver.
The ABC experience is slick, well-managed and completely customer focused making sure each individual has an incredibly day. The booking procedure is easy, informative and very clear.
On board the vessel is spacious and immaculate All the equipment is excellent and without exception all the staff go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable and supported and offered useful advice if needed.
Special mention to Jorg and Sam who were brilliant throughout my dives.
Snacks and drinks are provided as is a fantastic buffet lunch.
You can find cheaper dive experiences in Port Douglas, but I seriously doubt that you will be able to find a better experience than that offered by ABC. I really recommend this friendly, professional and well run dive shop
Written 15 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.
WOW! WOW! WOW!
What an awesome review - THANK YOU.
I don't need to say a thing you covered it all.
Best regards from the whole ABC team.
Written 16 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris Elliott
London, UK9 contributions
Jan 2020
My partner (who is pregnant) and I used ABC to visit the GBR, her to snorkel and myself to dive. Like most people I did a lot of research before going and was a little surprised to see how much more expensive ABC are than their competitors but by the end of the trip I was more than happy to have paid it. There were only 8 of us on the boat (ex-staff), 4 of whom were diving and ABC ran a very quick and effective operation. If you dive then definitely choose a smaller boat as otherwise you could be waiting to enter/exit the water and conditions may be cramped. We dived in a small group and saw no other boats which made it feel very special. My pregnant partner felt nauseous on the boat and the ABC team went out of their way to look after her. I doubt a larger boat would have had the time or resource to do this. They also have very modern equipment which is well maintained. Overall if you can afford it, pay the extra to dive with ABC as you won't regret it.
Written 17 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.
Thank you for your recommendation.
So glad your pregnant wife came along, it is indeed tricky in the pregnancy phase with motion sickness and made worse because they cannot take any sea sickness medication. Over the years it would be fair to say this is extremely common.
Safe travel and enjoy the rest of your time in the tropics.
A huge thank you from the whole ABC team.
Written 19 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
travelscout13
Kansas City, MO94 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
My wife and I were both excited when we started planning for this once in a life-time snorkel opportunity in the GBR. We chose the ABC snorkel team since we wanted a smaller vessel and a small number of divers/snorkelers compared to the larger tour operators. Boy, did the team deliver. The instructor/diver ration was 1:3 and all in all a very personal experience. The instructor had really plenty of time to focus on the assigned team members. Cudos in particular to Seb, our French-Canadian instructor. He made the trip extra special. Can only recommend to any else interested in a trip to the GBR - ABC snorkel.....
Written 3 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.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review us.
Yes you’re correct Sebastian is a real gem and loves his job. certainly guiding such tiny groups is a real pleasure when you can get up close and talk to people and explain exactly what they looking at. Awesome!
Happy new year to you guys and thank you for choosing ABC best wishes from the whole ABC team.
Written 3 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julian
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
July 2020
Overall, Tom and I had a fantastic day on the reef visiting two sites.
We decided on ADB Snorkel after chatting to all the boats in Port Douglass as (from what we understood) it had the best access a variety of reef sites. Bigger boats are restricted in the sites they can go to because of the larger amount of people on board. on ABC we had 10 people on board plus the crew and that is the maximum which makes for a better experience.
They snorkel guides were mostly marine biologists and loved to share their passion for the reef. We were taken out in small groups 3-4 people per guide which meant they could answer every question and cater for the not so strong snorkelers.
During our trip, ABC was not able to provide lunch due to COVID-19, but it sounded like they normally did. I would also recommend motion sickness medication as it is a small boat. Also being on the surface snorkelling can cause motion sickness, better to prevent it before leaving port than deal with it all day.
Fantastic day on the reef, would recommend ABC snorkel any day of the week however would recommend ABC dive (It used to be a dive boat) even more if they ever offer it again.
ABC could you please?
We decided on ADB Snorkel after chatting to all the boats in Port Douglass as (from what we understood) it had the best access a variety of reef sites. Bigger boats are restricted in the sites they can go to because of the larger amount of people on board. on ABC we had 10 people on board plus the crew and that is the maximum which makes for a better experience.
They snorkel guides were mostly marine biologists and loved to share their passion for the reef. We were taken out in small groups 3-4 people per guide which meant they could answer every question and cater for the not so strong snorkelers.
During our trip, ABC was not able to provide lunch due to COVID-19, but it sounded like they normally did. I would also recommend motion sickness medication as it is a small boat. Also being on the surface snorkelling can cause motion sickness, better to prevent it before leaving port than deal with it all day.
Fantastic day on the reef, would recommend ABC snorkel any day of the week however would recommend ABC dive (It used to be a dive boat) even more if they ever offer it again.
ABC could you please?
Written 7 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.
Thank you so much for your review guys.
Yes the reef access and going to more remote reefs where we are the only vessel is just awesome!
Covid 19 has certainly changed things for all of us.
We can still offer diving trips on a private basis and in line with our previous pricing. We just need a little notice to arrange these trips.
A big thank you from the ABC team.
Hope to see you again soon.
Written 7 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie D
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia7 contributions
June 2021 • Couples
Exactly what they said- 2 full hours snorkeling with 1 guide per 4 people.Experienced friendly staff, very relaxed, not rushed at all.We went to 2 different snorkel spots, both different but equally beautiful. It really was an experience I would recommend to anyone wanting to see the beauty of the reef.I saw many colours and variety of fish, coral, plants, we even saw sharks.I have done the reef before but as far as value for money, experience and safety this is the one you need to book, you will not regret it
Written 9 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.
Great review title and of course you are correct!
This is a wonderful part of the world to holiday and to be able snorkel the Great Barrier Reef is the icing on the cake.
Huge thank you for choosing ABC.
See you next time all the best from the team.
Written 10 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve W
Hobart, Australia58 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We thought a small group would make the experience worth it and we weren’t wrong!
With 4 crew and no more than 12 passengers you really do get close and personal with the reef and the guides are there to make it happen.
With snorkels and divers catered for, you are separated into the relevant groups with your own dedicated guide for each of the destinations (we went to 3 locations on the outer reef).
I think the benefit of a smaller crew means you are looked after more, you have more time to experience the locations because the transitions are faster and you’re not swimming on top of anyone else to see the reef.
Port Douglas has a limited number of reef licenses compared to Cairns, so it is less crowded in general and again, I’d recommend leaving from Port for that reason as well.
The crew were sensational. Friendly, funny and really patient and supportive.
Not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for right?
With 4 crew and no more than 12 passengers you really do get close and personal with the reef and the guides are there to make it happen.
With snorkels and divers catered for, you are separated into the relevant groups with your own dedicated guide for each of the destinations (we went to 3 locations on the outer reef).
I think the benefit of a smaller crew means you are looked after more, you have more time to experience the locations because the transitions are faster and you’re not swimming on top of anyone else to see the reef.
Port Douglas has a limited number of reef licenses compared to Cairns, so it is less crowded in general and again, I’d recommend leaving from Port for that reason as well.
The crew were sensational. Friendly, funny and really patient and supportive.
Not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for right?
Written 12 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.
Thank you so much for your detailed review.
We agree its small intimate day with tiny group size that makes the day!
Big thanks you from the whole ABC team.
Hopefully we will get to see you or your friends again.
Written 15 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pascal van de Walle
Sydney12 contributions
Aug 2020
I'd highly recommend ABC Tours. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. We had 8 people on our trip and they split us into two groups of 4 for snorkelling, each with a guide. These small groups meant for a very personalised and informative trip. They brought us to two places, both with beautiful coral and fish where we spent about an hour each time. We also saw turtles, sting rays and reef shark. I often get cold in the water, but the wetsuits had long sleeves and I was warm the entire time. They had vaseline for my moustache so the water wouldn't leak into my goggles, and the snorkels & goggles were good quality. The trip felt relaxed and the boat was comfortable. I'd definitely go with them again next time I visit Port Douglas.
Written 7 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.
Snorkelling with just 4 people with a guide is always popular and so glad you enjoyed the personalised service and great wildlife.
Our NEW 5mm long sleeved wetsuits and full 5mm suits for children are warm and comfortable.
Big thank you for your lovely photos & review from all of the ABC team.
Safe travels.
Written 7 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BH2100
Sydney, Australia9 contributions
Mar 2021
Highly recommend ABC for your trip to the reef. Small group of 12 persons (max) on the boat was perfect. Neil, Sam and Seb were excellent in level of service provided. Seb kept the group entertained with his conversations. Our group of six had Sam guide us on our two snorkel trips around the reefs. His knowledge of the reef and the fish who live there was second to none. Having an expert such as Sam in the water with you makes the experience so much better. I'm sure the other group of six on the boat with us would have the same experience when being guided by Seb.
The crew were very professional in the safety briefings which ensured everyone was made to feel safe when in and out of the water.
Well worth the expense to use ABC for that personal touch over the much larger reef tour operators.
The crew were very professional in the safety briefings which ensured everyone was made to feel safe when in and out of the water.
Well worth the expense to use ABC for that personal touch over the much larger reef tour operators.
Written 8 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.
We really feel the whole tiny group set up with Abc is the way to go!
We are so pleased you enjoyed the personal touch.
A big thank you from the whole ABC team.
Written 17 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kelly
Sydney, Australia2 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
I could not fault ABC snorkel! Sam and the ABC crew were super attentive and had a wide knowledge of the marine life at the GBR. The conditions were amazing and it paid to have a small boat with a limited number of passengers. I would recommend this tour for anyone at Port Douglas
Written 9 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.
ABC 'Just 12 Passengers' is a breath of fresh air
So glad you enjoyed your time with us.
Hope you or your friends come back and play again.....
All the best from the whole ABC team.
Written 10 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Flyer593954
Mount Gambier, Australia
Why would you send a bill for $2.50 for a picnic bar when we have just paid $578.00 for 2 people with no food supplied only 1 cup of tea or coffee? Terrible customer service and leaves a poor taste in our mouths after a day out snorkelling!
Written 26 September 2020
We are really pleased you still enjoyed your snorkelling day.
Many apologies about our miss communication on the day which caused this silly $2.50 charge, which has now been refunded.
Look forward to meeting you next time around for your FREE trip for our mess up.
Once again sincere apologies.
Written 2 October 2020
What reefs do you go to and how much Time do you get snorkling?
Thank you
Written 23 August 2020
Like most operators the daily site are chosen after studying the weather forecast. The actual reefs and the daily timings can vary. Depending on distance travelled. Some days we visit 3 different reefs other days 2. The actual in water time can vary between 45minutes to over an hour at each site.
Written 2 October 2020
Hello :) sorry for the special question but is there a toilet on board? :)
Written 2 January 2020
Happy New Year!
We now have 2 boats.
Our boat pictured on Trip Advisor 'Just 12 passengers'
Yes 2 toilets, we also have Air Conditioned main cabin area, and a covered rear area on the back deck of boat with two tables of 6 passengers plus bench seating behind or lay down area.
+ OUR NEW BOAT
Yes 1 toilet, we also have Air Conditioned main cabin area, and a covered rear area on the back deck of the boat with seating for 10 passengers with further seating for 4 passengers on the flybridge.
Hope that helps and look forward to taking you out soon.
Written 2 January 2020
Hi,
23rd September 2019 is my 50th and looking to do a snorkel trip 7 adults and 2 infants. What do you have available? Is there an all day trip? How much per head?
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Regards
Jo
Written 4 August 2019
Thank you for your email.
We have a live on-line calendar and booking system which is available 24/7.
As the schedule changes frequently always best to look here first.
Many thanks I hope that helps.
Happy holiday planning.
Written 5 August 2019
Hi, I am interested in your diving tours, whilst my friend is more concerned with underwater photos. However, we both agree that the private photography option is not what we want... For us, one or two good photos would be sufficient. Do you offer photos on demand (like...pay per photo or package?) Thanks.
Written 27 July 2019
We are looking to book something end of August.. would you recommend booking now or waiting until closer to the date? Does weather cause cancellations often this time of year? I understand it’s a busy time and we’re trying to do our research. Thank you!
Written 12 March 2019
August is one of our busiest months so we always recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. You can check out our live availability on our website.
The weather can be variable in August with slightly stronger winds than other months of the year. Please take a look at our terms and conditions on our website regarding cancellations.
All the best from the ABC Team
Written 13 March 2019
What snorkeling tour would you recommend for a family with a 9yr old boy but also my 70yr old mum? Thanks
Written 29 November 2018
With an extended family group like this it is very dependant on individual ability levels. It is also best to keep an eye on the weather close to the day you wish to join us on the reef.
Please check our website for further information on what we offer.
Written 30 November 2018
Hello, I wanted to check availability for two people on 24th, 25th, or 26th December in your group dive &/ snorkel tour.
Written 27 November 2018
We do not run on Christmas Day. Best to check availability through our website for the other dates, as peoples dates often change.
Written 28 November 2018
Hi,
We are planning to visit Australia in April and wish to do scuba diving. Please let me know if its advisable to do scuba in April and if there are tours available in April as some websites say that many tour companies dont do dives in April.
Thank you
Written 28 July 2018
Thanks for your question to ABC.
We dive virtually every day of the year from Port Douglas. Some months are better than others. But there is good diving the whole year around including April. You will see in our FAQ section on our website that we have a more comprehensive reply to weather and water temperatures for the entire year.
All the best the ABC Team.
Written 1 September 2018
b0bbiett
Buenos Aires, Argentina
We are going to be in Port Douglas late July this year and are wondering if it is better to book in advance with you or can we book after we land?
Written 5 June 2018
July, August & September are very busy months here in Port Douglas so it always best to book in advance. There is much more comprehensive information available on our website with a excellent FAQ section also extensively covering temperatures and conditions throughout the different months of the year. Happy holiday planning and we hope to see you soon. The ABC Team.
Written 9 June 2018
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