Great Barrier Reef Region Guide

Sailing

Experience exhilarating sailing in tropical breezes as you cruise to your inner reef location be it an island or a secluded sandy cay…

Reef sailing cruises allow you to be as active or relaxed as you like with passenger numbers ranging from 20 up to 150.

Generally the inner reefs and islands are visited on the day cruises, and outer reefs can be reached on an extended liveaboard cruise.

Strong winds mean exciting performance and less travelling time and calm winds mean a spacious comfortable platform to soak up the sun.

Ocean Free is the only sailing vessel to visit Green Island. The day can be tailor made to suit, with the option of snorkel time and various departures over to Green Island. They hoist the sails up for the journey home, enjoy true sailing in style.

Reef Daytripper takes a maximum of 20 passengers visiting Upolu Cay and Upolu Reef. With limited passenger numbers you can be assured of a relaxing day.

Passions of Paradise is a fast, modern 25 meter maxi-catamaran which sails daily to Michaelmas Cay and the Inner Reef. Michaelmas Cay is an unspoilt paradise recognized internationally as one of the most important bird nesting sanctuaries on the Great Barrier Reef. This trip is perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass bottom boat tours or just relaxing on the beach.

Ocean Spirit Cruises operates trips to Michaelmas Cay as well as Upolu Cay. All three vessels contain fully licensed bars and onboard amenities. Each cruise includes either a glass bottom boat tour or semi submersible tour and is ideal for beginner snorkellers as the locations are quite shallow.

For something a little different why not try Shaolin - a chinese junk boat. Departing from Port Douglas at midday enjoy the afternoon at the Low Isles followed by a sunset sail home.

Sailing operators include:

Cairns
Ocean Free
Reef Daytripper
Ocean Spirit
Passions of Paradise
Ecstasea

Port Douglas
Sailaway III
Wavedancer
Shaolin
Synergy