Plan your visit
Plan Your Reef Trip
A trip to Agincourt Reef takes a full day. Choose between an active diving itinerary or a relaxed pontoon experience.
Getting there
All trips require a marine park operator.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat: High-speed wave-piercing catamaran from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas. | 90 minutes | US$280 - US$350 | Includes lunch, snorkeling gear, and access to reef platforms or specific dive sites. |
| Tour: Scenic helicopter flight directly from Port Douglas or Cairns to the reef pontoon. | 10 to 35 minutes | $700+ AUD | Available as cruise/fly or fly/fly packages for spectacular aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
Agincourt Reef is accessible year-round. Water temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C (72°F to 84°F). May to October is the dry season. This period provides the calmest conditions and highest underwater visibility.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Drones require special marine park permits.
Leave them at your hotel.
How the day runs
Suggested schedules for your day on the reef.
A comfortable day based on the permanent pontoon, ideal for non-swimmers.
- Depart Port Douglas
Board the Quicksilver catamaran at the marina.
- Arrive at the Platform
Dock at the Agincourt Reef 3 pontoon.
- Semi-Submersible Tour
Take an air-conditioned submarine-style cruise through the coral gardens.
- Buffet Lunch
Enjoy lunch served on the dual-level activity platform.
- Underwater Observatory
Watch marine life during the scheduled fish feeding.
- Return Journey
Depart the reef for Port Douglas.
Visit three distinct dive sites across the outer ribbon reefs.
- Depart Port Douglas
Board a multi-site vessel like Silversonic or Poseidon.
- First Reef Site
Snorkel or dive at shallow coral gardens.
- Second Reef Site
Explore deeper wall drops or sites like Nursery Bommie.
- Lunch Onboard
Eat a buffet lunch while the boat relocates.
- Third Reef Site
Complete your final snorkel or dive for the day.
- Cruise Back
Enjoy afternoon tea during the 90-minute return trip.
Preparing for the boat ride
The catamaran journey to the outer edge of the continental shelf takes 90 minutes. Open water can be choppy. Take seasickness medication before boarding if you are sensitive to motion.
Pack marine-friendly sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for the boat ride. Drones are prohibited. Take only photographs and leave only bubbles.
Easiest way to do it
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas
8 h 4.6 (858)
- Buffet lunch
- Use of lycra suit and buoyancy vests
- Informative talk by marine biologist
- Semi-submarine reef discovery tour with commentary
From$242per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How far is Agincourt Reef from Port Douglas?
Agincourt Reef is located approximately 72 km (39 nautical miles) northeast of Port Douglas.
Can you stay overnight on Agincourt Reef?
No, you cannot stay overnight on Agincourt Reef. Access is limited to day trips via licensed tour operators.
What should I pack for an outer reef cruise?
Bring swimwear, a rash guard, a towel, and marine-friendly sunscreen. Pack a light jacket for the boat ride back, plus a waterproof camera or GoPro.