In short
- Standard boat tours range from US$228 to US$350.
- Helicopter packages cost upwards of $700 AUD.
- Tickets include the mandatory Environmental Management Charge.
In this article
Choosing the right tour operator dictates how much you will pay for your Agincourt Reef tickets. Prices vary based on the type of vessel, the number of reef sites visited, and onboard amenities.
How much does it cost to visit Agincourt Reef?
A standard day cruise to Agincourt Reef costs between US$228 and US$350 per person.
This base ticket typically covers your high-speed catamaran ride from Port Douglas, which takes about 90 minutes. It also includes the mandatory Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge, snorkeling equipment, and a buffet lunch.
What are the Quicksilver tour prices and inclusions?
The Quicksilver cruise from Port Douglas starts from around US$241.
This ticket provides access to a permanent activity platform moored in a sheltered lagoon. The price includes an underwater observatory, a semi-submersible reef discovery tour, snorkeling equipment, and a buffet lunch. It is a popular option for non-swimmers and families.
How much are the Silversonic and Poseidon tickets?
Tours on Silversonic or Poseidon start from approximately US$234 per person.
Both operators focus on active snorkeling and diving, visiting three different outer reef sites in one day. The ticket includes guided snorkel tours, snorkeling equipment, a buffet lunch, and hotel pickup from the Port Douglas area. Poseidon caps guest numbers at 65, offering a smaller group experience.
Are there cheaper Agincourt Reef tickets available?
Calypso offers a slightly lower starting price from around US$228.
This tour visits the very outer Great Barrier Reef, including Agincourt or Opal Reef. The ticket provides a guided snorkel tour, snorkeling gear, and a buffet lunch. Hotel transfers are excluded from this base price, so you must arrange your own transport to the marina.
How much does a helicopter tour to the reef cost?
Scenic helicopter flights directly to the reef pontoon start at $700 AUD.
These premium packages run as cruise/fly or fly/fly combinations from Port Douglas or Cairns. The flight takes 10 to 35 minutes, providing aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef before you land at the pontoon.
Which tour operator offers the best value?
Value depends on your swimming ability and preferred activities.
Quicksilver offers the most amenities for non-swimmers with its semi-submersible and underwater observatory. Silversonic and Poseidon provide better value for experienced snorkelers wanting to see multiple dive sites in one day.
| Operator | Starting Price (AUD) | Sites Visited | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calypso | $228 | Outer Reef Sites | Snorkel & Dive Focus |
| Silversonic | $234 | 3 Sites | Active Snorkel & Dive |
| Poseidon | $234 | 3 Sites | Small Group (Cap 65) |
| Quicksilver | $241 | 1 Platform | Family & Non-Swimmer |
Questions travellers ask
Do I need to pay an environmental tax?
Yes, all visitors must pay the Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge. This is already included in the ticket prices from licensed tour operators.
Are drinks included in the ticket price?
Most tours include morning and afternoon tea, plus a buffet lunch. However, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are usually excluded and available for purchase onboard.
Is snorkeling gear included in the price?
Yes, all major operators to Agincourt Reef include the use of snorkeling equipment, such as masks, fins, and snorkels, in their standard ticket price.
