ABC Snorkel Charters is now ABC Reef Safaris! You're in the right place - check out our exciting news...

Port Douglas’ best reef charter boats, for the ultimate, luxury experience.

Elevate your Great Barrier Reef experience with a private charter. Itineraries, locations and activities are curated to meet the needs of your group. Visit exclusive reef sites other boats can’t access. Your group will be the only ones in the water, guided by Marine Biologists to enrich your connection with the reef. You can snorkel, scuba dive, including first time dives, freedive, or simply relax between sessions. Our 16m dive vessel Independence carries up to 12 guests; our luxury 20m catamaran Voyager welcomes up to 24. This is visiting the reef the way it should be. Families. Friends. Corporate Charters.

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Tripadvisor’s #1 Australian Tourism Experience

<b>Independence</b> private charter <b>exclusive for 12 guests*.</b> Snorkel, Dive, Freedive, <b>Enjoy. </b>

Independence private charter exclusive for 12 guests*. Snorkel, Dive, Freedive, Enjoy.

Be a Great Barrier Reef explorer on Independence by name and nature. This versatile 16m custom dive and snorkel vessel was built to explore the Great Barrier Reef in comfort and style. Taking a maximum of 12 guests* Independence accesses pristine lagoons and shallow reefs that larger boats can’t reach. Her shaded back deck flows seamlessly to the water’s edge for effortless diving and snorkelling, while the sunny bow invites you to soak up the views between reef sessions. Freshwater showers, an onboard bathroom and clever design allows you to move freely without needing to dry off. Cruising at 19–20 knots with the ability to travel 200 nautical miles offshore, Independence delivers speed and stability, ensuring a smooth and memorable journey. Legendary reviews, exclusive locations and small-group freedom, this is reef exploration at its very best. *Can accommodate up to 16 passengers on a private charter, at an additional per person cost. Contact us for more information.

<b>Voyager private charter</b> exclusive for <b>24 guests,</b> in luxury and <b>style.</b>

Voyager private charter exclusive for 24 guests, in luxury and style.

Voyager is ABC Reef Safaris’ brand-new luxury catamaran, launching October 2025. Every detail of this 20m catamaran has been thoughtfully executed to maximise experience. Inside, the air-conditioned lounge offers plush business-class seating, an extensive bar and a striking rainforest timber banquet table crafted from recycled Atherton Tablelands timber. Outside you can choose your retreat, from queen-sized daybeds on the sundeck, shaded breezes on the back deck, or bow seating with ocean views. Barefoot-friendly decking leads to a purpose-built ocean access platform with stairs, making water access effortless. With a yacht-style timber fit-out, multi-zone sound system and refined details throughout, Voyager sets a new benchmark for stylish Great Barrier Reef private charters. Can comfortably take 60 guests, but we limit numbers to just 24, ensuring a spaciousness you’ll appreciate. Cruising at 24-26 knots with the ability to travel 200 nautical miles offshore. Voyager is more white boat than reef boat, for the ultimate experience.

ABC Reef Safaris’ <b>private charter catering</b> packages.

ABC Reef Safaris’ private charter catering packages.

ABC Reef Safaris has two catering packages available for private charters, both of which include morning and afternoon tea, unlimited cold water, tea, coffee and hot chocolate. The standard charter rate offers a premium pre-packaged deli-style lunch, while the luxury rate includes a generous buffet-style lunch with local prawns and assorted accompaniments, including cold meats, gourmet cheeses, exotic fruits, shaved leg ham, marinated chicken and more. In both instances special dietary needs are thoughtfully catered for, with advance notification essential. Alcoholic beverages are available on private charters and are purchased at additional cost, on the day.

Suggested Itinerary for private charters...

7:45 am

Check in at our vessel for your private charter. Meet the captain and our Marine Biologists. Enjoy morning tea/coffee and cookies. Please note: Independence is moored at Marano’s Wharf Port Douglas, 39 Port Street, Port Douglas. We are not located at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.

8:00 am

Depart to the Great Barrier Reef. Morning, safety, snorkelling and scuba dive briefings and marine talks will be provided on our way to the reef. The crew will also provide snorkelling and scuba diving equipment instructions and overviews.

10:00 am

Explore the first reef location until 11.30am. Enjoy guided exploration with our Marine Biologists in the water with you. Option to explore independently. Learn about these pristine environments in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner.

11:30 am

Enjoy morning tea/coffee, pasteries and fruit platter while moving to the next reef location.

12:00 pm

Step back into the Coral Sea for more Great Barrier Reef adventures. Our Marine Biologists will ensure you connect and engage with this fascinating underwater landscape in an enriching way. Option to explore independently.

1:30 pm

Enjoy lunch at your own leisure. Alcoholic drinks (beer/wine) service made available on return journey. Summary of the day’s wildlife encounters.

3:00 pm

Arrive at Port Douglas.

Private charter prices and notes for Independence.

Contact us for charter rates for Voyager. Price on application.

Prices

Prices
Standard Snorkel only Private Charter$6900 Standard Snorkel Only Private Charter up to 12 guests
Luxury Snorkel only Private Charter$7500 Luxury Snorkel Only Private Charter up to 12 guests
Standard Dive & Snorkel only private Charter$7900Standard Dive & Snorkel Private Charter up to 12 guests
Luxury Dive & Snorkel Private Charter$8500Luxury Dive & Snorkel Private Charter up to 12 guests
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Transfers

Private Transfers Can Be Arranged
Return within Port Douglas$12Per Person
Return Silky Oaks Port Douglas $75Per Person
Return Silky Oaks Port Douglas - Private $330Up to 6 passengers
Return Thala Beach Port Douglas$20Per Person
Return Thala Beach Port Douglas - Private$240 Up to 6 passengers
Return Palm Cove Port Douglas$95Per Person
Return Palm Cove Port Douglas - Private$400 Up to 6 passengers
Return Cairns Port Douglas - Private$550Up to 6 passengers

Extras

Extras
Hire an additional guide $590Ideal to have your own private guide if you are a weak or nervous swimmer and need help to get the most from your outer reef adventure.
Go Pro 9 Camera Hire with handle & underwater housing$79Equipped with a generous 32GB memory card, you can record well over an hour of stunning 4K video content, ensuring that no captivating moment goes uncaptured. Whether you're seeking to preserve the mesmerizing underwater landscapes, the vibrant marine life, or the thrill of your exploration, the GoPro 9 is your ideal companion. For your convenience and peace of mind, we offer the assurance of a 32GB memory card included with the rental.
Reef Safe Sun Cream 70g (Roll on) $14Your ultimate companion for safe and enjoyable sun protection. This product is meticulously crafted with your well-being and the health of our oceans in mind. With a mineral-based formula that is free from harmful chemicals, it shields your skin from the sun's rays without causing harm to delicate coral reefs. Trust Reef Safe to provide effective and eco-friendly sun protection for you and future generations to come. Embrace the sun responsibly with Reef Safe Sun Cream.
Water Proof Phone Bag$39Great for mobile phones: Fits all iPhones and Android phones, waterproof up to 10m depth. NOTE: Not suitable for folding phones.
On Board PurchasesVariousBeer, wine, canned soft drinks, seasick medication, memory cards.

Notes

Charter Notes

  • ABC Reef Safaris’ private charters are the ultimate Great Barrier Reef indulgence. Just you and your group with our award winning crew and luxury vessels, exploring pristine reefs. You are the only ones in the water. Your boat the only one seen for miles.
  • Our private charters are fully guided by Marine Biologists, at an approximate ratio of 1 guide to 5 certified scuba divers and 1 guide to 6 snorkellers.
  • Snorkelling and Diving Equipment. We provide our charter guests with premium snorkelling and diving equipment, including mask, snorkel and fins. Lycra sunsuits (in summer) and 5mm wetsuits (in winter). We have sizes to suit children aged 7 years old and above and all adult sizes. Prescription masks are available. Please check with us in advance to ensure availability.
  • Snorkelling Requirements. To snorkel the Outer Great Barrier Reef, some swimming ability and fitness is required. Older age and certain medical conditions, particularly heart disease, increase the risks of snorkelling. If you have any doubts, please contact us.
  • Introductory Scuba Diving Requirements. For your safety, all introductory scuba divers are required to complete a medical questionnaire before joining the dive. This is a standard part of the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program. The form asks about common medical conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, heart disease, diabetes, ear or sinus problems and recent surgeries. If you answer “Yes” to any condition on the questionnaire, you may need to obtain clearance from a doctor before diving. Please note that certain conditions, including pregnancy or recent chest/ear surgery, may prevent participation. Participants must be at least 12 years old (with parental consent for minors). You should be able to swim comfortably and feel confident in the water. Our professional instructors will review your form with you and ensure you meet the requirements before entering the water. Safety is always our highest priority.
  • Scuba Diving Requirements. We can accommodate scuba divers of all experience levels, starting from Junior Open Water and Open Water certification and above. Scuba divers will be required to complete the PADI Diver Medical Questionnaire. If you answer “Yes” to any item (e.g., asthma, heart/cardiac issues, diabetes, ear/sinus problems, recent surgery, pregnancy), doctor’s clearance may be required before diving.
  • Freediving and Scuba Diving. We do not allow scuba diving guests to freedive on the same day (and vica versa). As a conservative guide, you should leave a minimum of 12 hours after a single freedive and 18 hours after repetitive/multi-day freediving before scuba diving. This is for your safety.
  • Car Hire is recommended for our region, a hire car is a cost-effective alternative, especially if you are traveling from Palm Cove or Cairns.
  • Free parking is available at our vessel location, Maranos Fuel Wharf, Port Douglas. You can find maps on our website or use the “Get Directions” button on the top left of your booking confirmation (Google Maps).

 

Cancellations

Cancellation Policy

Daily tours:

  • Cancellations made within 48 hours prior to the booked tour date or ‘no shows’ are subject to 100% cancellation charge with no refund.
  • For full cancellation policy please see our Terms & Conditions

Private charters:

  • Cancellations within 5 days of charter date occur a 100% charge.
  • For full cancellation policy please see our Terms & Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in an ABC Reef Safaris private charter?

A private charter includes exclusive use of either Independence (12 guests) or Voyager (24 guests), captain and crew of qualified Marine Biologists, premium snorkelling and diving equipment, site briefings and guided in-water experiences. Catering and drinks packages are available and can be customised to your group.

Can we snorkel, dive and freedive on a private charter?

Yes. Private charters allow you to mix activities across snorkelling, scuba diving, first-time introductory dives and/or freediving. Freediving is permitted with buddy rules, but for safety, you cannot scuba dive and freedive on the same day. Our crew ensures flexibility while keeping safety first.

What catering packages are available?

Our team creates bespoke catering packages tailored to your group. Options include fresh seafood, artisan breads, gourmet meats, cheeses, Thai curries, seasonal fruits and baked goods. We cater for vegetarian, vegan and dietary requirements with advance notice. Please note soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not included in the charter price. These can be purchased on the boat at additional cost.

How many guests can join a private charter?

Independence accommodates up to 12 guests within the quoted charter price; can take up to 16 guests with an additional per person charge. Voyager takes up to 24 guests. Whether a family trip, special celebration or corporate outing, charters are tailored to your group size.

What equipment is supplied for snorkelling and diving?

We provide high-quality snorkel and dive gear, lycra suits in summer and 5mm wetsuits in winter. Prescription masks are available, please request in advance. Children aged 7+ can be fitted with equipment. All the necessary gear for your chosen activities, is included in your charter cost to ensure safety and comfort.

Are there age or health requirements for snorkelling and diving?

Yes. Snorkellers must be able to swim and feel comfortable in open water. Introductory divers must be 12 years or older and complete a medical questionnaire. Certified divers must hold Junior Open Water/Open Water certification or higher. Certain health conditions may require medical clearance before diving.

Can I learn to dive or try scuba on a private charter?

Yes. Introductory scuba diving is available on private charters, guided by certified instructors. No previous experience is required, but you must be at least 12 years old and medically fit. This option lets beginners try scuba in a safe, personalised setting while others in your group snorkel.

Where do we depart from and is parking available?

Private charters depart from Marano’s Wharf, 39 Port Street, Port Douglas. There is free parking a few metres from the vessel. Your booking confirmation includes a Google Maps “Get Directions” button for convenience. Private transfers from Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Cairns can also be arranged at additional cost.

How far in advance should we book a private charter?

Private charters are popular and often book out weeks in advance, especially during school holidays and peak season. We recommend securing your preferred date early to ensure availability of the vessel and crew. Contact our team to check live availability.

What is your cancellation policy for private charters?

For private charters, cancellations made within 5 days of departure incur a 100% charge. Earlier cancellations may attract an administration fee. Full details are outlined in our Terms & Conditions. We recommend travel insurance that covers cancellations for added peace of mind.

ABC Snorkel Charters has officially rebranded to ABC Reef Safaris

ABC Snorkel Charters has officially rebranded to ABC Reef Safaris

We’ve officially rebranded from ABC Snorkel Charters to ABC Reef Safaris. This change reflects what we do today and where we’re heading with focus and passion. At ABC our core values have always been on small-group, personalised reef experiences and that has not changed. What has changed is our capacity to deliver more outstanding Great Barrier Reef activities and experiences, thanks to the addition of a new vessel.

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