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

Port Douglas’ best Great Barrier Reef scuba diving tour, with just 12 passengers.

ABC Reef Safaris delivers Port Douglas’ best scuba diving tours, premium 2-tank dive days on the Great Barrier Reef. Our luxury dive vessel Independence carries just 12 guests, giving us access to exclusive Low Use Reefs that other operators can’t access due to group size. These pristine locations showcase the reef at its most vibrant, far from the crowds. Guided by accredited marine biologists, every dive is enriched with expert knowledge and care, creating an experience beyond exploration. Snorkelling partners and freedivers are welcome aboard but will be unguided in the water. ABC Reef Safaris is Port Douglas’ leading reef dive operator.

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Tripadvisor’s #1 Australian Tourism Experience

<b>Independence</b> is known as the dive boat for <b>epic Great Barrier Reef </b>experiences.

Independence is known as the dive boat for epic Great Barrier Reef experiences.

Independence is ABC Reef Safaris’ premium dive vessel, purpose-built for small groups and serious reef adventures. Licensed for 25 passengers, we limit our daily numbers to just 12 guests, ensuring everyone enjoys space and unrivalled attention throughout the day. The shaded back deck is designed for ease and flow, with dive tanks, equipment, tables and seating all in one relaxed wet zone. This is rare among Port Douglas reef boats and allows you to move effortlessly between diving, dining and downtime, without the need to change. Independence combines functionality with comfort, featuring freshwater showers, bathrooms and ample room to unwind between dives. Guests enjoy morning and afternoon tea, plus a gourmet deli roll or wrap for lunch. Since her launch in 2015, the 16m Independence has earned a reputation as the diver’s choice for Great Barrier Reef tours.

This is Port Douglas’ <b>best scuba diving</b> tour Great Barrier Reef.

This is Port Douglas’ best scuba diving tour Great Barrier Reef.

Enjoy remote locations and pristine Great Barrier Reef sites, with just a handful of people. ABC Reef Safaris’ dive days are designed exclusively for certified scuba divers, delivering freedom, adventure and extended bottom times of up to 90 minutes per dive, on a premium 2-tank dive day. Guided by experienced marine biologists, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the reef while never missing its highlights. Dive sites are handpicked daily for their vibrancy and are suitable for those with Open Water certification and above. If you want to build on your skills, dive courses are also available. With a best in the business guide-to-diver ratio of just 1:5, you’ll receive unrivalled personal attention throughout the day. All dive equipment and site briefings are provided and included. Perfect for families, friends and private charters this is Port Douglas’ best scuba diving tour.

Adventurous freedivers will <b>enjoy unrivalled experiences</b> with ABC Reef Safaris.

Adventurous freedivers will enjoy unrivalled experiences with ABC Reef Safaris.

ABC Reef Safaris welcomes freedivers to explore the Great Barrier Reef with us. We are one of the only Port Douglas (and Cairns) operators permitting freedivers to use weight belts, giving you the freedom to refine technique, extend bottom time and fully enjoy your craft on the amazing Great Barrier Reef. We take guests to pristine Low Use Reef sites chosen for their vibrancy and marine life. Our tour provides you with the perfect environment to practice in clear waters, without the crowds. Whether you are working on duck dives, buoyancy control or simply immersing yourself in the silence and beauty of the reef, our small group numbers and supportive crew ensure you have the space and safety to focus. Freedivers share the same benefits as our divers and snorkellers, with expert marine biologist guidance, outstanding service and unforgettable encounters.

Daily Itinerary for scuba diving tours...

7:45 am

Check-in at Independence and meet your Captain and Crew. 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, scuba dive briefings and marine talks will be provided on our way to the reef. The crew will also provide scuba diving equipment instructions and overviews.

10:00 am

Dive time! Your exploration of the Great Barrier Reef commences with our warm and friendly Marine Biologist guides. Learn about these pristine environments in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. Accompanying snorkellers and free divers can enjoy unguided exploration of the reef.

11:30 am

Enjoy fresh fruit and delicious pastries while we move to our second reef location. Recharge with a selection of tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

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.

1:30 pm

Independence commences the return journey to Port Douglas. Enjoy a gourmet deli roll or wrap for lunch, which can be paired with beer, wine or soft drinks (at additional cost). There is complimentary tea, coffee and cold water available all day.

3:00 pm

Arrive back into Port Douglas.

Port Douglas scuba diving tour prices and notes.

Prices

Prices
Adult - Certified Scuba Diving - 2 Dives$599Guided scuba dives - max 5 divers - one instructor marine biologist
Child - Certified Scuba Diving - 2 Dives$599Guided scuba dives - max 5 divers - one instructor marine biologist - min age 10 years.
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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

Diving Notes

  • We always recommend booking early as there are certain periods of the year when we are booked 2-3 weeks in advance.
  • The Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Environmental Management Charge is applicable for all patrons. From 15 June 2025, all direct bookings made via the ABC website will have the Environmental Management Charge (EMC) of $8 per person added at the time of booking. For bookings made via third parties, the EMC is not included in the advertised price and will be collected by the crew on the day of travel.
  • Our scuba diving days are fully guided at an approximate ratio of 1 guide to 5 certified scuba divers.
  • Scuba diving equipment, instruction, lycra suits, or 5mm wetsuits in winter are included.
  • For children aged 10+, we provide full 5mm wetsuits.
  • Prescription masks are available. Please check with us in advance to ensure availability.
  • Scuba Diving Requirements. Please note we do not provide uncertified diving on Independence, these trips are for certified scuba divers with a minimum of Junior Open Water or Open Water certification. You 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.
  • Free Diving and Scuba Diving. We do not allow scuba diving guests to free dive on the same day (and vica versa). As a conservative guide, you should leave a minimum of 12 hours after a single free dive and 18 hours after repetitive/multi-day free diving before scuba diving. This is for your safety.
  • Introductory Scuba Diving. Please note we do not offer introductory scuba diving on these tours. If you are interested in introductory scuba diving, this is available on our snorkelling tours.
  • 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).
  • To snorkel the Outer Reef, swimming ability is required. Older age and certain medical conditions, particularly heart disease, increase the risks of snorkeling. If you have any doubts, please contact us. In some cases, opting to hire an additional guide may be a sensible option to assist you, which is also fairer for the other guests on board.

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 certification do I need to join this scuba tour?

This tour is for certified divers only. Minimum certification is Junior Open Water (age 10+) or Open Water. You’ll complete a PADI Diver Medical Questionnaire; some conditions may require doctor’s clearance. Introductory dives, or first time dives, are not offered on Independence (but they are available on our Port Douglas snorkelling tour).

How many guests are there on Port Douglas’ best scuba diving tour and what’s the guide ratio?

ABC Reef Safaris takes a maximum of just 12 guests on their scuba diving tours, ensuring personal care and attention for all guests. Our industry-leading guide-to-diver ratio is 1:5. This ensures relaxed briefings, careful site choices and in-water support that lets you focus on great diving, not crowds.

What time do we depart and return, and where do we meet?

Check-in is at 7:45am for an 8am departure, you return to Port Douglas around 3pm. The meeting point is at our dive boat Independence, which is moored at Marano’s Wharf, 39 Port Street, Port Douglas (not the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina). There’s free parking a few metres from the vessel, and your confirmation includes a Get Directions link for Google Maps.

What’s included in Port Douglas’ best scuba diving tour?

Everything is included the ABC Reef Safaris scuba diving tour price, except for the purchase of additional beverages. This 2-tank dive day includes all of your scuba diving equipment, dive site and safety briefings, lycra suits (summer) or 5 mm wetsuits (winter), and two dives guided by our Marine Biologists. We also provide morning and afternoon tea and a gourmet deli roll/wrap for lunch. Tea, coffee and cold water are complimentary; alcohol and soft drinks are optional extras. EMC ($8 pp) applies per GBRMPA rules.

How deep are the dives and how long are bottom times?

The depth of your dives will be guided by your certification level, but all dive sites are suitable for those with Open Water certification and above. Unlike most other Port Douglas dive boats, bottom time is limited only by your air consumption and can be up to 90 minutes per dive. Exact dive times vary by site, experience and environmental factors.

Do you allow freediving, and can I mix freediving with scuba diving on the same day?

Freedivers are welcome and may use weight belts (buddy rules apply). Freediving is unguided. For safety, we do not allow guests to mix freediving and scuba diving on the same day. As a conservative guide, leave 12 to 18 hours after freediving before scuba diving (longer after repetitive sessions).

Can my snorkelling partner come on this Port Douglas dive trip?

Yes. Snorkelling partners of scuba divers and freedivers are welcome aboard this Port Douglas dive trip, and will enjoy the same premium vessel experience including Marine Biologist reef talks and presentations. Small numbers and carefully chosen sites mean clear water, vibrant coral and relaxed surface intervals for non-divers to enjoy. Please note that snorkelling is unguided on this trip (divers are guided).

What should I bring on the day for Port Douglas’ best scuba diving tour?

Please bring your scuba diving certification card, logbook, swimwear, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a water bottle, sea-sickness medication (if prone) and your camera. We accept card payments only onboard for drinks and retail items. In cooler months, an extra base layer under the wetsuit helps if you feel the cold.

How long should I wait before flying after diving?

Follow a conservative surface interval. Current guidance: minimum 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive, 18 hours after multiple dives. Many divers choose 24 hours for added margin, especially after repetitive days. Avoid going to altitude until your recommended interval has safely elapsed.

What is your cancellation policy for these Port Douglas dive tours and private charters?

Day tours: Cancellations within 48 hours or no-shows incur 100% charge. For cancellations made outside 48 hours a $25 per person administration fee applies.

Private charters: Cancellations within 5 days incur 100% charge. Please review our full Terms & Conditions for complete details before booking.

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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