Meet the site
Low Isles is Port Douglas's closest Great Barrier Reef destination: two small coral cay islands, Low Isles and Woody Island, sitting on an inshore reef just 15 km off the coast. Visit Port Douglas Daintree describes the islands as surrounded by about 55 acres of reef with some 150 species of hard coral, although soft corals dominate. A heritage-listed lighthouse has operated on Low Isles since 1878, and the island houses a small museum and a research station. The reef is shallow and easily accessible, which makes it ideal for snorkellers of all ages and abilities. Snorkelling begins right off the beach, over a mix of seagrass, sand and coral bommies in water a few metres deep. The turtle population is prolific, and underwater turtle sightings are common for snorkellers – green turtles in particular feed on the seagrass around the island. Among the corals you can expect parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish, clownfish, trevally, sweetlips and moon wrasse. The islands are culturally significant to the Kuku Yalanji and Yirrganydji peoples, and the reef was the site of the landmark 1928–29 Great Barrier Reef Expedition led by Maurice Yonge, one of the first scientific studies of a coral reef ecosystem. As an inshore reef, Low Isles has lower visibility than the outer reefs, typically 3–10 m, and conditions depend heavily on weather and tides. The coral is hardier and more turbid-tolerant than on the outer reefs. For certified divers seeking walls and big fish, the outer reef is a better option, but for families, first-time snorkellers and those wanting a short trip, Low Isles is excellent. Tours range from half-day trips to full-day sailing excursions, many including glass-bottom boat viewing, guided snorkelling with marine biologists and time on the island.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Low Isles is recorded as Island in Port Douglas. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Low Isles suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Low Isles through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Green turtles, parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish, clownfish, trevally, sweetlips, moon wrasse, soft corals, hard corals (c.150 species), seagrass
Location
A pair of low coral cays – Low Isles (with its 1878 lighthouse) and mangrove-covered Woody Island – on a small inshore reef about 15 km north-east of Port Douglas.
Facilities nearby
Low Isles: lighthouse precinct, small museum, toilets on the island (operator-maintained); no food or water for sale. Departures from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina with parking, toilets and cafes.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
visitportdouglasdaintree.comcalypsoreefcruises.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.