Quicksilver Cruises

Quicksilver Cruises is a legendary Australian tour operator offering premium expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef from the town of Port Douglas. Founded in 1979, the company became a true pioneer of marine tourism in Australia. Today, it boasts a modern fleet of unique wave-piercing catamarans that provide maximum comfort even in the open ocean.

The company's main feature is exclusive access to Agincourt Reef, located on the very edge of the continental shelf. Here, a special multi-level platform (pontoon) serves as a base for all activities. Guests can explore the underwater world not only by diving into the water but also by visiting the underwater observatory or taking a trip on a semi-submersible boat.

Quicksilver places great emphasis on ecology and education. The company operates Reef Biosearch — the largest private team of marine biologists who give lectures to tourists and monitor the health of the reef. The operator's high status is confirmed by numerous awards and a place in the national Tourism Hall of Fame, making these cruises some of the most prestigious in the region.

To clarify trip details or book tickets, you can contact the company's representatives directly. The office is conveniently located right by the wharf where your sea adventure begins.

The main adventure begins with a 90-minute cruise on a modern catamaran to the outer Agincourt Reef. Once on the pontoon, you have three and a half hours of complete freedom: you can go snorkeling in crystal-clear water or choose scuba diving. Introductory dives are available for beginners under the guidance of experienced instructors, helping you feel confident among the coral gardens.

If you prefer to stay dry, visit the underwater observatory. This unique spot allows you to watch the feeding of bright fish, graceful turtles, and curious reef inhabitants through large windows. Semi-submersible submarine tours and the Seawalker system, which literally allows you to walk on the seafloor in a special helmet, are also popular.

Throughout the day, marine biologists give fascinating presentations on the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem on board and at the pontoon. A hot buffet lunch is typically included in the cruise price. For those seeking the ultimate experience, optional helicopter tours are available, offering a bird's-eye view of the reef's scale and beauty.

The starting point for most routes is located at Shop 43/44 Wharf St in the heart of Port Douglas, within the scenic Reef Marina. If you are traveling by rental car, free parking for guests is provided at the marina.

For those staying in hotels in town or neighboring Cairns, the company organizes convenient group transfers. The journey from Cairns takes about an hour and follows the scenic Captain Cook Highway, offering stunning ocean views. Bus pick-up times are usually confirmed at the time of booking.

If you are arriving independently from Cairns Airport, you can use taxi services or book a private shuttle. Check-in for cruises typically begins at 9:15 AM at the Quicksilver registration desk, so it is recommended to arrive early to prepare for departure.

The history of Quicksilver Cruises began in 1979, when the company pioneered tourist trips to the Low Isles coral cays. Since then, it has grown from a single-vessel operator into a global leader in ecotourism. In 1983, the company made a real breakthrough by launching the first regular cruise to the outer edge of the continental shelf and installing a permanent tourist platform there.

A landmark stage in its development was the 1986 creation of the Reef Biosearch division. This is Australia's largest private team of marine biologists, who not only educate tourists but also conduct important scientific research and monitor the reef's condition. In 1996, Bill Clinton was a guest on the cruise, a visit that drew global attention to the preservation of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.

The company has participated in historical events several times: in 2000, it hosted the first-ever underwater Olympic torch relay. Over decades of operation, Quicksilver Cruises has gathered an impressive collection of awards and has been officially inducted into the Australian and Queensland Tourism Hall of Fame, confirming its status as a benchmark of quality.

Today, the company employs more than 650 people, and its fleet has expanded with many subsidiary brands such as Pro Dive and Ocean Spirit. Despite its scale, Quicksilver remains committed to environmental principles, holding an Advanced Ecotourism certification for over 20 years, ensuring careful treatment of natural heritage.

To fully experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with Quicksilver, you should set aside a whole day. A typical itinerary is tightly scheduled: check-in takes place from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM, and the vessel departs the port at 10:00 AM. The return to shore is scheduled for 4:30 PM.

Guests spend about 3.5 hours directly on the reef (at the pontoon). This is plenty of time to go snorkeling, visit the underwater observatory, and have lunch. Including hotel transfers, the total duration of the excursion ranges from 8 to 10 hours, so it is not recommended to plan other major activities for this day.

The company operates daily, providing tourists with the opportunity to set sail any day of the week. The office and check-in desk are open according to the following schedule:

• Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM

It is important to remember that the cruises themselves depart strictly on schedule: check-in is from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM, and the catamaran's departure is set for 10:00 AM.

After returning from your sea voyage, it's worth taking time for a stroll around the port area. The wharf's central location makes it easy to combine the cruise with a visit to local restaurants, historic pubs, and viewpoints that will round out your experience of tropical Queensland's atmosphere.