The Best
What a fabulous day. The staff really made this something special. Personable, relaxed, natural & really helpful. Loved the little bits of education & the way they treated everyone respectfully & everyone got the attention they needed - for all levels of experience. From booking in office - to end of day - it really was the best. Pulling that altogether seamlessly shows what a great company this is to experience the reef. Thanks a million.
1000000% worth it
The trip was amazing. Jeff, Canu and Anto were very friendly and knowledgeable and made sure they chatted to everyone on the boat. The small size meant all the guests mingled together which was fun. The first dive was awesome, I hadn’t been diving in 8 years but Anto was very patient with me and helped me feel comfortable. After the dive we had some yummy snacks and chatted to the staff. The second dive was insane. Beautiful fish, coral and even a turtle. Lunch after this was great and we had the option for 2nds. This trip was definitely worth the extra money to have a more intimate experience.
Great Diving Great Team!
Second time with this port Douglas company.I have dived with other operators in port Douglas but was really craving a more bespoke operation. The small group size and excellent staff to guest ratio lifts this team way above the rest. than the skipper made sue we got to dive in some great locations and with Shane our professional and thoughtful Divemaster guiding us took myself and son and one other diver to some really beautiful bommies. The beauty of this company is that they are not restricted to where they can visit and so the reef is literally yours to explore. I will be diving with them again and cannot wait. Well done to the whole team including the team who I booked with direct.
THESE GUYS ARE ACE!!
We had a wedding down at the chapel when the photographer ran out of SD cards…phoned ABC Reef Safari on the slight chance they’d have some…the lovely lady (so sorry, can’t remember the name) 1. Answered the phone even when they weren’t open that day, 2. Came down to open up the shop so we could buy some SD cards! Thanks to you guys, we have beautiful photos of a day we’ll never forget 🩵
Just wanted to say a big thankyou, we’ll definitely be back to see the reef with you!
Thanks to Alex our snorkel guide extraordinaire as well as Harry Sophie and Tobias and of course the Skipper for a GREAT day out. Superb vibe, great boat and a company that loves and lives the sea. 🌊
Unfortunately I need to leave a negative review for this business due to the owner Jay’s misogynistic comments.
We were excited about booking dives with this company as they advertise small group sizes. My wife asked a simple and straightforward question about what wetsuit thickness they provide (answer: 5mm shorties) and whether there were options for long wet suits or thicker wetsuits.
The owner made a completely uncalled for and dumb comment about how every year women ask about this and it’s a female personal problem, not his problem. And then he just kept droning on about this.
Well here’s an idea, if every year half of the population is asking about this, why don’t you actually solve the issue and stock different thickness options? Or you could just say politely that unfortunately you don’t stock other thickness options, but if we want we could purchase a sharkskin.
No need to be a jerk about it or provide your editorial comments. Just answer the question professionally.
But it’s their loss of business, which is unfortunate because the other staff member we spoke with actually seemed great and we’re here for multiple weeks and likely would have booked multiple trips.
Edit: Hi Jay, I’m happy to come by and review the recording with you if you want. You clearly called it a female problem. In my opinion you had three options for how to respond:
- Option 1 (best): take accountability and say it won’t happen again
- Option 2 (decent): admit what you said, but say you didn’t intend for it to come off like that
- Option 3 (worst and what you chose): deny saying it, which now makes it an integrity and honesty issue.
However you want to spin it doesn’t matter to me. I discussed this with you face to face before we left the store. Hopefully you’ll just be more professional in the future. Best of luck to you.
Here’s what you said verbatim:
- “every year women ask me about this in June, July, August”
- “it’s a female problem, not my problem”
- and on and on
Reply from ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas2026.06.12
Andrew,
After listening to the transcript from our shop’s security system, I disagree with your account of what was said.
At no point did I describe this as a “female problem” or dismiss your wife’s question. During our conversation, it was explained that she often feels cold while diving, and the discussion focused on practical ways to improve her comfort on future dives. While thermal comfort varies significantly between individuals, it is also common for female divers to feel the cold more than male divers due to physiological differences. My comments were intended as general observations based on many years of experience helping divers find suitable thermal protection, not as criticism or dismissal of anyone’s concerns.
The conversation appears to have shifted from the assistance being offered to an allegation that a misogynistic comment was made. During your visit, we discussed and demonstrated several thermal protection options, including the benefits of owning a Sharkskin thermal garment. As a personal item, it is convenient for travel and can help divers stay warmer and more comfortable in the water. This option was explained as one possible solution based on the concerns raised.
I reject the suggestion that any comments made during this conversation were misogynistic or discriminatory.
For clarity, this review relates solely to a discussion that took place before any booking was made. Neither you nor your wife participated in any diving activities or tours with us, and therefore the review cannot reflect our dive operations, services, or tour experiences.
As the owner of a family business that has operated for more than 20 years, I take both customer concerns and our reputation seriously. I believe it is important that feedback accurately reflects what occurred, and I stand by the professionalism and intent of the conversation that took place.
Jackie P2026.06.13
Verified
100% recommend
Had a really amazing time. I went diving, and my partner snorkelling. We were with a very small group (6 peopld). Great friendly crew. Felt like almost a private trip. Would definitely recommend tp anyone wanting a special great barrier reef experience!
Unprofessional owner
Unfortunately I need to leave a negative review for this business due to the owner’s misogynistic comments. We were excited about booking dives with this company as they advertise small group sizes. My wife asked a simple and straightforward question about what wetsuit thickness they provide (answer: 5mm shorties) and whether there were options for long wet suits or thicker wetsuits. The owner made a completely uncalled for and dumb comment about how every year women ask about this and it’s a female personal problem, not his problem. And then he just kept droning on about this. Well here’s an idea, if every year half of the population is asking about this, why don’t you actually solve the issue and stock different thickness options? Or you could just say politely that unfortunately you don’t stock other thickness options, but if we want we could purchase a sharkskin. No need to be a jerk about it or provide your editorial comments. Just answer the question professionally. But it’s their loss of business, which is unfortunate because the other staff member we spoke with actually seemed great and we’re here for multiple weeks and likely would have booked multiple trips.
Reply from ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas2026.06.12
Andrew,After listening to the transcript from our shop’s security system, I disagree with your account of what was said.At no point did I describe this as a “female problem” or dismiss your wife’s question. During our conversation, it was explained that she often feels cold while diving, and the discussion focused on practical ways to improve her comfort on future dives. While thermal comfort varies significantly between individuals, it is also common for female divers to feel the cold more than male divers due to physiological differences. My comments were intended as general observations based on many years of experience helping divers find suitable thermal protection, not as criticism or dismissal of anyone’s concerns.The conversation appears to have shifted from the assistance being offered to an allegation that a misogynistic comment was made. During your visit, we discussed and demonstrated several thermal protection options, including the benefits of owning a Sharkskin thermal garment. As a personal item, it is convenient for travel and can help divers stay warmer and more comfortable in the water. This option was explained as one possible solution based on the concerns raised.I reject the suggestion that any comments made during this conversation were misogynistic or discriminatory.For clarity, this review relates solely to a discussion that took place before any booking was made. Neither you nor your wife participated in any diving activities or tours with us, and therefore the review cannot reflect our dive operations, services, or tour experiences.As the owner of a family business that has operated for more than 20 years, I take both customer concerns and our reputation seriously. I believe it is important that feedback accurately reflects what occurred, and I stand by the professionalism and intent of the conversation that took place.
f t2026.06.09
Verified
Outstanding Great Barrier Reef experience
Outstanding company. A conscientious team of well informed marine biologists and dive experts (shout out to Harry and Alex) on a very comfortable brand new boat with top notch equipment (wet suits, masks, snorkels…). I have never been on such a clean boat as this. They took us far out to a pristine reef (Rudder reef), where only ABC has a permit to be. Amazing reef life (stingrays, reef sharks, sea turtles, squid, cuttlefish, and an over abundance and variety of colorful fish, giant clams etc. ). Constant attention to diver and snorkeler needs l. The food provided seemed to have been prepared by real chefs included skewers of fresh fruit and charcuteries while lunch was far beyond what we expected with more than enough sushi, beef, turkey, salads, grilled vegetables, breads, desert etc for all a couple times over with vegetarian/vegan options. Wine, champagne, beer and various other refreshments plentiful. The company owner was our driver to and from our resort and was very curious about what we expected and how our experience was. We highly recommend this outfit and will return.
Reply from ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas2026.06.19
Reading reviews like this reminds us exactly why we do what we do. We don't just love the reef, we live it 🤍🤍🤍From Harry and Alex sharing their knowledge in the water, to exploring low-use sites away from the crowds on the outer reef, to making sure every mask, snorkel and wetsuit is spot on, it's all part of creating the kind of day we'd want for our own friends and family.We were especially pleased to hear the food got a mention! Our menu is designed exclusively for ABC Reef Safaris by a local chef using fresh, quality ingredients because a day on the reef deserves something better than the standard boat lunch. And don't worry, we promise the chef is an actual chef... not Jay wearing yet another hat. 😄🍓🧀Speaking of hats, you've discovered one of the perks of travelling with a genuine small business. One minute Jay is in the office, the next he's your chauffeur to the marina, loading gear, answering questions and making sure the day runs smoothly.Thank you for your generous recommendation. Knowing you'd return is about the highest compliment we could receive.Looking forward to seeing you next time!!All the best from TEAM ABC
Damon L2026.06.09
Verified
Awesome outer reef experience
Had a great time with ABC Reef Safaris. Got to see two really great parts of the reef and saw lots of fish and sea life. Our guide was really attentive and informative about the different sea life. Best thing was seeing the giant clams and the white tipped shark. Equipment was great and felt new and not worn out. It’s a bit expensive compared to the other tours but it’s definitely well worth your money.
Reply from ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas2026.06.19
We're so pleased you enjoyed your day with us and that the team helped make it a memorable one. We take a lot of pride in keeping our equipment in top condition and creating an experience where guests feel looked after from start to finish.Thank you too for your comment about value. We often say we're not trying to fit as many people on a boat as possible. We'd rather know everyone's name by morning tea. 😄Comments like yours remind us why we stick to our small-group approach. It may not be the cheapest way to run a reef trip, but we think it's the best way to experience one.Thanks again for choosing ABC Reef Safaris. We hope to see you back on the reef one day soon.
Alice Hunter2026.06.08
Fantastic experience. We really appreciated the size of the groups, the friendly and knowledgeable staff, the food was great, the wetsuits were quality and it really felt like going out with friends on a private tour which was important to us.
Reply from ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas2026.06.12
Alice, this review absolutely nails what we're trying to create 😄🌊
Of course we love hearing about the great food, quality equipment and friendly crew... but the part that really stood out was that it felt like going out with friends on a private tour.
That's exactly why we keep our numbers so small!
The Great Barrier Reef is an incredible place, and we believe it deserves to be experienced without crowds, queues and hundreds of people all trying to look at the same thing at once 🐠🪸✨
We're also very proud of the little details. Quality wetsuits, fantastic food, expert marine biologists and reef guides, a high crew-to-passenger ratio and a brand new custom-built vessel all play a part in creating a day that feels effortless from start to finish.
Thank you for choosing ABC and for taking the time to share your experience. We loved having you onboard 💙🤍
The ABC Crew 🌴🍹
Brian_K_B2026.06.08
Verified
A Beautiful Day on the Great Barrier Reef
We booked ABC Reef Safaris because of the small size and the incredibly positive reviews. It feels redundant to add our praises, but here we go. Our experience could not have been better. The booking process was easy, the communication excellent, and the snorkeling trip itself top-notch. We lucked out going on a particularly spectacular day, and you could sense how excited the crew was about the perfect conditions. The Voyager was a great, spacious vessel. The crew was all fantastic: "Captain Dad" Tahn, Camille, Harry, Sophie, and Zoe. They were knowledgeable, friendly, and informative. They also interacted one on one with the passengers (there were only a dozen or so of us), and seemed to actually care about us and our experience. The snorkeling itself was great (we were guided by Harry, who was very informative during our dive, and very kind to those who struggled a bit). And it was nice to have treats waiting for us after each dive. It's rare for an experience to meet expectations, especially when reviewers are as enthusiastic as they are about ABC Reef Safaris. If anything, this exceeded expectations.
Reply from ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas2026.06.19
Thanks for taking the plunge and adding your praises after all! 😄Reading reviews like yours never gets old, especially when they mention the little things that matter to us. From smooth booking and clear communication to post-snorkel treats and one-on-one time with the crew, it's exactly the experience we aim to create.We love the comment about the crew's excitement on the day. After thousands of reef trips, you'd think we'd be used to it by now, but the Great Barrier Reef still has a way of making us smile every time we head out. 🌞🐠Thanks again for choosing ABC Reef Safaris. We promise we never get tired of hearing that we exceeded expectations. 😊🐢 Cheers from the reef,The ABC Reef Safaris Team
Jamie G2026.06.08
Verified
Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour
My family and I had a wonderful day going out to the Great Barrier Reef to snorkel! The boat taking us out was very nice with plenty of fresh water and snacks/lunch throughout the day. Our guides were very knowledgeable and fun to be around. Thanks so much for such a fun and memorable day!
Reply from ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas2026.06.19
Thanks for the fantastic review! 🐠☀️Thanks for choosing ABC Reef Safaris to make some Great Barrier Reef memories. The fish have already asked when you're coming back. 😄Hope to see you all again for another splash soon!The ABC Reef Safaris Crew 🌊🐢💙
suraya bin swani2026.06.07
We did a snorkelling tour with ABC on the Great Barrier Reef. The tour was amazing, they took us to some great spots! The whole crew were so friendly and accomodating and we had the pleasure of having lovely Camille as our guide. She was very knowledgeable and kept everyone feeling safe in the water. We had an amazing experience and couldn’t recommend it enough.
Reply from ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas2026.06.12
Suraya, thank you so much for the recommendation ☀️
One of the biggest advantages of travelling with ABC is that our intentionally tiny passenger numbers allow us to visit some truly spectacular low-use reef sites. These are the kinds of places where you're not competing with huge crowds for a glimpse of the reef, and where the experience feels much more natural, relaxed and immersive 🪸🔍
We're especially proud that our guests get to explore the reef alongside marine biologists who can help uncover all the little hidden treasures most people would never notice on their own. Sometimes the smallest discoveries end up being the most memorable 🐚🦑
We're delighted you had such a great day and got to experience a different side of the Great Barrier Reef.
The ABC Crew 🫧🫧🫧
Toby Bedford2026.06.07
We had a great tour with abc and especially with Camille, she was so helpful and took us to some amazing snorkelling spots! I could not recommend her and the tour enough
Reply from ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas2026.06.12
Amazing snorkelling spots don't happen by accident 😄🧭
A huge amount of planning goes into choosing reef sites each day, taking into account weather, tides, visibility and where we think guests will have the best possible experience.
The beauty of operating with such small numbers is that we're not tied to the same busy locations day in and day out. We can stay flexible and focus on finding those special little corners of the reef 🪸🐟☀️
We'll make sure Camille sees your kind words as well. She spends a lot of time helping guests discover what's hiding beneath the surface, from the obvious showstoppers right through to the tiny creatures most people would swim straight past 🔍🐚
Enjoy the memories, and hopefully there are a few reef photos sitting on your camera roll that are making you smile right now 📸
The ABC Crew 🚤🤍💙
Jai Nanscawen2026.06.07
ABC were unbelievable in showing me and my friends the reef. We couldn’t have had a better experience and big shoutout to Camille who showed us around and spoke so well with so many interesting things about the ocean.
Reply from ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas2026.06.12
Unbelievable is one of our favourite words to read 🍾🎊
The reef may be the star of the show, but we're big believers that the vessel matters too. Voyager is a brand new custom-built Australian vessel, designed from the ground up to create a more comfortable and enjoyable reef experience for our guests 🚤🇦🇺
Whether you're relaxing on the sundeck soaking up the sunshine, escaping into the spacious air-conditioned lounge or tucking into a lunch that wouldn't look out of place at one of Port Douglas' top restaurants 🍓🥗🍤, we want the entire day to feel every bit as memorable as the reef itself.
And of course, having passionate marine biologists like Camille onboard to share all the weird, wonderful and fascinating things happening beneath the surface is the icing on the cake!
Thanks for joining us and for taking the time to leave a review.
Warm regards,
The ABC Crew 🤍☀️🛥️
Jessamyn M2026.06.07
Verified
Unique and amazing experience!
From start to finish, this was an experience worth traveling halfway around the world for! My husband and I went out for the snorkel tour for our honeymoon and I couldn’t have asked for anything more magical. Lizzie was our driver to and from our hotel and set us up for success! She was kind, knowledgeable and prompt (which is always awesome when leaving early in the morning). Harry was our reef guide who did a great job making sure we all saw the wonders of the reef (which included reef sharks, turtles, giant clams and ALL of the fish!) The knowledge, care and guidance throughout it all made this experience all that we dreamt it could be. Thank you to everyone at ABC for making this as special as it was.
Reply from ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas2026.06.10
What a wonderful review, thank you so much 😊Travelling halfway around the world for your honeymoon and choosing to spend one of those special days with us is something we don't take lightly, so we're thrilled the experience lived up to everything you had hoped for.One thing that makes ABC Reef Safaris a little different is that we always have plenty of marine biologists and reef professionals onboard. The Great Barrier Reef is incredible on its own, but having passionate experts around to help guests spot and understand all the underwater magic takes the experience to another level 🪸🔍✨And for anyone reading along, we can also arrange accommodation pickups around Port Douglas. Just ask when booking! We like to think we offer some of the friendliest transfers in town 😄🚐🌴Thank you again for your kind words. We hope the rest of your Australian adventure was just as memorable, and on a completely unrelated note... we really hope you managed to find some wallabies somewhere along the way 🦘☀️Best wishes from the ABC Crew 🫶💙🤍
Joshua Bailey2026.06.05
Great crew, small group (much better experience), knowledgeable and friendly staff, great food, and decent gear. They also look at the conditions and choose the best location based on that, rather than others who might just give you a 'cookie-cutter' experience that might not be the best spot for the day.
Reply from ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas2026.06.12
Joshua, you've touched on something that sits right at the heart of how we operate 😎🧭
The Great Barrier Reef changes every single day, so we've never really understood the idea of offering exactly the same experience every day 🍪
We're not really in the cookie-cutter business... we're more in the chef's special business 🍾🍓🦪
Throw in great food, quality gear, a passionate crew and a brand new custom-built Australian vessel and you've got all the ingredients for a pretty epic day out on the reef 🚤☀️🥂
Thanks for noticing the difference and hope to see you another time!
All the best from the tiny but mighty TEAM ABC,
ABC Reef Safaris, Port Douglas, Queensland 💙🤍
An awesome day of snorkeling in the stunning Great Barrier Reef. What made it truly stand out is the awesome crew (Zoe, Canu, and Jeff) who not only were lovely but extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions. Will definitely do this again next time we’re in PD.
Verified
