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Frequently Asked Questions

This is a short list of our most frequently asked questions. For more information or questions, please feel free to contact us.

All

Food

General

Low Isles info

Onboard

Safety
Travelling with children
Weather
How do I check-in before departure?
Please check-in at the Quicksilver Reservations office at the Port Douglas Marina. Our staff will issue you with your boarding pass and direct you to our vessel.

If you have received a Digital Boarding Pass, please proceed directly to Wavedancer for boarding.

Check-in begins from 9:15am for vessel boarding at 9:30am. Wavedancer departs the marina at 10am.
What is the temperature of the water?
The warm waters of Tropical North Queensland range in temperature from 22 - 29 Celsius (75 - 85 Fahrenheit) and make for year round comfort for water activities.

For current weather, visit our weather page.
What is the weather doing?
Quicksilver has 3 day forecasts and we also get weather updates every morning from the Bureau of Meteorology as well as directly from our crew stationed at Agincourt Reef. Guests can call our office from 6am daily onwards for an update.

You can also visit our weather page on our website to see the latest trends and extensive forecast.

As a guide, average air temperatures in the Cairns and Port Douglas region are: 31ºC (88ºF) and an average minimum of 17ºC (62.5ºF)
What if the weather is really bad?
Providing we have availability you are welcome to change dates of your cruise. On very rare occasions cruise services can be subject to the effect of weather.

Should a cruise not operate for any reason, you will be offered an alternative day or a refund authorised.
Do you ever cancel cruises?
Very rarely. However as we are located in a tropical region, we can experience the effects of a seasonal tropical cyclone and would therefore cancel our operation. This is not common.
Can I change the date of my cruise?
Yes you are welcome to change your day of travel providing we have availability. There are no fees to change dates.
What's the best day or time to visit?
We operate year-round, everyday is a holiday! Generally you will find the warm air and water temperatures in the tropics make for comfortable conditions year-round for water activities.

If you are visiting between the months of May to October, while certainly not guaranteed, there is the added bonus of potential whale sightings on the journey to and from the reef.

Humpback whales regularly migrate from Antarctic waters every winter to the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef. They are most commonly sighted from June to September.

The smaller Minke Whales can often be seen at Agincourt Reef from as early as April but from our experience, the most common sightings occur from June to July.
What do I bring?
Bring along a towel, sunscreen, hat, swimwear and camera to capture your memories. Limited underwater digital cameras are available to hire onboard.

A professional photographic service is also available for you to purchase photos of your day. For onboard purchases like souvenirs or drinks from the bar, bring along your credit card or some cash.

Please note: Drones are not Permitted.
Where do I wait for the coach pick-up?
Generally at the hotel reception unless otherwise advised by hotel staff or Quicksilver.
Does lunch cater for vegetarians?
Yes, our daily buffet lunch provides food options for vegetarians. Our meals are prepared daily by our Catering Department utilising local produce wherever possible.

All menu options are labelled with ingredients lists. Please contact us directly if you have specific dietary needs.
Can I smoke at the reef or on the boat?
Due to government regulations and comfort of all passengers, smoking is not permitted onboard any of our vessels. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas at the island.

Please ensure cigarette butts are disposed of responsibly in the receptacles provided.
Do you have facilities for wheelchair passengers?
Low Isles is not suitable for wheelchairs. We recommend our Outer Reef cruise and our Quicksilver VIII vessel is the most suitable for wheelchair passengers.  

At the Outer Barrier Reef (Agincourt Reef) there are ramp facilities from our vessel to our platform, and a wheelchair access toilet on the vessel. However access to the underwater observatory, snorkel platforms and our semi-submersible vessels is by stairs only.

For guests confined to a wheelchair, our specially designed water powered lift allows for easy access into the snorkel pool. This is available only at our Agincourt 3 platform.

We recommend guests call us to discuss arrangements prior to travel.
Can we sit anywhere onboard the boat?
Yes, there are no reserved seating and you are free to sit where you prefer. It's up to your personal preference whether you would like to sit inside in the air-conditioned cabins, on the outside decks undercover or in the sun.
Will I get seasick?
Hopefully not. Our sailing catamaran cruise provides as smooth a ride as possible in most sea conditions. Where there is motion, whether in a car, bus, plane or boat, some people will suffer from motion sickness. Motion sickness medication is available onboard for purchase.

Ginger tablets are available as a natural alternative motion sickness medication on a complimentary basis. To be effective, motion sickness medications should be taken immediately on boarding prior to travel.
Do you have lockers onboard?
We do not have lockers however we do have safety bags which can be used for smaller items like wallets, passports, jewellery and small cameras.

This is at no cost and can be accessed by checking with our bar staff.
Do you supply life jackets?
Life jackets are onboard for emergency use only. Flotation/buoyancy vests are supplied free of charge for your use if required.
Can I use credit cards on the boat?
Yes, we take Visa, Mastercard & Amex
Are there toilets and change rooms on the boat or at the reef?
There are no toilet facilities on Low Isles. Toilet facilities are located onboard Wavedancer.
Can I take a pram on the boat / island?
Our Wavepiercer catamaran and reef platforms are pram-friendly with ample room on the boat and ramped areas on the platform. We do not recommend prams on our Wavedancer Low Isles cruise as the sailing catamaran has many stairs and narrow entries.

The beach at Low Ises has quite soft sand and therefore not practical for prams.
Is it safe for babies / children?
Yes, infants and children are welcome however we recommend they are supervised and are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

We suggest buoyancy vests are worn and these are available free of charge. Noodles/flotation devices are also available. There are many activities for children and families to enjoy together at Low Isles.
Do you have lycra suits and snorkelling gear for little kids?
Our smallest lycra suit is size 2. We have small snorkels & masks for toddlers, and our smallest fins are size 1 - 3. Lycra suits are included in your fare.
Are there any babysitting facilities?
We do not have babysitting facilities onboard. Our crew can help you schedule separate activities with your travelling companion partner to ensure your child is always supervised.
What is on the Island (Low Isles)?
Low Isles is a vegetated coral cay. It is home to a historic lighthouse (Heritage listed) and a rangers station. All facilities such as change rooms, toilets and a licensed bar are onboard the vessel.

There are no shops on Low Isles.
Is there any shade on the island?
On Low Isles, there is shade provided by trees and large thatched umbrellas which line the beach.
How do I get from the boat to the island?
Two shuttle vessels operate throughout the day to transfer guests to and from the island at their leisure.
What time does the boat leave for Low Isles and come back?
Wavedancer boards at 9:30am for a 10:00am departure from the Port Douglas Marina.

The vessel returns to Port Douglas at 4:30pm
How deep is the water at Low Isles?
0 - 5 metres depth. The corals are close to the island which makes snorkelling easy and enjoyable.
Are there any stingers (jellyfish)?
At certain times of the year, jellyfish, commonly called marine stingers, can affect the seas of Northern Australia. Most jellyfish are harmless to man, however certain varieties may cause a serious reaction.
Incidents involving serious marine stings in this area are extremely rare.

Quicksilver's crew are conscious of the danger of marine stingers and will take appropriate steps to ensure your protection if they believe conditions are such that there is a possibility of encountering  these creatures.

Lycra suits are available to protect guests from the sun and to reduce the possibility of stings and irritations.
Does lunch cater for vegetarians?
Yes, our daily buffet lunch provides food options for vegetarians. Our meals are prepared daily by our Catering Department utilising local produce wherever possible.

All menu options are labelled with ingredients lists. Please contact us directly if you have specific dietary needs.
How do I check-in before departure?
Please check-in at the Quicksilver / Wavedancer reservations counter inside the Port Douglas Marina.

Check-in begins from 9:15am for vessel boarding at 9:30am. Wavedancer departs the marina at 10am.

Our staff will issue you with your boarding pass and direct you to our vessel.
Do you ever cancel cruises?
Very rarely. However as we are located in a tropical region, we can experience the effects of a seasonal tropical cyclone and would therefore cancel our operation. This is not common.
Can I change the date of my cruise?
Yes you are welcome to change your day of travel providing we have availability. There are no fees to change dates.
What's the best day or time to visit?
We operate year-round, everyday is a holiday! Generally you will find the warm air and water temperatures in the tropics make for comfortable conditions year-round for water activities.

If you are visiting between the months of May to October, while certainly not guaranteed, there is the added bonus of potential whale sightings on the journey to and from the reef.

Humpback whales regularly migrate from Antarctic waters every winter to the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef. They are most commonly sighted from June to September.

The smaller Minke Whales can often be seen at Agincourt Reef from as early as April but from our experience, the most common sightings occur from June to July.
What do I bring?
Bring along a towel, sunscreen, hat, swimwear and camera to capture your memories. Limited underwater digital cameras are available to hire onboard.

A professional photographic service is also available for you to purchase photos of your day. For onboard purchases like souvenirs or drinks from the bar, bring along your credit card or some cash.

Please note: Drones are not Permitted.
Where do I wait for the coach pick-up?
Generally at the hotel reception unless otherwise advised by hotel staff or Quicksilver.
Does lunch cater for vegetarians?
Yes, our daily buffet lunch provides food options for vegetarians. Our meals are prepared daily by our Catering Department utilising local produce wherever possible.

All menu options are labelled with ingredients lists. Please contact us directly if you have specific dietary needs.
Can I smoke at the reef or on the boat?
Due to government regulations and comfort of all passengers, smoking is not permitted onboard any of our vessels. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas at the island.

Please ensure cigarette butts are disposed of responsibly in the receptacles provided.
Do you have facilities for wheelchair passengers?
Low Isles is not suitable for wheelchairs. We recommend our Outer Reef cruise and our Quicksilver VIII vessel is the most suitable for wheelchair passengers.  

At the Outer Barrier Reef (Agincourt Reef) there are ramp facilities from our vessel to our platform, and a wheelchair access toilet on the vessel. However access to the underwater observatory, snorkel platforms and our semi-submersible vessels is by stairs only.

For guests confined to a wheelchair, our specially designed water powered lift allows for easy access into the snorkel pool. This is available only at our Agincourt 3 platform.

We recommend guests call us to discuss arrangements prior to travel.
What time does the boat leave for Low Isles and come back?
Wavedancer boards at 9:30am for a 10:00am departure from the Port Douglas Marina.

The vessel returns to Port Douglas at 4:30pm
What is on the Island (Low Isles)?
Low Isles is a vegetated coral cay. It is home to a historic lighthouse (Heritage listed) and a rangers station. All facilities such as change rooms, toilets and a licensed bar are onboard the vessel.

There are no shops on Low Isles.
Is there any shade on the island?
On Low Isles, there is shade provided by trees and large thatched umbrellas which line the beach.
How do I get from the boat to the island?
Two shuttle vessels operate throughout the day to transfer guests to and from the island at their leisure.
How deep is the water at Low Isles?
0 - 5 metres depth. The corals are close to the island which makes snorkelling easy and enjoyable.
Can I smoke at the reef or on the boat?
Due to government regulations and comfort of all passengers, smoking is not permitted onboard any of our vessels. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas at the island.

Please ensure cigarette butts are disposed of responsibly in the receptacles provided.
Do you have facilities for wheelchair passengers?
Low Isles is not suitable for wheelchairs. We recommend our Outer Reef cruise and our Quicksilver VIII vessel is the most suitable for wheelchair passengers.  

At the Outer Barrier Reef (Agincourt Reef) there are ramp facilities from our vessel to our platform, and a wheelchair access toilet on the vessel. However access to the underwater observatory, snorkel platforms and our semi-submersible vessels is by stairs only.

For guests confined to a wheelchair, our specially designed water powered lift allows for easy access into the snorkel pool. This is available only at our Agincourt 3 platform.

We recommend guests call us to discuss arrangements prior to travel.
Can we sit anywhere onboard the boat?
Yes, there are no reserved seating and you are free to sit where you prefer. It's up to your personal preference whether you would like to sit inside in the air-conditioned cabins, on the outside decks undercover or in the sun.
Will I get seasick?
Hopefully not. Our sailing catamaran cruise provides as smooth a ride as possible in most sea conditions. Where there is motion, whether in a car, bus, plane or boat, some people will suffer from motion sickness. Motion sickness medication is available onboard for purchase.

Ginger tablets are available as a natural alternative motion sickness medication on a complimentary basis. To be effective, motion sickness medications should be taken immediately on boarding prior to travel.
Do you have lockers onboard?
We do not have lockers however we do have safety bags which can be used for smaller items like wallets, passports, jewellery and small cameras.

This is at no cost and can be accessed by checking with our bar staff.
Do you supply life jackets?
Life jackets are onboard for emergency use only. Flotation/buoyancy vests are supplied free of charge on the platform for your use if required.
Can I use credit cards on the boat?
Yes, we take Visa, Mastercard & Amex
Are there toilets and change rooms on the boat or at the reef?
There are no toilet facilities on Low Isles. Toilet facilities are located onboard Wavedancer.
What time does the boat leave for Low Isles and come back?
Wavedancer boards at 9:30am for a 10:00am departure from the Port Douglas Marina.

The vessel returns to Port Douglas at 4:30pm
Do you have lockers onboard?
We do not have lockers however we do have safety bags which can be used for smaller items like wallets, passports, jewellery and small cameras.

This is at no cost and can be accessed by checking with our bar staff.
Do you supply life jackets?
Life jackets are onboard for emergency use only. Flotation/buoyancy vests are supplied free of charge on the platform for your use if required.
Are there any stingers (jellyfish)?
At certain times of the year, jellyfish, commonly called marine stingers, can affect the seas of Northern Australia. Most jellyfish are harmless to man, however certain varieties may cause a serious reaction.
Incidents involving serious marine stings in this area are extremely rare.

Quicksilver's crew arecoscious of the danger of marine stingers and will take appropriate steps to ensure your protection if they believe conditions are such that there is a possibility of encountering  these creatures.

Lycra suits are available to protect guests from the sun and to reduce the possibility of stings and irritations.
Can I take a pram on the boat / island?
Our Wavepiercer catamaran and reef platforms are pram-friendly with ample room on the boat and ramped areas on the platform. We do not recommend prams on our Wavedancer Low Isles cruise as the sailing catamaran has many stairs and narrow entries.

The beach at Low Ises has quite soft sand and therefore not practical for prams.
Is it safe for babies / children?
Yes, infants and children are welcome however we recommend they are supervised and are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

We suggest buoyancy vests are worn and these are available free of charge. Noodles/flotation devices are also available. There are many activities for children and families to enjoy together at Low Isles.
Do you have lycra suits and snorkelling gear for little kids?
Our smallest lycra suit is size 2. We have small snorkels & masks for toddlers, and our smallest fins are size 1 - 3. Lycra suits are included in your fare.
Are there any babysitting facilities?
We do not have babysitting facilities onboard. Our crew can help you schedule separate activities with your travelling companion partner to ensure your child is always supervised.
What is the temperature of the water?
The warm waters of Tropical North Queensland range in temperature from 22 - 29 Celsius (75 - 85 Fahrenheit) and make for year round comfort for water activities.

For current weather, visit our weather page.
What is the weather doing?
Quicksilver has 3 day forecasts and we also get weather updates every morning from the Bureau of Meteorology as well as directly from our crew stationed at Agincourt Reef. Guests can call our office from 6am daily onwards for an update.

You can also visit our weather page on our website to see the latest trends and extensive forecast.

As a guide, average air temperatures in the Cairns and Port Douglas region are: 31ºC (88ºF) and an average minimum of 17ºC (62.5ºF)
What if the weather is really bad?
Providing we have availability you are welcome to change dates of your cruise. On very rare occasions cruise services can be subject to the effect of weather.

Should a cruise not operate for any reason, you will be offered an alternative day or a refund authorised.
Do you ever cancel cruises?
Very rarely. However as we are located in a tropical region, we can experience the effects of a seasonal tropical cyclone and would therefore cancel our operation. This is not common.
What's the best day or time to visit?
We operate year-round, everyday is a holiday! Generally you will find the warm air and water temperatures in the tropics make for comfortable conditions year-round for water activities.

If you are visiting between the months of May to October, while certainly not guaranteed, there is the added bonus of potential whale sightings on the journey to and from the reef.

Humpback whales regularly migrate from Antarctic waters every winter to the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef. They are most commonly sighted from June to September.

The smaller Minke Whales can often be seen at Agincourt Reef from as early as April but from our experience, the most common sightings occur from June to July.