Agincourt Reef

“Out here at Agincourt, the ribbon reefs rise from the deep and the coral is as wild as anything on earth.”

Agincourt Reef – The Outer Edge of the Port Douglas Reef System

Agincourt Reef is part of the Port Douglas reef system, located on the outermost ribbon reefs of the Great Barrier Reef — the narrow, continuous reef structures that run along the continental shelf edge approximately 70 kilometres from Port Douglas.

The ribbon reefs at Agincourt are among the most pristine sections of the entire Great Barrier Reef, offering exceptional coral coverage, remarkable water clarity, and the kind of marine life diversity that makes the outer reef unlike anywhere else in the world.

What Makes Agincourt Reef Special

Unlike the scattered platform reefs closer to shore, the ribbon reefs at Agincourt rise steeply from the deep water of the Coral Sea, creating dramatic walls of coral and extraordinary visibility — often exceeding 20 metres. The combination of open-ocean water and rich coral habitat attracts a spectacular range of marine life, including large pelagic fish, reef sharks, rays, and dense populations of reef fish.

Agincourt is the primary reef destination for many of the leading Port Douglas reef tours, including Quicksilver’s flagship high-speed catamaran service, which operates a large permanent pontoon at Agincourt Reef 1.

Quicksilver Port DouglasHead to the outer reef from Port Douglas for a day of snorkelling and diving.View tours →Silversonic Port DouglasThree outer reef sites from Port Douglas for divers and snorkellers.View tours →Poseidon Outer Reef CruisesSnorkel or dive three outer reef sites with guides from Port Douglas.View tours →

Snorkelling at Agincourt Reef

Snorkelling at Agincourt is considered among the finest in the world. The reef’s shallow coral gardens — particularly around the pontoon platform — offer dazzling coral formations and an extraordinary abundance of marine life in water that’s typically clear, warm, and calm.

Beginners and experienced snorkellers alike find Agincourt rewarding. The guided snorkel trails and safety-rated flotation aids available through the major pontoon operators make it accessible for most visitors.

Snorkelling the Great Barrier ReefWhat to expect on your first reef snorkel, and where to go.Read more →Introductory Scuba DivingTry diving on the reef with an instructor. No experience needed.Read more →Great Barrier Reef Scuba DivingBeginner and certified dives from Cairns, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays.Read more →Sea Walker Helmet DivingWalk on the sea floor in a helmet. No swimming skills needed.View tours →Semi-Submarine ToursSee coral and fish through the windows of a semi-submarine.Read more →Underwater ObservatoryWatch the reef from below the waterline, without getting wet.Read more →

Scuba Diving at Agincourt Reef

For certified divers and those completing an introductory dive, Agincourt Reef offers world-class wall diving and coral bommie exploration. The steep outer reef wall drops into deep, open water, creating an exhilarating dive environment inhabited by large fish, sharks, and dense coral communities.

Introductory dives are available through several Port Douglas reef tour operators, making Agincourt accessible even to those who have never dived before.

Reef Safety HubStinger season, safe swimming, reef-safe sunscreen and gear checks in one place.Read more →Plan Your TripA friendly guide to planning your reef getaway.Read more →What to Pack for the ReefA packing list for a day on the reef.Read more →

Getting to Agincourt Reef

Agincourt Reef is accessible only by boat, departing from Port Douglas Marina. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours by high-speed catamaran, depending on conditions.

Port Douglas reef tours to Agincourt typically offer full-day programs that include snorkelling, optional scuba diving, glass-bottom boat viewing, and guided marine biology presentations.

Opal ReefAn outer reef off Port Douglas with clear water for snorkelling and diving.Read more →Mackay Coral CayA remote coral cay reached from Port Douglas.Read more →Undine ReefA sand cay off Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef.Read more →

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Frequently Asked Questions