scuba diving tours port douglas

CAIRNS & PORT DOUGLAS' BEST SCUBA DIVING

OUTER REEF DIVING

INTRO DIVING

LEARN TO DIVE

PRIVATE CHARTERS

Scuba Dive In Affordable Luxury With The Premier Five Star Padi Dive Resort

Blue Dive Port Douglas offers the best Great Barrier Reef scuba diving trips, courses, guides and outer reef sites. Our team are dive professionals. Our destinations are the best reef locations for visibility, corals, abundance and diversity of underwater life. Our service is outstanding, providing privately guided dives and dive courses on the beautiful Great Barrier Reef. At Blue Dive, we don’t dive with strangers – we dive with new friends…

YOU WANT THE BEST GREAT BARRIER REEF EXPERIENCE YOU WANT BLUE DIVE

We’re the original Port Douglas scuba company, offering privately guided dives and private PADI Open Water courses since 2008. We are 100% locally owned and operated and are the Port Douglas dive specialists. Our experienced dive team are passionate about ensuring your Great Barrier Reef experience, is the best it can be. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, family or group of friends – and whether it’s on a day trip, multi-day dive course or private charter – Blue Dive will show you the best of the Great Barrier Reef.

GREAT BARRIER REEF LUXURY PRIVATE CHARTERS FOR DIVERS AND SNORKELERS

If this is the trip to tick the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list, then the ultimate way to do this is on a Blue Dive Port Douglas luxury private charter. The trip will be completely tailored to your needs, be it snorkeling, diving or both. Your vessel will be a top of the range luxury boat, perfect for families, groups and corporate events. For day trips and overnight trips, a Blue Dive luxury private charter is the ultimate way to experience the Great Barrier Reef.

Why Book With Blue Dive Port Douglas

Private guided diving, amazing reef sites, engaging reef info, professional dive masters, freedom from crowds.

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Dive & Snorkel - Agincourt & Opal Reefs

Snorkel & dive the great barrier reef.

Explore the very outer Great Barrier Reef in style with Calypso.

Embark on a Port Douglas diving adventure and try an introductory dive with our professional PADI dive instructors to view the underwater world like never before. For the experienced divers (certified), join our PADI dive masters as they show you sheer walls of corals, caves and possibly drift dive (if conditions permit). For snorkellers, there is plenty to explore from the surface and guided tours are available.

Made up of four separate reefs that face out to the South Pacific Ocean, Agincourt Reef is regarded as one of the most significant sites of this natural wonder. Here you’ll find rich, diverse coral gardens that help form these protective ocean walls, filled with hard and soft corals as well as the reef’s most iconic species such as sharks, stingrays, turtles, whales*, groupers and cods, maori wrasse and parrotfish.

Why dive with us?

• Experienced PADI dive masters
• Small groups
• All equipment provided
• Up to 3 dives daily
• Dive computers
• On board compressor
• Underwater photographers

*Whales are typically present on the Great Barrier Reef between June and September. Please note sightings of whales or other marine species is not guaranteed.

Seasonal Rates:

Peak season:  1st April – 26th April | 22nd June – 11th October | 21st December – 17th January 2025

Off peak season:  27th April – 21st June | 12th October – 20th December | 18th January – 31st March 2025

Please note:  On days with low passenger numbers or unsuitable weather conditions, it may be necessary to move people between Agincourt and Opal Reefs. On the rare occasions that this occurs we will pick the tour and locations that will provide the best possible outer reef experience. It may not be possible to provide notice prior to travelling.

Pre booked activity: Introductory diving is $99 per person only if pre booked, if booked on the day of travel the price is $119.

Important information for diving:  If you have booked diving or are thinking of diving you MUST visit calypsoreefcruises. com/medical  to read the medical advice before you travel with us.

Some medical conditions and medications may prevent you from diving without a Queensland Dive Medical.

• Book Online
• Explore up to 3 outer reef sites
• Luxury large catamaran
• Latest dive equipment
• Guided snorkel tours
• Intro & Certified Diving start from $75
• All snorkel gear including lycra suits included
• Morning & Afternoon Tea included
• Lunch included
• Interpretive Reef Talk
• Children under 12 not permitted to dive
• Diving is an additional cost from $75

• Checkin – Free parking is available if making your own way to Crystalbrook Marina Port Douglas. Transfers are available for a small fee, although have limited capacity from Port Douglas accommodation. Upon arrival, checkin directly at the Calypso vessel at 8:20am
• Boarding Commences – Arrive before 8:20am at the Crystalbrook Marina, Port Douglas. As the Calypso crew welcome you aboard you will be fitted out with your own snorkelling equipment before relaxing with light refreshments.
• Cruise Time – It is time to sit back and relax while we travel to our first site. If you are participating in a dive your dive guide will take this opportunity to brief you on your dive.
• First Snorkelling Site – Divers are briefed, enter water while snorkellers enjoy an informative talk on how to snorkel safely. After snorkelling/diving at the first site morning tea is served.
• Second Snorkelling Site – We travel to our second breathtaking site (for diving and snorkelling) where a guided snorkelling tour is available before a tropical buffet lunch is served. After all that scrumptious food you can partake in a reef interpretive chat by one of our friendly crew.
• Third Snorkelling Site – A short trip to our final site for another snorkelling and diving opportunity before enjoying afternoon tea.
• Cruise Home – Returning at approximately 4:30pm.
• Transfers – Transfers back to your accommodation (if pre booked)

What is the difference between Opal and Agincourt Reefs?

Both Opal & Agincourt Reefs offer spectacular snorkelling and diving locations. Opal Reef, a very sheltered reef system enables the delicate and colourful marine life to come out and play such as pipe fish, Christmas tree worms, turtles, lionfish, Wobbegongs, etc.

Agincourt Reef is surrounded by deeper water with currents enticing schools of pelagic fish such as mackerel and trevally. The reef drops down into the deep water creating amazing walls of coral with a variety of interesting marine life. Our dedicated snorkelling vessel visits Opal Reef because its a shallow reef providing snorkellers with some of the best coral and variety of marine life found on the Great Barrier Reef off Port Douglas.

Opal Reef is a highly protected reef system only allowing vessels with less than 100 passengers access. Opal Reef provides vessels with protection from stronger southeasterly winds. Agincourt Reef is a deeper reef system ideal for diving. Snorkellers are catered for as it provides spectacular views from the surface. Agincourt Reef provides little protection from ocean swells and currents which may result in our divers and snorkellers visiting Opal Reef where there is more protection.

Calypso will ensure guests receive the best possible experience of the Great Barrier Reef.

Will I see a turtle? A shark? What will I see?

The Great Barrier Reef contains thousands of different species of marine life. We cannot guarantee what marine life you will see on your day of travel, however there will be many different species of fish, coral and molluscs.

Giant green sea turtles are found around the Great Barrier Reef and are frequently sighted at Low Isles. Reef sharks are quite common and a wonderful sight to see.

How long does it take to get to the reef?

Calypso takes approximately 90 minutes to travel to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Our vessels cruise at a very comfortable 18 – 20 knots while travelling to Opal Reef and approximately 22 knots when travelling to Agincourt Reef.

What do I need to bring? Do you supply towels?

Please bring along swimmers, towel, sunscreen, hat, sea sickness tablets (if required), sunglasses, a change of clothes (there are fresh water showers on board) and cash or credit card (VISA, MasterCard or EFTPOS) for any on board purchases. We do not provide towels for guests, however please ask your accommodation provider who will supply beach towels for you.

What if it rains? Does the tour get cancelled?

Operating in the Wet Tropics, we expect rain mainly during the summer months. However, it can rain all year round. Rain doesn’t affect our day to day operations to the Great Barrier Reef. We do not cancel tours due to rain as it does not affect the quality of the reef.

What are stingers? When are they around?

Stingers are a generalised term for jellyfish. During the summer months (November through to May), marine stingers, Irukandjis and box jellyfish, are present in the waters off the coast of Tropical North Queensland.

All Calypso vessels are equipped with lycra suits (free of charge) during these summer months. As well as a precaution, lycra suits have other benefits such as sun protection and also reducing the amount of sunscreen in the water.

Will I get seasick? Do you offer medication onboard?

You are not alone if you suffer from sea sickness. All Calypso vessels are wide-bodied catamarans for stability and have the advantage of cutting through the waves instead of riding the swell. Vessels do encounter some form of movement no matter what the conditions so prevention is best.

Two types of medication are offered on board our vessels. Ginger tablets are provided free of charge to passengers who prefer a natural option and are good for pregnant women. The other form of sea sickness medication is called Travacalm and costs $3 for 2 tablets. Please see the crew on board. If you know you suffer from sea sickness, its best to see a pharmacist prior to your trip to the reef and take tablets 30mins before departure

I am pregnant, can I still go to the reef?

Yes, you can travel to the reef. Snorkelling is low impact and a non strenuous activity great for pregnant women. Flotation devices are perfect for extra buoyancy and gentle kicking will provide enough propulsion for you to get around and explore the reef.

The lunch provided on board is a cold buffet which includes a selection of meats, salads, Mediterranean vegetables, breads and condiments. There is plenty of choice for pregnant women even without eating the cold meats. Medicated sea sickness tablets cannot be taken but Ginger tablets are safe for pregnant women to take and are free onboard. If in doubt, see a pharmacist.

Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Most dietary requirements can be catered for, such as: coeliac, vegans, lactose intolerance and other allergies. Please call or email us 24 hours prior to your departure so we can have your preference prepared. Vegetarians have a great selection, just avoid the meat platters. All meats are supplied in separate containers. If in doubt please contact us on +61 7 4099 6999.

I have more questions about diving

Click here to find out more about our dive options and specific FAQs for diving

“ Calypso is absolutely by far the better one to do, in terms of longer reef time for snorkeling and swimming, plus excellent overall value for money. Also, it was much nicer to be on a boat with smaller numbers. The Calypso diving instructor, Lachie P was great, extremely professional and importantly took the time to explain everything and ensure they were safe in the water at all times. Connie W via Tripadvisor

“ We had a great time on the outer reef cruise. Excellent dive sites; great talk about the sites and very efficient timing. Saw dolphins; giant clams; little sharks and heaps or marine life. Great value and excellent customer service. Customer via Tripadvisor

“ Our introductory dive instructor was Pam she was amazing and had us laughing all day long. I highly recommend her. It was all smiles and laughs all day. Each dive was amazing and she even took the time to show us and explain different thing as much as you can underwater . Thank you for day we will never forget and we will be back. TeeJay via Tripadvisor

“ Excellent, fun day on the reef with a caring, professional team. Highly recommended. Our son did two intro dives with Pam, a brilliant instructor and is now hooked. Great sites visited. Kind, friendly team who kept everyone safe and happy. We will use Calypso again! Customer via Tripadvisor

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The Great Barrier Reef

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Certified divers can enjoy up to 3 dives on a day dive excursion with Poseidon. This includes drift and wall dives, isolated pinnacles and coral gardens with their endless variety of colourful marinelife.

No experience is necessary to enjoy the thrill of scuba diving with a fully supervised introductory dive. You’ll be part of a small group and after tuition and briefing, you’ll be ready for your underwater adventure.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most amazing and unique natural spectacles. Visible from outer space, this 348,000 km2 Natural Wonder of the World is a must for everyone to experience.

Snorkel, Dive & Cruise the Great Barrier Reef

Designed for personalised dive and snorkel adventures, Poseidon Outer Reef Cruises departs daily from Port Douglas to visit 3 different and unique reef environments. Our range of over 30 spectacular and exclusive reef sites at the Agincourt ribbon reefs and Escape Reef, enables us to offer some of the very best day boat diving.

With clear outer reef waters, beautiful corals and incredible marine life diversity, the Agincourt ribbon reefs offer the opportunity to snorkel and dive in some of the most pristine and special places on the entire Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy unlimited snorkelling in this marine wilderness, first time divers can try an introductory scuba dive, and certified divers can experience up to three dives.

Poseidon has limited passenger numbers to ensure personalised service and attention. Whether you choose to snorkel or dive, with an amazing array of quality reef sites, attentive and friendly crew, the comforts aboard and our special permit to swim with the Dwarf Minke Whales, Poseidon offers you the perfect setting to enjoy a day on the Great Barrier Reef.

THE 5 BEST Port Douglas Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Scuba & snorkeling in port douglas.

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1. Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

2. ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers

3. Express Low Isles Reef Sprinter Snorkelling Tour

4. Low Island Snorkelling Private Charter Aboard Authentic Chinese Junk Boat

5. Quicksilver Dive 4 Day PADI Learn to Dive Course

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Full-Day Cruise Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef

Cairns Jet Boat Ride

Green Island Day Trip from Cairns with City Transfers

SeaQuest Day Trips to Outer Barrier Reef

Barron River Half-Day White Water Rafting from Cairns

4-Day PADI Open Water Dive Course - Learn to Dive on the Great Barrier Reef

Green Island Day Trip from Cairns with Beaches Transfers

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What travellers are saying.

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Diving Information

Snorkelling information, prices & fares.

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• Silverswift - Outer Reef
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Great Barrier Reef

Whales & dolphin watching, eco tourism, covid-19 information.

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THE ULTIMATE DIVING & SNORKEL ADVENTURE

Dive and  snorkel the great barrier reef.

Port Douglas

Enjoy your precious time at the great barrier reef in the superb style and comfort of the silver series..

We’re all about less people, more reef destinations, and a crew who knows the Reef like the locals they are. Our modern vessels are custom-designed and infused with over 40 years experience of Great Barrier Reef cruising to help you get the best out of your day. 

Choose from  Cairns-based Silverswift , or  Port Douglas-based Silversonic . Each visits a rich tapestry of World Heritage Great Barrier Reef sites.  With either vessel, you’ll be aboard luxury with everything you need to experience the underwater world of exceptional diversity and colourful marine life in safety and comfort.

5 Hours on the Reef

5 Hours On The Reef Across 3 Different Dive/Snorkel Sites.

Experience more

Experience Some Of The Best Diving On The Great Barrier Reef.

Lunch and gear included

Hot and cold Tropical Buffet Lunch & All Equipment Included.

departing Cairns Or Port Douglas Daily 8:30am – Return 4.30pm

Designed for adventure! A day with Silverswift and Silversonic is all about being in the water and experiencing the magical underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s exciting, exotic and breathtaking! With our exclusive permits and remote sites, you’ll be able to dive and snorkel 3 uniquely different and ecologically diverse sites, each chosen to suit the day’s conditions. In between water activities, relax on the sundecks or in the air-conditioned lounges, and of course, enjoy a delicious lunch for hungry adventurers!

Unlimited Adventure Snorkelling

 With a guided snorkel tour, snorkel briefs at each reef site and lifeguard supervision, explore the underwater delights in complete safety.

Introductory Divers

No experience is necessary for first time divers. Take the plunge in complete confidence with an experienced dive instructor by your side and enjoy up to 2 dives.

Certified Divers

Enjoy up to 3 dives. Our knowledgeable instructors accompany all dives at no extra charge, ensuring your dive experiences are maximised.

Included in your day

• Scrumptious morning tea including focaccias and muffin cakes on boarding
• Hot and cold tropical buffet lunch.
• Snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins).
• Equipment for divers provided, including wetsuit.
• Lycra suits included.
• Hot freshwater showers.
• Snorkel brief at each site.
• Qualified lifeguard supervision.
• Afternoon tea cakes, cheese & biscuits.
• Prescription masks available at no additional cost.
• Reef Interpretation.
• Return Silverswift/Silversonic cruise.
• Return coach transfer from Port Douglas (Silversonic)
• Reef Discovery guided snorkel tour

Choose your Adventure

Silverswift

Silversonic

Our exclusive dive locations.

Silversonic visits a selection of 35 stunning & exclusive reef sites at Agincourt Reef at the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, special reefs known as ‘ribbons’ run parallel to the Continental Shelf. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognised as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef’s environment. Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth and supports spectacular marine life.

Silverswift takes you to many exclusive dive sites on some of the very best Outer Great Barrier Reef locations at Flynn, Pellowe, Milln and/or Thetford Reefs. These sites are chosen for their magnificent coral formations, varied marine life and underwater visibility. They have superb bay-like dive and snorkel sites providing spectacular underwater sand dunes and remote steppingstone-like coral bommie systems. These sites are also renowned for their congregating schools of large pelagic fish.

More information

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most unique and amazing marine spectacles and is the largest natural feature on Earth  – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World!

And it’s big! The only natural feature visible from space, it extends for some 2300km (1300 miles) along the north-eastern coast of Queensland Australia, from the Far North to Bundaberg in the South. It’s not one single reef, but consists of…

SWIM WITH THE MINKES

Silversonic has one of the few permits available from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority that allows our guests to swim with dwarf minke whales if encountered – a truly unforgettable experience!

From our experience, July to September is the peak season to encounter the inquisitive minkes as they frequent the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs where Silversonic visits. They are however common in our waters between the months of March and October.

DESIGNED FOR COMFORT

Our magnificent sisterships are the perfect balance of comfort, style and function. Travelling at up to 32 knots, we spend less time getting there which means more time at the reef for you.

The only dive and snorkel vessels in Cairns and Port Douglas equipped with computerised ride control systems to help provide the smoothest journey.

Book your dive and snorkel adventure today

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Snorkelling & Diving

The Great Barrier Reef needs no introduction – the world’s largest, best managed and most famous coral reef system, is right on our doorstep.

Port Douglas is the closest town and departure point to the reef, with an unparalleled fleet offering more than a dozen specialist Great Barrier Reef diving and snorkelling tours each day. Find a Port Douglas snorkelling tour or Port Douglas diving tour departing the Port Douglas Marina directly to the pontoon, a coral cay or on a multi-site adventure. If you're strapped for time, sail on a half-day luxury cruise, or take a speedboat for a thrilling snorkel adventure. Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkelling and diving tour from Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation in the Daintree Rainforest - there's a snorkel and dive tour to suit every passenger (even the ones who don't want to get wet!). It's easy to get lost in the sea of options when it comes to planning the perfect Port Douglas diving and snorkelling holiday. Sign up to our newsletter here for all the up-to-date local information and holiday deals so you can emerge from the waves like the mermaid you are, and enjoy your perfectly tailored underwater holiday.

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Liveaboard Scuba Diving boats from Port Douglas Reef Charters

Port Douglas Reef Charters are the specialists for live aboard scuba diving Great Barrier Reef tours and cruises in Port Douglas .

A private boat charter with Port Douglas Reef Charters will ensure you the best liveaboard scuba diving possible on the Great Barrier Reef.

Live Aboard Scuba Diving Charters

A private liveaboard scuba diving charter will allow you to get away from it all and see the Great Barrier Reef on the ultimate diving tour.

Small group overnight liveaboard scuba diving charters are possible from Port Douglas when you charter your own boat through Port Douglas Reef Charters.

Private liveaboard scuba diving charters from Port Douglas can be designed for thrill seeking experienced scuba divers or beginner divers.

Private liveaboard scuba diving charters can give you the flexibility and choice that makes for the ultimate experience of the Great Barrier Reef.

A Scuba diving liveaboard from Port Douglas can allow you to do drift dives providing that tides and conditions are right.

Ultimate Diving Port Douglas

On an extended liveaboard scuba diving charter you can venture to famous dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef like the Cod Hole at Lizard Island, Agincourt Reef, the northern Ribbon Reefs or Osprey Reef.

Private liveaboard scuba boat charters are perfect for experienced divers who want to enjoy great diving without being held back by beginner divers or for recently qualified, nervous divers who need some TLC or just some extra encouragement.

Liveaboard scuba diving charters are also great for serious underwater photographers who want to take it slowly and not be bothered by other divers .

Some of our larger scuba diving liveaboards can take larger groups on extended charter.

These larger private charter boats provide all meals cooked by your on board chef and have compressors on board.

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Welcome to Quicksilver’s purpose built dive training centre

On the door step of the great barrier reef..

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Quicksilver Dive

Port douglas.

Quicksilver Dive’s purpose-built dive training centre in Port Douglas, offers a range of PADI accredited courses; from the entry level open water certification (learn to scuba dive), to advanced and professional courses for the certified diver. At the 5 Star PADI IDC dive facility, students will have access to a heated dive pool, air-conditioned classrooms, and off road parking. The low student to instructor ratios ensures a world-class, personalised, professional and safe learning experience.

On the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, you will complete your certifications in the warm and safe waters of the magnificent Agincourt Reef. Quicksilver Dive in Port Douglas, Australia, is the perfect place for your dive education.

PADI Five Star IDC Facility

Modern purpose built dive training facility (and Port Douglas’ only), with heated pool and air conditioned classrooms.

Personalised learning experience

The lowest possible student to PADI certified dive instructor ratio, which allows for the best possible learning experience.

Access to the Great Barrier Reef

Located on the door step of the GBR, Quicksilver Dive has access to a spectacular array of dive sites and the regions premier dive vessels.

Specialty Dive Shop

Expert local equipment and servicing advice, with a range of products to suit all experience levels.

Location, location, location

Port Douglas is the perfect holiday destination, with a wide range of accommodation choices and located close to the reef and the rainforest.

Experience You Can Trust

The Quicksilver Group is the Great Barrier Reef’s most awarded operator.

• Learn to Dive
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Poseidon Scuba Diving Day Cruises

Silversonic Scuba Diving Day Cruise

Quicksilver Scuba Diving Day Cruise

Five star padi training and career development centre.

The Quicksilver Dive Centre is Port Douglas’ first purpose built scuba dive training centre. It’s modern and state of the art facilities offer a comfortable, safe and personalised learning experience. The large heated training pool makes learning to dive in winter a breeze, and the air conditioned classrooms take the heat out of summer time learning. Located centrally in Port Douglas it is easily accessed, and free transfers are available to and from your accommodation within Port Douglas.

Contact us today!

Please feel free to contact our reservations team using the form below, over the phone: +61 (0)7 4087 2111 .

Flannels or FlipFlops

Top 11 Reasons Palma de Mallorca Should Be Your Next Destination!

Posted: May 2, 2024 | Last updated: May 2, 2024

You’re in the perfect spot! The Palma de Mallorca Port, the largest port of the Balearic Islands, is located on the beautiful island of Mallorca in Spain.

And serves as an excellent stop on cruise itineraries for cruise passengers looking to enjoy picturesque beaches, savor delicious cuisine, explore gorgeous architecture, discover hidden coves, and soak in breathtaking mountain views. 

1. Take In The Views Of The Royal Palace of La Almudaina

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is owned and used by the Spanish Royal Family when they visit the island of Mallorca. It is considered to be one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island and is known for its distinct and intricate architecture. 

2. Go Shopping At Porto Pi Shopping Mall

The Porto Pi Shopping Mall, also known as Porto Pi Centre Comercial, is a popular spot for tourists to visit and the perfect spot for those searching for souvenir shops. It is just a quick 12-minute walk away from the cruise port and a great place to visit for those looking to stay close to the cruise port and do some shopping.

3. Taste The Local Flavors On A Food Tour

A great option if you are eager to explore local restaurants and taste authentic Spanish cuisine is to embark on one of the best food tours available on the island. During this food tour, a local guide will take you to several fabulous establishments where you can sample popular dishes and gain insights into the rich culinary history of the island.

4. Try Different Water Sports

Palma Mallorca is famous for its stunning coastline and magnificent waters. A fantastic way to appreciate the islands beauty is by exploring various water sports and enjoying all that the coast and sea has to offer.

Whether you are interested in jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, scuba diving, or any of the other exciting water sports popular in the area, trying different water sports is sure to make for a memorable stop on your Mediterranean cruise.

5. Visit The Cathedral Of Santa Maria Of Palma

The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, also known as La Seu, is a gorgeous Gothic Cathedral located on the island. The Palma Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mallorca due to its fabulous Gothic architecture and beautiful location right by the coast.

6. Go On A Sightseeing Tour

To fully explore everything Mallorca has to offer, consider going on a sightseeing tour led by a local guide. This fantastic tour will take you along the West Coast of Mallorca, offering stunning views of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a boat trip to Port Soller, a vintage train ride, and many more exciting experiences along the way. This is an excellent choice for those seeking a full day filled with breathtaking sights and insights from a knowledgeable local expert.

7. Relax At One Of The Beautiful Beaches

If you are looking for a relaxing day by the coast, make sure to check out one of Mallorca’s incredible beaches. Cala Major Beach is the closest beach to the Palma Mallorca Cruise Port and is known for its lively atmosphere and abundance of amenities. 

One of the best ways to get to Cala Major Beach is by taking the number 4 bus from the city center. If you are looking to hit the beach directly from the cruise port terminal. Consider taking bus 108 which requires a short walk to get to, or think about taking a private transfer or a taxi for the quickest and most convenient options which takes about 7-minutes by car.

8. Enjoy A Wine Experience

Spain is renowned for producing delicious wines, and one of the finest ways to experience them is by participating in a wine tasting experience.

This allows you to learn from a local wine expert, sample various wines in the region, taste complimentary snacks like different cheeses, and gain insights into the flavors right in the heart of Palma. 

9. Explore Bellver Castle

Bellver Castle, often referred to as Castell de Bellver, is another extremely popular attraction to visit in the Balearic Islands.

This castle was originally constructed in the 14th century for King James II and is famous for being one of the only circular castles in the continent of Europe.

The castle is known for its Gothic architecture, unique design, and phenomenal views of Palma Bay due to its position on top of the hill overlooking the city.

10. Walk Around The Old Town Of Palma

Palma’s Old Town, also known as El Casco Antiguo, is the perfect place to visit if you want to experience a wide range of Palma’s top attractions.

Here, you will find a lively atmosphere filled with shops, cafe, and restaurants, as well as important landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. 

11. Go On A Boat Trip Excursion

One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Palma Bay and the surrounding areas is by taking a fun boat trip. This lets you fully appreciate the island of Mallorca’s charm, spend time on a smaller boat enjoying the Mediterranean Sea, and makes for great memories during your cruise stop.

Cruise Ports in Spain

Get to know Spain port by port. Click here for information on every cruise port in Spain.

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You cant visit Rome without taking in the incredible landmarks throughout the city.

These are the top cant-miss landmarks in Rome .

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Where Odysseus threw a barbecue: exploring Sicily’s Favignana island

The Egadi isles are said to have inspired the mythical islands in the Odyssey. Today, the largest of the group is a quiet place of blissful beaches, fresh fish, neon seas and ice-cream breakfasts

I cycled into birdsong, into colour, the light glimmering against the white of the low stone walls. There was a spaciousness as I cycled, a lateral stretching of soundscape, big skies, birds fluting. I didn’t meet anyone else on the narrow lanes and had a sense of being completely alone on an island of 2,000 people. Is there anything happier than being on a bicycle early in the morning, heading to the sea?

The Egadi archipelago off the north-west coast of Sicily is a well-kept secret. Italians come here on holiday, but the islands are relatively unknown to international tourists. And an even better-kept secret is that these magical islands inspired the fantastical lands of the Odyssey, Europe’s oldest travel story. There are a total of five islands and it’s possible to visit three of them.

I’d come to Favignana, Odyssey’s “island full of wonders” according to one theory, as part of my quest to discover the real-life places that inspired the Odysseus’s epic journey for my new book . As soon as I set foot here, I fell tipsily in love. The largest of the islands in the archipelago, it’s still tiny, measuring less than eight square miles.

According to one theory, this was the island where Odysseus’s crew stopped before he and a few companions went off to meet the Cyclops. Favignana is supposedly where they rested, hunted goats, barbecued them on the beach and drank “strong red wine” (though I didn’t see a single goat in all the time I spent there).

The first thing I did when I arrived was hire a bici from charming Marcello at the GAC rental shop right by the port. There’s no need for a car, because the island is so small and mostly flat. Favignana boasts one of Sicily’s most famed beaches, Cala Rossa, and I set out to find it. It was the site of one of those endless, confusing Punic wars – this cove was where the Greeks were badly outnumbered but fought their enemies so bravely that the seas turned red with blood, giving the beach its name. It’s a lovely bike ride over and the rocky beach is unlike any I’ve ever seen. Quarrying has left a legacy here, and the huge, vertical standing stones look strange and beautiful. And the water is a neon turquoise.

There are plenty of other – equally lovely, if less iconic – coves to visit. Lido Burrone is the island’s only sandy beach, and the most dramatic is Bue Marino, a former quarry on the east coast where the waters are deep and clear beneath walls of rock. It’s the most striking place for a swim on the island, and a great place to watch the sunrise. Cala Azzurra, nearby, is a more classic cove, and right above it is a simple cafe where owner Dario serves good panini and arancini.

For a little island, Favignana has a very bloodthirsty history. I learned about this at the excellent museum by the harbour. My guide explained that Favignana was the site of the largest tonnara (tuna fishery) in the Mediterranean, owned by the mega-wealthy Florio family (recently the subject of a film, The Lions of Sicily , on Disney Plus, starring many islanders as extras). She showed me around the 19th-century processing plant and explained all its dark innovations – including a complicated arrangement of seven nets that took a month to set up under water, and sinister long, wooden harpoons that were viciously effective. She told me fish were canned here in astonishing numbers.

The plant closed in 1982 and, thankfully, bluefin tuna are now subject to very strict quotas, but there is evidence of tuna fishing heritage all over town in plaques and photographs, and in the ruins of the ancient boathouse buildings across the water.

After all that history I grabbed a coffee from Maria at the Kiosko, a simple shack on Praia beach, near the factory. It also serves wine and beer, to be enjoyed on a deckchair facing the sea. I sat here for a while, reading more about the geography of the Odyssey. There are lots of conflicting theories: some people think Sicily was the island of the sun god , and Samuel Butler, a Victorian novelist, believed that Marettimo, the most remote island in the Egadi archipelago, could be Ithaca, Odysseus’s home island, the place he was desperately trying to return to.

For breakfast the next day I headed to Caffè Aegusa in the village, next to the yellow church, and watched as Italians guzzled enormous brioche con gelato with their espressos. Ice-cream for breakfast, that’s when you know you’re on holiday.

This island is far more relaxed and scruffy than places like Capri, although Camparia , a swish new beach bar that offers elegant cocktails and sunset views, is attempting to elevate the scene. Bar New Albatros in the centre of the village is more relaxed, with strong drinks, chilled vibes and an excellent playlist. For dinner there’s a bunch of options, from simple fried fish or spicy tuna kebabs at Pescheria Florio to more refined dining at Sotto Sale . La Bettola became a favourite for its delicious seafood spaghetti and friendly service. Lorenzo, the owner’s son, gets up at 4am every day to catch fish and calamari for the kitchen.

The island is about 30 minutes by hydrofoil from Sicily’s coast (in high season book tickets, including your return, in advance). It can be done on a day trip from Trapani. But for me, Favignana is not a place to rush around. To appreciate its wonders requires slowing down and spending some time here.

I stayed in Casa Giorgia , on a quiet street in the main village. There’s a wide range of hotels and guesthouses here and around the coast – just be sure to book well ahead in summer. I became friends with local fisherman Silvano “Lo Squalo” ( the shark) and joined him to eat the fish that he’d caught that day and shoot the breeze (even though I speak no Italian and he speaks no English). He’s great company and also offers rustic accommodation at his no-frills homestay in the countryside.

Occasionally I roused myself to take a day trip – to Marettimo for hiking and bird watching, and to Levanzo to look at the cave paintings. For more action, you could book a boat tour with Capitan Sinagra , or go scuba diving in the protected marine zone.

But the very best thing to do here is channel the Italians and find il dolce far niente , the sweetness of doing nothing. Favignana is a place to just be in the moment, figure out which direction the wind is blowing from, select a cove on the opposite coast (to minimise the chance of jellyfish stings), grab a traditional pane cunzato (a roll stuffed with tomato, tuna, anchovy, capers and basil) for lunch from Jimmy at the Panificio Costanza and some fig biscuits from Rosa at Antichi Sapori bakery, throw a swimsuit, some water and sunscreen in your bike basket and cycle to the beach, keeping an eye out for the peregrine falcons that live high above on Monte Santa Caterina.

For me, Favignana feels far more like Circe’s island, a place of magical enchantments rather than somewhere to hunt goats. All the geographical theories seemed pretty subjective, so why not invent my own? I lay in the sun and dreamed of Odysseus sailing across the perilous seas, of goddesses that turn into birds, of all those childish gods having their temper tantrums, and sent out a little prayer of thanks to all those old gods for being here in this real-life mythical island.

Enchanted Islands: Travels Through Myth & Magic, Love & Loss by Laura Coffey (Summersdale, £16.99) is published on 2 May. To support the Guardian and Observer, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com .

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