Best Superyacht Anchorages off Port Douglas – Snapper Island

By Yvette, December 15, 2023 Posted in: Charter Yachts Australia, YOTSPACE Great Barrier Reef Charters, YOTSPACE Superyacht Charters
Yacht Charter Port Douglas, Queensland - Flying Fish Luxury Yacht

Best Superyacht Anchorages off Port Douglas – Snapper Island

By YOTSPACE

Snapper Island is a small uninhabited island located just 20km off the coast of Port Douglas on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The island has a rich history and environmental importance, and it is a popular destination for superyacht charter guests who want to explore the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

When you look at the island from the distance you may see why it inherited the name Snapper Island, it looks like the head of a crocodile.

Superyacht Charters Port Douglas AP

History of Snapper Island

  • Snapper Island was originally inhabited by the Yirrganydji Aboriginal people, who are the traditional owners of the land.
  • In the 19th century, the island was used as a quarantine station for ships arriving from overseas.
  • During World War II, the island was used as a defence post to protect the coast from enemy attack.

Environmental Importance

  • Snapper Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a diverse range of marine life.
  • The island is surrounded by coral gardens that are home to a variety of fish, including snappers, angelfish, and barracudas.
  • The island’s rocky shores provide a habitat for seabirds and marine reptiles, including green sea turtles and saltwater crocodiles.

Topography of Snapper Island

  • Snapper Island covers an area of 2.2 hectares and has a maximum elevation of 61 metres above sea level.
  • The island is surrounded by rocky shores and coral reefs, and there are several small sandy beaches that are accessible by boat.
  • The island’s interior is covered in dense vegetation, including rainforest and mangroves.

Significance of Snapper Island Today

  • Today, Snapper Island is a popular destination for superyacht charter boats and snorkelling trips, where visitors can explore the island’s coral gardens and see the diverse range of marine life that calls the Great Barrier Reef home.
  • The island is also used for research and conservation purposes, with scientists studying the impact of climate change and other environmental factors on the reef.

Visiting Snapper Island

  • Visitors can book a superyacht from Port Douglas to Snapper Island, where they will have the opportunity to explore the island’s coral gardens and surrounding waters.
  • Snorkelling is a popular activity on the island, and visitors can see a variety of colourful fish and coral species in the shallow waters.
  • Diving is also possible around the island, with deeper dive sites that offer the chance to see larger marine animals, such as manta rays and sharks.

In conclusion, Snapper Island is a small but significant island off the coast of Port Douglas on the Great Barrier Reef. With its rich history, environmental importance, and diverse marine life, it is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to explore the beauty of the reef. Visitors can take a superyacht charter boat to the island, where they can snorkel or dive in the island’s coral gardens and see the incredible diversity of marine life that calls the Great Barrier Reef home.

Speak to the YOTSPACE crew and ask them to plan the perfect day for you out on the Great Barrier Reef off Port Douglas on a superyacht.

Learn more about the best superyacht anchorages off Port Douglas.

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