35. Port Douglas - Low Isles

Sunday 28 September

I made my way to the Marina for my trip to the Low Isles. There are several tours to choose from but I wanted to sail on "Shaolin", an authentic Chinese Junk. She is the only boat that leaves at midday and returns around sunset. You can BYO alcohol and the Captain puts it in the esky for you to keep cold. The maximum number of guests is only 23 making it a more personalised and friendly experience. On this day there were 17 of us. I would recommend this to anyone wishing to see the Low Isles - the trip on Shaolin is something that lingers with you long after your holiday is over.



Shaolin

Commissioned by an admiral and built from teak in Hong Kong, she cruised the South China Sea for 16 years, sailing around the world twice, before Port Douglas became her home.

Shaolin has been operating for over 21 years and is the longest running charter boat in "Port", laced with history and charm.



At the Marina

Standing in front of Shaolin.

Shaolin

Shaolin is an authentic Chinese Junk which sails to the Low Isles each day at noon. The magnificent polished timber, opulent Oriental decor of the Bedroom would make this a dream come true for those who wanted to live "At Sea."

The Inside

The ship is a timber ship with beautiful polished timber. The one bedroom has portholes on either side and above the bed. Red silk coverings of Chinese design with plump pillows and cushions.

On boarding, we had morning tea with delicious cakes served to us by the Captain's mate, Pete. The square table has a red top with a timber "lip" - to prevent cups from falling off.


Onboard Shaolin

Morning tea over, the trip takes one and a half hours. The wind was cool, the sea a little choppy, and as we neared the Low Isles, the weather became warmner, the sea calmer and the sun shone brightly in an blue sky.

Low Isles Lighthouse

Low Isles is a pristine coral cay island on the Great Barrier Reef and when we reached this blue lagoon, we had a delicious lunch of assorted cold meats, salads and crisp rolls.

Malaita

Other boats at the island.


Sailaway IV

Sailaway was making its way back to Port D.

Glass-bottomed Boat

Lunch over, we climbed into the glass-bottomed boat and saw fish and coral through the glass. We marveled at the turtles swimming around and under us.


Ocean View

Standing on the island and looking out, you can see Shaolin on the right-hand side and the glass-bottom boat in the middle. There is another boat to the left.