PORT DOUGLAS VOYAGER LAUNCH: A FAMILY’S BOLD INVESTMENT REIGNITES GREAT BARRIER REEF LUXURY

Published on December 2, 2025

Port Douglas celebrated a triumphant milestone on November 27, 2025. The brand-new luxury catamaran, the Voyager, was officially launched. This marks a defining moment for the region’s marine tourism. The investment is a deeply personal one for the local ABC Reef Safaris family business. This significant private investment defies current industry trends. It shows true belief in the future of the Great Barrier Reef. Everyone feels an infectious excitement about this arrival.

The Voyager is the first new reef tourism vessel since 2018. This bold move highlights the strength of local operators. It reinforces Port Douglas as a world-class tourism destination. This new asset will attract discerning, high-yield travellers. These visitors seek meaningful, nature-rich experiences. The Voyager speaks directly to that global audience.

Custom-Designed for Premium Travel

The Voyager is a custom-designed, 20-metre luxury catamaran. It focuses on delivering a premium, intimate reef experience. The vessel limits its capacity to a maximum of 24 guests. This ensures unparalleled space and comfort for all travellers. The exceptional 6:1 guest-to-crew ratio guarantees highly personalised service. This ratio is a benchmark for quality reef interaction.

The crew is an exceptional team of experts. They include Marine Biologists, Naturalists, and Master Reef Guides. Their expertise offers a curated and interpretive journey. This focus deepens the guests’ connection to the natural wonder. The vessel’s design and experience reflect the sophistication of modern travellers. It remains absolutely true to sustainable and educational roots.

ABC Reef Safaris owner, Jay Wink, spoke about the new vessel. He stated the Voyager embodies everything they love about the Great Barrier Reef. He mentioned its beauty, its fragility, and its ability to inspire. He explained they wanted to deliver the highest comfort standard. Crucially, they also want to deepen their guests’ appreciation for this extraordinary natural wonder.

Government Support Fuels Growth

The development of the Voyager was supported by the Queensland Government. Funding was provided through the Growing Future Tourism Fund. This key government program backs innovative tourism projects. It aims to enhance Queensland’s visitor offerings. The fund also works to create new economic opportunities across the state.

This project is the first statewide delivery under Round 2 of the grant fund. It showcases the government’s commitment to premium ecotourism. The investment aligns perfectly with the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 plan. This plan aims to position Queensland as a global tourism leader. It supports richer visitor experiences and new jobs. The government recognises private sector investment is vital. This funding enables new infrastructure and experiences.

The Executive Officer of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, Emma Tunnock, welcomed the launch. She said the Voyager is an extraordinary achievement. She called it an inspiration to the entire industry. She noted seeing a local, family-run business take this bold step is a testament to the region’s strength. It confirms the world-class product this region produces.

Boosting Port Douglas’s Global Standing

Marine tourism is a cornerstone of the Port Douglas Daintree destination. Continued investment in premium experiences drives growth. The Voyager will play a crucial role in this next phase. It elevates the region’s luxury appeal globally. The family business has already earned national and international acclaim. It was previously named Australia’s number one tourism experience by TripAdvisor. This new vessel builds powerfully upon that legacy.

The Voyager commenced operational journeys shortly after its launch. This timeline began around December 1, 2025. This timely entry captures the peak international travel season. It offers a new, essential product for the high-end market. The focus on small-group luxury is vital. It delivers a high-quality, low-impact experience. This is crucial for the Great Barrier Reef’s sensitive environment.

This bold investment is a source of immense pride for the entire community. It reinforces the region’s unique value proposition. Port Douglas is known as the closest gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The launch ensures the destination remains competitive and attractive. It solidifies its reputation for sustainable, world-class natural tourism. The Voyager will inspire countless future visits to this tropical paradise. A single family’s passionate investment has made the dream of a new luxury reef future a stunning reality.