Great Adventures Moore Reef Pontoon Day Tour (+ 1 Introductory Dive)

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A day on Great Adventures' platform at Moore Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef, with one introductory scuba dive for people who have never dived. A PADI instructor supervises the whole dive, and lunch, snorkelling, the semi-submersible and the underwater observatory are included too.

Days

About 7 hours

Age

12 years and over for the dive

Group size

Shared reef cruise

Start / finish

Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal / Moore Reef / Cairns
Cairns, around 5:30pm

Return

Cairns, around 5:30pm

Transport

Fast catamaran from the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns

Meals

Morning tea, buffet lunch, afternoon tea

Route

Map of Great Adventures Moore Reef Pontoon Day Tour (+ 1 Introductory Dive)

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Included experiences

Moore Reef — introductory scuba dive with a PADI instructor
Outer reef platform — snorkel the coral gardens
Semi-submersible — 25 minute ride over the coral
Underwater observatory — reef talk with a marine biologist
Fish feeding — presentation by a marine biologist

Great Adventures Moore Reef Pontoon Day Tour (+ 1 Introductory Dive)

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO MOORE REEF

Check in at the Great Adventures counter in the Reef Fleet Terminal on the Cairns waterfront and board the air-conditioned fast catamaran mid-morning. Morning tea, a cake selection and coffee are served before it casts off, and the crew give a reef education presentation during the day, so you arrive knowing a staghorn coral from a plate coral. Behind you, Cairns shrinks against the green wall of the ranges. The town began in 1876 as a port for the Hodgkinson River goldfield, and the reef has long since replaced the gold.

MOORE REEF: THE PLATFORM

Great Adventures' platform is moored at Moore Reef, on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, the 2,300 km system that has been World Heritage-listed since 1981. Out here the water is clearer and bluer than near the coast. The catamaran ties up at a large, stable platform with change rooms, freshwater showers, a sundeck and undercover seating, and you have about three hours here. Crew fit your mask, snorkel, fins and lycra suit, hand out buoyancy vests and give first-timers tips before they slip in, while lifeguard-trained staff watch the water.

YOUR FIRST DIVE

This is the part of the day you'll talk about. Your introductory dive needs no experience or certificate, and PADI instructors supervise the whole dive. First you fill in a medical questionnaire, because some conditions, medications and height limits can rule diving out. Then you breathe underwater for the first time on the outer reef. Around the platform, Maori wrasse cruise beneath the pontoon (the largest of the wrasses, they can grow to two metres), with trevally and giant clams on the coral below, and green and hawksbill turtles feed at the site the crew call Turtle Sanctuary.

SEMI-SUB, OBSERVATORY AND LUNCH

Between swims, ride the semi-submersible, which leaves the back of the platform about every half hour for a 25 minute glide over the coral with crew commentary. Walk down into the underwater observatory to watch fish, corals and giant clams through the windows, on your own or with a marine biologist's eco reef talk. Giant clams are the largest shellfish on earth and can live for more than a century. A marine biologist also runs a fish feeding presentation, and lunch is a hot and cold buffet on the platform.

AFTERNOON: BACK TO CAIRNS

Water activities wrap up mid-afternoon. Rinse off in the showers, then settle in for the ride home with afternoon tea and cheese and biscuits. You're back at the terminal in the late afternoon, sun-tired and salty.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Great Adventures counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns, beside the Pier Marketplace. Arrive about an hour before departure to collect boarding passes; boarding starts 30 minutes before the boat leaves.
Departure time: Leaves Cairns at about 10:30am and returns about 5:30pm; your times are confirmed when you book.
Minimum age: 12 years for scuba diving.
Fitness: Diving can be strenuous. You complete a medical questionnaire, and certain medical conditions, medications and height restrictions may rule some people out of in-water activities; tell the crew about any condition.
Dietary needs: The buffet has vegetarian options and lists ingredients. Tell us about any other dietary needs when you book.
Accessibility: There are steps onto the platform, into the underwater observatory and into the semi-submersible. Whether there is an accessible toilet depends on the boat on the day.
Please note: Marine stingers are most common from November to April; the lycra suit helps protect you from stings and sun. The catamarans are large and stable, and seasickness tablets are sold on board, with free ginger tablets. Parking is available outside or undercover at the Pier, and nearby at the Reef Casino and the Cairns Hilton. After a single dive, wait 12 hours before flying or going above 300 metres (24 hours after several dives).

What to bring

Swimwear and towel
Hat and sunscreen (reef-safe sunscreen is recommended)
Sunglasses
Comfortable shoes
Camera (drones are not allowed)
Credit or debit card for purchases on board

What is included

Return air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise from Cairns
Morning tea, cake selection and coffee
About three hours at the outer reef platform at Moore Reef
One introductory scuba dive (no experience needed) with a PADI instructor
Snorkelling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins and lycra suit
Buoyancy vests at the pontoon
Reef education presentation
Hot and cold buffet lunch
Semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour
Underwater observatory with a guided eco reef talk
Fish feeding presentation with a marine biologist
Afternoon tea and coffee at the platform, cheese and biscuits on the return journey

Not included

Fuel surcharge, collected at check-in on the day: adult $10, child $5
Optional extras on the day, subject to availability: a second dive, Scuba Doo, marine biologist guided snorkel tour, scenic helicopter flights, GoPro hire
Hotel transfers to the terminal (coach transfers can be arranged from most Cairns and Northern Beaches hotels)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.