Reef Magic Pontoon Snorkelling & 10 Minute Heli Ride

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A full day at Reef Magic's pontoon on Moore Reef, about 45 km off Cairns, with five hours to snorkel, ride the semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat, and a 10 minute helicopter flight over the reef from the pontoon. Lunch, wetsuits and snorkel gear are included.

Days

Full day, about 8 hours

Age

All ages; infants under 3 fly on a lap

Group size

Shared reef cruise

Start / finish

Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal / Moore Reef / Cairns
Cairns, about 5pm

Return

Cairns, about 5pm

Transport

Motor catamaran from Cairns, helicopter flight at the reef

Meals

Morning and afternoon tea and a buffet lunch

Route

Map of Reef Magic Pontoon Snorkelling & 10 Minute Heli Ride

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Included experiences

Moore Reef pontoon — snorkel for up to five hours
Helicopter — 10 minute flight over the reef from the pontoon
Semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat — reef tours with commentary
Underwater observatory — fish feeding with a marine biologist
Marine biology talk — reef briefing on the crossing

Reef Magic Pontoon Snorkelling & 10 Minute Heli Ride

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO THE OUTER REEF

Your day starts at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal on Spence Street, where boarding opens at 8:15am. Cairns was founded in 1876 as a port for the Hodgkinson River goldfield, and today it is the main gateway to the reef. The fast, stable catamaran leaves Marlin Jetty at 9am for the 90-minute run to the outer reef. On the way a marine biologist gives a talk on how the Great Barrier Reef works. It stretches some 2,300 km and was listed as World Heritage in 1981. Coach transfers from Cairns and the Northern Beaches can be added for an extra cost.

LATE MORNING: THE REEF MAGIC PONTOON

The catamaran ties up at the Reef Magic pontoon on Moore Reef, about 45 km east of Cairns. The platform is 45 by 22 metres, runs on three wind turbines and 12 solar panels, and sits over reef from 1 to 25 metres deep. You have about five hours here. Grab your mask, fins and a wetsuit or lycra suit from the crew, then slip into the water straight off the platform. Less confident swimmers have a shallow coral lagoon with floating rest stations. Want to stay dry? The glass-bottom boat goes out first, at about 10:45am, and the semi-submersible takes you over the coral with a guide talking you through what passes the windows.

YOUR HELICOPTER FLIGHT

At some point in your five hours at the reef, the crew call you up to the helipad for your flight with Nautilus Aviation. The helicopter lifts straight off the pontoon and climbs to about 1,000 feet, and suddenly Moore Reef makes sense: you see where the deep blue water meets the turquoise shallows and the dark shapes of coral below. Ten minutes in the air is long enough to spot turtles, reef sharks, manta rays and schools of fish from above, with islands and white sand cays further off. Then you're back on the platform with plenty of time to swim.

AFTERNOON: LUNCH AND THE OBSERVATORY

Lunch is a hot and cold buffet at noon, with vegetarian dishes, made by Ochre, the Cairns restaurant behind the catering. At about 1pm the marine biologist runs the fish feeding and identification session at the underwater observatory, a room below the waterline where the reef's fish come right up to the glass. Watch for parrotfish, which crunch coral with their beak-like teeth and turn it into fine white sand. There is a sundeck for drying off, with freshwater showers and changing rooms.

LATE AFTERNOON: BACK TO CAIRNS

The boat pulls away from the pontoon at about 3:30pm. Afternoon tea comes out on the run back across the Coral Sea, and you step off at the Cairns waterfront at about 5pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Paid parking is nearby behind Pier Marketplace, under the Shangri-La and at Trinity Wharf; street parking is free after 2pm Saturday and all Sunday.
Departure time: Boarding from 8:15am, final boarding 8:45am; departs Marlin Jetty at 9am.
Finishes: Back in Cairns about 5pm.
Minimum age: No minimum for the cruise. Children under 3 can fly on a parent's lap (one infant per helicopter); everyone 3 and over needs a seat. Under-16s must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Fitness: Suits non-swimmers: the semi-submersible, glass-bottom boat and observatory keep you dry, and snorkellers get flotation vests and rest stations.
Suits: Families, first-time snorkellers and anyone after a reef view from the air. The boat and pontoon have ramps and wide aisles, and the boat has a wheelchair-accessible bathroom; tell us about wheelchair needs before booking.
Please note: The helicopter normally needs at least two passengers to fly, and each helicopter has a combined weight limit. Trips run in the rain; wind and swell decide how smooth the crossing is. Stinger season is November to May, and lycra suits are free.

What to bring

Swimwear
Towel
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Dry change of clothes
Visa, Mastercard or cash for extras
Seasickness tablets if you are prone, taken about 30 minutes before departure (also sold on board)

What is included

10 minute scenic helicopter flight from the pontoon
Return catamaran trip from Cairns to the Reef Magic pontoon at Moore Reef
About five hours at the pontoon
Snorkelling equipment and instruction, with flotation devices in adult and child sizes
5mm wetsuits and lycra suits
Marine biology talk on the way out
Semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours with commentary
Fish feeding and identification session with a marine biologist
Underwater observatory
Morning and afternoon tea, and a hot and cold buffet lunch with vegetarian options
Tea, coffee and drinking water all day
Sundeck, freshwater showers and changing rooms

Not included

Coach transfers from Cairns City or Northern Beaches accommodation (extra cost)
Scuba dives, helmet diving and guided snorkel tours
Lockers on board
Prescription mask hire
Drinks from the bar and souvenirs

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.