Reef Magic Reef Indulgence Package

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Fly out to the Great Barrier Reef by helicopter, spend the middle of the day in a private area on Reef Magic's Moore Reef pontoon with champagne, a seafood or chosen platter and your own snorkel guide, then fly back over the reef to Cairns. It is the reef in half a day, without the boat ride or the crowd.

Days

Half day, about 6 hours

Age

3 years and over; snorkelling from 6

Group size

Private host, minimum 2 adults

Start / finish

Cairns heli desk / Moore Reef / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Helicopter both ways

Meals

Canapés, champagne and a platter lunch for two

Route

Map of Reef Magic Reef Indulgence Package

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Included experiences

Helicopter — scenic flight over the reef each way
Moore Reef pontoon — private VIP area with champagne
Coral gardens — private guided snorkel tour
Marine lab — private tour with a marine biologist
Glass-bottom boat — priority boarding with a cultural guide

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: LIFT OFF FROM CAIRNS

Check in at the Nautilus Aviation heli desk on Pier Point Road at 9:45am, and at 10:30am the helicopter lifts off over the Cairns waterfront. The town was founded in 1876 as a port for the Hodgkinson River goldfield. Behind you, the rainforest of the Wet Tropics, World Heritage-listed since 1988, runs down to the beaches. Ahead, the water turns from green to turquoise to deep blue. The flight takes about 20 minutes, long enough to see the shapes of the Great Barrier Reef below, a system of some 2,900 reefs stretching about 2,300 km. There's no boat ride and no queue.

MIDDAY: YOUR PRIVATE CORNER OF MOORE REEF

You land on the Reef Magic pontoon at Moore Reef, about 45 km east of Cairns, a platform powered by wind turbines and solar panels. A private area is set aside for you, with canapés, champagne, a gift and luxury towels waiting. A guide then takes you on a private snorkel tour of the coral gardens around the pontoon, where you might meet green turtles, giant clams and parrotfish. Back in your private area, lunch is the platter for two you chose from the Ochre menu when you booked, served with more champagne.

AFTERNOON: THE GLASS-BOTTOM BOAT AND THE LAB

After lunch you board the glass-bottom boat ahead of the queue, with your own cultural guide sharing the stories of the sea country you are floating over. Then a marine biologist gives you a private tour of the marine lab on the pontoon, explaining how corals grow, how the reef is studied, and the restoration work being done here. Finally the helicopter takes you back over the reef to Cairns, and the reef you just swam on shrinks to a patch of turquoise behind you.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Nautilus Aviation heli desk, 2 Pier Point Road, Cairns.
Departure time: Check in at 9:45am (closes 10am) for the 10:30am flight.
Duration: Half a day, about six hours; your return flight time is confirmed when you book.
Minimum age: 3 years. Children under 6 can't join the snorkel tour.
Fitness: Easy. The glass-bottom boat and lab tour keep you dry if you'd rather not snorkel. Each passenger must weigh under 130 kg to fly.
Suits: Couples and small groups who want privacy and want to fit the reef into half a day. Bookings are for at least two adults.
Dietary needs: Choose your platter when you book; if none is chosen, the seafood platter is served.
Please note: Groups of more than two, and bookings less than 28 days ahead, are subject to availability. Stinger season is November to May; lycra suits are provided.

What to bring

Swimwear
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Dry change of clothes
Visa, Mastercard or cash for extras

What is included

Scenic helicopter flights from Cairns to the pontoon and back
Private VIP area with comfortable seating on the Reef Magic pontoon
Canapés and champagne through the day
Premium platter lunch for two from the Ochre menu
Private snorkel tour, with snorkel gear and lycra suit
Private marine lab tour with a marine biologist
Priority boarding on the glass-bottom boat with a personal cultural guide
Luxury towels and a gift to take home

Not included

Optional activities such as scuba diving and helmet diving
Extra bar items and souvenirs

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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.