Sunlover Reef Cruises Moore Reef with Heli Fly Back to Cairns

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A full day at Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, reached by catamaran, then a 25 minute helicopter flight back to Cairns over the reef and Fitzroy Island instead of the long boat ride home.

Days

Full day, 8:45am to about 4:30pm

Age

All ages

Group size

Up to 6 guests per helicopter

Start / finish

Cairns / Moore Reef / Cairns
Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns, about 4:30pm

Return

Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns, about 4:30pm

Transport

Catamaran out, helicopter back

Meals

Morning tea and buffet lunch

Route

Map of Sunlover Reef Cruises Moore Reef with Heli Fly Back to Cairns

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Included experiences

Moore Reef lagoon — snorkel coral gardens with turtles and Maori wrasse
Glass bottom boat and semi-submersible — see the coral without getting wet
Underwater observatory — watch the reef from below the pontoon
Waterslide — 30 metres straight into the lagoon
Marine biologist talks — learn about the reef through the day
Scenic flight — 25 minutes back over the reef and Fitzroy Island

Sunlover Reef Cruises Moore Reef with Heli Fly Back to Cairns

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO THE OUTER REEF

Your day starts at the Sunlover counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal on the Cairns waterfront, where the city's reef boats gather each morning. The catamaran leaves at 10:15am for a crossing of about an hour and three quarters, with morning tea and a talk about the reef on the way. You are heading for Moore Reef, about 47 km offshore on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, a system of more than 2,900 reefs that has been World Heritage-listed since 1981. Watch the water turn from green to deep blue as the coast drops behind you.

MIDDAY TO MID-AFTERNOON: THE MOORE REEF PONTOON

You arrive at about midday, and after the safety and snorkel briefing the two-storey pontoon is your base for about three and a half hours. Sunlover has this section of Moore Reef to itself. The snorkel lagoon covers 9,000 square metres, from shallows of 1 to 2 metres out to a 15 metre wall and canyon, with lifeguards watching all day. Look out for the resident Maori wrasse, a fish that can grow to 2 metres and live for 30 years, often cruising under the platform. Prefer to stay dry? The glass bottom boat, semi-submersible and underwater observatory bring the coral to you, and there's a buffet lunch, marine biologist talks and a 30 metre waterslide.

MID-AFTERNOON: THE FLIGHT HOME

At about 3:30pm, while everyone else waits for the boat, you climb into the helicopter at the pontoon's helipad. The 25 minute flight is the best view of the reef there is: from the air you see the shapes of whole reefs, the dark channels between them, and sometimes rays, turtles and reef sharks in the shallows, with humpback whales in winter. Your pilot talks you through it on the headset as you pass Fitzroy Island, named by James Cook in 1770, and cross the Yarrabah Peninsula, home to an Aboriginal community that began as a mission in 1892.

LATE AFTERNOON: BACK IN CAIRNS

You land at the Zoom Helicopters hangar at Cairns Airport at about 3:55pm. A transfer takes you back to the Reef Fleet Terminal, where the day finishes at about 4:30pm, well before the boat you came out on gets home.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Sunlover counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Check in between 8:45am and 9:45am.
Departure time: The catamaran leaves at 10:15am. Runs daily except Christmas Day.
Finishes: Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns, at about 4:30pm, after landing at Cairns Airport at about 3:55pm.
Minimum age: All ages. Infants under 2 can fly on a parent's lap; from 2 years every passenger needs their own seat.
Fitness: Low. The reef can be seen without swimming from the glass bottom boat, semi-submersible and observatory.
Please note: Give every passenger's weight when you book. The maximum seat weight is 130 kg, a weight more than 10% above what was given can bring extra charges, and passengers over 130 kg pay a surcharge on the flight. Carry-on is limited to about 5 kg in soft bags. If you add a scuba dive, dive guidelines recommend waiting about 12 hours after one dive before flying above 300 metres, so weigh this up before booking a dive on this day.

What to bring

Swimwear and a towel
Reef-friendly sunscreen (SPF 30+), hat and sunglasses
A t-shirt or rash vest for sun protection
Camera
Cash or card for on-board purchases and optional extras
Small soft bags only for the helicopter

What is included

Catamaran from Cairns to the Moore Reef pontoon
About 3.5 hours at the pontoon
Snorkelling equipment and instruction, including a lycra suit and buoyancy vest
Glass bottom boat tour and semi-submersible tour (semi-submersible subject to wind)
Underwater observatory, sun deck, waterslide and children's snorkel training area
Morning tea on the cruise and buffet lunch on the pontoon
Tea and coffee on board and at the reef
Helicopter flight back to Cairns, about 25 minutes
Transfer from the Zoom Helicopters hangar to the Reef Fleet Terminal

Not included

Hotel transfers
Food, drinks and other purchases on board
Optional extras: guided snorkel tour, introductory or certified scuba dive, Seawalker helmet dive
Reef photography (Calypso Reef Imagery, on board)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.