Sunlover Reef Cruises Reef Zoom Half Day Tour, Cruise Out+Fly Back

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See the outer Great Barrier Reef and be back in Cairns by lunchtime. Cruise out to Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon for about two hours of snorkelling and reef viewing, then fly home on a 25-minute ZOOM helicopter flight over the reef, islands and rainforest coast.

Days

Half day, about 4 hours 15 minutes

Age

All ages; a helicopter seat is needed from age 2

Group size

Shared cruise; up to 6 per flight

Start / finish

Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns / Moore Reef / Cairns Airport
Reef Fleet Terminal by transfer, about 12:25pm

Return

Reef Fleet Terminal by transfer, about 12:25pm

Transport

Catamaran out, ZOOM helicopter back

Meals

No meals; tea and coffee included

Route

Map of Sunlover Reef Cruises Reef Zoom Half Day Tour, Cruise Out+Fly Back

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Included experiences

Moore Reef pontoon — snorkel the outer reef from the platform
Glass bottom boat and semi-submersible — see the coral without getting wet
Underwater observatory — watch reef life through the windows
Waterslide — a 30-metre spiral slide into the reef
Helicopter flight — 25 minutes over the reef, islands and coast to Cairns

Sunlover Reef Cruises Reef Zoom Half Day Tour, Cruise Out+Fly Back

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: CAIRNS TO MOORE REEF

An early start pays off. Check in at the Sunlover counter in the Reef Fleet Terminal between 7 and 7:30am, and the air-conditioned catamaran leaves Cairns at 8am, with tea and coffee on board. The run out takes about an hour and a half to Moore Reef, 47 km offshore on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is made up of about 2,900 separate reefs stretching more than 2,300 km down the Queensland coast, and was World Heritage-listed in 1981. Reef time is short on this trip, so if you want a guided snorkel, a Seawalker helmet dive or an introductory dive, book it ahead.

MORNING: TWO HOURS AT THE PONTOON

You reach Sunlover's two-storey pontoon at about 9:30am and have around two hours on the reef. Snorkel gear, a lycra suit and a flotation vest are handed out, and you slip in from stairs where the coral starts 1 to 2 metres down, with lifeguards watching from a raised tower. Look for green turtles and humphead Maori wrasse, a fish that can grow to 2 metres. Prefer to stay dry? Take the glass bottom boat over giant clams and anemones, ride the semi-submersible, or sit in the underwater observatory below the waterline. Kids have a snorkel training area and an enclosed ocean pool, and the 30-metre spiral waterslide off the sun deck is the only one on the reef.

LATE MORNING: THE FLIGHT HOME

At 11:45am you board a ZOOM helicopter from the pontoon's helipad, no more than six to a flight. Seen from the air, the reef shows its real shape: turquoise lagoons, dark coral bommies and pale sand channels cutting through the blue. Over 25 minutes your pilot points out reef features and marine life as you cross back past the islands to the rainforest coastline, where the ranges of the Wet Tropics rise straight from the sea. The Wet Tropics were World Heritage-listed in 1988 and are among the oldest rainforests on earth.

MIDDAY: BACK IN CAIRNS

You land at ZOOM's hangar at General Aviation, Cairns Airport, at about 12:10pm, and a free transfer takes you back to the Reef Fleet Terminal by about 12:25pm. That leaves the whole afternoon free, which is why this trip suits a short stay or a cruise ship visit. Lunch isn't included, so the cafés on the Esplanade are a short walk away.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Sunlover counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns, opposite The Pier and the Shangri-La. Check in 7 to 7:30am with your booking confirmation and photo ID. Paid parking is at the Lagoon car park and The Pier car park, both off Pier Point Road.
Departure time: 8am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Finishes: The helicopter lands at ZOOM's hangar, 21 Bush Pilots Avenue, Cairns Airport, at about 12:10pm, and the free transfer has you back at the Reef Fleet Terminal at about 12:25pm.
Minimum age: Adults are 16 and over; children from 2 need their own helicopter seat, and infants under 2 fly free.
Fitness: Relaxed. You need to move around the boat and pontoon.
Please note: We need each passenger's body weight when you book, and the most any one helicopter seat can carry is 130 kg. Flights need reasonable visibility; if yours can't fly, you return by catamaran and the flight is rebooked or refunded. Included activities such as the semi-submersible can be stopped for weather without a refund.

What to bring

Swimsuit and towel
SPF 30+ sunscreen (reef friendly recommended)
Hat, sunglasses and a t-shirt or rash vest for the sun
Cash or card for food and extras (AUD cash, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, WeChat Pay; no American Express)
Motion sickness tablets if you are prone, taken before you leave
Camera, or hire an underwater camera on board

What is included

Air-conditioned catamaran from Cairns to Moore Reef
25-minute ZOOM helicopter flight from the pontoon to Cairns Airport
Transfer from the ZOOM hangar back to the Reef Fleet Terminal
About 2 hours at the Moore Reef pontoon
Snorkel gear: mask, snorkel, fins, lycra suit and flotation vest
Glass bottom boat tour (conditions permitting)
Semi-submersible tour (subject to wind conditions)
Underwater observatory, sun deck and waterslide
Kids snorkel training area and enclosed ocean pool
Tea, coffee and filtered water

Not included

Meals: no lunch is included; food and drinks are sold on board and at the pontoon
Hotel transfers to the Reef Fleet Terminal
Optional extras such as a guided snorkel tour, Seawalker helmet dive or introductory dive

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

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.