Sunlover Reef Cruises Moore Reef Pontoon Day Tour

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A full day on the outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, with about four hours at Sunlover's own pontoon at Moore Reef. Snorkel straight off the platform, or stay dry in the semi-submersible, glass bottom boat and underwater observatory, with a buffet lunch and the reef's only waterslide thrown in.

Days

Full day, about 7 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Shared reef cruise

Start / finish

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

Return

Reef Fleet Terminal, about 5:30pm

Transport

Large air-conditioned catamaran from Cairns

Meals

Buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea

Route

Map of Sunlover Reef Cruises Moore Reef Pontoon Day Tour

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Included experiences

Moore Reef pontoon — snorkel the outer reef from the platform
Glass bottom boat — coral, giant clams and fish without getting wet
Semi-submersible — cruise past coral gardens below the surface
Underwater observatory — watch reef life through the windows
Waterslide — a 30-metre spiral slide into the reef
Marine biologist talk — learn what lives on Moore Reef

Sunlover Reef Cruises Moore Reef Pontoon Day Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO THE OUTER REEF

Check in at the Sunlover desk in the Reef Fleet Terminal on the Cairns waterfront, then walk out to the catamaran at the main jetty. The boat leaves at 10:15am for Moore Reef, 47 km offshore on the outer Great Barrier Reef, which stretches more than 2,300 km down the Queensland coast. The run out takes about an hour and 45 minutes. Morning tea is served on the way, and the crew give a briefing on the day's activities and on snorkelling safely. Look back for the green hills behind Cairns, and ahead for flying fish skipping off the bow.

MIDDAY: THE MOORE REEF PONTOON

Around midday the boat ties up alongside Sunlover's two-storey pontoon and you step straight across. You have about four hours here. Pick up a mask, snorkel, fins, a lycra suit and a buoyancy vest, then walk down the handrailed stairs into the water. Close to the pontoon the coral sits 1 to 2 metres below you, and farther out the reef drops away. Look for the resident green turtles and the Maori wrasse, a big blue-green fish with thick lips that can grow to 2 metres. Lifeguards watch from a raised tower, with floating rest stations dotted around.

THE REEF WITHOUT GETTING WET

Prefer to stay dry? The glass bottom boat floats over coral gardens, giant clams and anemones just below the glass. Giant clams can grow more than a metre across and live for a century. The semi-submersible runs through the day, and the underwater observatory at the end of the pontoon is a room below the waterline. Kids can practise in the snorkel training area, and the 30-metre spiral slide off the sun deck is the only waterslide on the Great Barrier Reef. A tropical buffet lunch is served on the pontoon, and a marine biologist gives talks on what lives here. For an extra cost you can add a guided snorkel tour, a helmet dive or a scenic helicopter flight.

AFTERNOON: BACK TO CAIRNS

The boat leaves the reef at 4pm. Afternoon tea comes round on the 90-minute run home, and you're back at the Reef Fleet Terminal at about 5:30pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Sunlover desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns, opposite The Pier and the Shangri-La. Check in 8:45 to 9:45am with your booking confirmation and photo ID; the boat can't wait for late arrivals. Paid parking is at the Lagoon car park and The Pier car park, both off Pier Point Road.
Departure time: 10:15am daily from the main jetty outside the terminal; boarding closes at 10am.
Finishes: Back at the Reef Fleet Terminal at about 5:30pm.
Duration: About 7 hours 15 minutes, door to door from the terminal.
Minimum age: No minimum age. Infants under 4 travel free but must be included in the booking, and children under 12 must be watched by an adult at all times.
Fitness: Relaxed. You just need to move around the boat and pontoon; stairs with handrails lead into the water, and non-swimmers can see the reef from the observatory, glass bottom boat and semi-submersible.
Suits: All ages: families, first-time snorkellers, non-swimmers, seniors and keen snorkellers.
Accessibility: Gangways onto the boat and pontoon are narrow, so wheelchair users should let us know when booking. There are accessible toilets on the boat, and portable ramps.
Please note: Tours run in rain and cloud; some activities can be changed or stopped on the day for weather, tide or safety. Water is about 22°C in winter and 29°C in summer. No smoking or vaping, no drones, and no alcohol brought on board.

What to bring

Swimsuit and towel
SPF 30+ sunscreen (reef friendly recommended)
Hat, sunglasses and a t-shirt or rash vest for the sun
A change of clothes for the trip home
Cash or card for the bar 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

Return catamaran from Cairns to the Moore Reef pontoon
About 4 hours at the pontoon
Snorkel gear: mask, snorkel, fins, lycra suit and buoyancy vest
Glass bottom boat tour (conditions permitting)
Semi-submersible tour (conditions permitting)
Underwater observatory
30-metre waterslide, sun deck and kids snorkel training area
Tropical buffet lunch
Marine biologist presentation

Not included

Hotel transfers to the Reef Fleet Terminal
Wetsuit hire ($10 on board, if you want more warmth than the lycra suit)
Snacks, drinks from the bar, photos and camera hire
Optional extras such as a guided snorkel tour, Seawalker helmet dive, scuba dive or helicopter flight

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 5 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

As non-swimmers we chose the Moore Reef trip and the crew made it easy and stress-free. Cora patiently helped us snorkel on our own, our guide Izzy made it so enjoyable, and we spotted a few sea turtles. The boat was clean and comfortable and the food was good.

Shridevi K Verified· Travelled 15th October 2026

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(5/5)

An unforgettable day at Moore Reef. Our four-year-old loved the pontoon and water slide, while we enjoyed the snorkelling, the glass-bottom boat and the photos. We'd have liked more time at the pontoon, as we couldn't fit everything in, especially the submarine.

Etyene Lavall Verified· Travelled 14th October 2026

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(5/5)

A great day on Moore Reef in clear conditions. The crew were friendly and accommodating, the food was fantastic and the facilities were clean.

Rob Verified· Travelled 11th October 2026

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(5/5)

Our family had a terrific time at Moore Reef. Exceptional service, with special thanks to Jack for the scuba diving and Izzy our snorkelling guide. The sea was rough, but the staff made it memorable.

Vijay Pulla Verified· Travelled 15th September 2026

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(5/5)

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Moore Reef. Outstanding staff, a great lunch and a wonderful day out for all.

Andrew Thompson Verified· Travelled 27th August 2026

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