Sunlover Reef Cruises Moore Reef Pontoon Day Tour + Helicopter Ride

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Spend a full day at Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon on the outer Great Barrier Reef and see it from the air as well, on a 10-minute helicopter flight that takes off from the pontoon's own helipad. Snorkelling, the glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, observatory and a buffet lunch are all part of the day.

Days

Full day, about 7 hours

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
Reef Fleet Terminal, about 5:30pm

Return

Reef Fleet Terminal, about 5:30pm

Transport

Catamaran from Cairns; helicopter flight from the pontoon

Meals

Buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea

Route

Map of Sunlover Reef Cruises Moore Reef Pontoon Day Tour + Helicopter Ride

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Included experiences

Scenic helicopter flight — 10 minutes over Moore Reef from the pontoon
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

Sunlover Reef Cruises Moore Reef Pontoon Day Tour + Helicopter Ride

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO MOORE REEF

Check in at the Sunlover desk in the Reef Fleet Terminal, at the southern end of the Esplanade in Cairns, then walk out to the catamaran on the main jetty. You leave at 10:15am and run out along Trinity Inlet, named for the bay Captain Cook sailed into on Trinity Sunday in 1770. The trip to Moore Reef, about 47 km offshore, takes around an hour and 45 minutes, with morning tea and a briefing on the day's activities and safety on the way. The water changes from green to deep blue as the coast drops behind.

MIDDAY TO 4PM: THE PONTOON

Around midday the boat ties up beside Sunlover's two-storey pontoon and you step straight across for about four hours on the outer Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed since 1981. Snorkel gear and a lycra suit are handed out, and stairs with handrails lead into water that runs from shallow coral at one or two metres to a drop-off on the outer edge, with lifeguards watching from a tower. Prefer to stay dry? Take the glass bottom boat, the semi-submersible or the stairs down to the underwater observatory. Lunch is a tropical buffet on the pontoon, and a marine biologist gives talks through the day, including a fish feeding presentation.

THE HELICOPTER FLIGHT

At your set time you walk to the helipad on the pontoon itself. There's no transfer to an airport: you lift straight off the reef with ZOOM Helicopters for a 10-minute flight, no more than six to a helicopter, your pilot talking through the headsets. From the air the reef finally makes sense, the pale sand channels cutting between dark coral, the pontoon a speck in the blue. Turtles and manta rays are often spotted in the shallows. Then you land back on the pontoon and pick up your day where you left it, perhaps on the 30-metre spiral waterslide, the only waterslide on the Great Barrier Reef.

LATE AFTERNOON: BACK TO CAIRNS

The boat leaves the reef at 4pm, with afternoon tea 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.
Minimum age: All ages can do the reef day. On the helicopter, children from 2 years need their own seat; infants under 2 fly free.
Fitness: Relaxed. You need to move around the boat and pontoon; stairs with handrails lead into the water.
Please note: We need each passenger's body weight when you book, so the pilot can balance the helicopter; the most any one seat can carry is 130 kg. Flights need reasonable visibility and are delayed or cancelled in strong wind, storms, low cloud or heavy rain. If yours can't fly, the flight is rebooked or refunded and the reef day goes ahead by boat. Tours run in rain and cloud; some activities can be changed on the day for weather, tide or safety. No smoking or vaping, no drones, and no alcohol brought on board.
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.

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
Morning tea, afternoon tea, and tea and coffee while docked
Marine biologist presentation and fish feeding presentation
10-minute scenic helicopter flight from the pontoon with ZOOM Helicopters

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

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.