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

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A half day on the outer Great Barrier Reef at Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon, with a helicopter flight out from Cairns and back.

Days

Half day, about 4 hours 10 minutes

Age

All ages

Group size

2 to 6 per helicopter; shared pontoon

Start / finish

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

Return

Reef Fleet Terminal by transfer, about 12:25pm

Transport

ZOOM helicopter to the reef and back, with free transfers between the Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Airport

Meals

No meals are listed as included; tea and coffee at the reef

Route

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

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Included experiences

Great Barrier Reef — 25 minute helicopter flight each way
Moore Reef — snorkelling from the pontoon
Moore Reef — glass bottom boat and semi-submersible tours
Moore Reef — underwater observatory and waterslide

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

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Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: CAIRNS TO THE HELIPAD

Make your own way to the Sunlover counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal on the Cairns waterfront and check in by 8:15am. At 8:25am a free transfer takes you out to the ZOOM Helicopters hangar at General Aviation, Cairns Airport, about a quarter of an hour away. You arrive at about 8:45am for the weigh-in and safety briefing, which is why every guest's weight is needed at booking. Then it's out to the aircraft, with no more than six guests on board.

MORNING: THE FLIGHT OUT

The helicopter lifts off at about 9:10am for a 25-minute flight to the outer reef, with your pilot talking you through it on headsets. The rainforest ranges of the Wet Tropics, World Heritage-listed in 1988, fall away behind you as you head out over the Coral Sea. From the air the Great Barrier Reef shows its real shape: turquoise lagoons, dark coral bommies and pale sand channels. It is made up of about 2,900 separate reefs stretching more than 2,300 km down the Queensland coast. You land on the helipad at Sunlover's pontoon at Moore Reef, 47 km offshore.

MID-MORNING: ON THE REEF

You have from about 9:40 to 11:30am at the two-storey pontoon. Snorkel gear, a lycra suit and a buoyancy 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. The 30-metre spiral waterslide is the only one on the reef. Time is short, so book any extra, such as a Seawalker helmet dive, ahead.

LATE MORNING: THE FLIGHT HOME

At 11:45am you lift off again for the 25-minute flight back, with a second look at the reef, the islands and the rainforest coast. You land at the ZOOM hangar at about 12:10pm, and the free transfer has you back at the Reef Fleet Terminal by about 12:25pm, with the whole afternoon still ahead. Lunch isn't included, and 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. Check in by 8:15am; a free transfer leaves at 8:25am for the ZOOM Helicopters hangar at General Aviation, Cairns Airport.
Departure time: Helicopter leaves at about 9:10am on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Finishes: The helicopter lands back at the ZOOM hangar at about 12:10pm, and the free transfer has you at the Reef Fleet Terminal at about 12:25pm.
Please note: Minimum 2 and up to 6 passengers per flight. The single-seat weight limit is 130 kg. No refund is given if the semi-submersible or glass bottom boat tour doesn't run due to weather or mechanical issues.

What to bring

Swimming costume and beach towel
Reef-friendly sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Sun-protective clothing such as a T-shirt or rash vest, hat and sunglasses
Cash or card for purchases, snacks and optional activities (1.5% surcharge on credit cards)
Camera (underwater cameras can be hired on board)

What is included

Zoom helicopter flight to the reef and back to Cairns
2 hours at the reef
Snorkelling equipment and expert instruction, including Lycra suit and buoyancy vest
Tea and coffee on boarding and while at the reef
Glass bottom boat tour and semi-submersible tour (subject to wind conditions)
Underwater observatory and upper-level sun deck
Sunlover waterslide and enclosed ocean pool for children

Not included

Food and drinks (other than filtered coffee and water)
Hotel transfers — make your own way to Zoom Hangar
Optional activities

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.