8Hr Sunlover Moore Reef Cruise

From $317

Start Time 10:15

Duration 9hr

  • Return catamaran transfer between Cairns Marina and Moore Reef Pontoon
  • Access to the full 9,000 sqm snorkel lagoon including the 15m drop-off
  • Glass-bottom boat tour; guided viewing of coral reef
  • Semi-submersible ride with underwater viewing windows
  • Access to underwater observatory to watch reef life
  • Access to waterslide on the pontoon
  • Snorkel equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, lycra suit and life jacket
  • Buffet lunch; full hot and cold spread with dessert
  • Tea and coffee served on the catamaran while docked
  • Reef photography by Calypso Reef Imagery
  • Fresh water rinse showers and change rooms on the pontoon
  • Onboard Starlink Wi-Fi (subject to coverage and operating conditions)

About This Experience

The Sunlover Moore Reef Cruise is a full-day outer reef pontoon cruise on an air-conditioned catamaran that departs from Cairns Marina. It reaches Moore Reef pontoon in approximately 90 minutes, giving you a good 4 hours at the reef. The base package is one of the most comprehensive in the market; it includes snorkel equipment, a glass-bottom boat tour, a semi-submersible tour, access to an underwater observatory and a buffet lunch. 

For guests who want a deeper experience, optional upgrades include introductory and certified scuba diving, Seawalker helmet diving, a guided snorkel tour with a marine biologist and a scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef. 

The Sunlover Moore Reef Experience

Moore Reef sits approximately 47 kilometres east of Cairns on the outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the most pristine and biodiverse sections of the reef system accessible on a day trip. Sunlover has exclusive access to this section of the reef; no other operator uses this pontoon or snorkel lagoon. The two-storey pontoon is a world in itself: snorkel platforms with stair access, a sun deck, an enclosed ocean pool, a waterslide, an underwater observatory and covered seating — all with the living reef spreading out beneath you.
The 90-minute catamaran transfer is part of the experience. The large, air-conditioned vessel has indoor and outdoor seating and onboard Starlink Wi-Fi, and crew deliver reef briefings en route, so you're well prepared for the experience. 

Once at the pontoon you can choose to do as many activities as you would like: 

Glass-bottom boat tour: see coral gardens and reef fish without entering the water, explained by a knowledgeable guide.
Semi-submersible tour: a partially submerged vessel with underwater viewing windows for a unique reef perspective.
Underwater observatory: go down into a permanently submerged viewing chamber and watch the reef life from below the surface.
Waterslide: a popular feature for families and those who want a bit of fun alongside the reef experience.
You can enjoy a hot and cold buffet lunch that is served on the pontoon, while complimentary tea/coffee is available on the catamaran through the day. To top it all off, professional underwater photos captured by Calypso Reef Imagery are sent directly to your phone before you return to Cairns. 

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For

The base package is ideal for first-time reef visitors, families with children, and anyone who wants a fully equipped, hassle-free reef day without booking extras in advance — snorkel gear, glass-bottom boat ride, semi-sub tours and lunch are all covered. 

The extensive upgrade menu makes it equally well suited to certified divers, adventure-seekers wanting to try scuba or helmet diving for the first time, and guests looking for a premium reef experience with a helicopter flight included. The wheelchair and stroller accessibility also makes it one of the most inclusive Great Barrier Reef day trips from Cairns available.

What say? Are you ready to book this experience?

Cruise Details

Location Reef Fleet Terminal (Bottom floor, 1 Spence St, Cairns City)

Departure Boards Departs Returns Duration
1 08:30 10:15 17:30 9hr
 

  • Return catamaran transfer between Cairns Marina and Moore Reef Pontoon
  • Access to the full 9,000 sqm snorkel lagoon including the 15m drop-off
  • Glass-bottom boat tour; guided viewing of coral reef
  • Semi-submersible ride with underwater viewing windows
  • Access to underwater observatory to watch reef life
  • Access to waterslide on the pontoon
  • Snorkel equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, lycra suit and life jacket
  • Buffet lunch; full hot and cold spread with dessert
  • Tea and coffee served on the catamaran while docked
  • Reef photography by Calypso Reef Imagery
  • Fresh water rinse showers and change rooms on the pontoon
  • Onboard Starlink Wi-Fi (subject to coverage and operating conditions)

  • Exclusive access to Moore Reef pontoon; no other operator uses this snorkel lagoon or pontoon
  • 4 hours at the outer reef with 9,000 sqm snorkel lagoon; shallow 1–2m entry points through to a 15m drop-off
  • Comprehensive package with snorkel gear, glass-bottom boat ride, semi-sub tour, underwater observatory, waterslide and lunch
  • Fantastic upgrade options for scuba diving and reef enthusiasts; PADI instructors and guided snorkel tour with marine biologist

  • Adult Price

    from $317

  • Child (4 - 15 years)

    from $177

  • Family (2 adults + 2 children)

    from $816

Reef Fleet Terminal, Bottom floor, 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870

Google Map- CLICK HERE

8:45am – 9:45am at the Sunlover desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns Marina. Boarding passes collected here. 

Passengers who fail to check in by 9:45am may miss final boarding. The catamaran departs promptly and cannot wait for late guests. 

  • 8:45am – 9:45am: Check-in at Sunlover desk inside Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns City. Collect boarding passes. Check-in closes at 9:45am — do not be late as boarding will not be held.
  • 10:15am: Depart Cairns Marina aboard the air-conditioned Sunlover catamaran. Crew deliver reef briefings, safety information and optional activity details during the 90-minute crossing.
  • 11:45am: Arrive at Moore Reef Pontoon. Safety and snorkel briefing given on arrival. The reef is yours to explore.
  • 11:45am – 3:45pm: 4 hours at Moore Reef. Snorkel the lagoon, join a glass bottom boat or semi-submersible tour, visit the underwater observatory, ride the waterslide or enjoy an optional upgrade. Buffet lunch served midday. No set schedule — do as much or as little as you like.
  • 3:45pm: Depart Moore Reef. Afternoon tea (tea and coffee) served on the return crossing. Reef photos from Calypso Reef Imagery sent to your phone before arrival.
  • 5:30pm: Arrive Cairns Marina. Coach transfers to selected hotels available for pre-booked guests.
 

Please note: Seasonal departure times may apply. Schedules can change due to weather, marine conditions, operational requirements or special event periods.

  • Introductory Scuba Dive (available as upgrade)
  • Certified Scuba Dive (available as upgrade; dive certification required)
  • Seawalker Helmet Dive (available as upgrade)
  • Guided Snorkel Tour with Marine Biologist (available as upgrade)
  • Scenic Helicopter Flight (available as upgrade)
  • Wetsuit hire (available on board for $10) Wetsuits are provided for guests who have booked SCUBA or Seawalker dives

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Prams permitted on board — crew will assist with boarding and disembarking where possible. For safety, prams may need to be folded and stored during travel. Speak with crew on the day.

Is Moore Reef the same as the Great Barrier Reef?

Yes. Moore Reef is a specific reef system within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, located on the outer reef approximately 47 kilometres from Cairns. Sunlover has exclusive access to its section of Moore Reef; no other tour operator uses this pontoon or snorkelling lagoon.

How long does it take to get to Moore Reef from Cairns?
The cruise from Cairns to the Moore Reef Pontoon takes approximately 90 minutes each way aboard the large, air-conditioned catamaran. Travel time can vary slightly depending on weather, sea conditions and marina movements on the day. During the transfers, crew provide information about the day's schedule, reef activities and optional upgrades available at the pontoon.

How long do we spend at the Great Barrier Reef?
On the Moore Reef day tour you will spend approximately 4 hours at the pontoon on the outer Great Barrier Reef. This gives you time to enjoy all included activities: snorkelling, the underwater observatory, semi-submersible tour, the glass-bottom boat tour and the waterslide. You can also do the optional upgrades you have pre-booked.

What is a reef pontoon?
A pontoon is a large, stable floating platform permanently moored on the outer Great Barrier Reef. The Sunlover pontoon at Moore Reef is two storeys and includes snorkel platforms with stair access, a sun deck, an enclosed ocean pool, a waterslide, an underwater observatory and covered seating areas. The catamaran ties up directly alongside it, so you step straight from the boat onto the pontoon.

How deep is the water at Moore Reef?
Water depth around the pontoon ranges from five to twelve metres depending on the tide. The snorkelling lagoon has shallow areas starting at just one to two metres, making it suitable for beginners and children. Confident swimmers can explore the 15-metre deep drop-off and canyon at the outer edge of the snorkelling area.

What snorkelling gear is provided?
Snorkel equipment is included in the base package — mask, snorkel, fins, lycra suit and life jacket. All equipment is regularly washed and sanitised. Wetsuits are available to hire on board for $10 and are provided at no extra cost for guests who have booked a SCUBA or Seawalker dive upgrade. Pool noodles are not provided or permitted.

Can I bring a pram?
Yes, prams are permitted on board. Our crew can assist with boarding and disembarking where possible. As space can be limited, particularly during busy periods, we recommend bringing a compact pram or using a baby carrier if practical. For safety reasons, prams may need to be folded and stored during travel or certain parts of the tour. Our crew will advise the best place to store your pram on the day.

Can I try scuba diving if I have never dived before?
Yes. The Introductory Scuba Dive upgrade ($149) is designed for first-timers with no experience required. You will receive full training and equipment on board before your dive, guided by a PADI instructor with a maximum of four divers per guide. The minimum age for all dive upgrades is 12 years. All dives are subject to an onboard medical checklist — please contact us before booking if you have any health conditions.

What changing and bathroom facilities are at the pontoon?
There are toilets on the catamaran accessible at all times while docked at the pontoon. Fresh water rinse showers and change rooms are located on the pontoon itself.

Do you have Wi-Fi on the catamaran?
Yes, there is complimentary onboard Wi-Fi via Starlink, subject to coverage and vessel operating conditions. As with any marine-based connection, service quality can vary while travelling offshore. We recommend downloading your tickets, maps and travel documents before departure.

CHECK-IN
  • Reef Fleet Terminal, Bottom floor, 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870 
  • Arrive between 8:45am – 9:45am inside the Reef Terminal at Cairns Marina. Boarding passes collected here. 
  • Passengers who fail to check in on time may miss final boarding. The boat departs promptly and cannot wait for late guests. 

Know before you go
  • We recommend packing light and carrying important items such as your phone, wallet, medication and travel documents with you at all times. Valuables are best kept to a minimum.
  • No drones permitted on board or at the pontoon
  • No smoking and no vaping on board or at the pontoon
  • Minimum age for all dive upgrades (Introductory Scuba, Certified Scuba, Seawalker Helmet Dive) is 12 years
  • Certified divers must bring their dive certification on the day
  • All dives are subject to an onboard medical checklist — contact us before booking if you have any health conditions
  • Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies

What to Bring
  • Swimmers and beach towel
  • Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen 
  • Sun protective clothing: t-shirt, rash vest, hat and sunglasses
  • Cash or card for purchases at the bar
  • Camera or phone for photos

Exclusions
Please note that the base package doesnt include the below:

  • Introductory Scuba Dive (available as upgrade)
  • Certified Scuba Dive (available as upgrade; dive certification required)
  • Seawalker Helmet Dive (available as upgrade)
  • Guided Snorkel Tour with Marine Biologist (available as upgrade)
  • Scenic Helicopter Flight (available as upgrade)
  • Wetsuit hire (available on board for $10) Wetsuits are provided for guests who have booked SCUBA or Seawalker dives

 

Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link;

https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services

From $317

Start Time 10:15

Duration 9hr

  • Return catamaran transfer between Cairns Marina and Moore Reef Pontoon
  • Access to the full 9,000 sqm snorkel lagoon including the 15m drop-off
  • Glass-bottom boat tour; guided viewing of coral reef
  • Semi-submersible ride with underwater viewing windows
  • Access to underwater observatory to watch reef life
  • Access to waterslide on the pontoon
  • Snorkel equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, lycra suit and life jacket
  • Buffet lunch; full hot and cold spread with dessert
  • Tea and coffee served on the catamaran while docked
  • Reef photography by Calypso Reef Imagery
  • Fresh water rinse showers and change rooms on the pontoon
  • Onboard Starlink Wi-Fi (subject to coverage and operating conditions)

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