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8Hr Reef Magic Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise

From $325

Start Time 09:00

Duration 8hr

  • Full day outer reef cruise from Cairns aboard a fast and stable catamaran
  • 5 hours at the purpose-built marine pontoon on Moore Reef
  • Unlimited snorkelling; all snorkel gear and instruction provided
  • Semi-submersible reef tour for guided underwater viewing
  • Glass-bottom boat ride (multiple departures)
  • Access to underwater observatory
  • Marine naturalist presentations covering reef ecology
  • Access to onboard science laboratory
  • Fresh buffet lunch by Ochre Restaurant & Tropic Spirit Catering
  • Service of morning and afternoon tea
  • Tea, coffee and drinking water during the day
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About This Experience

The Reef Magic outer reef cruise is a full-day Great Barrier Reef experience departing from Cairns. You will cruise to the Reef Magic pontoon on Moore Reef, a private outer reef site known for its exceptional coral health and water clarity. The 8-hour day includes 5 hours on the reef, with unlimited snorkelling, a semi-submersible tour, glass-bottom boat ride, access to an underwater observatory and marine naturalist presentations.

A buffet lunch is served on the pontoon, and optional upgrades include introductory and certified diving, a guided snorkel safari, and scenic helicopter flights. It is suitable for all ages and abilities, with pram access and an infant swimming enclosure on-site.

The Reef Magic Pontoon Experience

Your base for the day is the purpose-built Reef Magic pontoon, anchored at a private site on Moore Reef. The experience is all about snorkelling and the water here is clear and teeming with marine life – quite the snorkeller's paradise. It has a large snorkel platform that makes it easy for you to get in and out of the water.

If you prefer to stay dry, the semi-submersible tour, glass-bottom boat ride and underwater observatory offer impressive reef views without getting wet. You can listen to marine naturalist presentations during the day and get hands-on with reef education at the onboard science laboratory, the only one on the Great Barrier Reef. When you need a break, you’re free to use the sundeck, shaded lounges, or the air-conditioned vessel to cool off.

Lunch is a freshly prepared buffet served on the pontoon, put together by the award-winning Ochre Restaurant & Tropic Spirit Catering. In the afternoon, you could either get more snorkelling time or, if you choose one of the optional upgrades, you could try an introductory or certified dive, join a guided snorkel safari with a marine biologist, or take a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef!

Who Is This Cruise Ideal For?

The Reef Magic outer reef cruise particularly suits families or groups with mixed ages and abilities, where some members want to snorkel for hours while others prefer viewing the reef from a glass-bottom boat, semi-submersible or underwater observatory. It's also a great choice for first-time reef visitors thanks to the stable pontoon facilities, easy water access and extensive support from the onboard crew. 

Cruise Details

Location Reef Fleet Terminal 1 Spence Street, Cairns

Departure Boards Departs Returns Duration
1 08:00 09:00 17:00 8hr
 

  • Full day outer reef cruise from Cairns aboard a fast and stable catamaran
  • 5 hours at the purpose-built marine pontoon on Moore Reef
  • Unlimited snorkelling; all snorkel gear and instruction provided
  • Semi-submersible reef tour for guided underwater viewing
  • Glass-bottom boat ride (multiple departures)
  • Access to underwater observatory
  • Marine naturalist presentations covering reef ecology
  • Access to onboard science laboratory
  • Fresh buffet lunch by Ochre Restaurant & Tropic Spirit Catering
  • Service of morning and afternoon tea
  • Tea, coffee and drinking water during the day

  • Enjoy an activity-filled day on the Reef Magic pontoon at Moore Reef, a private outer reef site with beautiful coral gardens and clear visibility
  • Access to onboard science laboratory, the only one operating on the Great Barrier Reef, for hands-on reef education
  • Semi-submersible tour, glass-bottom boat rides and underwater observatory access included at no extra cost
  • Pram-accessible and family-friendly, with a dedicated infant swimming enclosure on the pontoon

Buffet Lunch

Local-caught chilled Endeavour prawns with cocktail sauce and citrus wedges
Beef golden curry with potato and carrot
Sri Lankan chicken and vegetable curry (GF / DF)
Steamed jasmine rice
Creamy sundried tomato and roast pumpkin penne with fresh parmesan shavings (V)
Cauliflower, green lentil, coconut and vegetable curry (GF / Vegan)
Champagne leg ham, Australian salami, BBQ-marinated chicken nibbles (GF / DF)
Sweet and white potato salad with dill and shallots; homemade Dijonaise (GF / DF)
Scorched eggplant and pearl couscous salad with szechuan and black vinegar dressing (Vegan)
Mt Molloy garden salad: tomato, cucumber, red onion, snow pea sprouts and carrot (GF / Vegan)
Red and white coleslaw with zesty lime aioli, carrot and red onion (GF / DF)
White and grain dinner rolls, garlic and herb focaccia bread served with butter and condiments

Morning & Afternoon Tea

​Seasonal tropical fruit platters with fresh coconut shavings
Assorted Danish pastries, cake, and slice selection
Cheese and kabana platters with crackers
Tea, coffee, and drinking water available throughout the day

Dietaries: GF – Gluten Free  |  DF – Dairy Free  |  V – Vegetarian  |  Vegan – Plant-based

Tea, coffee, and drinking water will be provided throughout the tour. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks will be available for purchase at the bar on the pontoon.


  • Adult Price

    from $325

  • Child (4 - 14 years)

    from $160

  • Family (2 adults + 2 children)

    from $810

Reef Fleet Terminal
1 Spence St, Cairns City, QLD-4870 

Google Map - CLICK HERE

  • 8:15am-8:45am: Boarding opens at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns. 
  • 9:00am: Depart Marlin Jetty aboard a fast, stable motor catamaran. Transfer time to the outer reef is approximately 90 minutes.
  • 10:30am: Arrive at the Reef Magic pontoon on Moore Reef and begin 5 hours of reef time. Snorkel platform access opens; guests can enter and exit the water freely through the day.
  • 10:45am: Glass-bottom boat tours begin running. Check onboard screens throughout the day for departure times.
  • 12:00pm: Freshly prepared buffet lunch served on the pontoon by Ochre Restaurant & Tropic Spirit Catering.
  • 1:00pm: Underwater observatory open; view the Great Barrier Reef timeline display and watch marine life drift past.
  • 1:30pm: Optional paid upgrades available: introductory dive, certified dive, guided snorkel safari, Sea Trek helmet dive and scenic helicopter flights.
  • 3:30pm: Depart Reef Magic Pontoon for the return journey to Cairns.
  • 5:00pm: Arrive back in Cairns.

Please note: Seasonal departure times may apply. Schedules are subject to change due to weather, marine conditions, or operational requirements

  • Accommodation pickup (available as a paid upgrade)
  • Introductory and certified diving (available as a paid upgrade)
  • Guided snorkel safari with marine biologist (available as a paid upgrade)
  • Scenic helicopter flight (available as a paid upgrade)
  • Alcoholic beverages and bar purchases
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Locker hire ($2 per use)

  • Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to help@australiancruisegroup.com.au
  • Refunds, where applicable, will be processed to the original payment method.
  • No correspondence will be entertained for cancellations made after the free-cancellation period.
  • A ‘no-show’ refers to any confirmed passenger who fails to board the vessel prior to scheduled departure. Please note, we make every effort to ensure our cruises depart on time. It is highly recommended that all passengers are ready for boarding 15 minutes prior to the stated time.
  • An individual booking is defined as all bookings having less than 10 passengers on a single E-ticket. Individual bookings require full payment at time of booking.
  • Up to 4 days prior: Full refund
  • Within 3 days: 100% cancellation fee
  • Group bookings are defined as all bookings for 10 or more passengers on a single E-ticket. Group bookings can be made with a partial payment of 20% as deposit. The balance amount must be paid 7 days before the cruise date. 
  • Up to 7 days prior: Full refund
  • Within 6 days: 100% cancellation fee

  • Pushchair and pram-friendly;ramp access and wide aisles throughout the vessel and pontoon
  • Wheelchair-accessible bathroom (shower and toilet) on board Reef Magic III
  • Baby-change facilities available on board 

How long does it take to reach the reef?
The fast, stable motor catamaran travels direct to Moore Reef in approximately 90 minutes from Cairns, leaving the maximum amount of time on the water.
 
How long do guests spend at the reef?
You'll have 5 hours on the Reef Magic pontoon, which is almost 2 hours more than many comparable outer reef cruises. There's time to snorkel, join a guided tour, try a dive, take a helicopter flight, enjoy lunch, and still relax without feeling rushed.
 
What is included in the base cruise ticket?
Your ticket covers all snorkelling equipment, unlimited snorkel time, a semi-submersible reef tour, glass-bottom boat rides, underwater observatory access, marine naturalist presentations, buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and tea, coffee, and water throughout the day.
 
Where is the Reef Magic pontoon located?
The Reef Magic pontoon sits at a private site on the north-eastern end of Moore Reef, approximately 45km offshore from Cairns. The distance from coastal rivers ensures consistently clear water and strong underwater visibility.
 
What is the reef like at the Reef Magic site?
Independent reef health assessments from Reef Check Australia have found no noticeable bleaching at the Reef Magic pontoon site, with high concentrations of hard coral and an overall rating of excellent reef health.
 
Can children and babies travel on the cruise?
Yes. The cruise and pontoon welcome guests of all ages. The pontoon features a dedicated infant swimming enclosure. Floatation vests, noodles, wetsuits, and snorkel gear are all available in children's sizes. Adult supervision is required for children under 16 at all times.
 
Can I scuba dive with no experience?
Absolutely. The introductory dive is led by qualified instructors who will brief and guide you through the experience from start to finish. The minimum dive age is 12 years, with parent or guardian permission required for anyone under 18.
 
What should I know before booking a dive?
All diving requires completion of an onboard medical questionnaire. Certain conditions including asthma, epilepsy, and high blood pressure may exclude guests from diving. Certified divers must present their certification card. Allow 12–24 hours between diving and flying, depending on depth and dive time accumulated.
 
What is the marine stinger situation? How do you protect against it?
Certain jellyfish species are present in tropical waters year-round, though most are harmless. Stinger season in Cairns runs from November to May. Protective lycra suits are available free of charge in sizes XS to XXL and double as excellent sun protection. A special 'nemo suit' is available for children.
 
Is smoking permitted on board or at the pontoon?
No. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on the vessel and the pontoon.

What to Bring: Sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, cash (AUD), camera or phone
 
Know Before You Go: All diving requires completion of an onboard medical questionnaire. Conditions including asthma, epilepsy, and high blood pressure may preclude guests from diving; check at the time of booking.
 
Minimum Dive Age: 12 years. Parent/guardian permission required for under-18s. Certified divers must present their certification card.

Travel-time Buffer: Allow 12–24 hours after diving before flying, depending on depths reached and total dive time.
 
Locker Hire: Available on board for $2 per use (suitable for small items such as phones, jewellery, or wallets).
 
Helicopter Fuel Levy: Nautilus Aviation charges a direct fuel levy for bookings made from 1 April. $11 for scenic flights | $32 for fly/cruise combo | $65 for fly/fly

Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies.

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

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

From $325

Start Time 09:00

Duration 8hr

  • Full day outer reef cruise from Cairns aboard a fast and stable catamaran
  • 5 hours at the purpose-built marine pontoon on Moore Reef
  • Unlimited snorkelling; all snorkel gear and instruction provided
  • Semi-submersible reef tour for guided underwater viewing
  • Glass-bottom boat ride (multiple departures)
  • Access to underwater observatory
  • Marine naturalist presentations covering reef ecology
  • Access to onboard science laboratory
  • Fresh buffet lunch by Ochre Restaurant & Tropic Spirit Catering
  • Service of morning and afternoon tea
  • Tea, coffee and drinking water during the day
Call/Enquire Book Now

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