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Sunlover Great Barrier Reef Day Trip to Moore Reef Pontoon

4.3(884)Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 884 reviews8 hFree cancellationBy Sunlover Reef Cruises
Sunlover Great Barrier Reef Day Trip to Moore Reef Pontoon

About this activity

Sunlover Reef Cruises takes you from Cairns to its own pontoon at Moore Reef, on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, every day. Depart at 10:15am, arrive about 12 noon, spend about 4 hours at the reef and be back about 5:30pm.

Unlike a boat-only reef trip, you step onto a two-storey pontoon as steady as solid ground, with room to spread out and set your own pace. A good fit for families and couples alike.

Moore Reef is in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, 47 km from Cairns, and Sunlover has exclusive access to its section of the reef. The 9,000 m2 lagoon runs from 1 m shallows to a 15 m drop-off. Snorkel gear and a lycra suit are included, with lifeguards on watch.

Non-swimmers see the reef from the glass bottom boat, semi-submersible (weather permitting) and underwater observatory. Kids have a snorkel training area and a 30-metre waterslide. Marine biologists give reef talks, and buffet lunch is included.

Operating since 1991, Sunlover is an Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame member.

What's included

  • ✓Snorkel equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, lycra suit and buoyancy vest, with snorkel instruction
  • ✓Marine biologist reef talks
  • ✓Glass bottom boat tour
  • ✓30-metre waterslide and kids snorkel training area
  • ✓Fresh water showers and change rooms
  • ✓Return catamaran cruise between Cairns and Moore Reef, about 1 hour 45 minutes each way
  • ✓Underwater observatory
  • ✓Semi-submersible tour (subject to sea and weather conditions)
  • ✓About 4 hours at Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon
  • ✓While the vessel is stationary
  • ✓Buffet. Please advise of any Nut or Seafood Allergies (separate meal prepared)

Not included

  • ✕Additional cost: Wetsuit and prescription snorkel mask
  • ✕Additional cost: food & drink from the bar
  • ✕Additional cost: Guided Snorkel Tour, Intro or Certified Diving, Seawalker Helmet Dive, Heli Filghts
  • ✕Additional cost: professional photos or camera hire
  • ✕Additional cost: Secure lockers
  • ✕Additional Cost: Hotel Transfers can be added directly with Sunlover
  • ✕$10/adult, $5/child, payable directly to Sunlover prior to travel

Meeting and pickup

  • The Sunlover reservations desk is inside the Reef Fleet Terminal on the ground floor. All guests must check in and collect their boarding pass between 8:45 am and 9:45 am. (CHECK-IN CLOSES 09:45 - Late check-in may result in the tour being missed with no refund).

Good to know

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Minimum age is 12 years for SCUBA diving and Seawalker Helmet dive subject to health checklist
  • Please ensure you bring your dive certification for Certified SCUBA dives
  • All dives are subject to an on board medical checklist, please contact us for more information.
  • The crossing takes about 1 hour 45 minutes each way and can be rough. If you are prone to seasickness, take a travel-sickness tablet before departure. Tablets are also sold on board.
  • A fuel surcharge applies: $10 per adult and $5 per child. It is subject to change with market fuel prices.
  • The buffet caters for gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan diets as standard. Tell Sunlover about allergies or other requirements at least 24 hours before travel.
  • Drones are not allowed near the pontoon because of the helicopter flight path.
  • Wheelchair users: the Moore Reef vessel has an accessible toilet and wheelchair seating, and the pontoon suits most manual wheelchairs. Access can depend on the tide. Electric wheelchairs over 30 kg and mobility scooters cannot be taken on board. Contact Sunlover Reef Cruises before booking.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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