Moore Reef Pontoon Half Day Cruise / Fly

from A$506

4 hours 15 mins

Great Barrier Reef

All Ages

Enjoy a half-day Cairns adventure exploring Moore Reef on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, with a relaxing catamaran cruise, snorkelling, glass-bottom boat tours, family-friendly activities, and a scenic helicopter flight back to Cairns.

Adult $531 | Child (4-14) $478.50 | Family (2 adults & 2 children) $1949

Key Highlights

Half-day experience to Moore Reef on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
Catamaran cruise to a custom-designed reef pontoon
Scenic helicopter flight returning to Cairns
Snorkelling in crystal-clear natural lagoons
Semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours
Underwater observatory for coral and marine life viewing
Family-friendly ocean pool and 30-metre spiral waterslide
Easy water access with snorkel platforms and stairs

What’s included

Catamaran transfer from Cairns Marina to Moore Reef Pontoon
Scenic helicopter flight from Moore Reef to Cairns
Use of snorkel platforms with stairs
Access to semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours
Visit to the underwater observatory
Use of enclosed ocean pool and waterslide
Lifeguard supervision from elevated station

Overview

Experience the wonders of the Outer Great Barrier Reef at Moore Reef on this half-day tour from Cairns that combines a catamaran cruise and a scenic helicopter flight. Begin your morning at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal before boarding the catamaran for a trip to Sunlover's custom-designed pontoon at Moore Reef, renowned for its vibrant coral gardens, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life.

Explore the reef with access to a range of activities suitable for all ages and abilities. Snorkel among colourful coral and tropical fish in the natural lagoon, or keep dry while enjoying the views from semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours. Discover the underwater observatory for a unique perspective on the reef's marine inhabitants.

Families and younger guests can enjoy the enclosed ocean pool or the excitement of a 30-metre spiral waterslide into the tropical sea. The pontoon features lifeguard supervision and easy entry via two snorkel platforms with stairs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit.

Your tour concludes with a spectacular helicopter journey over the reef, offering stunning aerial views before arriving at the Zoom hangar at General Aviation Cairns Airport. This tour is perfect for visitors seeking a premium reef adventure with limited time to spare.

Commonly asked questions.

The tour includes the catamaran cruise to Moore Reef, approximately 2.5 hours at the Outer Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling equipment, glass-bottom boat, semi-submersible, underwater observatory and the 25-minute helicopter flight back to Cairns.

The helicopter flight from Moore Reef to Cairns takes approximately 25 minutes, providing aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef, islands and tropical coastline.

The helicopter is scheduled to depart Moore Reef at approximately 11:45am and land at Cairns Airport at around 12:10pm. A complimentary transfer then returns passengers to the Reef Fleet Terminal at approximately 12:25pm.

The half-day tour provides approximately 2.5 hours at the Moore Reef pontoon, giving you time for snorkelling and the included reef viewing activities.

Yes. Snorkelling is included, with equipment provided. The pontoon also offers access to the glass-bottom boat, semi-submersible and underwater observatory.

Yes. The maximum single-seat weight across the ZOOM Helicopters fleet is currently 130kg. Accurate passenger weights must be provided when booking.

No. Unlike Sunlover's full-day reef tours, the half-day tour does not include a meal. Refreshments are available to purchase onboard and at the pontoon.

Yes. Sunlover specifically promotes the half-day Cruise Out / Fly Back experience as an option for cruise passengers and visitors with limited time in Cairns.

The Half Day Cruise & Fly experience includes approximately 2.5 hours at the Moore Reef Pontoon, giving you time to enjoy the reef before your return flight to Cairns.

Included activities can include snorkelling, the glass-bottom boat, semi-submersible coral viewing, the underwater observatory and access to the pontoon's reef viewing areas. Activities operate subject to conditions on the day.

Yes. You can enjoy the reef without entering the water. The underwater observatory, glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible provide opportunities to see marine life while staying dry.

Yes. The pontoon provides easy water access via stairways, flotation equipment and floating rest stations. Crew members provide a safety briefing before guests enter the snorkelling area.

Yes. Both provide an opportunity to see the coral and marine life from above or below the water without having to snorkel. These activities are subject to weather, sea and operational conditions.

There is still plenty to do. You can explore the underwater observatory, glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible experiences, relax on the pontoon's viewing areas or simply enjoy the scenery of the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Additional info by the operator.

Itinerary:

Ex Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
07:00 - Check-in opens at the Sunlover Cruises counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal
07:30 - Check-in closes
07:45 - Boarding closes
08:00 - Depart Cairns Marina
09:30 - Arrive Moore Reef Pontoon
2 hours Reef time
11:45 - Prepare for boarding the helicopter
11:50 - Depart Moore Reef via Helicopter
12:20 - Return to Cairns at Zoom hangar at General Aviation Cairns Airport (221 Bush Pilot's Avenue)
12.25 - Transfer back to Marina