Outer Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Day with Activities

About This Experience

Sunlover Reef Cruises runs this full day from the Reef Fleet Terminal to its activity pontoon at Moore Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef. It has 403 reviews at 4.5, and it is built for groups where some people want to snorkel and others would rather stay dry. The multi-level pontoon gives space to spread out, with the sun deck on top and the observatory below the waterline.

Check in and collect your boarding pass at the Sunlover counter inside the terminal between 8:45am and 9:45am; boarding closes at 10:00am and nobody boards without a pass. Tea and coffee are served before the 10:15am departure, and the air-conditioned catamaran takes about 90 minutes to reach the reef, with marine presentations on the way out.

At the multi-level pontoon, snorkel gear is included: fins, mask, snorkel, a Lycra suit and a life jacket, with instruction and rest stations in the water. Non-swimmers can see the reef on the glass-bottom boat and the semi-submersible, both with commentary, or from the underwater observatory. There is a daily fish feeding presentation, a sun deck and a waterslide, and a buffet lunch is served. The return cruise is about another 90 minutes. The included Lycra suit doubles as sun and stinger protection, which matters most in the stinger season from roughly November to May, and guests mention lifeguards watching the snorkel area.

Two upgrade options sit on the listing: a scuba diving package or a package with a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight. Medical conditions apply to the optional extras. A guided snorkel tour, Seawalker helmet dives, photos and extra food and drinks all cost more, and hotel pickup is not included.

This suits families, mixed groups and anyone unsure about deep water, since there is plenty to do without swimming. Bring Australian dollars or a card for onboard purchases, tell Sunlover about any nut allergy 24 hours ahead, and note that travel sickness tablets are sold on board if the crossing is rough. The day runs long, so a change of clothes makes the ride home more comfortable, and cameras can be hired on board if you did not bring your own.

Highlights

• Full day at Sunlover's multi-level pontoon at Moore Reef
• About 90 minutes each way on an air-conditioned catamaran
• Glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours with commentary
• Underwater observatory and daily fish feeding presentation
• Waterslide and a spacious sun deck on the pontoon
• Options to add a scuba diving package or a 10-minute helicopter flight

What's Included

• ✓ Return catamaran trip from Cairns to the reef
• ✓ Snorkelling equipment: fins, mask, snorkel, Lycra suit and life jacket
• ✓ Glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours
• ✓ Underwater observatory
• ✓ Waterslide
• ✓ Buffet lunch, plus tea and coffee before departure

Not Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Guided snorkel tour
• Introductory or certified dives and Seawalker helmet dives
• Additional food and drinks
• Photographs and merchandise

What to Bring

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sun hat and sunglasses
• A change of clothes
• A camera
• Australian dollars or a credit card

Good to Know & Caveats

• Check in at the Sunlover counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal between 8:45am and 9:45am; boarding closes at 10:00am and missed tours are not refunded.
• Advise Sunlover of any nut allergy 24 hours before travel; most other dietary needs are covered by the buffet.
• The crossing can be rough; travel sickness tablets are available to buy on board.
• Medical conditions apply to the diving and helicopter extras.
• Seasonal departures may apply, and activities such as the semi-submersible can depend on conditions on the day.
• Drones are not allowed.

Meeting Point

Check in at the Sunlover Reef Cruises counter on the bottom floor of the Reef Fleet Terminal between 8:45am and 9:45am.