Sunlover Great Barrier Reef Day Trip to Moore Reef Pontoon

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.

Itinerary

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

Additional Information

• 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.

Cancellation Window	Refund Eligibility
24 hours or more before start time	100% refund (Full refund)
Less than 24 hours before start time	Non-refundable (0%)

This experience may be cancelled due to bad weather. This experience may be cancelled if there are not enough travelers.

Important Information

Toll free number: 1800 810 512 or International number: (+61 7) 4050 1333

**PHOTO ID OF LEAD PASSENGER MUST BE PRESENTED AT CHECK-IN**

CHECK IN
Please reconfirm departure time and schedule 24 hrs prior with Sunlover (as seasonal departure times may apply)
Check in opens 8:45am – 9.45am at the Sunlover Cruises counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal. **BOARDING PASS REQUIRED** prior heading to the vessel.
Boarding commences 09:30 – non reserved seating.
Passengers failing to present by close of check-in may miss the tour. (No refunds apply for missed tours).

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
NUT ALLERGY – Please advise Sunlover at least 24 hours in advance for a separate meal to prepared by our caterer. Our standard buffet covers most other dietary requirements, a copy of menu can be found www.sunlover.com.au (FAQ Moore Reef)

ADD ON AN EXTRA ACTIVITY?
We are able to offer scuba diving (certified or introductory) plus guided snorkel tours and Seawalker helmet dives. We recommend booking early to avoid any disappointment of missing out! Contact our reservations team to see what we can do for you!
*Medical conditions apply for participation in Seawalker & Diving activities.

TRANSFERS
Hotel pickup and drop-off is available at an additional cost from Cairns and Northern Beaches hotels. If you require this service you must contact Sunlover Reef Cruises at least 24 Hours prior to your tour/activity date to verify your pick-up time and pick-up location & make payment for the service.

Extra per person fee of AU$36 will be charged for pickup and drop-off at Cairns hotels or AU$51 from Northern Beaches hotels.
*All transfers are conducted by Excellence Coaches independent of Sunlover Cruises.

Due to the increasing costs of fuel, Sunlover have implemented a fuel surcharge that will apply for bookings made from 1 April 2026 onwards.
This amount is payable directly with Sunlover prior to travel.
For our Reef experience this amount is $10/adult, $5/child.

Age Policy

Infant: 0–3 years · Child: 4–15 years · Adult: 16–99 years