Which Pontoon Reef Tour From Cairns Is Best?
The best pontoon tour from Cairns will vary for everyone, depending on individual preferences and what you want to get out of your Reef visit. The Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic natural gems, is a must-see when travelling to Cairns. A great way to experience the Reef and its marine life is by spending a day on an activity pontoon. These stationary floating platforms, anchored on the outer reef, offer snorkelling, diving, and other fun activities. In this article, we explore the top pontoon tours from Cairns, each offering unique experiences for different interests and accessibility levels.
Best Pontoon Reef Tours From Cairns
Reef Magic Cruises
If you're after a complete reef experience with lots of fun activities, Reef Magic Cruises to the Marine World reef platform is a top choice. Reef Magic is the newest activity pontoon at Moore Reef and caters to all visitors, from first timers to experienced snorkellers and divers. You’ll have up to 5 hours on the pontoon where you can snorkel straight off the platform, hop aboard a semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat, lounge on the top sundeck or see the reef through an underwater observatory. The tour also offers additional options like scuba diving, helmet diving and marine biologist-led sessions for those wanting to learn more about the reefs ecosystem.
This trip is ideal for those looking for a well-rounded Great Barrier Reef experience with plenty of activities to choose from, so everyone is satisfied!
Great Adventures Green Island & Outer Reef Cruises
For those who want to experience both the reef and a tropical island, this full day trip with Great Adventures offers the best of both worlds. Start your day on Green Island, a beautiful coral sand cay where you can enjoy rainforest walks, snorkelling, or just relaxing on the beach. Then, continue to the Moore Reef Pontoon on the outer reef for snorkelling, semi-submersible tours, and viewing the reef from an underwater observatory. This tour is perfect for those who want variety in their day and a chance to explore both the reef and island.
Ideal for travellers looking to combine a reef experience with an island getaway. Alternatively, Great Adventures offers the option to depart later and spend the day at the Moore Reef Pontoon.
Check out these pontoon tours to the Great Barrier Reef From Cairns
Sunlover Reef Cruises
Sunlover Reef Cruises stands out for its family-friendly approach to reef exploration. The Moore Reef Pontoon is unique with a main highlight being a giant waterslide into the ocean, making it an exciting option for children. Adults and kids alike can enjoy snorkelling, semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours and more. An underwater observatory and a marine life touch tank offer educational experiences for all ages. For a little extra adventure, Sunlover offers optional helicopter scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view of the reef. Want to combine the Outer Reef with a return stop at Fitzroy Island? Then jump on the Sunlover Reef and Island Package which gives you 3 hours at the reef and 2 hours island time!
Ideal for families and those seeking a fun, educational, and activity-packed day on the reef.
Quicksilver Outer Reef Cruises
Quicksilver Outer Reef Cruises departs from Port Douglas but offers optional coach transfers from Cairns. Taking you to Agincourt Reef located on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, Quicksilver is renowned for its premium reef experiences. The Reef here offers crystal-clear waters that are ideal for vibrant coral formations and marine life diversity. The pontoon’s highlight is its wheelchair accessibility features. No matter your mobility level, this platform caters to all with ramps, wheelchair accessible bathrooms, a hydro-powered chairlift, snorkel platforms and semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours. Quicksilver also offers optional scuba diving, ocean walker helmet diving and scenic helicopter flights.
Ideal for those with accessibility needs, beginner to advanced snorkellers and divers looking for stunning coral gardens and abundant marine life in some of the clearest waters of the reef.
Choosing the Best Pontoon Tour for You
When selecting a pontoon tour from Cairns, consider what kind of experience you’re after. Are you travelling with your family? Sunlover Reef Cruises offers lots of fun for kids, including a waterslide. Want to combine an island day with reef snorkelling? Great Adventures Green Island & Outer Reef Tour is ideal for variety. Seeking an all-in-one adventure packed with more activities and time spent at the reef? Reef Magic Cruises delivers an extensive reef experience, perfect for all kinds of travellers. Or for those needing wheelchair and mobility accessible features, while also visiting premium coral reefs, then Quicksilver Cruises is the go-to choice.
| Tour Operator | Main Features | Unique Highlights |
| Reef Magic Reef Cruises |
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| Great Adventures Green Island & Outer Reef |
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| Sunlover Reef Cruises |
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| Quicksilver Outer Reef Cruises |
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Each pontoon trip provides a unique way to explore the Great Barrier Reef, offering experiences tailored to different activity levels and preferences. Whichever option you choose, you’ll have a memorable adventure visiting this natural wonder in Tropical North Queensland.
