07 4082 7470

Sunlover Day Trip to Moore Reef

FROM: $285
300
SingleDay
Min. Age
All Ages
4.7 (3 Reviews)

Departure Times

Departs: 10am - Daily
Returns: 5:30pm - Daily

Check In: Sunlover Cruises Desk, Cairns Marlin Marina

Pricing Options

$285 AUD / Person - Adult (16+) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$165 AUD / Person - Child (4-15 yrs) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
RRP $900 $735 AUD / Family - Family (2A+2C) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$0 AUD / Person - Infant (0-3 yrs) (Between: 06 Jul 2024 and 31 Mar 2026)
$461 AUD / Person - Adult (16+) Moore Reef + 10 Min Heli Flight (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 01 Apr 2024)
$341 AUD / Person - Child (4-15 yrs) Moore Reef + 10 Min Heli Flight (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
RRP $1604 $1531 AUD / Person - Family (2A+2C) Moore Reef + 10 Min Heli Flight (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$176 AUD / Person - Infant (0-3 yrs) 10 Min Heli Flight Only (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)

Enjoy a day of ultimate reef adventure and action-packed fun on the Moore Reef pontoon!

  • Spend the day exploring the Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Snorkel amongst abundant marine life and vibrant corals
  • Enjoy glass-bottom boat tours, the underwater observatory, and a giant waterslide
  • Perfect for all ages and abilities to experience the reef wonder 

Cruise smoothly from Cairns to the world-renowned Outer Great Barrier Reef aboard the Sunlover catamaran for a day filled with unforgettable reef adventure! Moored adjacent to abundant coral walls, the floating pontoon at Moore Reef offers a range of wondrous activities that all ages and abilities can enjoy.

From snorkelling adventures, glass-bottom boat tours, unique underwater observatory views, and a 30-metre waterslide twisting straight into the glassy lagoon, there is something for everyone aboard the Sunlover Moore Reef Day Trip!

Aerial image of the Moore Reef pontoon, Cairns Outer Great Barrier Reef

Highlights

  • Depart Cairns for a day jam-packed with reef activities
  • Stable, spacious pontoon
  • Plenty of room for relaxing onboard
  • High-grade snorkelling equipment and lycra suit
  • Semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours
  • Underwater observatory
  • Touch tank and feeding presentations from qualified marine biologists
  • 30-metre spiralling waterslide
  • Enclosed, calm ocean pool 
  • Easy entry to the water via two snorkel platforms, accessible by stairs
  • Trained onboard lifeguards and dive instructors
  • Fun-filled itinerary for the whole family to enjoy
  • Gourmet five-star tropical-inspired lunch by Palm Cove’s Nu Nu Restaurant
  • Add to your reef tour with a guided snorkel tour, Seawalker helmet dive, introductory and certified scuba dives, or scenic helicopter flight (additional costs)

Person snorkelling over the Cairns Outer Great Barrier Reef, Moore Reef pontoon

Find your zen whilst exploring biodiverse reef systems, enjoy spectacular activities with the whole family, and take your time to relax after enjoying a delicious gourmet lunch in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you wish to dive right into the wonder or experience the bliss from above, the Sunlover Moore Reef Day Trip is sure to leave you in Great Barrier Reef awe!

Sample Itinerary

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8:00 am Check-in opens at the Cairns Marlin Marina.
9:00 am Check-in closes.
9:30 am Depart Cairns Marlin Marina aboard the Sunlover catamaran.
11:30 am Arrive at the Moore Reef pontoon.
3:30 pm Depart the Moore Reef pontoon.
5:30 pm Arrive back at the Cairns Marlin Marina.

Underwater observatory, Sunlover Moore Reef pontoon


Snorkelling

The Moore Reef pontoon is stationed in a natural lagoon laden with sprawling coral walls and...

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8:00 am Check-in opens at the Cairns Marlin Marina.
9:00 am Check-in closes.
9:30 am Depart Cairns Marlin Marina aboard the Sunlover catamaran.
11:30 am Arrive at the Moore Reef pontoon.
3:30 pm Depart the Moore Reef pontoon.
5:30 pm Arrive back at the Cairns Marlin Marina.

Underwater observatory, Sunlover Moore Reef pontoon


Snorkelling

The Moore Reef pontoon is stationed in a natural lagoon laden with sprawling coral walls and gardens, a snorkeller's dream! With two accessible snorkelling platforms and an area that covers 7000 square metres, all ages and abilities can explore and enjoy the wonders below the surface. Glide through glassy turquoise waters that are home to vivid coral species, abundant numbers of marine life, and gleaming resident Maori Wrasses! 

If you have never snorkelled before or aren’t a strong swimmer, rest assured that the Sunlover crew will provide full snorkelling instruction before you enter the water.


Glass bottom boat tours

Enjoy a unique top-down view of the extensive hard and soft coral species on the Outer Great Barrier Reef aboard an inclusive glass-bottom boat tour! With only 0.5 to 3 metres between the glass and reef, a glass-bottom boat tour is an ideal opportunity to spot giant clams, anemones, and sea turtles all without getting wet!

Glass-bottom boat tours, Sunlover Moore Reef Day Trip, Cairns Tours


Underwater observatory

A favourite amongst adults and kids alike, the underwater observatory is a must-experience, especially during the fish feeding presentation when hundreds of locals glide past the large windows. Located at one end of the Moore Reef pontoon, the underwater observatory is a below-deck room with a huge window, granting mesmerising views of the aquatic activity below!


Touch tank and feeding presentations

The marine biologists aboard the Sunlover Moore Reef Day Trip are passionate about caring for the Great Barrier Reef and sharing their expansive knowledge! Guests will be able to observe and interact with unique marine species during an immersive presentation with Sunlover’s marine naturalist. Later in the day, guests can additionally experience hundreds of colourful fish swarming near the pontoon for feeding time!

Person snorkelling with reef fish, Sunlover Moore Reef Day Trip, Cairns Tours


Waterslide

Perfect for the kids, and kids at heart, the 30-metre spiralling waterslide aboard the Moore Reef pontoon is where the fun is at! As the only waterslide on the Great Barrier Reef, guests can zoom eight metres from the sun deck straight into the gleaming tropical lagoon. Available all day and supervised by lifeguards, the waterslide is a hit favourite!


Optional activities (additional cost)

For those looking to add an extra slice of adventure or scenic luxury to their Sunlover experience, why not add on a Seawalker helmet dive or take to the sky for a scenic helicopter flight? Introductory and certified divers can dive deep into the underwater playgrounds below with guided scuba dives, or if you’re needing extra assistance in the water a guided-snorkel tour is an amazing opportunity to explore the reef with a marine expert!

Seawalker helmet dive, Sunlover Moore Reef Day Trip, Cairns Tours

Reef Sites

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Moore Reef

This day trip to the Great Barrier Reef with Sunlover brings you to Moore Reef, a gorgeous section of Outer Reef about 1.5 hours by boat from Cairns. At 1-25 metres in depth, there is a huge range of snorkelling and diving opportunities amongst the diverse corals. It's a great place for people of all ages, as the protected waters have lots of unique underwater formations that suit be...

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Moore Reef

This day trip to the Great Barrier Reef with Sunlover brings you to Moore Reef, a gorgeous section of Outer Reef about 1.5 hours by boat from Cairns. At 1-25 metres in depth, there is a huge range of snorkelling and diving opportunities amongst the diverse corals. It's a great place for people of all ages, as the protected waters have lots of unique underwater formations that suit beginner snorkellers or advanced divers. 

Sea turtles, Maori Wrasse, black and white tip reef sharks, and other tropical fish and corals are commonly spotted at Moore Reef. 

maori wrasse colorful fish swimming in the ocean

Our Delicious Sample Menu

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Indulge in the vibrant tropical flavours of North Queensland on your day trip to Moore Reef! With hot and cold food selections catering to a variety of different diets and tastes, your onboard menu is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling fueled up for exploring!

Gourmet menu, Sunlover Moore Reef Day Trip, Cairns Tours

Bread Selectio...

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Indulge in the vibrant tropical flavours of North Queensland on your day trip to Moore Reef! With hot and cold food selections catering to a variety of different diets and tastes, your onboard menu is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling fueled up for exploring!

Gourmet menu, Sunlover Moore Reef Day Trip, Cairns Tours

Bread Selection

  • Fresh baked white high top rolls
  • Garlic and herb focaccia bread
  • Served with butter portions

Local Endeavor Prawns

  • With cocktail sauce and citrus wedges (GF/DF)

Salad Selection

  • Sweet and white potato salad - dill and shallots, vegan dijonaise (GF/Vegan)
  • Market garden salad - tomato, red onion, cucumber, carrot, and sprouts (GF/Vegan)
  • Red and white cole slaw - carrot and red onion (GF/Vegan)

Cold Meat Selection

  • Champagne leg ham (GF/DF)
  • Sliced Australian salami (GF/DF)

Hot Selection

  • Grass-fed beef meatballs in rich tomato sauce
  • Sri Lankan chicken and vegetable coconut curry (GF/DF)
  • Moroccan vegetable tagine with apricots and chickpea (GF/Vegan)
  • Steamed jasmine rice (GF/Vegan)
  • Spaghetti pasta with olive oil (Vegan)

Tropical

  • Season tropical fruit platter with fresh coconut shavings (GF/Vegan)

More Information

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What To Bring

Pack a bag as if you were going to the beach for the day. Suggested items include:

  • Swimsuit and beach towel
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+), reef-friendly is recommended
  • Sun-protective clothing such as a t-shirt or rash vest, hat and sunglasses
  • Cash or credit card for onboard purchases, snacks and optional activities (we accept AUD$, VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Unionpay, Royalpay) 
  • Camera (you can also hire an underwater digital camera...

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What To Bring

Pack a bag as if you were going to the beach for the day. Suggested items include:

  • Swimsuit and beach towel
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+), reef-friendly is recommended
  • Sun-protective clothing such as a t-shirt or rash vest, hat and sunglasses
  • Cash or credit card for onboard purchases, snacks and optional activities (we accept AUD$, VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Unionpay, Royalpay) 
  • Camera (you can also hire an underwater digital camera from our photographers Calypso Reef Imagery onboard)

What's Included

  • Return trip to and from the Moore Reef pontoon
  • Snorkelling equipment, instruction and lycra suit
  • Semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours
  • Underwater observatory
  • Touch tank and fish feeding presentations
  • Waterslide
  • Enclosed ocean pool
  • Gourmet five-star tropical-inspired lunch
  • Trained lifeguard supervision

What's Extra

  • Guided Snorkel Safari: $52 Adult / $32 Child / $136 Family (2A+2C)
  • Seawalker helmet dive: $149
  • Introductory scuba dive: $149
  • Certified scuba dive: $149
  • Marine Biologist for a day: $55 Adult / $35 Child
  • Day Tour + 10 minute scenic helicopter flight: $461Adult / $341 Child / $1439 Family (2A+2C)
  • Wetsuit: $10
  • Coin operated lockers: $7
  • Prescription mask: $5 ($50 deposit)
  • Other additional snacks and onboard purchases

*Pricing subject to changes without notice.

Terms and Conditions

Important Information:

  • Minimum age requirements for optional activities such as scuba diving. Please click here to read the Diving Medical Questionnaire, to ensure you are fit to dive before the tour day.
  • The water is accessible by stairs fitted with handrails. Guests are required to be able to move freely around the pontoon and catamaran.
  • All ages and abilities are welcome aboard. The pontoon has a specially built ocean-enclosed pool for smaller children. 
  • Infants aged 0-3 travel for free, however, you need to advise if there is an infant travelling when making your booking.

All information provided at any time by Cairns Tours and our affiliates is subject to these Terms & Conditions. This includes but is not limited to tour information, pricing, blog posts, travel advice, itinerary information and availability.


Your Responsibilities:

Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip. 

You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Cairns Tours / Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.

It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.

It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.

You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. 


Prices/Extra Costs:

All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply. 

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.

We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.


Travel Risk/Insurance:

It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Tour Operator. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. 


Transport:

It should be noted that any transport you have booked (buses, flights and ferries) through Cairns Tours is non-refundable and non-transferable. It might be possible to change flights however do note this must be done directly with the flight operator and we are unable to offer any support with this. This may incur change fees or cancellation fees, it depends on the T+Cs of the flight operators themselves. As we acted as a booking agent for you, it is possible to liaise with the airline directly should there be any unexpected events and the airline is forced to cancel your flights. If there are any changes to your flight times or days, we will get notified and send this email directly to you in a reasonable time.


Merchant Fees:

Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.


Other:

Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages. 

All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.


Transfers:

The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies. Not all tours offer transfers, please refer to the individual product to see if this is applicable to your tour.


Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees.

You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations

Client Cancellations:

No shows or client cancellations made within 24 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 

Cairns Tours is required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9am-5pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider.

Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee. 

It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to admin@mr-travel.com. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.


Supplier Cancellations:

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.

All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.

All add-on activities (including but not limited to scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, helmet diving, guided snorkel tours, banana boat rides and waterslides) are subject to availability and price changing, and may not be available during your tour without notice. Guests are not eligible for refunds on the grounds of non-operating extra activities.

In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Travel Shop retail outlet located in Cairns, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Cairns Tours/Mr Travel online department.


Refunds:

All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Cairns Tours/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.

Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.

You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.


Accountability/Misconduct:

All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators. 

Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.

Cairns Tours/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.


Information & Advice:

All information, advice or pricing provided by Cairns Tours and our affiliates, or through any of our team, is subject to change. Cairns Tours articles and products are provided online for general information purposes only and are intended as guides. Any advice interpreted from information on the website (including but not limited to financial, immigration, employment and tax information) is not specialist advice and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional instruction. Cairns Tours does not guarantee that any information provided is up-to-date or accurate. Please obtain professional advice before actioning any advice, including but not limited to tax, immigration, employment, travel restrictions and finances.


Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel / Cairns-Tours.com. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the boat depart from and what time?

Check in starts at 8:00am inside the Reef Fleet Terminal at the Sunlover reservations desk. The boat is located at Cairns Marlin Marina.Boarding is from 8:45 - 9:15am and will depart at 9:30am.

Are transfers included from my accommodation?

Transfers are available for an additional cost. Return transfers from Cairns City are $32 for adults and $20 for kids. Return Transfers from the Northern Beaches are $46 for adults and $35 for kids.

How long does it take to get to Moore Reef from Cairns?

The journey takes approximately 2 hours with a stop at Fitzroy Island to pick up and drop off passengers.

How many hours do we spend at Moore Reef?

You can expect to enjoy 4 hours exploring the reef and pontoon activities.

What is a pontoon?

A pontoon is a flat man-made structure that floats on the surface of the water. The Sunlover pontoon is two stories and is permanently moored in a coral fringed lagoon at Moore Reef. Large and spacious, it provides a safe and stable platform for our guests to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. Our pontoons are custom designed to make the coral gardens and marine life of the Outer Great Barrier Reef easily accessible for visitors of all ages and swimming abilities.

Is it possible I will get seasick?

Even the most experienced sailor can sometimes get sea sick, however this is usually easy to prevent. You can take a medicated tablet called TravaCalm (not available to minors without parental supervision/consent) or natural ginger tablets. These can be purchased at the bar onboard the Sunlover catamaran. Please note that tablets are a prevention, not a cure, so we recommend taking them as soon as possible for it to take effect prior to sailing. Alternatively, discuss the best option for you with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is there Wifi available?

Yes, WiFi is available onboard the Sunlover catamaran free of charge. See the team on board for login details. Moore Reef is 47km offshore so mobile reception coverage may be available, depending on your provider.

Are special dietary requirements catered for?

A full tropical buffet lunch is included for all guests on board. Any dietary requirements need to be advised at the time of booking, or at least 3 days prior to your travel date, to ensure the crew can assist in catering for your requirement. You can also bring your own snack food with you if needed, however there are no cooking/reheating facilities onboard.

Is there wheelchair access?

Sunlover catamarans are equipped with gangways for boarding from the Cairns Marina and to the pontoon. These gangways are narrow, so please contact the team prior to travelling to ensure your ability to board comfortably and safely. Disabled toilets are situated on the aft deck of Sunlover boats. There are also portable ramps to assist in wheelchairs crossing hatchways, and the gangways as required. If you are travelling to Fitzroy Island, there is no wheelchair access for this service.

Can non-snorkellers still enjoy a day at Moore Reef pontoon?

Absolutely! There are a large number of activities included that allow non-swimmers to experience the reef. Such activities include semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours, an underwater observatory, fish feeding and touch tank presentations or simply relaxing on the upper level sundeck.

Reviews

Overall Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Based on 3 reviews

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Reviews by our Cairns Tours customers

Anton Wolf, 03 Sep 24
What a fantastic experience!
Patrick Shansey, 10 Aug 24
Fantastic day, beautiful reef. The staff was exceptional, the food was plenty and yummy.
Daniel Yang, 17 Sep 23
Overall a very fun experience with many activities available to pick from. We didn’t book any of the snorkelling tours or scuba diving but it’s not necessary since you’ll be able to see the coral and fish up close by snorkelling off the pontoon yourself. The staff were amazing and friendly, however the pontoon could be expanded to accommodate all the passengers on board the cruise boat since it got a bit crowded when everyone was offloaded onto the pontoon. The buffet lunch was also decent, nothing amazing but somewhat fulfilling. The main highlight was definitely the snorkelling experience, it was very easy and fun to snorkel off the pontoon and you could see all the coral and fish up close, under the watch of lifeguards. Would definitely recommend booking with Sunlover Reef Cruises.
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