Can I see Moore Reef without getting in the water?

Yes. The glass bottom boat, semi-submersible and underwater observatory are all included at no extra cost. The Seawalker helmet dive is also available as an optional extra.

How much does the Moore Reef full-day tour cost?

The Moore Reef full-day tour is Adult $317, Child (4-15 years) $177 and Family (2 adults plus 2 children) $816. All prices include GST, the Environmental Management Charge and a fuel surcharge ($10 per adult / $5 per child).

Aerial view of Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon on the Outer Great Barrier Reef

Moore Reef · Outer Great Barrier Reef

A full day on the Outer Great Barrier Reef

Sunlover’s Moore Reef pontoon sits 47 km offshore on the Outer Reef — a stable two-storey base with snorkelling, a waterslide, an underwater observatory and more, so everyone experiences the reef their own way. All-inclusive, marine-biologist-guided snorkel tours available, and back in Cairns by 5:30pm.

Quick Answer

The Moore Reef full-day tour departs Cairns at 10:15am and cruises 90 minutes to Sunlover’s pontoon on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, giving you about 4 hours at the reef before returning to Cairns by 5:30pm. It’s all-inclusive — snorkelling gear, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, underwater observatory, 30-metre waterslide, enclosed ocean pool and a buffet lunch. Adults $317, children (4–15) $177, family of four $816 (fuel surcharge and GST included).

Book Direct → See your day

Exclusive access to our section of Moore Reef Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame member Cairns operator since 1991

Why choose the Moore Reef day tour?

One comfortable pontoon base, and more ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef than any single activity — whether or not you swim.

One base, many ways

See the reef your way

Snorkel the coral lagoon, or stay completely dry on the glass bottom boat, semi-submersible and underwater observatory. Everyone is covered.

Easy for everyone

Families & first-timers

Lifeguards on duty all day, an enclosed ocean pool, a 30-metre waterslide and shallow lagoon areas make it easy for children and nervous swimmers. Children 4 and over welcome.

No surprises

All-inclusive value

Snorkel gear and lycra suit, all pontoon activities, buffet lunch and afternoon tea are included in one price — fuel surcharge and GST included.

Real expertise

Marine-biologist-guided

Add a guided snorkel tour led by a marine biologist — reef interpretation from the people who study it.

Room to breathe

Exclusive reef access

Sunlover has exclusive access to its section of Moore Reef — no other operator uses our pontoon or lagoon, so the reef stays uncrowded.

Your day, hour by hour

A daily full-day tour departing the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns. Check live availability when you book.

8:45–9:45amCheck-in at the Sunlover desk, Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns. Check-in closes at 9:45am — boarding is not held.
10:15amDepart Cairns Marina. Settle in for the 90-minute cruise to the Outer Reef, with morning tea served on the way.
11:45amArrive at the Moore Reef pontoon. Safety and snorkel briefing, then the reef is yours.
11:45am–3:45pmAbout 4 hours at the reef — snorkel, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, underwater observatory, waterslide and ocean pool. Buffet lunch is served midday.
3:45pmDepart Moore Reef. Afternoon tea is served, and your reef photos are sent to your phone before you dock.
5:30pmArrive back in Cairns Marina.

What’s included

One all-inclusive price covers everything you need for a full day on the reef — swipe through what’s on offer.

Get in the water

Snorkelling & equipment

Mask, snorkel, fins and a lycra suit for sun and stinger protection — all provided.

Stay dry

Glass bottom boat

Coral, fish and turtles viewed from a dry, relaxed seat.

Stay dry

Semi-submersible tour

See the reef from below the surface without getting wet.

Stay dry

Underwater observatory

A living window on the reef, right at the pontoon.

Just for fun

30-metre waterslide

A spiral waterslide straight into the lagoon.

Family friendly

Enclosed ocean pool

A safe, netted swimming area — ideal for younger children.

On the pontoon

Buffet lunch

A tropical buffet served on the pontoon, plus morning and afternoon tea. View the menu →

Learn as you go

Marine biologist presentation

Reef interpretation and a fish feeding presentation on the pontoon.

Optional upgrades & add-ons

Your day already includes plenty. Want to go further? Pre-book an upgrade and skip the queues on the day — spots are limited, especially in peak periods.

Marine biologist led

Guided Snorkel Tour

$65 adult · $45 child · $175 family

A guided route beyond the main snorkel area with a marine biologist beside you.

Pre-book →

Seawalker® Helmet Dive

$149 per person · ages 12+

Walk the reef floor beneath the pontoon, breathing normally — no swimming or experience needed.

Learn more →

Try diving

Introductory SCUBA Dive

$149 per person · ages 12+

Try scuba for the first time — full training and gear, guided by a certified dive instructor.

Learn more →

For certified divers

Certified SCUBA Dive

$149 per person · ages 12+

Up to 50 minutes underwater, max depth 18 metres, gear included. Requires a current SSI, PADI or NAUI Open Water certification.

Learn more →

Reef from above

Scenic Helicopter Flight

From $527 · includes your full reef day

Soar over the Great Barrier Reef with ZOOM Helicopters — from a joy flight to a fly / cruise combo.

See packages →

Keep the memories

Reef Photography

Enquire on board

Calypso Reef Imagery captures your day above and below the water.

All optional activities are subject to availability and weather. Planning to dive? Please review the Health Checklist before booking.

Packages & Pricing

Every fare is all-inclusive — snorkel gear, all pontoon activities and buffet lunch. Family = 2 adults + 2 children (4–15 yrs). Fuel surcharge and GST included.

Special — pre-book an adult tour with an Introductory or Certified Dive for $409

Moore Reef Full Day

A full day at Sunlover’s Outer Reef pontoon. Departs Cairns 10:15am, back by 5:30pm.

Adult$317
Child 4–15 yrs$177
Family 2 adults + 2 children$816

Book Direct →

Reef Day + Introductory Dive

Your full reef day plus a first-time guided dive — no experience needed.

Adult tour + intro dive~~$466~~$409
ExperienceNone needed
Ages12+

Book + Introductory Dive →

Reef Day + Certified Dive

Your full reef day plus a guided dive for qualified divers.

Adult tour + certified dive~~$466~~$409
Max depth18 m
Ages12+

To book certified diving you must currently hold an SSI, PADI or NAUI certification and be a minimum of Open Water diver, having completed at least 4 ocean dives.

Book + Certified Dive →

Prices in AUD, include GST, the Environmental Management Charge and a fuel surcharge ($10 per adult / $5 per child). Fuel surcharge is subject to change with market fuel prices. Local resident, Everyday Hero and seniors discounts are available for eligible guests. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before travel (7-day cancellation policy in peak periods). The $409 Reef Day + Dive price includes the fuel surcharge.

Who is this tour best for?

The Moore Reef full-day tour suits a wide range of guests. Here’s who gets the most out of it.

Families with children

Safe, endless fun

Lifeguards on duty all day, an enclosed ocean pool for younger kids, a waterslide, fish feeding, and several ways to see the reef without getting in the water. Children 4 and over welcome.

First-time snorkellers

Gentle, supported start

Stable pontoon entry with stair access, shallow lagoon areas from one to two metres, free buoyancy vests, and crew on hand to help with gear and technique.

Non-swimmers

No need to get wet

The glass bottom boat, semi-submersible and underwater observatory are all included. The Seawalker helmet dive is available as an optional extra.

Experienced snorkellers & divers

Room to explore

A 9,000-square-metre snorkelling lagoon with a 15-metre drop-off and canyon at its outer edge. Introductory and certified scuba diving are available as extras.

Guests who want to learn

Reef interpretation

Marine-biologist-led presentations and an optional guided snorkel tour, plus the chance to take part in the Eye on the Reef monitoring program run by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Why book with Sunlover

Over 30 years on the reef

Australian-owned and operating daily Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns since 1991.

Ecotourism Certified

Ecotourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia — independently audited and held continuously for over 20 years — and an Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame member.

Exclusive reef access

Sunlover has exclusive access to its section of Moore Reef — no other operator uses our pontoon or lagoon, so the reef stays uncrowded.

Safety first

Trained lifeguards on duty from an elevated tower, rest stations in the snorkelling area and stair access from the platforms. Operations comply with the Queensland Safety in Recreational Water Activities Regulation 2024.

Moore Reef full-day tour — FAQs

What is a reef pontoon?

A pontoon is a large, stable floating platform permanently moored on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Sunlover’s pontoon at Moore Reef is two storeys and provides a spacious base for the day, with snorkel platforms and stair access, a sun deck, an enclosed ocean pool, a waterslide, an underwater observatory and covered seating. The catamaran ties up alongside, so you step directly from the boat onto the pontoon.

Can I see the reef without getting in the water?

Yes. The glass bottom boat, semi-submersible and underwater observatory are all included at no extra cost, so you can experience the reef without getting wet. The Seawalker helmet dive is also available as an optional extra — you walk on the sea floor wearing a helmet and breathe normally the whole time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A tropical buffet lunch is included with every Moore Reef tour, served on the pontoon. Morning tea is served on the cruise out and afternoon tea on the cruise home. Special dietary requirements can be catered for if requested at least 24 hours in advance.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Conditions on the Outer Reef are often different to Cairns — it can be raining in town and fine at Moore Reef. If conditions are too rough to operate safely, Sunlover offers an alternative date or a full refund. If the tour operates but weather affects some activities, the pontoon still offers plenty to do, including the underwater observatory, semi-submersible and covered seating.

Will I get seasick?

We’ll be straight with you — probably, yes, unless you take a pharmaceutical preventative. Some degree of seasickness is close to inevitable for around 95% of boat travellers, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Take a travel-sickness tablet during the check-in process and give it at least 30–60 minutes to make its way into your system before we sail. We sell them onboard too, but by then it can be too late. Many savvy seafarers take one the night before as well — just make sure the version you take doesn’t contain caffeine — so it’s already in your system by morning.

How deep is the water at Moore Reef?

The water depth off the pontoon ranges from about five to twelve metres depending on the tide. The snorkelling lagoon has shallow areas starting at one to two metres, while confident swimmers can explore a 15-metre drop-off and canyon at the outer edge of the snorkelling area.

What should I bring?

Pack as if you were going to the beach for the day — swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a change of clothes for the cruise home. Bring cash or card for onboard purchases and optional activities. All snorkelling equipment and lycra suits are provided.

How much does the tour cost?

The Moore Reef full-day tour is Adult $317, Child (4–15 years) $177 and Family (2 adults + 2 children) $816. All prices include GST, the Environmental Management Charge and a fuel surcharge ($10 per adult / $5 per child). Local resident, Everyday Hero and seniors discounts are available for eligible guests.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Full refunds are available for cancellations made at least 24 hours before travel. Cancellations within 24 hours, including no-shows, incur a 100% charge. Peak period bookings are subject to a 7-day cancellation policy. To change your date, contact reservations as early as possible.

Can I fly a drone at Moore Reef?

No. Drone operations are prohibited in the vicinity of the Moore Reef pontoon due to an active flight path overhead used by scenic helicopter flights.

Is Moore Reef the same as the Great Barrier Reef?

Yes. Moore Reef is a reef system within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, on the Outer Reef about 47 kilometres from Cairns. Sunlover has exclusive access to its section of Moore Reef — no other operator uses our pontoon or snorkelling lagoon.

Is Sunlover an environmentally certified operator?

Yes. Sunlover Reef Cruises holds Ecotourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia — independently audited and held continuously for over 20 years — and is an Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame member.

Want more reef, or an island too?

Prefer a shorter trip, or want to add a rainforest island? Here are your other ways out on the water with Sunlover.

Fitzroy Island rainforest and coral beach, 45 minutes from Cairns

Reef + island in one day

Reef & Island in a Day

The only operator combining the Outer Reef at Moore Reef with Fitzroy Island in a single day. Morning on the reef, afternoon on the island.

Explore Reef & Island →

Island day trip

Fitzroy Island

A rainforest national park 45 minutes from Cairns — snorkel the fringing reef, walk to Nudey Beach, or simply relax. Flexible packages and ferry times.

Explore Fitzroy Island →

Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon on the Outer Great Barrier Reef

Short on time

Half Day Reef

A shorter reef trip with a scenic helicopter flight — ideal if you don’t have a full day to spare.

Explore Half Day Reef →

Prices & packages · Getting here · Health checklist · Contact us

Your full day on the Great Barrier Reef

Exclusive reef access, all-inclusive, and something for every kind of visitor. Book direct for the best price and flexible booking options.

Book Direct →

Moore Reef Full DayAdults $317 all-inclusive

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