• The perfect Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns for non-swimmers to marvel at colourful marine life in the underwater observatory, enjoy a glass bottom boat tour or a semi-submersible submarine tour or helicopter flight 
• The activity platform on the outer Barrier Reef is the destination your boat will head to from Cairns. Perfect for families with young children, scuba divers, and snorkelers. There are so many different ways to see the reef 
• The ultimate way to upgrade this Cairns tour is to book a Fly and Cruise Great Barrier Reef tour where you can fly in a helicopter from Cairns out to the pontoon or do it in reverse or fly by helicopter both ways for the best tour experience
• Everyone loves to meet Wally the giant Maori Wrasse fish on this Great Barrier Reef tour. Don't be surprised if ultra-friendly Wally swims towards you for a cuddle and a selfie! 
• Brand new state of the art interactive pontoon soon to be launched on the Great Barrier Reef!
• Family Deal - Save $149 based on 2 adults 2 children

Hop aboard from Cairns on a fast catamaran and head for 5 hours of fun & adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. Our activity platform offers Scuba Diving, Helmet Diving, Guided Snorkelling Tours, and Scenic Helicopter flights.

What to Expect

A sensational Great Barrier Reef pontoon tour adventure from Cairns. Hop aboard a fast catamaran from Cairns for a full day of fun and adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. Spend five hours at the state-of-the-art Marine World pontoon, situated on Moore Reef, where you can enjoy a variety of activities including scuba diving, helmet diving, guided snorkelling tours, and scenic helicopter flights. This Great Barrier Reef pontoon tour is perfect for swimmers and non-swimmers, travellers with disabilities, and families.

Features and Highlights

All-Inclusive Fun

• Morning Tea and Coffee: Kickstart your day with complimentary refreshments as you board the catamaran.
• High-Speed Catamaran: Enjoy a smooth and fast ride to the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns.
• Interactive Pontoon: Spend your day on a spacious pontoon with multiple levels, powered by sustainable energy from solar panels and wind turbines.

Great Barrier Reef Tour Activities

• Snorkelling: Dive straight into the calm coral lagoon to explore vibrant marine life and stunning coral gardens. Supervised snorkelling areas ensure safety and fun for all.
• Scuba Diving: Both introductory and certified scuba diving options are available. Dive among spectacular bommies, giant clams, and an abundance of marine life.
• Helmet Diving: Walk on the seafloor with Sea Trek helmet diving, perfect for those who prefer not to swim.
• Glass Bottom Boat: Experience the Great Barrier  reef without getting wet, perfect for non-swimmers.
• Semi-Submersible Submarine: Explore the reef from the comfort of semi sub vessel.
• Underwater Observatory: View the reef's wonders and enjoy an informative fish feeding display via the floor to ceiling Perspex windows.

Additional Features

• Guided Snorkelling Tours: Join a Marine Naturalist for a closer look at the coral gardens and marine life.
• Adventure Snorkelling Safari: For experienced snorkellers, explore further with a dedicated snorkel boat.
• Scenic Helicopter Flights: Get a bird's eye view of the Great Barrier Reef with optional 5, 10, or 30-minute helicopter rides.
• Sun Deck: Relax on a spacious sun deck with loungers.
• Media Room: Unwind and learn more about the Great Barrier Reef in the onboard media room.
• Licensed Bar: Purchase drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Itinerary

• 08:15-08:45 - Boarding at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
• 09:00 - Departure from Marlin Jetty, Cairns. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes.
• 10:30 - Arrival at the Marine World pontoon on Moore Reef.
• 12:00 - Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch prepared by the renowned Ochre Restaurant & Tropic Spirit Catering.
• 15:30 - Depart from the pontoon.
• 17:00 - Arrival back at Cairns.

Cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef

• Board a modern catamaran at Cairns Marlin Marina and enjoy morning tea as you set off. During the 90-minute journey, learn about the reef and get snorkelling tips from a Marine Naturalist.

Interactive Floating Pontoon Platform

• Located at Moore Reef, the interactive pontoon offers a range of activities and facilities including freshwater showers, changing rooms, and a sundeck. Tea, coffee, and drinking water are available throughout the day, and a hot and cold buffet lunch is served on the platform.

Snorkelling

• Get fitted with snorkelling equipment and explore the bright and sheltered coral lagoon. The snorkelling area is supervised, and personal flotation devices are available. Rest stations are strategically placed around the site.

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

• Ideal for non-swimmers, this tour lets you appreciate the reef from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat. Enjoy an interactive reef teach from a marine biologist.

Semi-Submersible Submarine Tour

• A larger vessel for sight-seeing the reef, this tour provides a dry, air-conditioned experience with fascinating commentary from a marine naturalist.

Guided Snorkelling - Optional Extra

• Join a Marine Naturalist for a guided tour of the coral gardens or opt for an Adventure Snorkel Safari to explore the outer reef wall.

Scuba Diving - Optional Extra

• Try introductory scuba diving or go for a certified dive at one of the world’s most desired diving locations. Dive among coral formations, giant clams, and anemones.

Helmet Diving Tour - Sea Trek - Optional Extra

• Walk on the sea floor with Sea Trek helmet diving and see giant clams, sea cucumbers, rays, and turtles up close.

Scenic Helicopter Flight - Optional Extra

• Choose from 5, 10, or 30-minute flights to get a bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef. Spot marine life and coral formations from above.

Return to Cairns

• Depart from the pontoon at 3:30 pm for a 5:00 pm arrival back at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. Transfers to your accommodation in Cairns or Cairns Northern Beaches can be organized at an additional cost.

Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure with a variety of activities to suit all interests and abilities. This comprehensive tour ensures a memorable day on the reef, with both in-water and dry experiences to enjoy.

See all Great Barrier Reef tours in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland and Helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo tours.   

Learn more about the Great Barrier Reef on our blog. 

Cairns Reef Tour Itinerary

• 08:15-08:45

Boarding commences at 8.15am with final boarding at 8.45am from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

• 09:00

Depart Marlin Jetty Cairns – Travel time is only 90 minutes direct from Cairns on a fast stable motor catamaran

• 09:15

Included in your booking is morning and afternoon tea, a hot and cold buffet, snorkelling equipment, Glass Bottom Boat Tour and Semi-submersible boat tour and more. We also have extras such as diving, helicopter flights and lockers available for purchase. 

• 10:30

Arrive at the Interactive Pontoon on the Outer Great Barrier Reef – Reef duration: 5 hours

• 12:00

A delicious buffet lunch freshly prepared by the highly awarded & renowned Ochre Restaurant & Tropic Spirit Catering is served on the pontoon. 

• 15:30

Depart Interactive Floating Pontoon

• 17:00

Arrive back in Cairns

Cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef

Board a modern catamaran at Cairns Marlin Marina for your journey to the Marine World activity pontoon on the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Enjoy morning tea and then sit back and relax while you learn about the Reef and receive some top snorkelling tips from the Marine Naturalist on board.

Your journey to the Marine World pontoon will take approximately one and a half hours.

Start your adventure by exploring the vessel itself, with its sunny spacious decks and comfy air-conditioned cabins.

With so many activities on offer for the day, the friendly crew members are always ready to help plan an exhilarating helicopter ride, an introductory first dive, or semi-submersible tour. 

Interactive Floating Pontoon Platform

This floating all-weather activity platform at stunning Moore Reef is your base for the day. 

Your tour includes all-day use of the spacious sundeck, fresh water showers and changing rooms.

Tea, coffee and drinking water are available throughout the day, and a hot and cold buffet lunch with vegetarian options will be served on the platform, with both sunny and shady picnic tables to enjoy.​

Snorkelling

On arrival at Marine World, friendly crew will provide some handy tips on the correct use of snorkelling equipment and then help fit you with a mask, snorkel and fins.  

The snorkel area is supervised at all times and personal flotation devices are available in adult and child sizes.

Stairs lead down from the main deck to a submersed snorkel platform where you can sit down and put on your mask and fins.

Access to the water could not be easier with the snorkel platform opening directly into a bright and sheltered coral lagoon.

There are also floating snorkeller rest stations strategically located around the site where you can take a rest at any time. 

You'll be amazed by the array of colourful corals and marine life, and don't be surprised if you spot Wally the giant Maori Wrasse swimming alongside you.

It's his favourite hangout and he loves to come say hi! 

Glass bottom boat tour

For non-swimmers or if you don't feel like getting wet, this is a brilliant way of appreciating the Reef without entering the water!

The glass bottom boat is a small and maneuverable open-air vessel, which allows you to drift easily through the coral gardens.

Spot beautiful Angelfish, Parrotfish and Clownfish, clams, eels and turtles galore, from the comfort of your seat. 

You'll also enjoy an interactive reef teach from a friendly marine biologist while onboard, and learn why the amazing eco-system at your feet is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. 

Semi-submersible Submarine tour

A slightly larger vessel for sight-seeing the largest coral reef in the world, the semi-submersible submarine tour is an ideal experience for lovers of land.

Spot colourful shoals of fish & stingrays from a dry, air-conditioned glass submarine; and find out fascinating facts about the Reef from a marine naturalist while on the tour.

Guided Snorkelling - Optional Extra

Guided Coral Gardens Snorkel Tour:

Perfect for the beginner snorkeller. Join our Marine Naturalist in small groups and learn more about the reef.  Explore our sheltered coral lagoon with expert snorkelling assistance and instruction available at all times.

Adventure Snorkel Safari :

Suitable for snorkellers who are comfortable in the water, you have the opportunity to explore even further utilising our dedicated snorkel boat.

Drift snorkel the spectacular outer reef wall with our Marine Biologist. The extensive coral formations and HUGE schools of fish have to be seen to be believed!uitable for snorkellers who are comfortable in the water, you have the opportunity to explore even further utilising our dedicated snorkel boat.

Introductory scuba diving - Optional Extra

If you've ever wanted to try scuba diving, now's the time!

The stunning location at Moore Reef is known for its calm conditions, superior coral quality and diversity of marine life –  the ultimate place to take your first dive.

An introductory dive expert will teach you all the basic skills for this exhilarating experience.

Moore Reef is home to spectacular bommies, giant clams and drop-offs that showcase the endless blue.

With a small and select group, your instructor will be on hand to point out these stunning attractions.

You won't have far to look for unique marine life – the anemones boast some of the largest cities of Clownfish (Nemo) known to man.

You may also find a playful sea turtle or giant Maori Wrasse will take a personal interest in you.

Many a time these characters have followed along during a 30-minute dive.

Certified scuba diving - Optional Extra

Get ready to scuba dive one of the most desired diving locations in the world!

Your dive sites for the day are exclusive to your tour, offering calm crystal waters, abundant marine life, mysterious caves, huge canyons and deep drop-offs.

If you don’t have a dive buddy, you’ll be paired with a dive master to share your adventure.

Be sure to give the dive photographer a wink as they capture you amongst the reef fish swimming by. 

Helmet diving tour - Sea Trek - Optional Extra

Love the idea of seeing the Great Barrier Reef first hand, but not too fond of getting wet?

Helmet diving with Sea Trek is an innovative new way to walk along the sea floor while remaining perfectly dry.

You won’t even have to take off your sunglasses! No experience is required, you'll receive a briefing before you get started.

You'll  spot giant clams, sea cucumbers, silvery rays, sea turtles and walk amongst an abundance of brightly coloured reef fish.

This is a one-of-a-kind Great Barrier Reef experience not to be missed!

Scenic helicopter flight - Optional Extra

A breath-taking alternative to in-water activities and coral viewing vessels is to soar above it all in a scenic helicopter flight for a spectacular bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef!

5, 10, and 30-minute scenic flights are available from Marine World or fly/cruise, cruise/fly and fly/fly options to/from Cairns.

View the spectacular coral formations from above and spot turtles, rays, reef sharks, schooling fish and whales (during whale season) in the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea.

See more Great Barrier Reef tours on activity pontoons.

Tour Languages Offered

• English
• French
• German

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Boarding commences at 8.15am with final boarding at 8.45am from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal located  1 Spence Street
• Departs Cairns Marina at 9.00am - Travel time is only 90 minutes direct from Cairns on a fast stable motor catamaran
• Departs potoon at 3.30pm
• Arrives back in Cairns at 5.00pm

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove

• Pick-up time will be advised upon booking
• Northern Beaches *Incl Stratford to Ellis Beach and west of Park Ridge Estate to Crystal Cascades

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Moore Reef 45 kms east of Cairns

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

8 hours (approx)

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Diving: Introductory & Certified
• Helmet Diving
• Guided Coral Gardens Snorkel Tour
• Adventure Snorkel Safari
• Helicopter Reef Scenic Flight
• Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total
• Return Accommodation Coach Transfers
• Beverages & snacks
• Lockers for personal items: $2 per locker approx.
• Prescription masks for snorkellers & divers: $5 hire fee. Magnifications -1.5 to -8.0
• Underwater camera hire: from $60, includes 4 GB card to keep
• Dive/Snorkel photographer: prints from $15

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

Scuba Diving – minimum age 12

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving, Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo.
• Participation is subject to medical questionnaires completed on board with the tour operator.
• Minimum age for scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

Additional Information

• DIVING: All diving is subject to successful completion of an on-board medical questionnaire. Certain medical conditions (i.e: asthma) and some medications may exclude individuals from diving. The minimum legal age for diving is 12 years. All divers under 18 years of age must have parent/guardian consent. Certified Divers must produce their certification card. Please note: it is recommended to leave at least 12-24 hours between diving & flying with the time period dependent on depth, duration & number of dives.
• HELICOPTERS: Bookings can be made for individuals, however a minimum of 2 pax is required for heli to operate. Flights are subject to pilot’s discretion, weather, air traffic control and availability. 1 x FOC infant (0-2 years) is permitted per flight when mentioned at time of booking – subject to pilot approval. Accurate passenger weights are requested at time of booking for all helicopter passengers. Please note: child age for all heli flights and packages is 3-14 years.
• Note: Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total

Eco Certifications

Swimmers, Towel, Sun Protection, Hat, Sunglasses, Camera, Cash/Credit Card for Onboard Purchases, Certification Card/Scuba license if "Certified Diving"

• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)
• Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive
• Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total