• Guided glass bottom boat AND semi-submersible submarine tours as well as fish feeding presentation AND underwater observatory.
• Upgrade & book the most popular way to explore the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Fly in a helicopter to and from Cairns and see the reef from above and below the water. 
• Interactive multi-level pontoon at Moore Reef complete with supersized sundeck and the only theme park style spaghetti waterslide on the Reef! Fully enclosed children’s pool keeps the little one's safe.
• Ask a friend or crew member to capture you sliding down the pontoon water slide and into the Reef! Or bring, or hire, a GoPro to capture your amazing slide action
• Meet some of Moore Reef’s resident characters, including Wally the giant, intricately marked Maori Wrasse fish and Dora the friendly sea turtle
• Family Deal - Save $165 based on 2 adults & 2 children - See child age and policy

A very unique Great Barrier Reef tour perfect for families with children. This floating pontoon has a huge spaghetti waterslide they will simply fall in love with. Experience a day packed with lot's of exciting activities on this Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns on our interactive pontoon.

What to Expect:

This is the most popular Great Barrier Reef pontoon in Cairns as it has a spaghetti waterslide not only for the kids but the big kids too. Join us for a day of exhilarating family-friendly adventure on the Great Barrier Reef with our Moore Reef pontoon tour from Cairns. This day-long excursion is hosted on a floating interactive platform, packed with in-water and out of water activities that cater to both thrill-seekers and those who wish to relax or those who may be non-swimmers but wish to see as much of the Great Barrier Reef as possible without getting wet. It's perfect for families, offering a variety of underwater and above-water experiences to engage all ages.

Features and Highlights:

Spacious, Air-Conditioned Catamaran:

• Depart from Cairns Marlin Marina on a modern catamaran, designed for comfort with ample space and great facilities, ensuring a smooth ride out to the floating pontoon at Moore Reef and spend a full 4 hours seeing the reef in a myriad of ways.

Interactive Pontoon:

• The heart of your adventure, our 45-meter two-story pontoon, features a dedicated enclosed children’s pool, snorkelling and scuba diving platforms, and the Great Barrier Reef’s only spaghetti waterslide, adding a splash of fun to your reef exploration.

Diverse Activities:

• Snorkelling: Dive into the vibrant underwater world of Moore Reef, ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. We provide all necessary gear.
• Waterslide: Experience the thrill of sliding directly into the refreshing waters of the reef.
• Glass Bottom Boat and Semi-Submersible Tours: Glass bottom boats and semi submersibles are perfect for those who prefer to stay dry. These tours offer a window into the diverse ecosystem of the reef without getting wet.
• Underwater Observatory and Fish Feeding: Get up close with marine life and watch all the underwater activity in a completely dry setting, perfect for all ages.

Educational Opportunities:

• Learn about marine life and reef conservation through scheduled presentations and interactive displays, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of this unique ecosystem.

Optional Extra Pontoon Activities:

• Scuba Diving: Available for both certified divers and first-timers, diving at Moore Reef is an unforgettable way to experience the wonders of the deep.
• Seawalker Helmet Diving: Walk on the seafloor with a helmet that allows you to breathe normally – no scuba certification required.
• Scenic Helicopter Flights: Take to the skies to witness the majestic Great Barrier Reef from above, with options to fly to and from Cairns or directly from the pontoon. We highly recommend a helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo tour for first time visitors to the reef you will simply be in awe of the visuals you will witness before you. But make sure you book early as helicopter seats are limited to only 6 persons daily and they book out fast.

Comfort and Convenience:

• The Cairns pontoon tour includes a tropical buffet lunch served on the platform, with options to cater to various dietary needs.
• Full-day access to the pontoon’s facilities, including sun lounges and shaded areas to relax and enjoy the stunning views.

Environmental Commitment:

• Our operations are conducted with the highest respect for the Great Barrier Reef environment, with educational initiatives and sustainable practices in place to ensure its preservation for future generations.

This Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns is designed to offer something for everyone, combining adventure, relaxation, and educational experiences in one of the world's most stunning natural settings. Whether you’re sliding down the waterslide, snorkelling among the corals, or enjoying the view from the glass bottom boat, this tour promises a memorable day out for the whole family.

See all Cairns Great Barrier Reef pontoons and the Port Douglas pontoon.

View all helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo flights.  

Great Barrier Reef Tour - Moore Reef Floating Pontoon

This Great Barrier Reef tour is like a marine fun park, Moore Reef’s two-storey floating platform is a great interactive activity centre for all ages and an exciting way to explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef. 

Enjoy snorkelling, semi-submersible submarine and glass bottom boat tours, underwater observatory as well as a unique Seawalker helmet diving experience, just to name a few! 

Parents will adore the fully enclosed kid’s pool and theme-park style spaghetti water slide!

There are so many ways to see the Great Barrier Reef on this tour, it is perfect for non-swimmers. 

Schedules

Cruise both ways

Cruise EX CAIRNS Reef Fleet Terminal

• 8.30 - 9.30am: Check In at Reef Fleet Terminal + boarding at the boat
• 9.45am: Boarding closes
• 10.00am: Boat departs Cairns Marina
• 11.15am-11.30am: Arrival at Moore Reef Pontoon
• 4.00pm: Departure from Moore Reef Pontoon
• 5.30pm: Arrival at Cairns Marina

Fly/Cruise

EX Nautilus Cairns City Heliport (Pier Point Rd)

• 11:30am - Check-in at Nautilus Aviation city Heliport (Pier Point Rd, Cairns) + safety briefing
• 12:00pm - Depart on helicopter
• 12:25pm - Arrive at Moore Reef
• 4.00pm: Departure from Moore Reef Pontoon
• 5.30pm: Arrival at Cairns Marina

Cruise/Fly

EX CAIRNS Reef Fleet Terminal

• 8.30 - 9.30am: Check In at Reef Fleet Terminal + boarding at the boat
• 9.45am: Boarding closes
• 10.00am: Boat departs Cairns Marina
• 11.15am-11.30am: Arrival at Moore Reef Pontoon
• 3:30pm - Depart Moore reef Pontoon
• 3:55pm - Return to Nautilus Aviation City Heliport (Pier Point Rd, Cairns)

Fly both ways

EX Nautilus Cairns City Heliport (Pier Point Rd)

• 11:30am - Check-In at Nautilus Aviation City Heliport (Pier Point Rd, Cairns) + safety briefing
• 12:00pm - Depart on helicopter
• 11:50am - Arrive at Moore Reef
• 3:30pm - Depart Moore Reef on helicopter
• 3:55pm - Return to Nautilus Aviation City Heliport (Pier Point Rd, Cairns)

Great Barrier Reef Tour Snorkel on the Outer Reef

Moore Reef offers ideal snorkelling conditions with calm, sheltered waters, diverse marine life and stunning coral gardens just metres under the water.

Swimmers of all abilities can take part in snorkelling on the Reef. Your snorkel equipment is provided as part of the tour as well as floatation devices which are great for anyone with limited mobility or if you're uncomfortable in the water. 

Two new large dive platforms on the Moore Reef pontoon make getting in and out of the water fast and easy so you can enjoy snorkelling and exploring the Reef at your own pace at any time throughout the day.

Great Barrier Reef - Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Don’t sit this one out! Instead, seat yourself in comfort and explore the reef in a dry, but no less fascinating way on a glass bottom boat tour.

This is a fabulous way to experience the Great Barrier Reef if you don't want to get wet or aren't a confident swimmer. 

This highly visual and informative reef tour will offer you both lasting images and an understanding of the world's largest coral reef and its inhabitants. 

Glass bottom boat tour is the perfect activity for non-swimmers

Great Barrier Reef Semi-Submersible Submarine Tour

Relax in air-conditioned comfort and view the splendour of the Great Barrier Reef on a semi-submersible submarine tour.

These underwater tours give you the perspective of a scuba diver without getting wet as you come eye to eye with hard and soft corals, turtles, the larger fish, gigantic clams and possibly Nemo the clownfish and his friends hiding amongst their homes in the anemone. 

The semi-submersible submarine tour includes a fascinating interactive ocean briefing from a marine naturalist.

A perfect activity for non-swimmers

Interactive Snorkel Tour (OPTIONAL ACTIVITY)

A professional marine naturalist will guide you on this personalised 30-minute snorkel tour.

Whilst snorkeling the reef you will learn so much more about the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef such as the impressive longevity of sea turtles, the shy character of clownfish (Nemo), along with fascinating information about molluscs, crustaceans and the dazzling starfish that line the ocean floor. 

Introductory Scuba Diving (OPTIONAL ACTIVITY)

The introductory scuba dive gives you the chance to experience the beauty of Great Barrier Reef up close.

You’ll see and learn about the coral reef and the unique marine life that inhabits it, including giant clams, clownfish (Nemo), rays, turtles and an array of colourful reef fish.

An experienced, qualified dive instructor will brief you and guide you on your underwater journey.

First class equipment is provided and a maximum of four people per instructor ensures a safe and fun activity for all.

Certified Scuba Diving (OPTIONAL ACTIVITY)

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. 

As a certified scuba diver, you and a fellow certified diver will be assigned as dive buddies to enjoy the experience of diving beautiful Moore Reef. 

All equipment including regulator, BCD, fins, mask, tanks, weights and wetsuit are provided.

Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight (OPTIONAL ACTIVITY)

View the vastness and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from above on a scenic helicopter flight over Moore Reef. 

This exciting and breathtaking experience is beauty in its natural form as the Great Barrier Reef will unfold before your eyes and give you the chance to see the brilliant coral formations, groups of turtles, sharks and rays as your helicopter flies approximately 500ft over the Great Barrier Reef and passes the coastline of Cairns.

See more of our Great Barrier Reef tours with floating pontoons and activity centres. 

Note: Infant age 3 must pay for a seat

Seawalker Platform Helmet Diving (OPTIONAL ACTIVITY)

Seawalker Platform Helmet Diving is an exciting way to experience the Great Barrier Reef without getting your hair wet.

No prior dive knowledge or experience is required and you will be guided on your adventure by a qualified instructor.

Unlike traditional scuba diving, Seawalker enables you to breathe through your nose and mouth as you would above water. 

Seawalker offers all the excitement of scuba diving without getting wet and is ideal for non-swimmers.

Lunch On Board Your Cruise Boat

With so much to see and do on the Great Barrier Reef it's important not to forget about the flavoursome lunch.

The buffet lunch is served on board the air conditioned catamaran where you can sit in the cool comfort or stay outside and breathe in the fresh air with the top decks shaded platform picnic tables and chairs.

Menu - Please note menu may change without notice

Bread Selection

Fresh Baked White High Top Rolls

Garlic and Herb Focaccia Bread

Served with butter portions

Local Endeavour Prawns with cocktail sauce and citrus wedges (GF/DF)

Salad Selection

Sweet & White Potato Salad - Dill and Shallots - Vegan Dijonaise (GF/Vegan)

Market Garden Salad - Tomato, Red Onion, Cucumber, Carrot and Sprouts (GF/Vegan)

Red & White Coleslaw - Carrot and red onion (GF/Vegan)

Cold Meat Selection

Chanpagne 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

Seasonal Tropical Fruit Platter with fresh Coconut shavings (GF/Vegan)

Tour Languages Offered

• Chinese
• English
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Spanish

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• 8:30am - 9.30am check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal, and board our vessel
• 9.45am boarding closes
• 10.00am depart Cairns
• 11.15am-11.30am Arrive Moore Reef Pontoon
• 4.00pm depart Moore Reef Pontoon
• 5.30pm arrive Cairns Marina
• Cruise/Fly: check in 8.30am-9.30am, departs 10.00am, arrives back in Cairns 3.55pm
• Fly/Cruise: Check in 11.30am, departs 12.00pm, arrives back in Cairns 5.30pm
• Fly/Fly: check in 11.30am, departs 12.00pm, arrives back in Cairns 3.55pm

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Moore Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

90 minute cruise each way approx.
4 hours on pontoon approx.

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Scenic Helicopter Flights at platform
• Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total
• Introductory and Certified Scuba Diving
• Seawalker Helmet Diving
• Guided Snorkel Tours
• Full bar facilities
• Digital photos & DVD's.

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium, Disabled

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

• Prescription mask available onboard- $5.00 with $50.00 deposit
• Wetsuit- $10.00 hire payable onboard

Hat, Sunscreen (SPF 30+) & protective clothing, Swimming costume & beach towel, Cash & credit card for onboard purchases

• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)
• Child rate is applicable between the ages of 4-15 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