Back

Cairns Reef Tours | Helicopter Rides |Dive-Snorkel | Waterslide | Glass Bottom Boat | by Sunlover

Tour Code: 114

Departing: Cairns

Pickup: Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches, Palm Cove

Family Deal Save $165
  • 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

Included In Price

  • Travel on air-conditioned catamaran
  • Complimentary tea & coffee on boarding & while moored at the reef
  • 4 hours reef time
  • Lunch is included
  • Full bar facilities
  • Freshwater showers and change rooms
  • Free WIFI on board vessel
  • Upper-level sun deck
  • Full access to the Sunlover waterslide
  • Snorkelling rest stations
  • Ocean enclosed pool for children
  • Glass bottom boat tours
  • Semi-submersible Tours operation
  • Marine naturalist presentations
  • All snorkelling equipment & expert instruction, including Lycra Suit & Buoyancy Vest
  • Underwater observatory
  • Fish feeding presentations

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.

On this Great Barrier Reef tour you may partake in all of the in-water activities or just choose a few, there are so many ways for you to explore the Great Barrier Reef in so many different ways on this reef trip from Cairns.

This is the perfect reef trip for families, swimmers and non-swimmers, and adventure seekers alike! 

Your spacious, air-conditioned catamaran for the day cruises from Cairns Marina to the new 45-metre, two-storey pontoon at Moore Reef which features a huge sundeck, dive platforms and the only theme park style spaghetti water slide on the Great Barrier  Reef.

You'll have four incredible hours to explore the Great Barrier Reef, with a host of in water and out of water activities to choose from: 

  • Snorkel the Reef and make some new marine friends
  • Lie back and relax on the spacious upper-level sundeck
  • Waterslide into the Reef! Enjoy unlimited use of the only theme park style spaghetti waterslide on the Reef
  • Semi-submersible submarine and glass bottom boat tours  perfect for non-swimmers or if you don't want to get wet
  • Underwater Observatory
  • Fish feeding presentations
  • There's also a dedicated, fully enclosed pool for kids

Cairns Reef Tour Optional Extras Include:

  • Scuba diving (introductory and certified)
  • Scenic helicopter flights to/from Cairns to pontoon - Infant age 3 must pay for a seat
  • Guided snorkelling safaris  
  • Seawalker Helmet Diving 
  • Helicopter flights from the pontoon - Infant age 3 must pay for a seat

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

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)

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)

  • 11:00am - Check-in at Nautilus Aviation city Heliport (Pier Point Rd, Cairns) + safety briefing
  • 11:30am - Depart on helicopter
  • 11:50am - 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
  • 3:00pm - Depart Moore reef Pontoon
  • 3:30pm - Return to Nautilus Aviation City Heliport (Pier Point Rd, Cairns)

Fly both ways

EX Nautilus Cairns City Heliport (Pier Point Rd)

  • 11:00am - Check-In at Nautilus Aviation City Heliport (Pier Point Rd, Cairns) + safety briefing
  • 11:30am - Depart on helicopter
  • 11:50am - Arrive at Moore Reef
  • 3:10pm - Depart Moore Reef on helicopter
  • 3:30pm - Return to Nautilus Aviation City Heliport (Pier Point Rd, Cairns)
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.
4.5 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.

Intro Dive Medical Advanced Dive Medical Seawalker Medical

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

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

Customer Reviews

Average Rating

shobha S

Reviewed on August 21, 2019

This tour was awesome. well organised in time and could not have asked for more.

Response From Barrier Reef Australia

Dear Shobha, thank you for your review of our Cairns Great Barrier Reef tour out to the pontoon at Moore Reef. We are glad you had a great day as we like to hear the guests feedback on the tours and attractions we have recommended for them when visiting Cairns. We hope to see you or some of your friends back in Cairns soon.

Punit T

Reviewed on December 26, 2017

It was a once in a lifetime experience for us. We went snorkeling for 2 hours. But we missed the glass bottom tour and other attractions as the total time of stay there was very less. It was only 4 hours and it should be increased to atleast 6 hours. The crew were helpful. The lunch was nice. But there was no morning and evening snacks and that was kind of a disappointment. Overall experience was good but I found it expensive considering the services and food provided.

Response From Barrier Reef Australia

Thank you for your review on your Great Barrier Reef tour Punit Most of the reef tour trips allow 4 hours out on the reef itself as the travel time each way is around 1.5 hours so that is 7 hours in the day already. The boats need to return to Cairns before it gets dark for safety. With regards to snacks as you board there is usually tea and coffee and biscuits and in the afternoon the same or with cheeses so maybe you did not see these in the galley? Sorry to hear you missed the glass bottom boat. It departs quite regularly during the day but sounds like you had so much fun snorkelling you missed it. We suggest to guests to do all the pontoon activities before snorkelling and diving to ensure you try all on offer. Hopefully you may be able to return to Cairns in the future and if you do please call us and we would love to recommend the perfect Cairns tours for you

Jennifer R

Reviewed on October 01, 2017

We had an interesting day. We enjoyed the glass bottom boat and the submersible although my husband felt the glass in the submersible was not very clean and this impeded our view of the reef. I was frustrated when snorkelling as my mask continually fogged up and I was unable to swim continuously viewing the coral.

Response From Barrier Reef Australia

Hi Jennifer, thanks for your feedback. We now have a brand new pontoon on Moore Reef with upgraded facilities and even more to see and do. The Tour Specialists are more than happy to point you in the right direction for your next Outer Reef experience.

Eng Hin W

Reviewed on August 20, 2017

The trip is generally good and we enjoyed the facilities provided on the Pontoon. That said, buffet food quality can be improved and guests should be informed prior that the submarine was not working. My wife and some other non-swimmer passengers we spoke to are disappointed that they can only enjoy glass-bottom boat as a result.I

Response From Barrier Reef Australia

Thank you for your review of your Great Barrier Reef Tour Eng and sorry to hear the semi-submersible submarine was not working on that day. They would have to bring out engineers or parts from Cairns to fix it no doubt. Good to hear they enjoyed the glass bottom boat and of course there are always lots of other things happening on the pontoon. Have passed on your comments about the buffet to the tour operator We look forward to welcoming you back to Cairns

Containes notes on wheelchair accessContaines notes for the hearing impaired
Wheelchair Accessibility
Doorway Measurements For Wheelchair Access

All doors are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs

Number of Steps

Embark and Disembark from the same level no steps~|~No motorised wheelchair access only manual foldiable wheelchairs

Boarding Access

Embark and Disembark on the same level no steps

No motorised wheelchair access only manual foldiable wheelchairs

Onboard Access

Acess to snorkel platform 5 steps

Access to Dive Platform 5 stairs

Access to Glass Bottom Boat 3 stairs

Access to underwater observatory 10 steps

Disabled toilet access troughout the day

Hearing Impaired Information

information sheets are available

Facilities

Disabled toilets are available throughout the day

Additional Information

No electric wheelchair access only folding manual wheelchairs

Accommodation Transfers available to passengers with enough mobility to negotiate 3 steps with assistance on and off the bus

Wheelchair taxi can be booked between Cairns and Cairns Beaches at a set rate
Wheelchair Accessibility

Access pontoon on same level

Number of Steps

5 steps to dive platform~|~5 steps to snorkel platform~|~Access to dive and snorkel platform will require the assistance of a carer or travel companion~|~3 steps to the glass bottom boat

Boarding Access

Access from the quay to the boat at same level no steps

Additional Information

An AS 4005.1 medical certificate from an Australian dive doctor prior to day of checkin is to be brought with the passenger on the day of travel
Wheelchair Accessibility
Number of Steps

This tour is not suitable for all non-mobile passenegers~|~All Passengers must be able to transfer from the pontoon to the transfer boat and onto the Heli pontoon unassisted~|~All Passengers must be able to enter and exit the helicopter unassisted

Hearing Impaired Information

Information Sheets available for the hard of hearing

Facilities

Disabled toilet facilities are available throughout the day

Wheelchair Accessibility
Number of Steps

10 Steps down to the underwater observatory

Boarding Access

same level access from the Quay to the boat

Onboard Access

Wheelchair access around the pontoon

Live touch tank presentaion is wheelchair accessable

Facilities

Disabled toilets are available throughout the day

Wheelchair Accessibility

5 steps to the snorkeling platform

Number of Steps

5 steps to the snorkeling platform~|~5 steps to diving platform

Boarding Access

Same level access from Quay to boat

Onboard Access

Buoyancy vests available

Life Jackets available

Hearing Impaired Information

Information sheets available for hard of hearing

Wheelchair Accessibility
Number of Steps

Semi-Submersible Tours all have a steep decline to enter the vessel . It is not recommended, however this will depend on the severity of immobility

Onboard Access

Access to snorkel platform 5 steps

Acces to dive platform 5 steps

Access to Glass Bottom Boat 3 Steps

Access to Underwaterobservatory 10 steps

Acess to under water observatory 10 steps

Disabled toilets available throughout the day

Hearing Impaired Information

Information sheet available for the hard of hearing

  • 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

All cancellations must be in writing.

Please note that all cancellations will incur an administration fee.

Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.

Tour Operator's Cancellation Policy:

100% cancellation fee will be charged for FIT passengers cancelling within 24 hours of departure.

Please note optional activities such as Diving & Sea Walker are not refundable if you do not pass the medical.

Note: Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total after checkout

Cairns Reef Tours | Helicopter Rides |Dive-Snorkel | Waterslide | Glass Bottom Boat | by Sunlover

Tour Code: 114

Departing: Cairns

Pickup: Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches, Palm Cove

Family Deal Save $165

From

au$265.00

Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.

Child: au$155.00
Family: au$685.00

Tour Code: 114

From

au$265.00

16 yrs & over

4 - 15 yrs

0 - 3 yrs

Ages of Children
(Discounts May Apply)
Phone
1300 231 118
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745
Phone
1300 231 118
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745

You May Also Like