- Barrier Reef Australia
- Things To Do
- Great Barrier Reef Tour - Cairns Pontoon Tour
- Barrier Reef Australia
- Things To Do
- Great Barrier Reef Tour - Cairns Pontoon Tour
Tour Code: 114
Prices From
au$229
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$119.00
Family: au$577.00
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
- Onboard touch tank to experience unique marine life up close
- 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
Optional extras include:
- Scuba diving (introductory and certified)
- Scenic helicopter flights
- Guided snorkelling safaris
- Seawalker Helmet Diving
Highlights
- Guided glass bottom boat and semi-submersible tours plus fish feeding
- Underwater observatory and touch tank presentation
- New 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
- Meet some of Moore Reef’s resident characters, including Wally the giant, intricately marked Maori Wrasse fish and Dora the friendly sea turtle
Perfect Selfie
- 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
Share your selfie on our Facebook page and tag your best Instagram pics with #barrierreefaustralia for your chance to be featured.
Itinerary
Moore Reef Floating Pontoon
Like a marine fun park, Moore Reef’s new two-storey floating platform, completed mid-2017, is a great activity centre for all ages and an exciting way to explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Indulge in a buffet lunch with seafood as well as snorkelling, submarine and glass bottom boat tours, a marine life touch tank, 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!
Snorkel on the Outer Great Barrier 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.
Glass Bottom Boat
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 Reef if you don't want to get wet or aren't a confident swimmer. This highly visual and informative tour will offer you both lasting images and an understanding of the world's largest coral reef and its inhabitants.
Semi-Submersible Tour
Relax in air-conditioned comfort and view the splendour of the Great Barrier Reef from a semi-submersible submarine. 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 tour includes a fascinating interactive ocean briefing from a marine naturalist.
Food and Drinks
Tea and coffee are served on boarding and available all day. Enjoy a hot and cold full buffet lunch with seafood (vegetarian/dietary requirements are catered for) included in your tour and provided on board. On the return trip, you'll be served afternoon tea with a refreshing tropical fruit platter.
Your catamaran also has a fully stocked bar with beer, wine, juices, pre-mixed drinks and soft drinks offered as extras, to be paid on consumption.
Interactive Snorkel Adventure (OPTIONAL ACTIVITY – NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE)
A professional marine naturalist will guide you on this 30-minute snorkel tour. Snorkel the reef while you learn about 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 – NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE)
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 – NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE)
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. As a certified 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.
Seawalker Platform Helmet Diving (OPTIONAL ACTIVITY – NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE)
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.
Scenic Helicopter Flight (OPTIONAL ACTIVITY – NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE)
View the vastness and beauty of the 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 you cruise approximately 500ft over the Great Barrier Reef and pass the coastline of Cairns.
Included In Price
- Travel to the Outer Great Barrier Reef aboard an air-conditioned catamaran
- Complimentary tea and coffee on boarding vessel
- Multi-level pontoon with large upper level sundeck and waterslide into the Reef
- Buffet Lunch
- Freshwater showers and changing rooms
- Snorkel equipment
- Glass Bottom Boat
- Semi-submersible boat
- Snorkelling rest & view stations
- Fully enclosed children's pool
- Marine life touch tank
- Fish feeding presentations
- Underwater observatory
Tour Languages Offered
Chinese
English
Japanese
Chinese
English
JapaneseDeparts From
Cairns
Departure Time
- 8:30 - 9.15am – check in at Reef Fleet Terminal.
- 9:30am – departs Cairns Marlin Marina
Departure Instructions
If you are making your own way / self drive to the Reef Fleet Terminal, please note your check in is at 8:30am
Pickup Locations
- Cairns
- Cairns Northern Beaches
- Palm Cove
- Pick up time from accommodation will be advised upon booking
Destinations
Moore Reef
Months of Operation
January - December
Days of Operation
Daily
A great Christmas Day tour – operates every day of the year!
Duration
90-minute cruise each way
Total time on reef 4 hours
Departs from Cairns Marlin Marina 9.30am and returns 5.30pm
What to Bring
- Hat
- Towel
- Swimming costume & beach towel
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) & protective clothing
- Sunglasses
- Camera (charged)
- Cash & credit card for any onboard purchases
Available for Purchase / Hire
- Accommodation transfers from Cairns, Palm Cove and Northern Beaches, please pre-book with us
- Introductory and certified scuba diving
- Seawalker helmet diving
- Guided snorkelling tours
- Scenic helicopter flights
Fitness Level Required
Low, Medium, Disabled
Restrictions
- Scuba Diving – minimum age 12 and subject to a medical questionnaire
- Medium fitness is required for snorkel safari tour
IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS
Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions
- Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from helmet diving and scuba doo.
- Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
- Minimum age for helmet diving/scuba doo is 12 years.
- Flying after diving: A wait of 12 hours is recommended but preferably 24 hours, if doing multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.
Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.
Child Policy
- Child rate is applicable between the ages of 4-15 years inclusive.
- Family rate comprises of 2 adults and 2 children.
- Infants under 4 years travel for free.
- Parents can take prams, strollers and capsules on boat
Cancellation Policy
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.
- Bookings cancelled within 72 hours of departure will be subject to a cancellation charge.
- A 100% cancellation fee will be charged for (free and independent traveller) passengers cancelling within 24 hours of departure.
Eco Certifications
Customer Reviews
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
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
- Onboard touch tank to experience unique marine life up close
- 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
Optional extras include:
- Scuba diving (introductory and certified)
- Scenic helicopter flights
- Guided snorkelling safaris
- Seawalker Helmet Diving
Highlights
- Guided glass bottom boat and semi-submersible tours plus fish feeding
- Underwater observatory and touch tank presentation
- New 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
- Meet some of Moore Reef’s resident characters, including Wally the giant, intricately marked Maori Wrasse fish and Dora the friendly sea turtle
Perfect Selfie
- 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
Share your selfie on our Facebook page and tag your best Instagram pics with #barrierreefaustralia for your chance to be featured.
Itinerary
Moore Reef Floating Pontoon
Like a marine fun park, Moore Reef’s new two-storey floating platform, completed mid-2017, is a great activity centre for all ages and an exciting way to explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Indulge in a buffet lunch with seafood as well as snorkelling, submarine and glass bottom boat tours, a marine life touch tank, 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!
Snorkel on the Outer Great Barrier 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.
Glass Bottom Boat
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 Reef if you don't want to get wet or aren't a confident swimmer. This highly visual and informative tour will offer you both lasting images and an understanding of the world's largest coral reef and its inhabitants.
Semi-Submersible Tour
Relax in air-conditioned comfort and view the splendour of the Great Barrier Reef from a semi-submersible submarine. 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 tour includes a fascinating interactive ocean briefing from a marine naturalist.
Food and Drinks
Tea and coffee are served on boarding and available all day. Enjoy a hot and cold full buffet lunch with seafood (vegetarian/dietary requirements are catered for) included in your tour and provided on board. On the return trip, you'll be served afternoon tea with a refreshing tropical fruit platter.
Your catamaran also has a fully stocked bar with beer, wine, juices, pre-mixed drinks and soft drinks offered as extras, to be paid on consumption.
Interactive Snorkel Adventure (OPTIONAL ACTIVITY – NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE)
A professional marine naturalist will guide you on this 30-minute snorkel tour. Snorkel the reef while you learn about 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 – NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE)
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 – NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE)
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. As a certified 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.
Seawalker Platform Helmet Diving (OPTIONAL ACTIVITY – NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE)
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.
Scenic Helicopter Flight (OPTIONAL ACTIVITY – NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE)
View the vastness and beauty of the 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 you cruise approximately 500ft over the Great Barrier Reef and pass the coastline of Cairns.
Included In Price
- Travel to the Outer Great Barrier Reef aboard an air-conditioned catamaran
- Complimentary tea and coffee on boarding vessel
- Multi-level pontoon with large upper level sundeck and waterslide into the Reef
- Buffet Lunch
- Freshwater showers and changing rooms
- Snorkel equipment
- Glass Bottom Boat
- Semi-submersible boat
- Snorkelling rest & view stations
- Fully enclosed children's pool
- Marine life touch tank
- Fish feeding presentations
- Underwater observatory
Tour Languages Offered
- Chinese
- English
- Japanese
Departs From
Cairns
Departure Time
- 8:30 - 9.15am – check in at Reef Fleet Terminal.
- 9:30am – departs Cairns Marlin Marina
Departure Instructions
If you are making your own way / self drive to the Reef Fleet Terminal, please note your check in is at 8:30am
Pickup Locations
- Cairns
- Cairns Northern Beaches
- Palm Cove
- Pick up time from accommodation will be advised upon booking
Destinations
Moore Reef
Months of Operation
January - December
Days of Operation
Daily
A great Christmas Day tour – operates every day of the year!
Duration
90-minute cruise each way
Total time on reef 4 hours
Departs from Cairns Marlin Marina 9.30am and returns 5.30pm
What to Bring
- Hat
- Towel
- Swimming costume & beach towel
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) & protective clothing
- Sunglasses
- Camera (charged)
- Cash & credit card for any onboard purchases
Available for Purchase / Hire
- Accommodation transfers from Cairns, Palm Cove and Northern Beaches, please pre-book with us
- Introductory and certified scuba diving
- Seawalker helmet diving
- Guided snorkelling tours
- Scenic helicopter flights
Fitness Level Required
Low, Medium, Disabled
Restrictions
- Scuba Diving – minimum age 12 and subject to a medical questionnaire
- Medium fitness is required for snorkel safari tour
IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS
Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions
- Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from helmet diving and scuba doo.
- Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
- Minimum age for helmet diving/scuba doo is 12 years.
- Flying after diving: A wait of 12 hours is recommended but preferably 24 hours, if doing multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.
Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.
Child Policy
- Child rate is applicable between the ages of 4-15 years inclusive.
- Family rate comprises of 2 adults and 2 children.
- Infants under 4 years travel for free.
- Parents can take prams, strollers and capsules on boat
Cancellation Policy
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.
- Bookings cancelled within 72 hours of departure will be subject to a cancellation charge.
- A 100% cancellation fee will be charged for (free and independent traveller) passengers cancelling within 24 hours of departure.
Eco Certifications
Customer Reviews
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
Tour Code: 114
Prices From
au$229
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$119.00
Family: au$577.00
Why Book With Barrier Reef Australia?
- Best Prices Guaranteed
- 7 Day Support
- Great Barrier Reef Experts
- Personalised Experiences
