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Education Reef Trips

Moore Reef | Fitzroy Island

 

Marine educator leading students on a guided nature walk through Fitzroy Island rainforest as part of Sunlover’s school excursions Great Barrier Reef program
Students learning about marine conservation at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on Fitzroy Island during Sunlover’s school excursions Great Barrier Reef program
Pontoon Waterslide at Moore Reef
A scuba scientist looks at coral hanging from a new coral tree frame.
Rainforest walk to Secret Garden on Fitzroy Island
glass bottom boat ride at Moore Reef
Marine Biologist leading students in a hands-on reef education activity during Sunlover’s school excursions Great Barrier Reef program
Snorkelling in the rain
Glass Bottom Boat at Fitzroy Island

Love the Reef. Love the Adventure. Love to Learn.

 

Moore Reef
Education Experience

 

Full-Day Tour from Cairns | Guided Snorkelling | Curriculum-Aligned

Sunlover Reef Cruises specialises in school excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, giving students the chance to experience one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems through hands-on marine education. 

Marine Biologist leading students in a hands-on reef education activity during Sunlover’s school excursions Great Barrier Reef program

Inspire the Next Generation of Reef Guardians

Marine Biologist for a Day is more than a field trip, it’s a future-focused marine science experience that empowers students to protect our planet’s most iconic ecosystem.

Marine Biologist for a Day – Exclusive to Sunlover’s Moore Reef

Sunlover Reef Cruises leads the way in school excursions Great Barrier Reef experiences, offering hands-on marine education from Cairns to our exclusive Moore Reef pontoon. Our Marine Biologist for a Day program brings classroom learning to life with real reef exploration, guided by qualified marine scientists. Students discover the Great Barrier Reef’s ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation efforts through interactive activities designed to meet Australian Curriculum outcomes.

Through guided snorkels, hands-on marine life encounters, and interactive presentations, students will investigate reef ecology, marine biodiversity and threats to the Great Barrier Reef— building real science skills in the field. They’ll also take part in Eye on the Reef, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s official citizen science program, contributing their own survey data to ongoing reef monitoring and conservation efforts.Our curriculum-aligned school excursions Great Barrier Reef programs inspire curiosity and environmental stewardship.

More than just a snorkelling trip, Marine Biologist for a Day fosters critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and a genuine connection to the reef. Students return with practical field research experience, a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems, and an inspired sense of their role in protecting our planet’s natural treasures.

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What’s Included:

    • Presentations with marine experts

    • Guided snorkel tour with real data collection for GBRMPA

    • Reserved group seating for easy supervision

    • Full snorkelling gear included

    • Semi-submersible and glass bottom boat tours

    • Marine Biologist in underwater observatory

    • Tropical buffet lunch for all students and teachers

    • Incursion / Pre-learning
    • Worksheets
    • Primary Data Collection

 

Why Choose Marine Biologist for a Day?

    • Sunlover’s school excursions Great Barrier Reef are designed to support STEM learning.

    • Connects directly to curriculum outcomes in science and sustainability

    • Sustainably delivered – our program is designed to educate and inspire while minimising environmental impact

    • Offers a rare opportunity to contribute to long-term reef monitoring

    • Builds ocean literacy, ecological awareness, and real scientific skills

    • Combines education with exploration in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments

 

Topics We Cover

    • Coral reef formation and symbiotic relationships

    • Reef health indicators and climate change impacts

    • Scientific observation and data collection methods

    • Human influence and marine park protection strategies

Discover Fitzroy Island 

Education Experience

45 minutes from Cairns | Land-Based Excursion | Curriculum-Aligned | Marine Educator Included

 

Guided nature walk on Fitzroy Island

Make Learning Memorable

Step into the fascinating world where rainforest meets reef. Students will uncover how island habitats and coastal rainforests help the Great Barrier Reef thrive, through engaging, hands-on activities designed to connect classroom learning with real-world environmental stewardship.

Bring Classroom Learning to Life on the Great Barrier Reef’s Doorstep
Give your students a unique opportunity to see science in action on Fitzroy Island — where Tropical Rainforest and fringing coral reef meet in a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Just 45 minutes from Cairns, Discover Fitzroy Island is a full-day, land-based school excursion that blends hands-on learning with the beauty of a tropical island paradise.

Designed to inspire curiosity, environmental stewardship, and critical thinking, this safe, structured program immerses students in the interconnected ecosystems that support the Great Barrier Reef. Led by our passionate Marine Educator, classes will explore the island’s diverse habitats, participate in curriculum-aligned field activities, and discover the vital role these environments play in reef health.

From guided rainforest walks and mangrove investigations to engaging conservation presentations, Discover Fitzroy Island offers an unforgettable place-based learning experience — sparking a deeper understanding of our natural world and the importance of protecting it.

 

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What’s Included

  • Return ferry transfer from Cairns to Fitzroy Island

  • Glass Bottom Boat tour to observe coral reefs and marine life

  • On-island and in-class curriculum-aligned presentations

  • Supervised educational island walks with ecological interpretation

  • Full-day support from our qualified team

Why Choose Fitzroy Island for Your Next School Excursion?

  • Perfect for land-based learning aligned with the Australian Curriculum

  • Safe for all year levels, including younger primary students

  • A unique way to bring marine science, sustainability and geography to life

  • No swimming required – ideal for non-aquatic school groups

Topics We Cover

  • Island formation and fringing reef systems

  • Eco-conscious experience – we aim for minimal environmental impact through responsible practices

  • Coastal vegetation and rainforest ecology

  • Marine biodiversity and conservation challenges

  • Human impact and sustainable tourism

Safety

Student wellbeing is our highest priority. Every excursion is backed by comprehensive risk assessments, accredited safety protocols, and experienced crew trained in first aid and emergency response. We maintain strict supervision ratios and offer fully briefed itineraries so teachers can feel confident and supported from start to finish.

Education

Our programs are curriculum-aligned to Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum, ensuring relevance across science, geography, and environmental studies. Designed in partnership with educators, they blend structured learning with hands-on reef experiences, empowering students to connect with marine ecosystems while meeting specific learning outcomes and assessment standards.

Experience

With over 30 years of operating reef tours, Sunlover has a deep understanding of group dynamics, student engagement, and delivering meaningful excursions. Our long-standing relationships with local schools, marine experts, and conservation partners enhance every tour with real-world insight, professional guidance, and unforgettable reef encounters that go far beyond the classroom.

Fun

We believe learning sticks better when it’s fun. From glass-bottom boat rides to snorkelling alongside vibrant coral and fish, or climbing island mountains, students enjoy every moment. Our team strikes the perfect balance between education and excitement, creating memorable experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and leave kids raving about their day on the reef.

Marine Education Leader | Marine Biologist | Sustainability Specialist

Education Leader Abbi in scuba gear

Abbi Robinson is Sunlover Reef Cruises’ dedicated Marine Education Leader, bringing over four years of experience as a marine biologist and reef sustainability expert. She leads our Marine Biologist for a Day program, delivering engaging, curriculum-aligned reef education that includes coral surveys, species ID, and fish diversity monitoring—designed to spark scientific curiosity in students of all ages.

Abbi is also actively involved in reef conservation through the Tourism Reef Protection Initiative, where she monitors coral health and manages ecological threats such as Crown-of-Thorns Seastars (COTS) and Drupella snails.

With qualifications in Environmental Management and Marine Science, Abbi connects classroom learning to real-world environmental challenges. Her programs explore the link between land and sea—addressing runoff, climate change, and reef resilience—while aligning with the Australian Curriculum.

Whether delivered on Fitzroy Island, the Moore Reef Pontoon, or in a classroom setting, Abbi’s flexible, education-first approach makes her a trusted partner for schools seeking meaningful Great Barrier Reef excursions.

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