Cairns, Queensland · Reef & island operators since 1991
Great Barrier Reef school excursions
Full-day, curriculum-linked fieldwork and recreational reef days at Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island — safe, well-managed and led by our marine educators.
Quick answer
Sunlover runs full-day school excursions on the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns — curriculum-aligned programs (Version 9) with real fieldwork, plus relaxed recreational and reward days. Government funding may reduce the cost. We don’t list school pricing online because every group is different — contact us for a tailored quote.
Reef operators since 1991
Eye on the Reef citizen science
Building connections between land, sea & people
Our programs provide curriculum-aligned, field-based learning experiences for school groups on the Great Barrier Reef. Using Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island as real-world classrooms, students explore reef and island ecosystems through guided observation, inquiry, and evidence-based learning. With over a decade of experience delivering marine education programs and operating on the reef since 1991, Sunlover offers safe, well-managed excursions led by experienced marine educators.
Sunlover Reef Cruises inspires learning for all, fostering understanding of the connections between land, sea, and people through meaningful experiences with the interconnected ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef.
Two ways to bring your students to the reef
Whether you need structured, assessable fieldwork or a memorable day out, we’ll build the day around your group.
Curriculum-linked fieldwork
Educational excursions
Version 9-aligned programs in Biological Sciences, Marine Science, Geography and Science Inquiry — with guided snorkelling, data collection and participation in Eye on the Reef surveys. Ideal for assessment and fieldwork tasks.
Explore the programs →
Recreational & reward days
A day out on the reef
End-of-year celebrations, reward days and group getaways — the pure fun of the reef with snorkelling, the glass-bottom boat, the waterslide and plenty of space to relax, all safely managed by our crew.
Recreational trips →Available excursions
Three curriculum-aligned programs, each led by a Sunlover Marine Educator. Full details of what’s included are under each program.
Moore Reef · Full day
Marine Biologist for a Day
Marine Biologist for a Day is a full-day, curriculum-aligned fieldwork program for school groups to visit the outer Great Barrier Reef at Moore Reef.
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Students explore coral reef ecosystems, investigating biodiversity, species interactions, adaptation, and human impacts, while developing practical science skills through structured observation, data collection, and evidence-based reasoning.
Activities include guided snorkelling, interactive presentations, and field-based learning tasks designed to teach students how scientists study and monitor reef health. They’ll also take part in Eye on the Reef Rapid Monitoring Surveys, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority’s official Citizen Science program, contributing their own survey data to ongoing reef monitoring and conservation efforts. Depending on year level, students may also participate in optional advanced monitoring activities, including Simpson’s Diversity Index calculations or Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS) transects, providing further experience in scientific observation and data collection.
Marine Biologist for a Day fosters critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and a genuine connection to the reef. Students return with practical skills in reef observation, a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems, and the knowledge to act as Reef Guardians in reef conservation.
What’s included?
- Alignment to v9 Australian Curriculum in Biological Sciences, Senior Biology or Senior Marine Science
- Curriculum aligned pre-learning or an incursion for local schools
- Curriculum aligned worksheets
- Guided program led by a Sunlover Marine Educator
- Participation in Eye on the Reef Rapid Monitoring Surveys
- Access to Moore Reef pontoon, underwater observatory, free snorkelling time, lunch and all equipment provided
Why choose Marine Biologist for a Day?
A full day on the reef allows time for both structured learning and independent exploration. Students benefit from guided Marine Biologist sessions, Rapid Monitoring Surveys, and focused curriculum-linked activities, while facilities such as the underwater observatory and coral viewing boats support self-guided learning. The Marine Biologist for a Day program provides a controlled, education-focused environment that enables deeper learning within a specific curriculum area and supports the completion of assessment or fieldwork tasks where required.
Fitzroy Island · Full day · Land-based
Discover Fitzroy Island
Discover Fitzroy Island is a full-day, curriculum-aligned, land-based fieldwork program for school groups just 45 minutes from Cairns.
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Students explore the island’s rainforest, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems. They investigate biodiversity, ecological relationships, and human impacts while developing practical science and geography skills through structured observation, data collection, and evidence-based reasoning.
Activities include guided rainforest walks, habitat investigations, and interactive presentations. Using structured worksheets, students collect curriculum-relevant data through quadrats, transects, and other field-based methods, building practical skills in observation and scientific inquiry.
Discover Fitzroy Island fosters critical thinking and environmental stewardship. Students return with practical skills in field observation, a broader perspective on land-sea connections, and the knowledge to act as Reef Guardians, contributing to the protection and understanding of the Great Barrier Reef and its surrounding environments.
What’s included?
- Alignment to v9 Australian Curriculum in Biological Sciences, Geography and Science Inquiry
- Curriculum aligned pre-learning or an incursion for local schools
- Curriculum aligned worksheets
- Guided program led by a Sunlover Marine Educator
- Guided Rainforest Walks alongside data collection
- Ferry transport to Fitzroy Island, Lunch, and a Glass Bottom Boat tour integrated into curriculum learning
Optional extras
- Snorkel Equipment
- Visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
Why choose Discover Fitzroy Island?
Fitzroy Island offers a safe, land-based fieldwork environment that suits schools with stricter risk assessments and requirements. The program is well suited to Geography and Science learning, allowing students to investigate landscapes, ecosystems, land-sea connections, and human impacts through structured, curriculum aligned activities. Its close proximity to Cairns and a controlled setting makes it an accessible and effective option for place-based learning.
Moore Reef & Fitzroy Island · Full day
Reef to Rainforest
Reef to Rainforest is a full day, curriculum-aligned program that brings classroom learning to life across both coral reef and island ecosystems.
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Students experience the best of both worlds, exploring Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island to investigate biodiversity, species interactions, ecological relationships, and human impacts while developing practical skills in observation, data collection, and scientific inquiry.
Activities include guided snorkelling in the morning, guided rainforest tour in the afternoon, and interactive presentations. Students participate in Eye on the Reef Rapid Monitoring Surveys on the reef and conduct hands-on land-based investigations, building practical skills in scientific observation and evidence-based reasoning.
Reef to Rainforest fosters environmental stewardship and an understanding of the connections between reef and rainforest ecosystems. Students return with a broader perspective on marine and terrestrial environments, and the knowledge to act as Reef Guardians, supporting the protection and understanding of the Great Barrier Reef and its surrounding habitats.
What’s included?
- Alignment to a broad range of the v9 Australian Curriculum, from Geography to Biological Sciences
- Curriculum aligned pre-learning or an incursion for local schools
- Curriculum aligned worksheets
- Guided program led by a Sunlover Marine Educator
- Participation in Eye on the Reef Rapid Monitoring Surveys
- Transport to the Moore Reef pontoon & Fitzroy Island
- Access to underwater observatory, free snorkelling time, and all equipment provided on Moore Reef
- Lunch provided on Fitzroy Island
Why choose Reef to Rainforest?
Reef to Rainforest offers the best of both reef and land-based learning in a single excursion. Students experience the outer reef through guided in-water activities, then continue learning on Fitzroy Island through land-based exploration and fieldwork. With approximately two hours on the reef and two hours on the island, this option is well suited to students who prefer a balance of in-water and land-based learning while still meeting curriculum requirements.
Recreational & reward reef days
Not every trip needs a worksheet. For end-of-year celebrations, reward days, graduation groups and clubs, we run the same safe, well-run day on the reef — just with more free time to enjoy it. Snorkelling, the glass-bottom boat, the underwater observatory, the waterslide and lunch on board, with our crew looking after your group all day.
In their own words
Marine Science students from Trinity Bay State High School share what a day on the reef with Sunlover meant to them.
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Going to the Great Barrier Reef with Sunlover Reef Cruises from Cairns is an amazing experience. You can see beautiful coral, colourful tropical fish, and crystal-clear water up close. The Marine Science course at Trinity Bay State High School connects perfectly with this experience because it teaches students about marine ecosystems, sea life, and the importance of protecting the reef. This allows me to apply the knowledge I learn in class during my visit to the Great Barrier Reef and better understand what I see and why this unique ecosystem is so important.
“
Such an amazing experience! We spent the whole day exploring the reef and had the absolute best time. Everything was perfectly organised, the crew was so friendly, and the vibes were unmatched.
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I really enjoyed my trip with Sunlover Reef Cruises because there was such a great variety of activities available on the pontoon. These included a glass-bottom boat tour, plenty of snorkelling opportunities, and even a water slide, which made the experience fun for everyone. We visited Moore Reef, which was absolutely beautiful and full of marine life. The biodiversity was incredible, and there was always something fascinating to see. During the day, we spotted reef sharks, several turtles, and many colourful fish among the coral. The whole experience was unforgettable. Being able to explore the reef up close and see such amazing wildlife in its natural habitat made it a truly special day. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to experience the Great Barrier Reef.
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It was an amazing day! We visited the Great Barrier Reef with the Marine Science Club and had the opportunity to snorkel in one of the world’s most incredible natural environments. The boat was well-equipped with everything we needed, including meals, and we even had time to enjoy the onboard slide. It was a fantastic experience that combined learning with fun and gave us the chance to spend time with other students. I would highly recommend this excursion to anyone who has the opportunity to take part.
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Learn · Act · Become a Reef Guardian
The Reef Guardian Schools program
A Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority initiative, running since 2003 — connecting schools worldwide to real reef protection.
- Free to register — and open to schools anywhere in the world.
- Version 9 curriculum resources — units, worksheets and videos, plus Sustainability and First Nations links.
- Real citizen science — on Marine Biologist for a Day, students run Eye on the Reef surveys and their data goes to reef monitoring.
Explore the Reef Guardian program →
Register your school (free)
Free teaching resources: curriculum-aligned units, worksheets, videos and virtual learning experiences are available to registered schools through the Reef Authority’s ReefEd website — reefed.edu.au.
Good to know: registering as a Reef Guardian School is also a requirement for the Australian Government’s “Kids for the Reef” rebate below — a useful first step whether or not you apply for funding.
Funding your excursion
Two government programs can help reduce the cost of a Great Barrier Reef excursion. Eligibility, amounts and closing dates are set by each program — check the official pages, and talk to us about how they might apply to your trip.
Queensland Government
GBR Education Experience Program
Up to $150 per studentA Queensland Government subsidy for reef excursions between Bundaberg and Cooktown — which includes Cairns.
- Open to Queensland primary and secondary schools and registered home educators.
- Activities must be linked to the Australian or Queensland curriculum.
- Trips must be booked with a registered reef tourism operator holding a valid Marine Park permit.
- Applications open until 31 December 2029, or until funding is fully allocated.
Australian Government · Austrade
“Kids for the Reef” rebate
Generally $20–$400 per studentPart of the $10 million Reef Educational Experience Fund (REEF). Rebates are scaled by how far your school is from the reef departure point.
✓Sunlover is an Austrade-approved High Standard Tourism Operator — so a Sunlover reef day meets the operator requirement for this rebate.
- For eligible Year 4–12 students; open to public, private, independent and Catholic schools and registered home educators.
- The excursion must include at least one overnight stay and a reef experience with an Austrade-approved High Standard Tourism Operator.
- Higher rebates for outer regional, remote and very remote schools, lower-ICSEA schools, and trips taking First Nations students.
- Register as a Reef Guardian School first, then apply via SmartyGrants. Applications close 12 May 2028.
Not sure which applies? Both programs require the excursion to be booked with an approved reef operator — Sunlover is an Austrade-approved High Standard Tourism Operator for the “Kids for the Reef” rebate, which is designed for trips that include an overnight stay. Get in touch and we’ll help you work out what suits your group and how a Sunlover reef day fits in.
- Register your school with the Reef Guardian program (free) at reefed.edu.au.
- Contact our Marine Education team for dates, curriculum goals and a quote for your excursion.
- Check your eligibility on the official grant page(s) above and lodge your application before your trip.
Why schools choose Sunlover
Four things every teacher wants from a reef excursion.
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.
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Marine Education Leader · Marine Biologist · Master Reef Guide (Cohort 9)
Meet Abbi Robinson
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.
Have specific learning goals?
Talk to our Marine Education Leader about tailoring the day to suit your curriculum and class needs. We’ll put together a quote for your group — there’s no set online price, because every excursion is different.
Prefer to email or call? res@sunlover.com.au · 07 4050 1333 · 1800 810 512
School excursion FAQs
The questions teachers ask us most.
Are your programs curriculum-aligned?
Which year levels can take part?
Can we book a recreational or reward trip instead of a curriculum program?
Is government funding available?
How much does a school excursion cost?
How do we book?
Bring your students to the reef
Our Cairns-based Marine Education team will help you tailor the day to your year levels and learning outcomes, and point you to any funding you may be eligible for.
Enquire about a school excursion →Phone 07 4050 1333 or 1800 810 512 · res@sunlover.com.au · Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns QLD 4870