Family Great Barrier Reef Tours from Cairns
Why Families Choose Sunlover Reef Cruises
Sunlover has been taking guests to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns for decades, with reef experiences designed for a wide range of ages, confidence levels and activity styles. Whether your family wants to snorkel together, watch the reef through glass, enjoy the waterslide, explore Fitzroy Island or combine reef and island time in one day, there is a family-friendly option available.
Our tours depart from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, making them easy to reach from Cairns city accommodation, the Esplanade, Cairns Central and nearby family resorts.
Every 2nd child travels free
On every Sunlover family tour, every 2nd child is free — so a family of 2 adults + 2 children only pays for 1 child. Got a bigger crew? It keeps scaling: 4 children = 2 free, and so on.
Best Great Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns for Families
Moore Reef Full Day Adventure
Best for: families wanting the easiest, most complete Great Barrier Reef day trip from Cairns.
Moore Reef is Sunlover's strongest family recommendation because the tour is based around a floating reef pontoon. This gives families a central base for the day, with easy access to reef activities, lunch, shaded areas, change rooms, freshwater showers and reef viewing options.
Families can enjoy snorkelling, the kids ocean pool, the only waterslide on the Great Barrier Reef, a glass bottom boat tour, semi-submersible tour, underwater observatory and tropical buffet lunch. Ideal for mixed ages, first-time snorkellers, non-swimmers and grandparents.
What Your Family Will Do
From the kids ocean pool and the reef's only waterslide to snorkelling over living coral, there's something for every age — and plenty of ways to enjoy the reef without getting wet.
Other Family-Friendly Options
Fitzroy Island Day Trip
Best for: families wanting an island day with beach time, snorkelling and relaxed exploring.
A beautiful tropical island close to Cairns, with clear water, coral beaches, rainforest walks and optional glass bottom boat and snorkelling packages.
Best of Island and Reef Experience
Best for: families who want to see both Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island in one day.
Combines the Moore Reef pontoon and Fitzroy Island in one itinerary — a strong option for families who want outer reef and island scenery in a single Cairns day trip.
Compare Family Reef Tour Options
| Tour | Family of 4* | Family Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Moore Reef Full Day Adventure | From $816 AUD | Pontoon, snorkelling, kids ocean pool, waterslide, lunch, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible & underwater observatory |
| Fitzroy Island Day Trip | From $454 AUD | Beach, snorkelling, glass bottom boat, lunch package options and self-guided walks |
| Best of Island and Reef Experience | From $889 AUD | Moore Reef pontoon plus Fitzroy Island in one day |
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*Family of 4 = 2 adults + 2 children, with every 2nd child free (4 children = 2 free, and so on). Guide pricing only — live pricing confirmed at checkout.
What's for Lunch on the Reef?
A tropical buffet lunch is included on the Moore Reef pontoon — no packing required. Fussy eaters and dietary needs are well looked after, with gluten free, dairy free, nut free and vegan options clearly marked.
Moore Reef Pontoon Buffet
Included with every Moore Reef Full Day Tour
Fresh & Cold
- Fresh-baked white high-top rolls
- Garlic & herb focaccia
- Local Endeavour prawns with cocktail sauce & citrus
- Champagne leg ham & Australian salami
Salads
- Sweet & white potato salad with vegan dijonnaise
- Market garden salad — tomato, cucumber, carrot, sprouts
- Red & white coleslaw
Hot Selection
- Grass-fed beef meatballs in rich tomato sauce
- Chicken & vegetable stir fry, oyster & ginger sauce
- Moroccan vegetable tagine with apricots & chickpea
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Penne pasta with olive oil
Tropical Dessert
- Seasonal tropical fruit platter with fresh coconut shavings
Menu is a sample and may vary daily with seasonal produce.
Dive the Reef Together (12+)
Got teenagers? There’s no better way to share the Great Barrier Reef than getting under the surface together. No experience or certification needed — Sunlover’s qualified dive team guides you the whole way. Choose a first scuba dive, or stay dry-headed and walk the reef floor on a Seawalker helmet dive. Introductory, certified and Seawalker dives are all available from age 12.
Introductory Scuba Dive
Best for: families with teens who want to try scuba for the very first time, together.
No licence and no experience required. A qualified instructor takes you through everything you need to know, then guides your family on the reef. A genuine bucket-list moment for teens and parents alike.
Seawalker Helmet Dive
Best for: families who want to walk on the reef floor — no swimming or diving skills required.
Wear a clever helmet that keeps your head completely dry while you breathe normally and walk along a platform on the reef. Glasses and contacts are fine, and you don’t need to be able to swim — a brilliant shared experience for nervous or non-swimming family members.
What's Included on the Moore Reef Family Tour?
- Return boat transfers from Cairns
- Time at the Moore Reef pontoon
- Snorkel gear — mask, fins, snorkel, lycra suit & buoyancy vest
- Kids ocean pool
- The only waterslide on the Great Barrier Reef
- Glass bottom boat tour
- Semi-submersible tour (subject to conditions)
- Underwater observatory
- Tropical buffet lunch
- Freshwater showers & change rooms
- Seating & pontoon facilities
Optional extras may include guided snorkel tours, introductory scuba diving, certified scuba diving, Seawalker helmet diving and scenic helicopter experiences — subject to availability, age requirements and conditions.
Families Ask Us
Is Moore Reef suitable for children?
Yes. The pontoon gives children and parents a stable base for the day, with the kids ocean pool, waterslide, reef viewing and snorkelling all in one place. Children aged four and over are welcome.
Can non-swimmers enjoy the reef?
Yes — the glass bottom boat, semi-submersible and underwater observatory are all included. No swimming required.
See All FAQsWhy Families Travel with Sunlover Reef Cruises
Sunlover Reef Cruises is a Cairns-based Great Barrier Reef tour operator with decades of reef tourism experience. Our crew includes marine experts, dive professionals, lifeguards and cruise attendants who help guests experience the reef safely and confidently. Sunlover operates from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal and offers reef, island and combination tours for families, first-time visitors and international travellers.
Planning Your Family Reef Day
📍 Departure Point
Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns City. Check in at the Sunlover counter inside the terminal. See getting here for directions and parking.
🍽 Food & Drinks
Tropical buffet lunch included. Morning tea on the way out and afternoon tea on the cruise home. Drinks and snacks available to purchase.
☀️ Weather & Sea
Tours operate in a natural marine environment and some activities depend on conditions. Bring sun protection, a towel, a light jacket and motion-sickness medication if needed.
🎒 What to Bring
Swimwear, towel, hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+, sun-protective clothing, reusable water bottle, card or cash for extras, and a change of clothes for kids.
Should families choose Moore Reef or Fitzroy Island?
Choose Moore Reef if your priority is the easiest full reef experience with pontoon facilities and included activities. Choose Fitzroy Island if your family wants a flexible island day with beach time, snorkelling, walks and optional package inclusions. Guests with accessibility questions should contact Sunlover before booking.
Great Barrier Reef Family Tour FAQs
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For most families, a pontoon-based reef tour is the easiest option. Sunlover's Moore Reef Full Day Adventure includes a reef pontoon, snorkelling, kids ocean pool, waterslide, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, underwater observatory and lunch.
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Yes, many children can enjoy the Great Barrier Reef with the right tour. Moore Reef is a strong family option because children can snorkel, use the kids ocean pool, join reef viewing activities or take breaks on the pontoon. Children aged four and over are welcome.
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Non-swimmers can enjoy the glass bottom boat, semi-submersible tour, underwater observatory and pontoon viewing areas, and relax on the pontoon without entering the water.
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Yes, Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon includes a kids ocean pool — a helpful option for families with younger children who want a more contained in-water experience.
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Yes. Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon features the only waterslide on the Great Barrier Reef — a unique highlight for families and children.
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Yes. A tropical buffet lunch is included on the Moore Reef pontoon, with hot dishes, cold meats, local Endeavour prawns, salads, fresh bread and a tropical fruit dessert. Gluten free, dairy free, nut free and vegan options are available — just let the crew know.
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Yes. Sunlover's Reef & Island in a Day tour combines the Moore Reef pontoon and Fitzroy Island in one itinerary — best for families who want variety and are comfortable with a fuller day.
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Yes. An introductory scuba dive is available for ages 12 and over on the Moore Reef Full Day Adventure, with no experience or certification required. A qualified instructor guides the whole dive — a popular activity for families to try together. Medical and safety conditions apply.
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A Seawalker helmet dive lets you walk along a platform on the reef wearing a helmet that keeps your head dry while you breathe normally. You don't need to swim or scuba dive, and glasses or contacts are fine. The minimum age is 12 and medical conditions apply — a great shared option for non-swimmers and nervous family members.
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Sunlover Reef Cruises departs from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at 1 Spence Street, Cairns City. Guests check in at the Sunlover counter inside the terminal before boarding.
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Booking direct gives families the latest availability, package options, local deals where eligible and direct support from the Sunlover team.
More questions? Visit our Great Barrier Reef FAQs page.
Add a Scenic Helicopter Flight
Turn a great day into a once-in-a-lifetime one. Fly one way over the Great Barrier Reef and cruise the other — see the pontoon, the reef ribbons and the colour of the water from the air. A standout add-on for special occasions and bucket-list trips.
Note: minimum age and weight conditions apply — please check before booking with younger children.
See Helicopter PackagesReady to Book Your Family Reef Day?
Departs daily from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal · Free cancellation up to 24 hours before travel.