Family Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns
A pontoon day built for every age — snorkelling, a kids snorkel training area, a waterslide into the ocean, and plenty for non-swimmers.
Quick Answer
For families the best reef day from Cairns is usually a pontoon-based tour — swimmers and non-swimmers can all enjoy the reef together, in one place, all day.
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure · conditions apply
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.Bring the whole family — kids cost less
Free.
Babies and toddlers travel free on every trip. Just add them to your booking.
free.
Book 2 kids, pay for 1. Book 4 kids, pay for 2.
Applied automatically when you book online. 2nd child free applies to Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island day trips — exact family prices are shown for each trip below.
Our Top Family Pick from Cairns
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 snorkel training area, a waterslide into the ocean, 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 snorkel training area and the pontoon 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
| TourDeparts Cairns | Adult16+ years | Child4–15 years | Infant0–3 years | Family of 42 adults + 2 kids* | Family highlightsWhat's included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Top family pickMoore Reef Full Day Adventure | $317 | $1772nd child free | Free | from$816 | Pontoon · snorkelling · kids snorkel training area · waterslide · lunch · glass bottom boat · semi-sub · underwater observatory |
| Island dayFitzroy Island Day Trip | $166 | $1102nd child free | Free | $442 | Beach · snorkelling · glass bottom boat · picnic lunch · rainforest walks |
| Reef + islandBest of Island and Reef Experience | $347 | $97.50Kids half price | Free | from$889 | Moore Reef pontoon in the morning, then Fitzroy Island in the afternoon — both in one day |
All prices in AUD.
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*Family of 4 = 2 adults + 2 children, with every 2nd child free on Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island, and kids half price on Reef & Island (4 children = 2 free, and so on). Infants aged 0–3 travel free on all tours. 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
Bread Selection
- Freshly baked white high-top rolls
- Garlic and herb focaccia bread
- Butter GF / NF
Local Endeavour Prawns
- Cocktail sauce GF / DF
- Citrus wedges GF / DF
Salad Selection
- Sweet and white potato salad — dill, shallots and vegan dijonnaise GF / DF / V
- Mt Molloy garden salad — tomato, red onion, cucumber, carrot and sprouts with balsamic vinaigrette GF / NF / V
- Red and white coleslaw — carrot and red onion GF / V
Cold Meat Selection
- Champagne leg ham GF / DF / NF
- Australian salami GF / DF
Hot Selection
- Creamy chicken, pesto and sweet corn penne pasta with parmesan shavings NF
- Beef, tomato and potato ragout GF / NF
- Vegetable coconut curry GF / V
- Steamed jasmine rice GF / V
Tropical Dessert
- Seasonal tropical fruit platter with fresh coconut shavings GF / V
Menu is a sample and may vary daily with seasonal produce.
Dive the Reef Together
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 and Seawalker dives are available from age 12 — and if anyone in the family is already certified, junior divers can hold a certification from age 10, so the whole family can dive together.
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.- Walk 3.5 metres underwater, no swimming needed
- Keep your hair and face dry and breathe normally
Certified Family Dive
Best for: families who already dive, including junior divers.
Families who dive together, stay together. Junior divers can hold a certification from age 10, so if your kids are certified, the whole family can explore the reef together. Every certified dive at Sunlover is guided, and our dive team plans the dive around your family.- Up to 45 minutes underwater
- All equipment included, just bring your certification details
Introductory Scuba Dive
An SSI Basic Diver experience
Best for: families with teens who want to try scuba for the very first time, together.
No licence and no experience required. Your first dive is run as an SSI Basic Diver experience: a qualified SSI 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.- Maximum depth 12 metres (about 40 feet), always with your instructor
- Photographers on hand to capture the moment, so you can enjoy your first breaths underwater
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 snorkel training area
- Waterslide into the ocean
- Glass bottom boat tour
- Semi-submersible tour (subject to conditions)
- Underwater observatory
- Tropical buffet lunch
- Freshwater showers & change rooms
- Seating & pontoon facilities
Planning to dive? Please review our Health Checklist before booking to make sure diving is right for you.
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 snorkel training area, waterslide, reef viewing and snorkelling all in one place. Children of all ages are welcome, and infants aged 0–3 travel free.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 & Summer Holidays
Tours run all year and some activities depend on sea conditions. Lycra suits are included for every snorkeller. The December–January school holidays book out early, so secure your date now — with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Bring a light jacket and motion-sickness medication if needed.🎒 What to Bring
Swimwear, towel, hat, sunglasses, mineral sunscreen (zinc or titanium dioxide), 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
What is the best Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns for families?
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 snorkel training area, waterslide, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, underwater observatory and lunch.
Is the Great Barrier Reef suitable for young children?
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 snorkel training area, join reef viewing activities or take breaks on the pontoon. Children of all ages are welcome, and infants aged 0–3 travel free.
What can non-swimmers do at Moore Reef?
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.
Does Sunlover have a kids snorkel training area?
Yes, Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon includes a kids snorkel training area — a helpful option for families with younger children who want a more contained in-water experience.
Is there really a waterslide on the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes. Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon has its own waterslide into the ocean — a highlight for families and children.
Is lunch included?
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.
Can families visit Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island in one day?
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.
Can teenagers scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef?
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.
What is a Seawalker helmet dive and who can do it?
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.
Where do Sunlover family reef tours depart from?
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.
Why book direct with Sunlover?
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 Packages