Getting Here
Where to find us in Cairns, when to check in, and how to reach the Reef Fleet Terminal — by car, on foot or by transfer.
Quick Answer
Every tour departs from the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Check-in opens anywhere from 7:00am to 8:45am depending on which tour you are on — times below.
Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
Meet us at 1 Spence Street in Cairns, where Sunlover provides convenient access to the Great Barrier Reef. Our reservations team is situated inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, while our catamarans are moored at the nearby Cairns Marlin Marina. Getting here is a breeze!
Reservations desk
Inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns — at the top of Spence Street next to the marina.
Your boat
Our catamarans are moored at the Cairns Marlin Marina, a short walk from the terminal. Our team will give you directions when you check in.
What to look for
A large two-storey building with a café at the entrance, opposite The Pier shopping centre and Shangri La Hotel, at the southern end of the Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon.
Reef Fleet Terminal
1 Spence Street, Cairns QLD 4870Check-in times
Your first stop is the Sunlover reservations desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, where our team will issue you with a boarding pass and directions to your boat.
| Your tour | Check-in opens | Check-in closes | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moore Reef | 8.45am | 9.45am | 10:15am |
| Fitzroy Island — early boat | 7:45am | 8:30am | 8:45am |
| Fitzroy Island — standard boat | 8:45am | 9:45am | 10:15am |
| Reef and Island Tour | 7:00am | 7.30am | 8.00am |
For all bookings made on Sunlover.com.au: please bring the credit card used for payment & ID of the cardholder for verification at check-in.
Checking in for Moore Reef
Your first stop is the Sunlover reservations desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal where our team will issue you with a boarding pass and directions to the catamaran.
Check in opens 8.45am – closes 9.45am
Departure 10:15am
Passengers failing to check-in by 09:45 may miss final boarding.
Checking in for Fitzroy Island
Your first stop is the Sunlover reservations desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal where our team will issue you with a boarding pass and directions to the boat.
Fitzroy Island runs two boats a day. Your booking confirmation says which one you are on — please check it, the early boat leaves ninety minutes before the standard one.
Early boat
Check in opens 7:45am – closes 8:30am
Boat departure 8:45am, on the island by 9:30am
Standard boat
Check in opens 8:45am – closes 9:45am
Boat departure 10:15am, on the island by 11:00am
Whichever boat you came over on, one boat brings everyone back — it leaves the island at 3:30pm and is back at the Cairns Marina by 4:30pm.
Passengers who have not checked in before their own desk closing time may miss final boarding.
Checking in for the Reef and Island Tour
Your first stop is the Sunlover reservations desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal where our team will issue you with a boarding pass and directions to the boat.
Check in opens 7:00am – closes 7.30am
Boat departure 8.00am
Passengers failing to check-in by 7:30 may miss final boarding.
Getting to the Reef Fleet Terminal
However you travel, allow enough time to arrive, park and walk to the terminal before your check-in desk closes.
By coach service
Sunlover offers a coach service for guests staying in Cairns City ($37 adults, $23 kids) or Northern Beaches ($52 adults, $38 kids). You can add the coach service at the time of booking or contact our team for more details.
By uber or taxi
Book your drop off for Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street — and just to be safe, tell the driver you need to get to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns Marina.
By walking
The Reef Fleet Terminal is located at the top of Spence Street next to the marina. Look for a large two-story building with a café at the entrance. Reef Fleet Terminal is opposite the Pier shopping centre and Shangri La Hotel, at the southern end of the Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon.
Where to park
If you are planning on driving, please allow adequate time to park and walk to the Reef Fleet Terminal. Both car parks below are accessed from Pier Point Road.
Cairns Regional Council Southern Esplanade (Lagoon) Car Park
Accessed from Pier Point RoadThe Pier Cairns Underground Car Park
Accessed from Pier Point RoadSo much to see and do
SnorkellingSnorkel with clown fish and sea turtles at the Sunlover Moore Reef pontoon.See snorkelling →
Seawalker Helmet DiveWalk underwater on the Great Barrier Reef and breathe normally — no swimming or experience needed.See Seawalker →
Pontoon & island activitiesEvery activity on a Sunlover day trip — what is at the pontoon, what is on Fitzroy Island, and what is included.See all activities →