If you think you need a full day to see the Great Barrier Reef — think again. With Zoom Helicopters × Sunlover Reef Cruises, you can soar above the reef and dive beneath it, all in one unforgettable half-day snorkelling adventure from Cairns. This exclusive collaboration blends the thrill of flight with the magic of snorkelling — giving you the best of both worlds in just a few hours.
Quick answer: how does the half-day snorkelling tour work?
You take a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns straight to Sunlover’s Moore Reef pontoon, snorkel and explore the reef for the rest of the morning, then cruise back to Cairns by catamaran — seeing the reef from the air and underwater in a single half day.
Key takeaways
- A 20-minute scenic helicopter flight takes you straight from Cairns to Sunlover’s Moore Reef pontoon.
- Only six helicopter seats are released daily, so it’s a genuinely small-group experience.
- Snorkelling gear, a semi-submarine or glass-bottom boat tour, and the return catamaran cruise are all included.
- It’s ideal for cruise passengers, short-stay travellers, or anyone who can’t spare a full day but still wants the complete reef experience.
See the reef from every angle
Your journey begins with a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns, offering breathtaking aerial views of coral formations, turquoise lagoons and outer reef channels. You then touch down directly on Sunlover’s Moore Reef pontoon, floating above one of the most pristine snorkelling sites in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Here, the real fun begins — snorkelling through coral gardens teeming with colourful fish, giant clams and more, before you’re ready to relax, stretch out on the upper deck, take a semi-submarine tour, or zoom down the iconic 30-metre spiral waterslide before cruising back to Cairns in comfort.
What’s included
- One-way scenic helicopter flight with Zoom Helicopters.
- Return catamaran cruise with Sunlover Reef Cruises.
- Snorkelling gear and instruction for all skill levels.
- Semi-submarine, glass-bottom boat tours, or an Introduction to Scuba Diving.
- Access to the sun deck, ocean pool and waterslide.
- Complimentary tea, coffee and filtered water.
- Optional photo packages available onboard.
Only six helicopter seats are released daily, making this one of the most exclusive half-day snorkelling tours in Cairns.
Why travellers love it
“Half a day was all we needed — the flight, the snorkelling, the coral. Absolutely stunning!”
Sara — Australia
“Perfect for cruise passengers or short-stay travellers. You don’t miss a thing.”
Koushik Ven — October 2025
Whether you’re visiting Cairns for a day or just short on time, this experience delivers a complete reef adventure without losing an entire day.
Why choose Zoom × Sunlover
- The fastest way to reach the outer reef.
- Combines flight and snorkelling in one seamless tour.
- Operated by eco-certified marine professionals.
- Small-group flights — six guests per helicopter.
- Ideal for families, couples and time-sensitive travellers.
- Direct access to Moore Reef, a world-class snorkelling site.
Neither operator asks you to choose between a full day and no reef at all — together, Zoom Helicopters gets you there fast, and Sunlover Reef Cruises makes every minute on the water count.
How long is the half-day snorkelling tour with Zoom Helicopters and Sunlover?
How many people can join each helicopter flight?
Is this tour good for cruise passengers or short-stay visitors?
What’s included in the half-day snorkelling tour?
Sky meets sea in half a day
Only six helicopter seats are released daily — secure your spot on this exclusive half-day reef adventure.
