What days does the Reef & Island tour operate?

The tour currently operates on selected days each week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays). Operating days can vary by season, so check live availability on the booking page.

How is Reef & Island different from the Moore Reef-only tour?

The Moore Reef tour spends the full day at the outer reef pontoon. Reef & Island in a Day splits the day between the outer reef and Fitzroy Island, so guests experience both the coral gardens of the Outer Reef and a rainforest national park in one trip.

Aerial view of Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon on the Outer Great Barrier Reef

Reef & Island in a Day

2 Great Barrier Reef icons, one unforgettable day

Q: How much does the Reef & Island in a Day tour cost?

Adults are $347, which covers buffet lunch, snorkel equipment, snorkelling, the waterslide and kids snorkel training area, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible and underwater observatory, island time and the fuel surcharge. Guided snorkel tours, Seawalker and scuba dives are optional extras. Children are 50% off (from $195 to $97.50) for travel until 31 March 2027, and a family of 4 (2 adults plus 2 children) is $889.

Sunlover is the only operator that combines the Outer Great Barrier Reef, at our Moore Reef pontoon, with rainforest-fringed Fitzroy Island in a single day — lunch and reef activities included, and back in Cairns by 4:30pm.

Quick Answer

The Reef & Island in a Day tour departs Cairns at 8:00am, spends 2.5 hours at the Moore Reef pontoon on the Outer Reef, then cruises to Fitzroy Island for a buffet lunch and island time, returning to Cairns by 4:30pm. Sunlover is the only operator to combine the Outer Reef and Fitzroy Island in one day. Adults $347 (fuel surcharge included); kids 50% off for travel until 31 March 2027; a family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children) is $889.

Book now →See the day

Only operator: Outer Reef + Fitzroy IslandEcotourism Australia Hall of Fame memberOperating from Cairns since 1991

Why Reef & Island

Why choose? Do both in one day.

Most Cairns visitors have to choose between the outer reef and an island. On this tour you get both — in one seamless day, without a second early start or a second fare.

Snorkelling the Outer Great Barrier Reef at Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon — MorningThe Outer Reef

Fitzroy Island rainforest and coral beach, 45 minutes from Cairns — AfternoonFitzroy Island

One day, one fare — only with Sunlover

012 icons, one ticket

Only operator doing both

Sunlover is the only operator that combines the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island in a single day.

02Easy for everyone

Families & first-timers

A kids snorkel training area, waterslide, glass bottom boat and underwater observatory mean everyone enjoys the reef — swimmers or not.

03No surprises

Included in your fare

Buffet lunch, snorkel gear, snorkelling, the waterslide and kids snorkel training area, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible and underwater observatory and your time on Fitzroy Island — all in one price.

04Real expertise

Marine biologists on board

Reef interpretation from the people who study it — with an optional guided snorkel tour you can add to your day.

The journey

Your day, hour by hour

Departing the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns. Currently operating Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays — check live availability when you book.

8:00AM

CairnsDepart the Reef Fleet Terminal

9:30AM

Moore Reef2.5 hours on the Outer Reef

12:45PM

Fitzroy IslandLunch at Zephyr’s + island time

4:30PM

CairnsArrive back in Cairns

Morning · Outer Reef

Moore Reef Pontoon

Cruise 1.5 hours to our pontoon on the Outer Great Barrier Reef and spend 2.5 hours exploring — snorkel over coral gardens, take the waterslide, or stay dry on the semi-submersible, glass bottom boat and underwater observatory.

2.5 hours at the reefGet wet or stay dry: both coveredOptional: guided snorkel, dive, heli

7:00amCheck-in opens at the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns
7:15amBoarding begins
7:30amCheck-in closes
8:00amDepart Cairns for the Moore Reef pontoon
9:30amArrive Moore Reef — 2.5 hours on the Outer Reef
12:00pmReboard and depart Moore Reef

Afternoon · Tropical island

Fitzroy Island

Continue to Fitzroy Island, a rainforest national park 45 minutes from Cairns where 99% of the island is covered in rainforest and fringed by coral beaches. Enjoy a premium buffet lunch at Zephyr’s on Welcome Bay, then swim, walk or simply unwind.

Lunch: premium buffet at Zephyr’sSwim & rainforest walksOptional: rainforest walk, Turtle Talk

12:45pmArrive Fitzroy Island
12:45–1:30pmPremium buffet lunch at Zephyr’s
1:30–3:30pmIsland time — swim, walk or relax
3:30pmDepart Fitzroy Island
4:30pmArrive back in Cairns

Guests sharing a premium buffet lunch at an outdoor table on Fitzroy Island

Lunch at Zephyr’s

Lunch overlooking iconic Welcome Bay

Your afternoon begins at Zephyr’s, the restaurant at Fitzroy Island Resort, with a premium buffet lunch served overlooking the turquoise water of Welcome Bay.

Included: Premium buffet lunch at Zephyr’s, 12:45–1:30pm — part of every Reef & Island fare.
From the bar: Wine, beer and soft drinks are available to buy from the bar to enjoy with your lunch.
After lunch: Island time until 3:30pm — swim at Welcome Bay, walk the rainforest tracks or simply relax.

Book Reef & Island →

What’s included

2 wonders, one fare and ways to make it yours

One all-inclusive price covers your whole day — the Outer Reef in the morning, Fitzroy Island in the afternoon. Optional upgrades let you make the day your own.

Included in your fare

All-inclusive

Morning · 2.5 hours on the Outer ReefMoore Reef pontoon

Snorkellers swimming over living coral at Moore Reef — Snorkelling

Viewing coral through the windows of the semi-submersible — Semi-submersible

Fish and coral seen through the underwater observatory windows — Underwater observatory

Guest sliding down the Moore Reef pontoon waterslide — The waterslide

Reef cruise from CairnsDeparts the Reef Fleet Terminal at 8:00am.
Snorkelling & equipmentSnorkel the coral gardens with all gear provided.
Lycra suitSun and stinger protection for your reef swim.
Semi-submersible tourSee the reef from below the surface without getting wet.
Glass bottom boatCoral, fish and turtles from a dry, relaxed seat.
Underwater observatoryA living window on the reef, right at the pontoon.
Waterslide & kids snorkel training areaA 30-metre spiral waterslide and a kids snorkel training area.

Afternoon · 12:45–3:30pmFitzroy Island

Snorkelling the fringing reef at Fitzroy Island — Swim at Welcome Bay

Aerial view of Fitzroy Island, rainforest and turquoise water — Rainforest & coral beaches

Premium buffet lunch at Zephyr’sA tropical buffet on Welcome Bay, 12:45–1:30pm.
Island timeSwim at Welcome Bay, explore the rainforest tracks or simply relax, 1:30–3:30pm.
Return cruise to CairnsDepart Fitzroy Island 3:30pm, back in Cairns by 4:30pm.

Reef in the morning, island in the afternoon — all in one fare.

Optional upgrades

Add on

Moore Reef

Marine-biologist-guided snorkel

See Moore Reef through an expert’s eyes on a guided snorkel tour.

Moore Reef

Seawalker® helmet dive

Walk the reef floor beneath the pontoon — no experience or swimming needed.

Moore Reef

Introductory scuba dive

Try scuba with a certified instructor — no experience needed. Review the Health Checklist first.

Moore Reef

Scenic helicopter flight

Soar over the reef from the pontoon helipad — see the combos below.

Fitzroy Island

Guided rainforest walk

Walk the Secret Garden with a guide who knows every story.

How to add upgrades

Add them at checkout when you book — after you choose adults and children, the options for the tour appear. Already booked? Email res@sunlover.com.au or call 1800 810 512.

Packages & pricing

Choose your day by sea, or by sky

Every fare includes buffet lunch, snorkel gear, snorkelling, the waterslide and kids snorkel training area, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible and underwater observatory and island time. Guided snorkel tours, Seawalker and scuba are optional extras. Family = 2 adults + 2 children (4–15 yrs).

Kids 50% offValid for travel until 31 March 2027

By sea

Reef & Island Full Day

Outer Reef pontoon + Fitzroy Island. Departs Cairns 8:00am, back by 4:30pm.

Adult$347
Child4–15 yrs~~$195~~$97.50
Family2 adults + 2 children$889

Add upgrades at checkout

Book now →

ZOOM helicopter approaching the Moore Reef pontoon

Sea + 10-min flight

+ 10-Minute Scenic Flight

Enjoy the morning at Moore Reef, then soar over the reef on a 10-minute scenic flight from the pontoon helipad before cruising to Fitzroy Island for lunch and island time.

Flight by

Adult$520
Child$368
Infant$202
Family$1,590

Select the 10-minute flight when you book

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Expansive view of the Great Barrier Reef from a scenic flight

Fly out, cruise back

Fly Out, Cruise Back

Skip the boat out and take a 25-minute scenic flight from Cairns to the pontoon. Enjoy 2 hours at the reef, then cruise to Fitzroy Island for lunch and island time before returning by catamaran.

Flight by

Adult$724
Child$572
Infant$406
Family$2,279

Select the fly out option when you book

Book now →

*Kids 50% off valid for travel until 31 March 2027. *Fuel surcharge ($10 per adult / $5 per child) is included in the displayed price. Scenic flight combos are operated in partnership with ZOOM Helicopters; prices and availability are subject to weather and minimum numbers.

Walking through the palm grove on Fitzroy Island

Staying on Fitzroy Island?

Turn your arrival day into a reef day

Booked a room at the Fitzroy Island Resort? Take the Reef & Island tour on your arrival day — morning on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, lunch, then step off at Fitzroy Island and check in to the resort in the afternoon. A one-way transfer brings you back to Cairns on your departure day.

Book the Reef & Island tour below.
At checkout, add a note that you’re staying at the Fitzroy Island Resort (include your dates).
Email res@sunlover.com.au so we can arrange your return transfer to Cairns.

Book Reef & Island →

Questions? Call 1800 810 512 or email res@sunlover.com.au.

Why book with Sunlover

Hall of Fame

Ecotourism Australia

Recognised in the Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame.

Certified

Ecotourism Certified

Ecotourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia — independently audited.

Reef experts

Marine-biologist-guided

Guided snorkel tours led by marine biologists — reef interpretation from the people who study it.

Since 1991

Cairns operator

Locally owned and operating daily from the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns.

FAQs

Reef & Island in a Day — FAQs

Compare Sunlover’s reef and island experiences, or talk to our Cairns reservations team.

Other Sunlover experiences

Good to know

Health Checklist — before booking diving activities
Getting here — the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns
Contact our reservations team

What is the Reef & Island in a Day tour?

Sunlover is the only operator that combines the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island in one day. You spend around 2.5 hours at Sunlover’s Moore Reef pontoon on the outer reef, then cruise to Fitzroy Island for a buffet lunch and island time, returning to Cairns by 4:30pm.

How much does it cost?

Adults are $347, which covers buffet lunch, snorkel gear, snorkelling, the waterslide and kids snorkel training area, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible and underwater observatory, island time and the fuel surcharge. Guided snorkel tours, Seawalker and scuba are optional extras. Children are 50% off — from $195 down to $97.50 — for travel until 31 March 2027. A family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children) is $889.

What days does it operate?

The tour currently operates on selected days each week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays). Days can vary by season, so check live availability on the booking page.

What time does it start and finish?

Check-in opens at 7:00am at the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. The catamaran departs at 8:00am and returns to Cairns by 4:30pm.

Is it suitable for families and non-swimmers?

Yes. The Moore Reef pontoon has a kids snorkel training area, a waterslide, a glass bottom boat, a semi-submersible and an underwater observatory, so non-swimmers and children can experience the reef without snorkelling. Fitzroy Island has calm swimming and short rainforest walks.

How is this different from the Moore Reef-only tour?

The Moore Reef tour spends the full day at the outer reef pontoon. Reef & Island in a Day splits the day between the outer reef and Fitzroy Island, so you experience both the coral gardens of the Outer Reef and a rainforest national park in one trip.

Is Sunlover an environmentally certified operator?

Yes. Sunlover Reef Cruises holds Ecotourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia — independently audited and held continuously for over 20 years — and is an Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame member.

Reef & Island in a Day

2 wonders, one day

Sunlover is the only operator combining the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island in a single day.

Adults $347 all-inclusive · Kids 50% off for travel until 31 March 2027

Book now →