Reef & Island in a Day
Two Great Barrier Reef icons, one unforgettable day
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 — marine-biologist-guided, all-inclusive, 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 all-inclusive (fuel surcharge included); kids 50% off for travel until 30 September 2026; a family of four (2 adults + 2 children) is $889.
Why Reef & Island in a 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.
Two 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.
Easy for everyone
Families & first-timers
An enclosed ocean pool, waterslide, glass bottom boat and underwater observatory mean everyone enjoys the reef — swimmers or not.
No surprises
All-inclusive value
Buffet lunch, snorkel gear and every pontoon activity are included in one price.
Real expertise
Marine-biologist-guided
Our guided snorkel tours are led by marine biologists — reef interpretation from the people who study it.
Two wonders in one day
A morning on the Outer Reef, an afternoon on a rainforest island — one seamless catamaran journey.
Morning · Outer Reef
Moore Reef Pontoon
Cruise 1.5 hours to our custom-built 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.
- Time at the reef2.5 hours
- Get wet or stay dryBoth covered
- OptionalGuided snorkel, dive, heli
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.
- LunchPremium buffet at Zephyr’s
- On the islandSwim, rainforest walks
- OptionalKayak, rainforest walk, Turtle Talk
What’s included — and what you can add
One all-inclusive price covers the essentials. Optional upgrades let you make the day your own.
Included in your tour All-inclusive
Snorkelling & equipment
Snorkel the coral gardens at Moore Reef with all gear provided.
Lycra suit
Sun and stinger protection included for your reef swim.
Semi-submersible tour
See the reef from below the surface without getting wet.
Glass bottom boat
Coral, fish and turtles viewed from a dry, relaxed seat.
Underwater observatory
A living window on the reef, right at the pontoon.
Waterslide & ocean pool
A 30-metre spiral waterslide and an enclosed ocean pool.
Premium buffet lunch
A tropical buffet at Zephyr’s Restaurant on Fitzroy Island.
Island time
Swim at Welcome Bay and explore the rainforest tracks.
Optional upgrades Add on
Marine-biologist-guided snorkel
See Moore Reef through an expert’s eyes on a guided snorkel tour.
Seawalker® helmet dive
Walk the reef floor beneath the pontoon — no experience or swimming needed.
Introductory SCUBA Dive
Try scuba with a certified instructor — no experience needed. Review the Health Checklist first.
Scenic helicopter flight
Soar over the reef from the pontoon helipad (see combos below).
Guided kayak tour (Fitzroy)
Paddle the island coastline. Min age 8; basic swimming required.
Guided rainforest walk (Fitzroy)
Walk the Secret Garden with a guide who knows every story.
Add upgrades 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.
Your day, hour by hour
Departing the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns. Currently operating Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays — check live availability when you book.
- 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
- 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
Packages & Pricing
Every fare is all-inclusive — buffet lunch, snorkel gear and all pontoon activities. Family = 2 adults + 2 children (4–15 yrs).
Reef & Island Full Day
Outer Reef pontoon + Fitzroy Island. Departs Cairns 8:00am, back by 4:30pm.
- Adult$347
- Child 4–15 yrs
$195$97.50 - Family 2 adults + 2 children$889
+ 10-Minute Scenic Flight
Add a ZOOM helicopter flight over the reef from the pontoon helipad.
- Adult$520
- Child$368
- Family$1,590
Fly Out, Cruise Back
A 25-minute scenic flight to the reef, then cruise home by catamaran.
- Adult$724
- Child$572
- Family$2,279
*Kids 50% off valid for travel until 30 September 2026. *Fuel surcharge ($10 per adult / $5 per child) is included in the displayed price. Infant fares on the helicopter combos are shown at booking.
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.
How to book
- 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.
Questions? Call 1800 810 512 or email res@sunlover.com.au.
Make it extraordinary — add a scenic flight
Combine your Reef & Island day with a ZOOM helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef.
Reef & Island + 10-Minute Scenic Flight
Adult $520 · Child $368 · Infant $202 · Family $1,590
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.
Reef & Island — Fly Out, Cruise Back
Adult $724 · Child $572 · Infant $406 · Family $2,279
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.
Scenic flight combos are operated in partnership with ZOOM Helicopters. Prices and availability are subject to weather and minimum numbers.
Why book with Sunlover
Ecotourism Certified
Ecotourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia — independently audited and held continuously for over 20 years.
Hall of Fame member
Recognised in the Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame for two decades of continuous certification.
Marine-biologist-guided
Guided snorkel tours led by marine biologists — reef interpretation from the people who study it.
Cairns operator since 1991
Locally owned and operating daily from the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns.
Reef & Island in a Day — FAQs
What is the Reef & Island in a Day tour?
How much does it cost?
What days does it operate?
What time does it start and finish?
Is it suitable for families and non-swimmers?
How is this different from the Moore Reef-only tour?
Is Sunlover an environmentally certified operator?
Plan your day
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
Two wonders, one day
Sunlover is the only operator combining the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island. Book direct for the best price and flexible booking options.
Book Direct →