Great Barrier Reef Experience

A pontoon is a large, stable floating platform permanently moored on the outer Great Barrier Reef. The Sunlover pontoon at Moore Reef is two storeys and provides a safe, spacious base for the day. It includes snorkel platforms with stair access, a sun deck, enclosed ocean pool, waterslide, underwater observatory, and covered seating areas. The catamaran ties up alongside it, so you step directly from the boat onto the pontoon.

Yes. The glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, and underwater observatory are all included with your tour at no extra cost. You can spend the entire day experiencing the reef without getting wet. Seawalker helmet diving is also available as an optional extra — you walk on the sea floor wearing a helmet and breathe normally the entire time.

Yes. A tropical buffet lunch is included with every Moore Reef tour, served on the pontoon. The menu features fresh prawns, seasonal salads, cold meats, and tropical fruit. Morning tea is served on the cruise out and afternoon tea on the cruise home. Special dietary requirements can be catered for if requested at least 24 hours in advance.

Conditions on the outer reef are often completely different to what you see in Cairns — it can be raining in town and sunny at Moore Reef. If conditions are too rough to operate safely, Sunlover will offer an alternative date or a full refund. If the tour operates but weather affects certain activities, the pontoon still provides plenty to do including the underwater observatory, semi-submersible, and covered seating areas.

The water depth off the pontoon ranges from five to twelve metres depending on the tide. The snorkelling lagoon has shallow areas starting at just one to two metres. Confident swimmers can explore the 15-metre deep drop-off and canyon at the outer edge of the snorkelling area.

Pack as if you were going to the beach for the day. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a change of clothes for the cruise home. Cash or card for onboard purchases and optional activities. All snorkelling equipment and lycra suits are provided.

Full refunds are available for cancellations made at least 24 hours before travel. Cancellations within 24 hours, including no-shows, incur a 100% cancellation charge. If you need to change the date, contact our reservations team as early as possible. Peak period bookings are subject to a 7-day cancellation policy.

The Moore Reef full-day tour is priced at Adult $307, Child (4–15 years) $172, and Family (2 adults + 2 children) $786. A fuel surcharge of $10 adult / $5 child applies. All prices include GST and the Environmental Management Charge. Local resident rates, Everyday Hero discounts, and a 20% seniors discount are available for eligible guests.

No. Drone operations are strictly prohibited in the vicinity of the Moore Reef pontoon due to an active flight path overhead where helicopter scenic flights regularly transit.

Yes. Moore Reef is a specific reef system within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, located on the outer reef approximately 47 kilometres from Cairns. Sunlover has exclusive access to its section of Moore Reef — no other tour operator uses our pontoon or snorkelling lagoon.