Moore Reef Pontoon · Fitzroy Island
Pontoon & Island Activities
Quick answer
Sunlover days include far more than snorkelling. Glass bottom boat tours run at both the Moore Reef pontoon and Fitzroy Island (on the island, choose a package that includes them). The pontoon adds a semi-submersible, the reef's only waterslide, an underwater observatory, diving, Seawalker helmet dives and helicopter flights. Fitzroy Island adds swimming beaches, rainforest hikes, turtle rehabilitation talks and two daily departure times. Most activities are included in your ticket — the rest can be added when you book or on the day.
Every activity, at a glance
Two very different days on the same reef. Use this to pick your boat — or do both with the Reef & Island tour.
| Activity | Moore Reef pontoon | Fitzroy Island | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snorkelling (equipment supplied) | ✓ | ✓ | Pontoon: included · Fitzroy: Best of Island package only, or a paid add-on |
| Glass bottom boat tour | ✓ | ✓ | Pontoon: included · Fitzroy: Best of Island package only, or a paid add-on |
| Guided snorkel tour with a marine biologist | ✓ | ✓ | $65 adult · $45 child · $175 family |
| Semi-submersible tour | ✓ | — | Included · subject to availability |
| Waterslide | ✓ | — | Included |
| Underwater observatory | ✓ | — | Included |
| Enclosed ocean pool | ✓ | — | Included |
| Introductory SCUBA dive | ✓ | — | $149 · second dive $99 |
| Certified SCUBA dive | ✓ | — | $149 · second dive $99 |
| Seawalker® helmet dive | ✓ | — | $149 · ages 12+ |
| Helicopter scenic flights | ✓ | — | See heli packages |
| Swimming beaches | — | ✓ | Free |
| Hiking trails (summit, Nudey Beach, Secret Garden) | — | ✓ | Free |
| Turtle Talk at the rehabilitation centre | — | ✓ | $23 · proceeds to the centre |
| Guided rainforest walk | — | ✓ | $42 · ages 4+ |
| Choice of two departure times | — | ✓ | 8:45am & 10:15am daily |
At both the pontoon and the island
You can do these at either destination. At the pontoon they are part of every day trip; on Fitzroy Island it depends on your package — Best of Island includes them, other packages can add them.
Snorkelling
Equipment and lifeguards at both locations. At Moore Reef you snorkel straight off the pontoon; on Fitzroy you swim over fringing reef right off the beach — gear is included with the Best of Island package, or add it to any other.
Glass bottom boat tour
A top-down view of coral gardens, giant clams, anemones and fish — with the reef just 0.5 to 3 metres under the glass — explained by our marine experts. On Fitzroy, it is part of the Best of Island package or an easy add-on to the others. Either way, you stay completely dry.
Guided snorkel tour
A small-group tour led by a marine biologist who knows where the residents hang out. Can be added at either location — the easiest single upgrade to a reef day.
Only at the Moore Reef pontoon
Our two-storey pontoon sits on the Outer Reef, 40 nautical miles offshore — and it is built for a full day of doing.
Semi-submersible tour
Descend below sea level and cruise over coral gardens and drop-offs from a fish-eye perspective, staying dry the whole time. Runs through the day, subject to availability.
Waterslide
The only waterslide on the Great Barrier Reef — a 30-metre spiral from the sun deck into crystal-clear ocean. The record is 110 slides in a day. It stands.
Underwater observatory
A room below sea level at the end of the pontoon with a window into the reef. No swimming required — just walk down the stairs and watch.
Introductory & certified dives
First-timers dive with full training and a guide — no experience or certification needed. Certified divers get up to 50 minutes at a maximum of 18 metres. All equipment included. See diving.
Seawalker® helmet dive
Walk the reef floor beneath the pontoon breathing normally inside a helmet — no swimming ability or experience needed, and you keep your glasses on.
Helicopter scenic flights
Lift off from the pontoon's helipad for the view that makes sense of the whole reef. Flights and fly-cruise packages are on the helicopter page.
Only on Fitzroy Island
A continental island 45 minutes from Cairns, where rainforest runs straight into coral sea.
Two departure times — unique to Fitzroy
Both depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns. Full details on the departures page.
Swimming beaches
Swim off Welcome Bay or walk to Nudey Beach — coral sand, granite boulders and water you can see your toes through. The pontoon has an ocean pool; the island has the real thing.
Hiking trails
Walking tracks for every energy level — the Nudey Beach path, the Secret Garden boardwalk, or the summit track for a view over the whole island. All open to day-trippers at no cost.
Turtle Talk
A daily 35-minute session at the island's turtle rehabilitation centre, limited to 10 guests. Meet recovering sea turtles and learn how they are cared for before release — proceeds go to the centre.
Guided rainforest walk
A 45-minute, 1 km guided trek to the Secret Garden with an expert guide sharing the island's ecology and history under the rainforest canopy.
Common questions
Are the activities included in my ticket?
Can I do the pontoon and the island in one day?
Do I need to book activities in advance?
Is there kayaking on Fitzroy Island?
What can I do without getting in the water?
Pick your day — or take both
Every activity above comes with a Sunlover day trip from Cairns.
Moore Reef day Fitzroy Island day Reef & Island in one day