What is the difference between Sunlover's two half-day reef tours?

Both visit the same Moore Reef pontoon. Cruise Out / Fly Back ($531 adult) cruises out by catamaran, gives about 2.5 hours at the reef and flies back by helicopter. Fly In / Fly Out ($919 adult) flies both ways from Cairns Airport, landing on the pontoon, with about 2+ hours at the reef.

How long is the helicopter flight on the half-day reef tour?

Approximately 25 minutes each way over the Great Barrier Reef, the islands and the coastline. ZOOM Helicopters carry a maximum of six guests per flight.

How much time do you get at the reef on the half-day tour?

About 2.5 hours on Cruise Out / Fly Back and about 2+ hours on Fly In / Fly Out. Both depart the pontoon at 11:45am and arrive back at Cairns Airport around 12:10pm.

Do infants pay on the half-day reef tour?

Adult fares apply from 16 years and children aged 2 to 15 travel at the child fare. Infants aged 0 to 1 travel free, but a seat must be occupied from 2 years of age and is charged at the child fare.

Is food included on the half-day reef tour?

No meal is included on the half-day tours. Refreshments are available to purchase on board and at the pontoon. The full-day Moore Reef tour and the Reef and Island day include a buffet lunch.

ZOOM helicopter landing at Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef

Moore Reef · Half Day by Air

The Great Barrier Reef by sea and sky, in half a day

Q: Do the half-day prices include the fuel surcharge?

Yes. Fuel surcharges are included in the displayed price - $20 per person for the helicopter on Cruise Out / Fly Back and $40 per person on Fly In / Fly Out, plus the boat surcharge of $5 per adult and $2.50 per child where a cruise is included.

Cruise out to Sunlover’s Outer Reef pontoon and fly back over the reef by helicopter — or fly both ways and land directly on the pontoon. Back in Cairns by early afternoon, with a maximum of six guests per flight.

Flights operated by

Quick Answer

Sunlover’s half-day Great Barrier Reef tour pairs Moore Reef with a 25-minute ZOOM Helicopters scenic flight. Cruise Out / Fly Back departs Cairns Marina at 8:00am, gives you about 2.5 hours at the reef and flies you back, landing at Cairns Airport at 12:10pm — $531 adult. Fly In / Fly Out flies both ways with about 2+ hours at the reef — $919 adult. Both include snorkelling gear, the glass bottom boat, semi-submersible and underwater observatory, and both fuel surcharges.

Book Cruise Out / Fly Back → Compare the two

Max 6 guests per helicopter Back in Cairns by early afternoon Cairns operator since 1991

Why choose the half day?

The Outer Reef and a scenic flight, without giving up your whole day — ideal for short stays, cruise passengers and packed itineraries.

Sea and sky

Two ways to see the reef

Snorkel the coral lagoon from our pontoon, then see the whole reef system from the air on a 25-minute flight — two completely different perspectives in one morning.

Time-efficient

Back by early afternoon

Off the water and back in Cairns around lunchtime, so the rest of your day is yours. Popular with cruise-ship guests and short stays.

Small groups

Six guests per flight

ZOOM Helicopters fly a maximum of six, so everyone gets a window and the experience stays personal.

Same pontoon

Full Outer Reef base

You get the real Moore Reef pontoon — snorkelling lagoon, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, underwater observatory, waterslide, sundeck and the toddler ocean pool.

No surprises

Fuel surcharge included

The helicopter and boat fuel surcharges are already in the price you see — nothing extra added at checkout.

Choose your half day

Two ways to do it — cruise out and fly home, or fly both ways and land on the pontoon.

Cruise Out / Fly Back

Flight by

Cruise to Moore Reef aboard our air-conditioned catamaran, spend about 2.5 hours at the pontoon, then lift off for a 25-minute flight over the reef to Cairns Airport, with a courtesy transfer back to the city.

Adult 16 yrs +$531
Child 2–15 yrs$478.50
Infant 0–1 yrsFree

Book Cruise Out / Fly Back → See the timings →

Fly both ways

ZOOM helicopter taking off from the Moore Reef pontoon

Fly in · fly out

Fly In / Fly Out — Reef Zoom

Flights by

Take off from Cairns Airport, land directly on the Moore Reef pontoon 25 minutes later, and enjoy about 2+ hours on the reef before flying home over the islands and rainforest coastline.

Adult 16 yrs +$919
Child 2–15 yrs$869
Infant 0–1 yrsFree

Book Fly In / Fly Out → See the timings →

Prices in AUD per person. Fuel surcharges are included in the price shown — helicopter $20 per person on Cruise Out / Fly Back and $40 per person on Fly In / Fly Out, plus the boat surcharge ($5 adult / $2.50 child) where a cruise is included. Infants aged 0–1 travel free; a seat must be occupied from 2 years, charged at the child fare. Seats are limited to six guests per helicopter. Flights are subject to weather and operational conditions.

Cruise out, or fly both ways?

Both go to the same Outer Reef pontoon. The difference is how you get there, how long you stay, and the price.

Sunlover catamaran at the Moore Reef pontoon

Cruise out · fly back

Cruise Out / Fly Back

Price$531 adult · $478.50 child

Getting thereAir-conditioned catamaran from Cairns Marina

Getting home25-minute helicopter to Cairns Airport, then courtesy transfer

Reef timeApprox. 2.5 hours

Check-in7:00–7:30am, Reef Fleet Terminal

Back in CairnsAirport 12:10pm

Best forThe scenic flight without the full-fly price

Book →

The Great Barrier Reef seen from a ZOOM helicopter

Fly in · fly out

Fly In / Fly Out

Price$919 adult · $869 child

Getting there25-minute helicopter from Cairns Airport

Getting home25-minute helicopter back to Cairns Airport

Reef timeApprox. 2+ hours

Check-in8:15am, Reef Fleet Terminal, then transfer

Back in CairnsAirport approx. 12:10pm

Best forThe shortest door-to-reef time, flying both ways

Book →

Both include snorkelling gear (mask, fins, snorkel, lycra suit and flotation vest), the glass bottom boat and semi-submersible tours, the underwater observatory, waterslide, sundeck and toddler ocean pool. Complimentary transfers between the Reef Fleet Terminal and General Aviation are provided by ZOOM Helicopters.

Your morning, hour by hour

Both tours are back at Cairns Airport by around 12:10pm. Check live availability when you book.

Cruise Out / Fly Back

7:00–7:30amCheck in at the Sunlover Cruises counter, Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns.
7:45amBoarding closes.
8:00amDepart Cairns Marina by catamaran.
approx 9:30amArrive at the Moore Reef pontoon.
2.5 hoursReef time — snorkel, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, underwater observatory, waterslide and sundeck.
11:45amDepart Moore Reef by helicopter.
12:10pmArrive General Aviation, Cairns Airport. Courtesy transfer to Cairns Marina by ZOOM Helicopters.

Fly In / Fly Out — Reef Zoom

8:15amCheck in at the Sunlover Cruises counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal.
8:20amComplimentary transfer to General Aviation with ZOOM Helicopters, then your pre-flight safety briefing.
9:15amDepart Cairns Airport by helicopter.
approx 9:40amLand on the Moore Reef pontoon.
2+ hoursReef time — snorkel, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, underwater observatory, waterslide and sundeck.
11:45amDepart Moore Reef by helicopter.
approx 12:10pmArrive Cairns Airport. Complimentary transfer to Cairns Marina by ZOOM Helicopters.

What’s included

Everything below is included on both half-day tours — swipe through.

Get in the water

Snorkelling gear

Mask, fins, snorkel, lycra suit and a flotation vest — all provided.

Stay dry

Glass bottom boat

Coral, fish and turtles from a dry, relaxed seat.

Stay dry

Semi-submersible tour

See the reef from below the surface without getting wet. Subject to sea and weather conditions.

Stay dry

Underwater observatory

A living window on the reef, right at the pontoon.

Just for fun

Waterslide & sundeck

The waterslide into the lagoon, plus a sundeck to dry off on.

Family friendly

Toddler ocean pool

An enclosed pool for the littlest guests.

The main event

25-minute scenic flight

Your ZOOM Helicopters flight over the reef, islands and coastline — one way or both, depending on your package.

Optional extras at the reef

Add these when you book — reef time is short on a half day, so pre-booking is worthwhile.

Marine biologist led

Guided Snorkel Tour

$65 adult · $45 child · $175 family

A guided route beyond the main snorkel area with a marine biologist beside you.

No swimming needed

Seawalker® Helmet Dive

Ages 12+

Walk the reef floor beneath the pontoon, breathing normally the whole time.

Learn more →

Try diving

Introductory SCUBA Dive

Ages 12+

Your first dive with full training and gear, guided by a certified dive instructor.

Learn more →

Optional activities are subject to availability and weather. Planning to dive? Please review the Health Checklist before booking.

Why book with Sunlover

Over 30 years on the reef

Australian-owned and operating daily Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns since 1991.

Ecotourism Certified

Ecotourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia — independently audited and held continuously for over 20 years — and an Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame member.

Exclusive reef access

Sunlover has exclusive access to its section of Moore Reef — no other operator uses our pontoon or lagoon.

Flying with ZOOM

Half-day flights are operated by ZOOM Helicopters, with a maximum of six guests per aircraft and courtesy transfers between the terminal and General Aviation.

Half day reef tour — FAQs

What’s the difference between the two half-day tours?

Both visit the same Moore Reef pontoon. Cruise Out / Fly Back ($531 adult) cruises out by catamaran, gives you about 2.5 hours at the reef, and flies you back by helicopter. Fly In / Fly Out ($919 adult) flies you both ways from Cairns Airport, landing directly on the pontoon, with about 2+ hours at the reef. Fly In / Fly Out has the shortest travel time; Cruise Out / Fly Back gives you the scenic flight at a lower price and slightly longer on the reef.

How long is the helicopter flight?

Approximately 25 minutes each way, flying over the Great Barrier Reef, the islands and the rainforest coastline. ZOOM Helicopters carry a maximum of six guests per flight, so everyone gets a window seat.

How much time do I actually get at the reef?

About 2.5 hours on Cruise Out / Fly Back, and about 2+ hours on Fly In / Fly Out. Both tours depart the pontoon at 11:45am. Because reef time is shorter than the full-day tour, we recommend pre-booking any optional activity such as a guided snorkel tour or a dive.

Where do I check in?

Both tours check in at the Sunlover Cruises counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Cruise Out / Fly Back checks in between 7:00 and 7:30am (boarding closes 7:45am). Fly In / Fly Out checks in at 8:15am, then ZOOM Helicopters provides a complimentary transfer to General Aviation at the airport.

How do I get back to the city after the flight?

Your flight lands at General Aviation, Cairns Airport, at around 12:10pm. ZOOM Helicopters provides a complimentary courtesy transfer back to the Cairns Marina and Reef Fleet Terminal.

Do the prices include the fuel surcharge?

Yes. The fuel surcharges are included in the price shown — $20 per person for the helicopter on Cruise Out / Fly Back and $40 per person on Fly In / Fly Out, plus the boat surcharge of $5 per adult and $2.50 per child where a cruise is included.

Do children and infants pay?

Adult fares apply from 16 years. Children aged 2–15 travel at the child fare. Infants aged 0–1 travel free, but a seat must be occupied from 2 years of age and is charged at the child fare.

Is food included?

The half-day tours do not include a meal. Refreshments are available to purchase on board and at the pontoon. If you would like a buffet lunch included, our full-day Moore Reef tour or the Reef & Island day may suit you better.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Helicopter flights are subject to weather and operational conditions. If a flight cannot operate safely, our reservations team will discuss the options with you, which may include an alternative arrangement or a refund of the affected component. Sea conditions can also affect the semi-submersible tour.

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.