
Sunlover Reef Cruises · Cairns
Terms & Conditions
Everything you need to know before you travel — bookings, payments, cancellations, check-in and conditions of passage.
The Short Version
Independent travellers get a full refund when cancelling more than 24 hours before travel (72 hours for groups of 15+, 48 hours for helicopter flights; a 7-day policy may apply in peak periods). Bring the physical credit card used to book, plus matching photo ID, to check-in. Check-in closes strictly at the times listed for each tour.
🧍 Independent Travellers — Booking & Payment
Applies to parties of 14 or fewer passengers, or those travelling without a tour leader, for Moore Reef Day and/or Fitzroy Island tours.
How to Book
- Online at www.sunlover.com.au
- Phone: +61 7 4050 1333
- Email: res@sunlover.com.au
- In person at the Reef Fleet Terminal desk, 1 Spence St, Cairns City
- Through a trusted trade partner
Payment Methods
- Secure credit card link — payment required at time of booking for all website bookings
- Direct deposit — remittance advice must be emailed to res@sunlover.com.au once paid
- Cash — must be paid within 24 hours of booking
BSB: 064-804 | Account No: 14027073
Account Name: Sunlover Operations Pty Ltd
Payment Reference: Your Sunlover confirmation number
🔄 Cancellations & Refunds
Independent Travellers (14 or fewer)
- Full refund for cancellations made more than 24 hours before travel (excluding peak periods).
- 100% cancellation charge for cancellations within 24 hours of travel, including no-shows.
Groups (15 or more)
- Full refund for cancellations made more than 72 hours before travel (excluding peak periods).
- 100% cancellation charge for cancellations within 72 hours, including no-shows.
- Exceptions apply for illness, cancelled flights, minor changes, and weather — subject to management discretion. Administration fees may apply.
Optional Activities
- Optional activities pre-booked or paid on-board are non-refundable for no-shows.
- Refunds for optional activities are only provided if the operator cancels due to weather, safety, or operational reasons.
Sunlover-Initiated Cancellations or Changes
- If Sunlover cancels a tour before departure (including due to weather), an alternative date or itinerary will be offered. If no alternative can be agreed, a full refund will be issued.
- If Sunlover is required to shorten a tour due to weather, medical emergency, or factors outside its control, any partial refund is at Sunlover's full discretion.
- If Sunlover operates to an alternative reef destination, a partial refund may be offered at Sunlover's full discretion.
- On rare occasions, certain included activities (e.g. Glass Bottom Boat, Semi-Submersible, waterslide, fish feeding) may be unavailable. Where the majority of the tour can still proceed, no refund will be offered.
Third-Party & Package Bookings
- Bookings made via third-party agents may require passengers to contact their agent directly — refunds are at the agent's discretion.
- Package tours operated with other companies are subject to those companies' individual conditions and cancellation policies.
🚢 Boat tours — Independent: Full refund if cancelled more than 24 hours before travel
👥 Boat tours — Groups: Full refund if cancelled more than 72 hours before travel
🚁 Helicopter flights: Full refund requires more than 48 hours notice (Zoom Helicopters' own policy)
📅 Peak periods: A 7-day cancellation policy may apply — see Peak Periods section
📅 Peak Periods
When Peak Periods Apply
- Australian School Holidays
- Australian and International Public Holidays
- Chinese New Year Holiday period
- Christmas and New Year period
Booking Changes During Peak Periods
- Major changes to an existing booking, including lead passenger name changes, are not permitted during Peak Periods.
🎫 Rates & Fare Types
Passenger Age Categories
| Fare type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Adult | 16 years of age or older at time of travel |
| Child | 4–15 years (inclusive) at time of travel |
| Infant | Up to 3 years old (inclusive) at time of travel |
| Family | 2 adults + 2 children aged 4–15 years |
Important Notes
- The Bona Fide Tour Leader Policy cannot be used in conjunction with any other packages or combos.
- Due to aviation regulations, for packages including Helicopter flights the infant age is 0–1 years and child is 2–15 years.
- All rates are ex Reef Fleet Terminal and Fitzroy Island, and are inclusive of GST and Environmental Management Charge (EMC).
- Rates are subject to change without notice due to changes in government charges, taxes, or levies.
🏠 Locals Rate — Cairns Residents
30% discount for local Queensland residents with Australian postcodes starting with 48** — that's Cairns and surrounding areas.
How to Book the Locals Rate
- Online at sunlover.com.au/locals-deals
- Phone: +617 4050 1333
- Email: res@sunlover.com.au
- In person at the Sunlover Reservations desk, Reef Fleet Terminal
Conditions
- Valid Local ID and proof of local residency with matching photo ID must be presented at check-in.
- All passengers travelling on the same booking are also eligible for the Locals Rate.
- Reservations are non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.
🦺 Everyday Hero Rate
30% discount for employees in Essential Services, Defence Force, Emergency Services, and Healthcare industries. Valid for travel until 31 March 2026.
Who Qualifies
- Essential Services workers
- Australian Defence Force personnel
- Emergency Services workers
- Healthcare industry employees
Conditions
- Must be booked through the specified link with pricing already adjusted to reflect the discount.
- A valid work ID badge must be presented on the day of travel.
- Valid for new bookings only. Available for travel until 31 March 2026.
- All passengers travelling on the same booking are also eligible for the 30% discount.
- Reservations are non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Subject to availability until allocation is exhausted.
👥 Groups (15 or More Passengers)
Also applies to smaller groups travelling with a tour leader, for Moore Reef Day and/or Fitzroy Island tours.
How to Book
- Online at www.sunlover.com.au
- Email: groups@sunlover.com.au
- Through a trusted trade partner
Payment
- Secure credit card link, direct deposit, or cash at time of booking (or up to 72 hours prior to travel at management discretion).
- The physical credit card in the passenger's name must be presented at check-in with matching photo ID.
BSB: 064-804 | Account No: 14027073
Account Name: Sunlover Operations Pty Ltd
Send remittance advice to: groups@sunlover.com.au
Tour Leader Policy
- One (1) complimentary Tour Leader place for 15 or more full paying guests — on request only.
- The Bona Fide Tour Leader must be a professional Tour Guide or Tour Leader working for a Travel Agent, Ground Handler, or Inbound Operator — not a passenger.
- Valid Tour Leader ID or certification with company or tourism organisation logo will be requested at check-in.
- Sunlover reserves the right to charge the Tour Leader the standard fare at its full discretion.
- The Tour Leader Policy cannot be used with any other packages or combos, and does not apply to helicopter flights or hotel transfers — standard fares apply for these.
📋 Booking Requirements & Reconfirmation
General Requirements
- When making a booking, passengers must provide accurate information including: full name of lead passenger, contact details, number of passengers and ages, dietary requirements, optional extras, coach transfers, and any other relevant information.
- Bookings must be reconfirmed at least 24 hours prior to travel with any changes.
- Sunlover Reef Cruises is not responsible for issues arising from incomplete or inaccurate information provided at booking or reconfirmation.
- All bookings are non-transferable. Sunlover reserves the right to request matching photo ID from the lead passenger at check-in.
Special Dietary Requirements
- Moore Reef and Moore Reef & Fitzroy Island buffets cater for a range of dietary requirements. Please advise at the time of booking. Advising of dietary requirements does not infer requests for meals not included in the standard buffet.
- Fitzroy Island Picnic Lunchboxes offer alternative meal options — please advise your preferred lunchbox from the menus available at the time of booking.
- Sunlover buffet and lunchbox menus with dietary options are available on the Sunlover website.
💳 Payments & Credit Card Surcharges
Credit Card Surcharge
- A 1.5% surcharge applies to payments made by Visa, Mastercard, and Amex via secure credit card link.
- For credit card security and anti-fraud purposes, the physical credit card used to purchase the booking must be presented at check-in on the day of travel, along with matching valid photo ID.
- Surcharge pricing valid: 01/04/2025 – 31/03/2026
Fuel Surcharge
Due to the significant increase and volatility of fuel prices in Australia, a fuel surcharge applies to all Sunlover Reef Cruises tours. This surcharge is imposed in accordance with applicable Australian Consumer Law, including the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).
The fuel surcharge:
- Is a separate, clearly identified charge applied per person in addition to the base fare;
- Varies by tour type and passenger category (Adult/Child);
- May be introduced, varied, or removed at any time, with reasonable notice provided to consumers prior to booking;
- Does not apply retrospectively to bookings confirmed before the surcharge effective date;
- Is payable at the time of booking;
- Is non-commissionable.
Current Fuel Surcharge Rates (effective 1 April 2026):
| Tour | Adult | Child (4–14 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Moore Reef Full Day Tour / Reef & Island in a Day | $10 | $5 |
| Fitzroy Island Tours | $4 | $2 |
The fuel surcharge applies to all new bookings from 30/3/26 with travel from 1 April. This surcharge will be monitored and reviewed regularly in accordance with fuel price fluctuations. For the most up-to-date surcharge rates, please refer to our Pricing page.
Fuel surcharge pricing valid: 01/04/2026 – until further notice
🎁 Gift Certificates & Prize Vouchers
Purchased Gift Certificates
- Issued in exchange for monetary value and intended for use as payment for Moore Reef and/or Fitzroy Island tours operated by Sunlover Reef Cruises.
- Valid for three (3) years from the date of purchase and can be redeemed at any time, subject to availability.
- Non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other form of currency.
- If the value of the gift certificate exceeds the total purchase amount, the remaining balance will be stored and can be used for future transactions.
- Lost or stolen gift certificates will not be reissued or refunded.
Gifted Prize Vouchers
- Issued as part of a promotional giveaway — not available for purchase.
- May be subject to specific terms and conditions associated with the promotion during which it was awarded.
- Has an expiration date as indicated on the voucher — must be redeemed before the specified date.
- Non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other currency.
- Management reserves the right to determine validity and may refuse redemption at its discretion, particularly over peak periods or during special events.
- Lost or stolen vouchers will not be reissued or refunded. It is the voucher holder's responsibility to keep the voucher secure.
🏁 Check-In Information
All tours depart from the Sunlover Cruises desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns City.
Check-In Times by Tour
| Tour | Check-in | Boarding closes |
|---|---|---|
| 🐠 Moore Reef Day Tour | 08:45 – 09:45 | 09:45 |
| 🏝️ Fitzroy Island Tour | 08:45 – 09:45 | 09:45 |
| 🌊 Reef & Fitzroy Island in a Day | 07:00 – 07:30 | 07:30 |
Credit Card Check-In Requirement
If you paid by credit card directly through Sunlover Reef Cruises (via website, email, or phone), please bring the physical credit card and a matching valid photo ID of the cardholder to check-in on the day of travel.
🤿 Additional Activities
Diving (Introductory, Certified SCUBA & Seawalker)
- Minimum age and medical conditions apply as per Queensland Government regulations for Seawalker, Introductory, and Certified diving.
- Guests are advised to review the medical checklist on the Sunlover website prior to travel.
- Those with an existing medical condition or taking regular medication should seek medical advice and provide a "fit to dive" certificate prior to travel.
- Passengers must be a minimum of 12 years old to participate in scuba diving. Passengers under 18 must have a consenting parent or legal guardian present.
- Medical clearance from a doctor is required for participants aged 65 years and over.
- Certified divers must present an internationally recognised dive licence on the day of travel.
- Sunlover's dive team reserves the right to refuse participation for any of the reasons listed above.
Snorkelling
- A refundable deposit may be required on-board for snorkelling equipment hire.
- If equipment is not returned or is damaged, a fee equal to the current replacement value will be payable at the end of the tour and the deposit will be forfeited.
Kayaking Tours
- Participants must be a minimum of 8 years old. Passengers under 18 must have a consenting parent or legal guardian present.
- Moderate swimming ability is required. Not suitable for non-swimmers.
- Participation is at your own risk. Sunlover is not responsible for any injury during this optional experience.
Helicopter Flights
- All helicopter flights are operated by Zoom Helicopters Pty Ltd subject to their own terms and conditions, which may differ from those of Sunlover Reef Cruises.
- Individual body weight of each passenger is required at time of booking.
- Infants aged 0–1 years: routinely one (1) infant per flight, travelling free on a parent's or guardian's lap with an aviation infant seat belt restraint (provided).
- Children aged 2–15 years must occupy their own paid seat. Standard helicopter fare applies for infants aged 2–3 years.
- The Bona Fide Tour Leader Policy does not apply to helicopter flights — standard fares apply.
🚢 Boat tours: Full refund if cancelled more than 24 hours before travel
🚁 Helicopter flights: Full refund requires more than 48 hours notice. Cancellations between 24–48 hours attract a 50% fee. Cancellations inside 24 hours are non-refundable.
Hotel Transfers
- All hotel transfers are conducted by Excellence Coaches at an additional cost per passenger, in accordance with their own terms and conditions.
- Please wait outside reception at your accommodation to meet the driver. Passengers who miss their transfer must make their own alternate arrangements — the coach fee is non-refundable.
- The Bona Fide Tour Leader Policy does not apply to hotel transfers — standard fares apply.
📸 Image Use & Privacy
Sunlover Reef Cruises is committed to handling your personal information, including photographs and recordings, in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
Collection of Images
- By proceeding with your booking, you acknowledge and consent to Sunlover Reef Cruises (or its agents) taking photographs, audio recordings, video recordings, or other recordings that capture your image, likeness, voice, or performance ("Images") during the course of your tour.
- You also consent to Sunlover receiving and using Images of you from third parties.
Use of Images for Marketing
- Images may be used to market and promote Sunlover Reef Cruises' services. This includes, but is not limited to, use in print, broadcast, internet media, direct marketing, downloadable content and applications, and all other media, platforms, or technologies now known or to be developed, for distribution worldwide.
- Images may be altered, modified, combined, or incorporated into other works.
Your Privacy Rights (APP 12 & 13)
- Right of access: You have the right to request access to Images we hold of you.
- Right of correction: You have the right to request correction of Images to ensure they are complete and not misleading. However, where Images have already been incorporated into published marketing materials, it may not be reasonably practicable to make changes, and we reserve the right to decline such requests in those circumstances.
- Complaints: If you believe your privacy rights have not been respected, you may contact us in the first instance. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Privacy Enquiries
To exercise your privacy rights or make an enquiry, please contact us:
📧 res@sunlover.com.au
📞 +61 7 4050 1333
📍 Sunlover Cruises desk, Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns City
This policy is governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia.
⚓ Conditions of Passage & General Information
General Information
- Sunlover Operations Pty Ltd is trading as Sunlover Reef Cruises, ABN 50 109 735 177.
- All bookings are subject to availability.
- By proceeding with a booking, passengers agree to all Sunlover Reef Cruises Terms and Conditions and Conditions of Passage.
- All rates are inclusive of Goods & Services Tax (GST) and Environmental Management Tax (EMC).
- Rates are subject to change without notice due to changes in, or imposition of, government charges, taxes, or levies, at the discretion of Sunlover Operations Pty Ltd.
- There may be instances where certain included or optional activities are unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances. Sunlover makes every effort to have its full product offering available and does not offer refunds for such instances.
- Sunlover Cruises operates a non-smoking and non-vaping policy aboard all vessels and on the pontoon.
- Sunlover promotes a positive environment and does not accept any hate speech, including in print, clothing, or objects.
Conditions of Passage
- Sunlover Operations Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage of any kind, irrespective of cause, including loss due to negligence, withdrawal, cancellation, failure to provide a service, delay, variation in services, or the provision of substitute services.
- Sunlover does not own or operate the helicopter or photo services offered to reef visitors. When using these services, passengers are contracting directly with the service operator and are subject to that operator's conditions.
- Tropical weather conditions may cause cancellations or changes to schedules and activities. Sunlover reserves the right to vary prices, schedules, vessels, and activities without notification. Any tickets issued are non-refundable.
- Sunlover acts as a private carrier and reserves the right to refuse passage to any person and/or baggage.
- Bringing alcohol on board the vessel is strictly prohibited at all times.
- All bags and luggage may be subject to search.
- By accepting these Conditions of Passage and travelling with Sunlover Reef Cruises, the purchaser accepts and acknowledges that embarking on this cruise vessel is at their own risk and that they accept these terms and conditions.
Questions about a booking?
Our Cairns reservations team is here to help.
📧 res@sunlover.com.au | 📞 1800 810 512
📍 Sunlover Cruises desk, Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns City
Sunlover Operations Pty Ltd trading as Sunlover Reef Cruises · ABN 50 109 735 177