• Guided glass bottom boat AND semi-submersible submarine tours as well as fish feeding presentation AND underwater observatory.
• Upgrade & book the most popular way to explore the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Fly in a helicopter to and from Cairns and see the reef from above and below the water. 
• Interactive multi-level pontoon at Moore Reef complete with supersized sundeck and the only theme park style spaghetti waterslide on the Reef! Fully enclosed children’s pool keeps the little one's safe.
• Ask a friend or crew member to capture you sliding down the pontoon water slide and into the Reef! Or bring, or hire, a GoPro to capture your amazing slide action
• Meet some of Moore Reef’s resident characters, including Wally the giant, intricately marked Maori Wrasse fish and Dora the friendly sea turtle
• Family Deal - Save $165 based on 2 adults & 2 children - See child age and policy

Great Barrier Reef tours depart Cairns daily to the new outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon that has the Spaghetti Slide that everyone is talking about.

What to Expect

Experience the best fun Great Barrier Reef tour with a full day at the recently built Outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon, featuring the most exciting fun you will ever have on any Great Barrier Reef pontoon tour with our Spaghetti Slide. Departing daily from Cairns, this reef tour offers a range of activities for all ages and abilities, making it perfect for families, non-swimmers, and adventure seekers alike.

Features and Highlights

State-of-the-Art Interactive Pontoon

• The Moore Reef pontoon is a two-story floating pontoon platform equipped with modern amenities to enhance your Great Barrier Reef tour experience from Cairns. With a length of 45 meters, it includes one of the region’s largest second-story sun decks, providing ample space for relaxation and preparation for your snorkelling and scuba diving adventures.

Fun for Everyone

Spaghetti Water Slide:

• Enjoy the only theme-park style water slide in Cairns that plunges you directly into the Great Barrier Reef's clear waters. Perfect for kids and the young at heart.

Glass Bottom Boat Tours:

• Ideal for non-swimmers and families, these glass bottom boat tours offer a dry way to view the coral formations and marine life, including turtles and colourful fish.

Semi-Submersible Submarine Tours:

• Experience the reef like a scuba diver without getting wet. These semi-submersible submarine tours run throughout the day and offer a unique perspective of the Great Barrier Reefs underwater world.

Kids’ Activities:

• Children can enjoy the enclosed ocean pool and participate in fish feeding sessions, making it a fun and educational day out.

Snorkelling and Diving

Snorkelling:

• Dive into the natural lagoon and explore vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life. Snorkelling gear and flotation devices are provided.

Seawalker Helmet Diving (Optional Extra):

• Walk on the ocean floor with a helmet that lets you breathe normally. No swimming or scuba diving experience required. This guided underwater tour lets you get up close with marine life, including the famous "Wally" the giant Maori Wrasse.

Scuba Diving (Optional Extra):

• Whether you're a first-time scuba diver or a certified pro, our instructors will guide you through an unforgettable diving experience. Introductory dives and certified dives are available, exploring the diverse underwater landscapes of Moore Reef.

Scenic Helicopter Flights (Optional Extra)

Great Barrier Reef from Above:

• Enhance your Cairns Great Barrier Reef tour  reef experience with a scenic helicopter flight, offering breathtaking aerial views of the reef, coral formations, and marine life. You can choose to fly out to the pontoon or return to Cairns on a helicopter ride. Pre-booking is essential.

Great Barrier Reef Tour Itinerary

Morning:

• 8:30 AM: Check-in at Cairns Marlin Marina.
• 10:00 AM: Depart for Moore Reef on a luxury catamaran. Enjoy a safety briefing and dive forms during the journey.

At Moore Reef:

• 11:30 AM: Arrive at the pontoon. Snorkel, dive, or join a glass bottom boat or semi-submersible tour. Kids can enjoy the water slide and swimming pool.
• 12:00 PM: Buffet lunch served on the pontoon. Continue with reef activities or relax on the sun deck.

Afternoon:

• 1:00 PM: Continue exploring the reef with additional snorkel and dive sessions or other activities.
• 3:00 PM: Prepare for departure from the pontoon.

Return to Cairns:

• 4:00 PM: Depart Moore Reef. Enjoy live musical entertainment, a fruit and cheese platter, and scenic views during the cruise back.
• 5:30 PM: Arrive back at Cairns Marlin Marina.

Additional Information

Medical Requirements:

• All divers must complete a medical questionnaire. Certain conditions may prohibit diving activities. Please review the medical checklist prior to booking.

Children:

• Minimum age for Seawalker Helmet Diving and scuba diving is 12 years. Parental consent is required for participants under 18 years.

Booking:

• Pre-booking is recommended for optional activities such as scenic helicopter flights and Seawalker Helmet Diving to ensure you do not miss out as there are limited spaces allocated daily.

Experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef with a day full of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable underwater exploration. Book your tour today for an extraordinary journey to one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders.

See all the pontoon Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns and Tropical North Queensland and our Great Barrier Reef and helicopter combo package tours. 

Great Barrier Reef Tours Cairns - Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Glass bottom boat tours are ideal for the non-swimmers and young families as they travel over the top of the reef systems giving you an aerial view of the coral formations and the colourful marine life.

Some of the marine life you can see from the glass bottom boat include the graceful green sea turtles swimming freely through the ocean or hiding on the bottom of the ocean floor in between the hard and soft corals, the giant black trevally darting through the ocean, and the colourful parrot fish munching away on the hard corals which they excrete to make sand.

The glass bottom boats tours run throughout the day for approximately 30 minutes so be sure to join on one for the day.

Semi-Submersible Submarine Tours

The semi-submersible submarine tours are a fantastic way to see the marine life as the guests all sit in the bottom concave of the vessel which has glass walls all around.

These underwater tours give you the perspective of a scuba diver without getting wet as you come eye to eye with hard and soft corals, turtles, the larger fish, gigantic clams and possibly Nemo the clown fish and his friends hiding amongst their homes in the anemone.

The semi-submersible submarine trips are complimentary and run throughout the day with approximate times of 30 minutes duration. The families and children just love them.

Great Barrier Reef Tours Cairns - Platform Activities

Activities for kids on the Great Barrier Reef: Water Slide, Children's swimming enclosure & Marine presentations

This Great Barrier Reef tour has really catered for everyone on their Great Barrier Reef day trip as they also have a children's swimming pool whereby the smaller reef fish can swim in and out and your children have the chance to feed the fish.

The crew on on this reef trip also have a marine naturalist presentation where you can learn a lot about the different types of coral and marine life that call Moore Reef their home and in general the Great Barrier Reef surrounds off Cairns.

The kids will love the new two-story theme park-quality waterslide where they will slip and slide through two spins before splashing down into the clear blue water of ocean. 

The only water slide in Cairns where you land right into the Great Barrier Reef!

They also have the little goggles and swim gear that is perfectly designed to fit small faces and little bodies.

You will be your kids hero if you take them out to the Great Barrier Reef with this reef cruise day tour boat.

Helmet Diving / Seawalker (Optional Extra)

For those that love the water and the adventurous activities this is the place to try Seawalker Helmet diving (optional extra). Seawalker Helmet diving is a helmet that rests on your shoulders and you can experience the underwater world with no knowledge of swimming or diving necessary.

The crew on board will take you on a guided under water walk to experience the thrill of walking on the ocean floor and being able to see the fish swimming around you.

You will come face to face with an endless number of different fish as well as the star of Moore Reef, "Wally" the giant Maori Wrasse, that just loves a tummy rub and to have his photo taken with his new friends.

The Seawalker experience is like walking on the moon in a space helmet. You have fresh air coming into your helmet from above so no need for scuba tanks. It's so much fun.

Please be aware though a medical questionnaire is to be completed on board before the activity commences. Children need to be 12 years and over with no medical conditions.

Please note that all divers must complete a medical questionnaire/declaration on-board.

A history of asthma, heart conditions and/or other medical conditions or medications may prohibit scuba diving.

If medical is failed onboard no refund will be given for Seawalker or dive options. Guests are advised to review medical checklists/requirements with their booking agent prior to booking.

Please see the medical checklist here prior to booking to ensure you will pass once on-board.

Minimum age is 12 years and for guests aged between 12 and 17 inclusive, written permission is to be signed by a parent or guardian on the vessel prior to the activity.

See the Travel Tips for Helmet Diving and Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving - Certified & Introductory diving (Optional Extra)

The reef trip caters for the complete thrill seekers and offers first time introductory scuba dives and certified scuba dives (optional extra).

If you have always wondered what it feels like to breathe underwater and swim with the vast array of marine life on the Great Barrier Reef then here is your chance to give it a try as the boats crew gives you the chance with an introductory scuba dive.

This is your opportunity for an experience of a lifetime and there is no need to be scared as the scuba instruction is conducted and escorted by the fully qualified scuba dive instructors and it will be one of the most memorable experiences of your reef trip.

For those scuba divers that already know the thrill of scuba diving and how fun it can be these reef cruises offers you a range of awesome locations on the Great barrier Reef, with full equipment and gear hire, and the professional instructors are there to guide you along the way.

As a certified scuba diver you will have a choice of different dive locations such as drift diving along the wall of Moore Reef where you will have the chance to see the bigger marine life such as reef sharks, rays and the amazing fan corals with many different coral formations and colours.

Cave diving between 2 reef bomies and coming up close and personal with Nemo and his friends, green sea turtles and Wally the giant Maori Wrasse.

Please note: You will need to be fit and have no medical conditions at all so please ensure you fill in the medical questionnaire correctly and honestly as it could save your life.

Scenic Helicopter Flights Over the Great Barrier Reef See the Great Barrier Reef From Above and Below

For a more spectacular perspective we also offer scenic helicopter flights around Moore Reef and also give the option of flying out to the pontoon from or returning to Cairns in a helicopter.

One may say they have seen and snorkelled the Great Barrier Reef however once you get above and see how large the reef actually is you will have a bird's eye view of this amazing natural wonder the Great Barrier Reef.

This exciting and breathtaking experience is beauty in its natural form as the Great Barrier Reef will unfold before your eyes and give you the chance to see the brilliant coral formations, groups of turtles, sharks and rays as you cruise approx. 500ft over the Great Barrier Reef and pass the coastline of Cairns.

The helicopter flights must be pre booked as this activity is very popular and you would not want to miss the opportunity to see this natural wonder from above.

This scenic flights are such a reasonable price for the once in a life time experience that you will have.

There is no better way to than to see the Great Barrier Reef from above and below the water and when you travel half way around the world to see one of Mother Nature's most amazing creations you certainly should not be worrying about a few extra dollars.

Note: Infant age 3 must pay for a seat

Great Barrier Reef Tours Cairns - Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise Itinerary

Cruise both ways

Cruise EX CAIRNS Reef Fleet Terminal

8.30 - 9.30am: Check In at Reef Fleet Terminal + boarding at the boat
9.45am: Boarding closes
10.00am: Boat departs Cairns Marina
11.15am-11.30am: Arrival at Moore Reef Pontoon
4.00pm: Departure from Moore Reef Pontoon
5.30pm: Arrival at Cairns Marina

Fly/Cruise

EX Nautilus Cairns City Heliport (Pier Point Rd)

11:30am - Check-in at Nautilus Aviation city Heliport (Pier Point Rd, Cairns) + safety briefing
12:00pm - Depart on helicopter
12:25pm - Arrive at Moore Reef
4.00pm: Departure from Moore Reef Pontoon
5.30pm: Arrival at Cairns Marina

Cruise/Fly

EX CAIRNS Reef Fleet Terminal

8.30 - 9.30am: Check In at Reef Fleet Terminal + boarding at the boat
9.45am: Boarding closes
10.00am: Boat departs Cairns Marina
11.15am-11.30am: Arrival at Moore Reef Pontoon
3:30pm - Depart Moore reef Pontoon
3:55pm - Return to Nautilus Aviation City Heliport (Pier Point Rd, Cairns)

Fly both ways

EX Nautilus Cairns City Heliport (Pier Point Rd)

11:30am - Check-In at Nautilus Aviation City Heliport (Pier Point Rd, Cairns) + safety briefing
12:00pm - Depart on helicopter
11:50am - Arrive at Moore Reef
3:30pm - Depart Moore Reef on helicopter
3:55pm - Return to Nautilus Aviation City Heliport (Pier Point Rd, Cairns)

Lunch On Board Your Great Barrier Reef Tour

With so much to see and do on the Great Barrier Reef it's important not to forget about the flavoursome lunch.

The buffet lunch is served on board the air conditioned catamaran where you can sit in the cool comfort or stay outside and breathe in the fresh air with the top decks shaded platform picnic tables and chairs.

Menu - Please note menu may change without notice

Bread Selection

Fresh Baked White High Top Rolls

Garlic and Herb Focaccia Bread

Served with butter portions

Local Endeavour Prawns with cocktail sauce and citrus wedges (GF/DF)

Salad Selection

Sweet & White Potato Salad - Dill and Shallots - Vegan Dijonaise (GF/Vegan)

Market Garden Salad - Tomato, Red Onion, Cucumber, Carrot and Sprouts (GF/Vegan)

Red & White Coleslaw - Carrot and red onion (GF/Vegan)

Cold Meat Selection

Chanpagne Leg Ham (GF/DF)

Sliced Australian Salami (GF/DF)

Hot Selection

Grass-Fed Beef Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce

Sri Lankan Chicken and  Vegetable Coconut Curry (GF/DF)

Moroccan Vegetable Tagine with Apricots and Chickpea (GF/Vegan)

Steamed Jasmine Rice (GF/Vegan)

Spaghetti Pasta with Olive Oil (Vegan)

Tropical

Seasonal Tropical Fruit Platter with fresh Coconut shavings (GF/Vegan)

Great Barrier Reef Tour Cairns - Professional photography

After spending 4 full hours at the Great Barrier Reef it is time to head back to reality with afternoon tea and a refreshing tropical fruit platter.

As you cruise back to Cairns an important thing to remember is to take a peek at the photos the crew took of you throughout the day and of the many activities you have tried on board the Great Barrier Reef cruise ship…a great way to show your friends what a wonderful holiday you had!!!

You will be amazed at the amount of photos the photographers have taken and at a reasonable cost these photos are an excellent memory of your trip to the Great Barrier Reef 

Combine with Fitzroy Island Stopover

You can also choose to combine your reef trip with a stop over at Fitzroy Island in the one day!  Visit one of Cairns most popular islands for the day with a Sunlover Reef Cruise to Fitzroy Island.  

See more Great Barrier Reef tours here.

Tour Languages Offered

• Chinese
• English
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Spanish

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• 8:30am - 9.30am check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal, and board our vessel
• 9.45am boarding closes
• 10.00am depart Cairns
• 11.15am-11.30am Arrive Moore Reef Pontoon
• 4.00pm depart Moore Reef Pontoon
• 5.30pm arrive Cairns Marina
• Cruise/Fly: check in 8.30am-9.30am, departs 10.00am, arrives back in Cairns 3.55pm
• Fly/Cruise: Check in 11.30am, departs 12.00pm, arrives back in Cairns 5.30pm
• Fly/Fly: check in 11.30am, departs 12.00pm, arrives back in Cairns 3.55pm

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Moore Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

90 minute cruise each way approx.
4 hours on pontoon approx.

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Scenic Helicopter Flights at platform
• Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total
• Introductory and Certified Scuba Diving
• Seawalker Helmet Diving
• Guided Snorkel Tours
• Full bar facilities
• Digital photos & DVD's.

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium, Disabled

Restrictions

Scuba Diving – minimum age 12

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving, Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo.
• Participation is subject to medical questionnaires completed on board with the tour operator.
• Minimum age for scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

Additional Information

• Prescription mask available onboard- $5.00 with $50.00 deposit
• Wetsuit- $10.00 hire payable onboard

Hat, Sunscreen (SPF 30+) & protective clothing, Swimming costume & beach towel, Cash & credit card for onboard purchases

• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)
• Child rate is applicable between the ages of 4-15 years inclusive.
• Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total