Day Trips

From Cairns: Fitzroy Island & Moore Reef Tour with Pontoon Activities & at-Island Buffet Lunch by Sunlover

Duration

9 hrs 30 mins

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

Cruise to both Fitzroy Island and the outer Great Barrier Reef in one epic day—two distinct reef environments, one seamless itinerary.

Start your day at the Moore Reef floating pontoon, a marine playground teeming with coral and tropical fish, before transferring to Fitzroy Island to wander rainforest trails and unwind on white-sand beaches.

Snorkel with guidance from marine experts, slip down a 30-meter spiral waterslide into the ocean, or stay dry with glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours.

Enjoy a premium buffet lunch on Fitzroy Island before heading back to the beach or reef.

Customize your day with optional upgrades like a Snorkel Safari, a Seawalker helmet dive, or a visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island from Cairns

Snorkeling equipment and expert guidance at Moore Reef

Premium buffet lunch with vegan, halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available (menu here)

Onboard amenities: Air-conditioned lounges, sun deck, Sunlover waterslide, freshwater showers, change rooms, licensed bar, and snorkel assistance station

Access to reef platform activities: semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours, underwater observatory, and marine presentation with fish feeding

Self-guided walk on Fitzroy Island National Park trails

1-hour Snorkel Safari (if option selected)

Seawalker helmet dive (if option selected)

Turtle Rehabilitation Center talk (if option selected)

Onboard bar available (additional drinks at own cost)

TOTAL DURATION9 hours
Timeline
Map
Start point
Cairns
Get direction
1. Moore Reef Pontoon
3 activities
Dive into 2.5 hours of reef adventures at Sunlover’s Moore Reef Pontoon. Enjoy snorkelling in calm lagoon waters, explore the coral without getting wet on a glass‑bottom boat or semi‑sub tour, and zip down a 30‑metre spiral waterslide.
Things to do
Snorkeling
Included (based on selection)
Seawalker Helmet Dive
Included (based on selection)
Semi-sub, Glass-bottom Boat & Observatory
Included in price
2. Fitzroy Island
2 activities
End point
Cairns
Get direction

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Two reef destinations in one day

If you're short on time but want the full Great Barrier Reef experience, this cruise is the perfect solution. Departing from Cairns, you’ll explore two wildly different parts of the reef—each offering unique ways to connect with nature above and below the surface.

What to expect

Your day kicks off at the Moore Reef Pontoon, a floating playground on the outer reef. Step into the water for snorkeling or a guided snorkeling tour, glide across the surface in a glass-bottom boat, or take a semi-submersible ride for an easy front-row view of marine life. Kids can splash down the giant waterslide or swim safely in the ocean pool, while adults relax on the sundeck or watch the reef world unfold through the underwater observatory.

Next, cruise to Fitzroy Island, a postcard-worthy escape where rainforest trails lead to hidden coves and the white sands of Nudey Beach. Wander beneath the rainforest canopy, or simply stretch out on the sand with the reef just steps away.

Midday, recharge with a premium buffet lunch on the island, filling up on tropical dishes and fresh Aussie flavors before diving back into the water or exploring more of the island. Later, you can deepen your adventure with a marine biologist-led Snorkel Safari, stroll the seabed on a Seawalker helmet dive, or join a Turtle Rehab Centre talk to learn how conservationists care for injured sea turtles.

Upgrades

Want to dive a little deeper? You can elevate your experience with:

Snorkel Safari – Join a marine naturalist on a guided snorkel session to discover harder-to-reach coral gardens and learn about marine life as you go.

Seawalker Helmet Dive – Underwater catwalk without needing a dive certification. A bucket-list-worthy way to meet the reef up close.

Turtle Rehabilitation Centre Talk – Learn about local conservation efforts during an optional presentation led by caretakers and marine experts.

Schedule

7 to 7:30am: Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal at Sunlover's desk

7:45am: Boarding closes

8am: Depart Cairns

9:30am: Arrive at Moore Reef Pontoon

12pm: Depart Moore Reef Pontoon

12:45pm: Arrive at Fitzroy Island,

12:45pm to 1:45pm: Lunch

2.5 hours of island time

3:30pm: Depart Fitzroy Island

4:30pm: Arrive at Cairns Marlin Marina

What to bring

Bring along your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, and walking shoes.

What's not allowed

The snorkel safari is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Accessibility

This experience is pram/stroller accessible but not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

The semi-submersible tour is subject to weather conditions.

The seawalker helmet dive is a suitable activity for non-swimmers.

The kayak tour requires guests to be able to swim and have moderate fitness capabilities.

Please note that check-in and collection of boarding passes must be completed between 7 - 7:30am at the Sunlovers Cruises desk inside the reef terminal at Cairns Marina.

Passengers failing to check-in by 7:30am may miss the final boarding.

Please note no refund shall be provided for the missed tours.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.