Great Barrier Reef Pontoon: All-Inclusive Reef Experience

From happy customers

Loved by 43 million+

Aimee

Australia

Aug 2025

5/5

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+2 more

We had a really lovely time visiting fitzroy Island yesterday. On our way back to cairns we sat on the upper sun deck with great views this only got bettter when we had an unexpected visitor join us 🐳🐋 The crew promptly turned the engines off and gave us an informative commentary on the humpback whales migration. This was such an unexpected treat not to mention a life long bucket list goal. All staff were friendly and professional. The boat was immaculately clean we will definitely be booking future adventures with this company and recommending to family and friends. Until next time.

Juan

Australia

Oct 2023

4/5

Excelente, we have a great time and the service oversam, thank you very much for every think you have organised, loved. Juan and Charo

Bergeret

Jul 2025

4/5

The glass-bottom boat trip, which although short, allowed us to get a little further out on the reef and get some explanations. This enabled us to see a turtle and clams in particular.

Australia

Oct 2023

4/5

The staff were great people and very helpful. I liked that the cost was an all included experience. My 7 year old son had the most fantastic time, just loves the reef, however he had concerns about the boat on the way out and the slapping of the water on the boat. He has been investigating boat disasters and thought we had been hit by a torpedo. 😂

Winston

Sep 2021

5/5

Had so much fun doing this. Me and my friends had planned on seeing this amazing landmark and the cruise was one of my favourite things about my experience.. Thoroughly enjoyed it

Narina

Australia

Aug 2025

5/5

Friendly staff, beautiful catamaran, not overcrowded and well organised tour. We had a great day on the reef and would highly recommend down under reef cruise by Headout 😊

Great Barrier Reef pontoon tours are one of the most popular ways to explore Australia’s natural wonder. These floating platforms provide a stable, all-weather base where travelers can enjoy snorkeling, diving, semi-submersible rides, and even underwater observatories, all in one day. With buffet lunches, shaded decks, and family-friendly facilities, pontoons cater to every kind of visitor. Read on to discover the top pontoon tours, what’s included, and tips for making the most of your reef day.

Why book a Pontoon Tour at the Great Barrier Reef?

Perfect for families, first-timers, and mixed groups, pontoon tours offer comfort, safety, and full access to the reef. You’ll spend around 4 hours at the reef, enjoy a buffet lunch, and choose your adventure without ever feeling rushed.

Here’s why pontoon tours work for everyone:

Stability and comfort
Platforms don’t move like boats—ideal if you’re nervous about seasickness.
Activities for all levels
Dive, snorkel, semi-sub, underwater observatory, or just sunbathe.
Non-swimmers welcome
With floatation gear, lifeguards, and surface platforms, everyone can join.
Family-friendly setup
Baby-changing areas, shaded seating, and child-sized gear available.
More time on the reef
You dock right at the site, with minimal transition time.

Tips for your Pontoon Reef day trip

Keep these pro tips in mind to get the most out of your Great Barrier Reef Pontoon tour:

Arrive early for best snorkel spots
Some pontoons get busy. Getting in early means calmer waters and fewer people.
Pack a towel, reef-safe sunscreen & dry bag
Essentials aren’t usually included, and lockers may be limited.
Non-swimmer? No problem
Use floatation aids, stay near lifeguards, or watch from the underwater observatory.
Use waterproof cases for your phone
Even if you’re just on deck, splashes happen, and you’ll want your camera ready.

Plan your Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Tours

Peak season (June – October): This is the dry winter period in Tropical North Queensland, bringing sunny skies, calm seas, and some of the year’s best underwater visibility. It’s also the busiest time on the reef, so tours and pontoons can feel lively and prices are higher.
Shoulder season (April – May, November): A sweet spot with warm weather and fewer crowds. Water clarity remains good, and operators often run promotions. November marks the start of coral spawning — a fascinating but short-lived natural event that sometimes makes the water cloudy.
Wet season (December – March): Expect hot, humid conditions with afternoon showers and occasional storms. While visibility is less predictable, the reef is quieter, and sea temperatures are warm for long swims. Stinger season also falls within this window, but operators provide stinger suits for safe snorkeling.

After check-in, you’ll board a high-speed catamaran for a 90-minute to 2-hour ride across the Coral Sea to the Outer Reef. Onboard staff usually give safety briefings and snorkel tips along the way. Some tours also offer optional hotel transfers within Cairns or from Northern Beaches, which is worth booking if you don’t want to worry about early morning parking.

Reserve in advance: Pontoons are popular, and spots can sell out quickly during school holidays and peak season. Booking early secures your date and any add-ons.
Bundle experiences: Extras like helicopter flights, semi-submersible tours, or introductory dives are often cheaper when booked with your pontoon package rather than on the day.
Check inclusions: Most tours provide snorkel gear, wetsuits or stinger suits, buffet lunch, and fresh water. Some premium options also include morning/afternoon tea, glass-bottom boat rides, and guided snorkel tours.

Swimwear and a light cover-up
Towel and a dry change of clothes for the return journey
Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (wide-brimmed is best on open decks)
Underwater camera or GoPro for photos (operators sometimes offer rentals if you don’t have your own)
Cash or card for onboard bar, souvenirs, or extra activities
Motion-sickness tablets if you’re prone to seasickness because the outer reef can be choppy on windy days

Frequently asked questions about Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Tours

What is a pontoon tour?

A pontoon is a large, anchored platform at the reef that acts as a base for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and relaxing.

Are pontoon tours good for kids or seniors?

Yes. With calm waters, shade, restrooms, and staff on hand, they’re ideal for families and accessible travel.

Can I snorkel if I can't swim?

Yes. Floatation aids are provided during tours.

What's the food situation?

Most tours include a buffet lunch. Some tours also include morning and afternoon tea with snacks as well.

Can I visit the reef without getting in the water?

Yes. Use the underwater observatory or take a semi-sub tour without ever needing to swim.

Family-friendly reef adventure with waterslide and diverse pontoon activities.

Great for: families, solo travelers, and couples seeking an action-packed day at the reef with fun water attractions and interactive marine experiences.
Everything you get: Fast catamaran to Moore Reef pontoon, guided snorkeling, glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours, an underwater observatory, 30m spiral waterslide, buffet lunch, and marine life touch-tank displays.
Why choose this: The unbeatable combination of waterslide action, a variety of pontoon activities, and affordability, making it perfect for a fun‑filled family day out.
Upgrades: Enhance your adventure with activities such as introductory scuba diving, the Seawalker helmet dive.

Inclusions

Full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
Access to Sunlover Moore Reef pontoon with 4 hours to spend
Snorkeling equipment and expert guidance
Premium buffet lunch (menu here)
1-hour Snorkel Safari (if option selected)
Seawalker helmet dive (if option selected)
Access to Sunlover waterslide & sun deck
Semi-submersible tour
Glass bottom boat tour
Marine naturalist & fish feeding presentation
Underwater observatory

8:45 to 9:45am: Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal at Sunlover's desk
9:30 to 10am: Boarding from Cairns
10:15am: Depart Cairns
12pm: Arrive at Moore Reef Pontoon
3:45pm: Boarding catamaran
4pm: Depart Fitzroy Island
5:30pm: Arrive at Cairns Marlin Marina

What to bring

Bring along your swimwear, beach towel, sunscreen (SPF 30+), hat, sunglasses, and rash vest.

Accessibility

While this experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible, certain activities are not suitable for wheelchair users.

Additional information

Facilities: free Wi-Fi, freshwater showers, and changing rooms.
The semi-submersible tour is subject to weather conditions.

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

Family-friendly reef adventure with waterslide and diverse pontoon activities.

Great for: families, solo travelers, and couples seeking an action-packed day at the reef with fun water attractions and interactive marine experiences.
Everything you get: Fast catamaran to Moore Reef pontoon, guided snorkeling, glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours, an underwater observatory, 30m spiral waterslide, buffet lunch, and marine life touch-tank displays.
Why choose this: The unbeatable combination of waterslide action, a variety of pontoon activities, and affordability, making it perfect for a fun‑filled family day out.
Upgrades: Enhance your adventure with activities such as introductory scuba diving, the Seawalker helmet dive.

Inclusions

Full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
Access to Sunlover Moore Reef pontoon with 4 hours to spend
Snorkeling equipment and expert guidance
Premium buffet lunch (menu here)
1-hour Snorkel Safari (if option selected)
Seawalker helmet dive (if option selected)
Access to Sunlover waterslide & sun deck
Semi-submersible tour
Glass bottom boat tour
Marine naturalist & fish feeding presentation
Underwater observatory

8:45 to 9:45am: Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal at Sunlover's desk
9:30 to 10am: Boarding from Cairns
10:15am: Depart Cairns
12pm: Arrive at Moore Reef Pontoon
3:45pm: Boarding catamaran
4pm: Depart Fitzroy Island
5:30pm: Arrive at Cairns Marlin Marina

What to bring

Bring along your swimwear, beach towel, sunscreen (SPF 30+), hat, sunglasses, and rash vest.

Accessibility

While this experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible, certain activities are not suitable for wheelchair users.

Additional information

Facilities: free Wi-Fi, freshwater showers, and changing rooms.
The semi-submersible tour is subject to weather conditions.

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

Day Trips

Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise with Pontoon Activities and Lunch by Sunlover

Family-friendly reef adventure with waterslide and diverse pontoon activities.

Great for: families, solo travelers, and couples seeking an action-packed day at the reef with fun water attractions and interactive marine experiences.
Everything you get: Fast catamaran to Moore Reef pontoon, guided snorkeling, glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours, an underwater observatory, 30m spiral waterslide, buffet lunch, and marine life touch-tank displays.
Why choose this: The unbeatable combination of waterslide action, a variety of pontoon activities, and affordability, making it perfect for a fun‑filled family day out.
Upgrades: Enhance your adventure with activities such as introductory scuba diving, the Seawalker helmet dive.

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Free cancellation

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

Book now, pay later

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

8 hr. - 9 hr.

Meals included

All-Weather Great Barrier Reef Pontoon — Book Your Reef Day Today

From happy customers

Top things to do in Cairns

Why book a Pontoon Tour at the Great Barrier Reef?

What’s included in a Pontoon Tour

Tips for your Pontoon Reef day trip

Plan your Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Tours

Frequently asked questions about Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Tours

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All-Weather Great Barrier Reef Pontoon — Book Your Reef Day Today

What to bring

Accessibility

Additional information

What to bring

Accessibility

Additional information

Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise with Pontoon Activities and Lunch by Sunlover