A pontoon is a large, permanently moored platform anchored at an outer-reef site. It's your base for the day — snorkel straight off it, dive, ride the semi-sub or glass-bottom boat, visit the underwater observatory, or just relax on the sundeck. From Cairns, the pontoons are at Moore Reef.

Both moor at Moore Reef. Sunlover is the family favourite, with a 30-metre waterslide, enclosed kids' pool and touch tank, and about 4 hours on the reef. Reef Magic is the newest pontoon, with up to 5 hours on the reef and a fresh, multi-million-dollar platform. Families with young kids often prefer Sunlover; those wanting the newest facilities and more reef time lean to Reef Magic.

Around 4–5 hours at the reef (Sunlover ~4, Reef Magic up to 5), plus roughly 90 minutes' cruising each way.

Yes — calm, supervised water, shade, toilets and staff on hand make them ideal for families and older travellers. Sunlover's waterslide and kids' pool are a hit with children.

Yes. Flotation vests and a shallow, supervised lagoon let non-swimmers snorkel safely.

Yes — the underwater observatory, semi-submarine and glass-bottom boat all let you see living coral and fish while staying completely dry. Both the Sunlover and Reef Magic pontoons have an underwater observatory.

A hot-and-cold buffet lunch is included, with vegetarian and dietary options; most tours also include tea, coffee and afternoon tea.

About 45 km — roughly a 90-minute catamaran ride to Moore Reef, the closest outer-reef pontoon site.