Crafted by Headout, a global experiences brand offering curated tours, tickets & experiences. Discover with ease, book with peace.
From happy customers
Loved by 49 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
M
Mahita A
Group
4/5
Feb 2026
Snorkelling and the friendly guides
O
Omer B
Couple
5/5
Dec 2025
The crew was amazing and spectacular service. Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef is something everyone in the world needs to experience. The moment you put your head underneath the water, you fall in love.
M
Mehdi T
Couple
5/5
Dec 2025
Loved it. Very well organised team and always smiling staff. Lots of activities for people who love the ocean – glass-bottom boat, submarine, and snorkeling. Snorkeling was the best part for us. We’ve done snorkeling in many countries, but this was next level. The reef was extraordinary with so many beautiful fish. Totally worth the price.
S
Seon L
Family
4/5
Jan 2026
S
Soly Y
Solo
3/5
Sep 2025
Sunlover cruises: Your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
If you’re dreaming of exploring the Great Barrier Reef in comfort and style, Sunlover Reef Cruises delivers. From Cairns, join high-speed, air-conditioned catamarans to the specially built pontoon at Moore Reef—just 90 minutes from shore. Whether you’re snorkelling, diving, stepping aboard a glass-bottom boat, or simply relaxing on the sun deck, there’s something for every age and ability. With over 30 years’ experience, eco-certified operations, and family-friendly fun built in, Sunlover creates unforgettable reef adventures for all.
Why choose Sunlover cruises?
1/6
Spacious, high-speed catamarans
Travel to the outer reef aboard Sunlover’s air-conditioned, purpose-built catamarans designed for smooth cruising. Each vessel features comfortable seating, large viewing windows, and outdoor decks so you can enjoy panoramic views of the Coral Sea on your way to the reef.
Exclusive Moore Reef pontoon
Spend your time at Sunlover’s world-class Moore Reef Marine Base, a floating platform packed with activities. From snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons to relaxing on sun decks, this pontoon serves as your base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef in comfort and safety.
Experiences for every traveller
Whether you snorkel, dive, or simply want to stay dry and enjoy the view, Sunlover offers snorkelling gear, glass-bottom boat tours, semi-submersible rides and an underwater observatory, and even a 30-metre waterslide for extra fun.
Eco-certified & sustainable
Sunlover cruises has been Ecotourism-certified for over two decades, operating with a strong focus on reef conservation. The company promotes reef-safe sunscreen use, avoids single-use plastics, and supports marine education programs for visitors.
Family-friendly facilities
Perfect for families, the pontoon features safe snorkelling zones, shaded rest areas, change rooms, and a kids’ swimming enclosure. Onboard marine naturalists guide little explorers through touch-tank sessions and coral-viewing experiences.
Trusted local operator with 30+ years’ experience
Proudly Australian-owned and based in Cairns, Sunlover has been delivering unforgettable Great Barrier Reef adventures since 1991. With expert crews, marine biologists, and a reputation for safety and fun, you’re in great hands every step of the way.
Pick the perfect Sunlover cruise for you
Full-Day Moore Reef Cruise
Price: AUD $295
Duration: ~7 hours
What’s included: Board the high-speed catamaran from Cairns and enjoy a scenic journey to Moore Reef. Spend around 4 hours on the Sunlover Pontoon with options to snorkel, dive, or explore via glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible coral viewing. Buffet lunch, guided marine commentary, and fun activities like a 30-meter waterslide make it perfect for the whole family.
Best for: Families, first-time reef visitors, and travellers seeking a full-day reef adventure with multiple activities.
Recommended experience
Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise with Pontoon Activities and Lunch by Sunlover
Full-day reef & island combo
Price: AUD $124.89 - $295
Duration: 9 hours
What’s included: Combine the Moore Reef experience with Fitzroy Island. Enjoy reef activities on the pontoon and then spend time on the island walking the rainforest trails, relaxing on the beach, or exploring the island’s marine observatory. Optional snorkel safari ensures a comfortable, full-day adventure.
Best for: Travellers who want a complete Great Barrier Reef adventure that combines reef exploration with a relaxed island experience.
Recommended experience
Cairns to Fitzroy Island and Moore Reef Full-Day Cruise with Buffet Lunch by Sunlover
What you’ll see from your Sunlover cruise
Hawksbill turtles
Recognizable by their pointed beaks, these turtles graze on sponges and are often spotted tucked among coral formations.
Know before you go on a Sunlover cruise
Duration: Approximately 8 hours, including around 4 hours at Moore Reef pontoon.
Departure: Tours depart from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, with check-in 15–30 minutes before departure.
Return: Guests usually return to Cairns by late afternoon, leaving time for other activities.
Vessel boarding: Upon arrival at the marina, guests board high-speed catamarans equipped with air-conditioned lounges, shaded decks, and spacious seating.
Pontoon facilities: At Moore Reef, enjoy glass-bottom boat tours, semi-submersibles, a waterslide, an ocean pool, and guided marine presentations.
Comfortable clothing: Light, breathable attire suitable for a full day on the water.
Sun protection: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
Swimwear & towel: For snorkeling or using the pontoon pool and waterslide.
Camera/GoPro: Capture colorful coral, tropical fish, and marine life.
Motion sickness remedies: Recommended for sensitive travelers.
Small backpack/dry bag: Keep valuables safe and organized.
Water bottle: Refillable, to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Health & fitness: Guests should be in good health; consult a doctor if pregnant or with heart/respiratory conditions.
Punctuality: Arrive on time for check-in to ensure smooth boarding.
Safety briefing: Attend the mandatory safety session before leaving Cairns.
Marine life: Do not feed, touch, or disturb coral or fish.
Smoking & alcohol: Prohibited onboard and at the pontoon.
Children: Must be supervised at all times, especially near glass-bottom panels or optional snorkeling areas.
Pick the right activities:Snorkel, take the semi-submersible, or use the waterslide depending on your comfort level.
Best viewing: Position yourself above the middle of the glass-bottom panels for the clearest reef views.
Timing matters: Arrive early to grab the best spots on deck or at the glass-bottom panels, especially for photography or snorkeling prep.
Marine spotting strategy: Ask guides about where turtles, rays, or rare fish have been seen that day, they track sightings daily.
Family focus: Kids enjoy waterslides, snorkel zones, and semi-submersible rides—plan your time so you can rotate between activities safely.
Yes, Sunlover Reef Cruises operates daily services to Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island, 365 days a year. Weather conditions may occasionally affect operations, but such instances are rare.
Absolutely! Sunlover offers several activities suitable for non-swimmers, including glass-bottom boat tours, semi-submersible rides, underwater observatories, and Seawalker helmet diving. These activities allow guests to experience the reef without getting wet.
The minimum age for both Seawalker and scuba diving is 12 years
Yes, all participants must complete a medical questionnaire on board. A history of asthma, heart conditions, or other medical issues may require medical clearance from a doctor before participating.
Yes, children are welcome, but they must be supervised at all times, especially around glass-bottom viewing panels or during optional snorkeling.
Family-friendly reef adventurewith 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.
Upgrades: Enhance your adventure with activities such as introductory scuba diving, the Seawalker helmet dive.
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.
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
Buffet lunch with vegan, halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available (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
Onboard bar available (drinks at own cost)
8:45am to 9:45am: Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal at Sunlover's desk
10:15am: Depart Cairns
4 Hours Reef time
4pm: Depart Fitzroy Island
5:30pm: Arrive at Cairns Marlin Marina
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Full‑day cruise with island and reef access, pontoon activities, and lunch, perfect forfamilies and nature lovers.
Everything you get: Premium catamaran ride to Moore Reef Pontoon with guided snorkelling, a 30m spiral waterslide, a glass‑bottom boat tour, a buffet lunch, and access to multiple activities.
Upgrades: Add a guided snorkel safari, Turtle Rehabilitation Centre tour, or Seawalker helmet dive for a customized experience.
Why choose this: See two reef locations in one day, with spacious, family‑friendly pontoon access and engaging marine presentations.
Inclusions
#
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)
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
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Pocket-friendly full-day island escape with snorkelling, reef viewing, and lunch for an easy yet immersive reef adventure.
Everything you get: Return ferry transfers from Cairns, over 5 hours on Fitzroy Island, full snorkelling gear, a glass-bottom boat tour with expert commentary, a buffet lunch at Zephyrs Restaurant, and free time for rainforest walks or beach lounging.
Why choose this: It’s the most convenient way to tick off reef snorkelling, guided reef viewing, and a resort-style lunch in one value-packed itinerary.
Inclusions
#
Full-day tour to the Great Barrier Reef & Fitzroy Island with ferry transfers from Cairns
Snorkel gear including mask, fins, Lycra suit, and flotation vest
Guided glass-bottom boat tour
Tropical lunch box with vegan, halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available (menu here)
Up to 4.5 hours for island self-exploration
8:45 to 9:45am: Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal at Sunlover's desk
10am: Boarding closes
10:15am: Depart Cairns Marina
4.5 hours to experience Fitzroy Island
3:30pm: Depart Fitzroy Island
4:30pm: Arrive at Cairns Marina
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
A full-day adventure on a high-speed catamaran with snorkelling, lunch, and a guided hike included.
Everything you get: Hop on a high-speed catamaran for two snorkel sessions at Mantaray and Stonehaven Bay, then take a guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout. Chef-prepared lunch, morning and afternoon tea, plus round-trip transfers make this Whitsundays adventure effortless.
Why choose this: This all-in-one cruise hits the Whitsundays’ best spots, with snorkeling, a scenic hike, and meals included. No planning needed.
The boat is equipped with an onboard toilet for your convenience.
Snorkelling is a physical activity. You must be a confident swimmer and have a certain level of fitness to participate.
The order of locations visited may change depending on the tides and wind. Your crew will select the best snorkelling locations based on weather and visibility conditions.
You can bring your own alcohol and snacks. The crew will provide you with an esky to store them. Ice is also available onboard.
Soft drinks and water can be purchased on the boat.
Children under 2 years old must be approved before departure and need to carry their own lifejackets.
Infants under 12 months must be in a baby carrier and accompanied by a parent.
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 adventurewith 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.
Upgrades: Enhance your adventure with activities such as introductory scuba diving, the Seawalker helmet dive.
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.
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
Day Trips
Cairns to Fitzroy Island and Moore Reef Full-Day Cruise with Buffet Lunch by Sunlover
Full‑day cruise with island and reef access, pontoon activities, and lunch, perfect forfamilies and nature lovers.
Everything you get: Premium catamaran ride to Moore Reef Pontoon with guided snorkelling, a 30m spiral waterslide, a glass‑bottom boat tour, a buffet lunch, and access to multiple activities.
Upgrades: Add a guided snorkel safari, Turtle Rehabilitation Centre tour, or Seawalker helmet dive for a customized experience.
Why choose this: See two reef locations in one day, with spacious, family‑friendly pontoon access and engaging marine presentations.
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.
9 hr. 30 min.
Guided tour
Meals included
Day Trips
Sunlover: Cairns to Fitzroy Island Full-Day Cruise with Snorkel, Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Lunch
Pocket-friendly full-day island escape with snorkelling, reef viewing, and lunch for an easy yet immersive reef adventure.
Everything you get: Return ferry transfers from Cairns, over 5 hours on Fitzroy Island, full snorkelling gear, a glass-bottom boat tour with expert commentary, a buffet lunch at Zephyrs Restaurant, and free time for rainforest walks or beach lounging.
Why choose this: It’s the most convenient way to tick off reef snorkelling, guided reef viewing, and a resort-style lunch in one value-packed itinerary.
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. 30 min.
Guided tour
Transfers available
Pickup available
Sightseeing Cruises
Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Beach Snorkel Cruise with Hill Inlet Tour and Buffet Lunch
A full-day adventure on a high-speed catamaran with snorkelling, lunch, and a guided hike included.
Everything you get: Hop on a high-speed catamaran for two snorkel sessions at Mantaray and Stonehaven Bay, then take a guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout. Chef-prepared lunch, morning and afternoon tea, plus round-trip transfers make this Whitsundays adventure effortless.
Why choose this: This all-in-one cruise hits the Whitsundays’ best spots, with snorkeling, a scenic hike, and meals included. No planning needed.