From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Experience

Far North Queensland, Cairns



Escape into a world of surprises on this catamaran tour. Visit a spacious activity platform moored in the Great Barrier Reef, home to coral gardens, marine life, and rainbow-colored tropical fish.

This Great Barrier Reef day trip from Cairns suits all ages and offers snorkeling, semi-submarine tours, and an air-conditioned catamaran cruise.

Highlights

  • Explore an underwater kingdom from the semi-submarine
  • Snorkel in the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef
  • Buffet lunch with panoramic views
  • Family and group-friendly activities
  • Cruise in an air-conditioned modern catamaran

Description

Travel out to the Moore Reef Activity Platform on a spacious semi-submarine catamaran designed for swimmers and non-swimmers of all ages. The platform is located on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef within the World Heritage Marine Park.

Enjoy three hours of activities including snorkeling among vibrant coral gardens inhabited by tropical fish. Snorkel platforms provide easy water access, and you may spot Wally, a notably friendly fish native to the reef.

If you prefer to stay dry, explore the reef via the underwater observatory and the air-conditioned semi-submarine, both featuring expert commentary and live interpretation of marine life.

Includes

  • Return air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise from Cairns
  • Tea and coffee served until departure
  • Morning tea cake selection on the outward journey
  • Three hours free time at Moore Reef Activity Platform
  • Hot and cold buffet lunch with fresh prawns
  • Free hire of snorkeling equipment, buoyancy vests, and lycra suits
  • Marine Biologist reef presentation and fish feeding demonstration
  • 30-minute semi-submarine reef discovery tour with live interpretation
  • Entry to underwater observatory
  • Eco reef talk with a marine naturalist in the observatory
  • Afternoon tea and coffee at the platform, cheese and biscuits on return

Excludes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Additional food and drinks (available for purchase)
  • Fuel surcharge collected at check-in (Adult: $10 AUD, Child: $5 AUD)

Important Information

  • Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years; certain medical conditions, medications, and height may restrict participation.
  • Certified divers must provide proof of certification.
  • Review scuba diving safety and medical info here: quicksilvergroup.com.au/divemedical.html
  • Fuel surcharge applies, collected at check-in (Adult: $10 AUD, Child: $5 AUD)

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Morning departures are recommended for calm seas and clearer water visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

The experience includes snorkeling, semi-submarine tours, and an air-conditioned catamaran cruise to Moore Reef.
The catamaran departs from Cairns Marina for the trip to Moore Reef.
Yes, the semi-submarine and platform activities accommodate both swimmers and non-swimmers of all ages.
A buffet lunch with panoramic reef views is included on the Moore Reef Activity Platform.
The full day trip typically lasts around 7 to 8 hours; check the website for exact times.
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a towel; snorkeling gear is often provided.
Yes, the tour offers family-friendly activities suitable for all ages.
Yes, the pontoon provides direct access to snorkeling areas on the Great Barrier Reef's coral gardens.
There are no strict age restrictions; the activities are designed to accommodate a wide range of ages.
Check the official website for current hours and availability of the Cairns-based day trip.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 27.8M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again