Cruise ship and pontoon near Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, with snorkelers in clear water.
Tourists on pontoon enjoying Moore Reef views, Great Barrier Reef.
Tourists snorkeling at Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef near a boat in clear blue waters.
Tourists enjoying buffet lunch on Fitzroy Island with Great Barrier Reef view.
Man sliding from boat into ocean water.
Tourist viewing marine life through semisubmersible windows at Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Tourists observing marine life through a glass bottom boat at Fitzroy Island, Great Barrier Reef.

Cairns to Fitzroy Island and Moore Reef Full-Day Cruise with Buffet Lunch by Sunlover

Cairns
Day Trips
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 9.5 hours (approx.)

Free cancellation

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

Meals included
Meals included
Guided tour

Expert local tour guide

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Explore Cairns with Sunlover's Full-Day Cruise to Fitzroy Island and Moore Reef, offering two distinct reef experiences in one day. This cruise departs from Cairns and lets you dive into the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef through snorkeling at the Moore Reef Pontoon or enjoying a glass-bottom boat ride for unique views above water. Expect an exciting adventure that combines both land exploration on Fitzroy Island with marine discoveries beneath the waves, all included in one complete tour.

Start an epic day cruise that combines both Fitzroy Island and the outer Great Barrier Reef into one memorable itinerary.

Begin your adventure at the Moore Reef floating pontoon, a vibrant marine playground filled with coral reefs and tropical fish. Then transfer to explore rainforest trails and relax on pristine white-sand beaches of Fitzroy Island.

Experience guided snorkeling sessions led by marine experts, take an exhilarating plunge down a 30-meter spiral waterslide into the ocean, or enjoy glass-bottom boat tours while staying dry with semi-submersible excursions.

Savor a premium buffet lunch on Fitzroy Island before choosing to relax further at the beach or continue exploring the reef.

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

Snorkeling equipment with expert guidance provided at Moore Reef

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

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

Entry to reef platform activities such as semi-submersible tours, glass-bottom boat rides, underwater observatory visits, and marine presentations with fish feeding included

Self-guided walk along Fitzroy Island National Park trails offered

1-hour Snorkel Safari (if option selected)

Seawalker helmet dive experience available (if option selected)

Turtle Rehabilitation Center talk accessible to guests (if option selected)

Onboard bar service provided, with additional drinks at own cost

Individual Costs

Cruise ship and pontoon near Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, with snorkelers in clear water.

Cruise ship and pontoon near Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, with snorkelers in clear water.

Fitzroy to Moore Reef Full-Day Adventure

This full-day cruise, departing from Cairns and heading towards Fitzroy Island and Moore Reef, is an ideal choice for those seeking a complete Great Barrier Reef adventure within one day. Enjoy the distinct experiences of two distinct reef locations as you connect with nature both above and below the water.

What to expect

Your journey begins at the outer reef's Moore Reef Pontoon—your gateway to aquatic fun. Here, choose from snorkeling or a guided tour in clear waters, enjoy a ride on a glass-bottom boat for stunning views beneath you, or experience marine life up close with a semi-submersible excursion. Children can enjoy water activities like sliding down the giant slide and swimming safely within an ocean pool while adults relax under the sun or observe underwater scenes through observatories.

Next stop is Fitzroy Island, offering picturesque rainforest trails leading to secluded coves and Nudey Beach's pristine white sands. Explore beneath lush canopies or unwind on sandy shores with the reef nearby for easy exploration.

A premium buffet lunch awaits at midday, featuring tropical dishes that highlight fresh Australian flavors—perfect for recharging before returning to water adventures or island explorations. Later in your day, you may opt to join a marine biologist-led Snorkel Safari, venture onto the seabed with Seawalker helmet dives, or learn about turtle conservation through talks at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Optional Enhancements

To enrich your adventure further:

  • Snorkel Safari: Explore vibrant coral gardens and marine life under expert guidance from a marine naturalist during this guided snorkeling session.
  • Seawalker Helmet Dive: Experience an underwater catwalk without needing diving certification—a must-do for those wanting close encounters with the reef.
  • Turtle Rehabilitation Centre Talk: Learn about local conservation efforts through a presentation led by caretakers and marine experts, available as an optional activity.

Schedule Overview

  • 7 to 7:30am: Arrive at the Reef Fleet Terminal for check-in with Sunlover's desk staff.
  • 7:45am: Final boarding time.
  • 8am: Departure from Cairns.
  • 9:30am: Arrival at Moore Reef Pontoon.
  • 12pm: Set sail to Fitzroy Island.
  • 12:45pm: Docking at Fitzroy Island, followed by a lunch break lasting until 1:45 pm.
  • 2.5 hours of exploration time on the island.
  • 3:30pm: Departure from Fitzroy Island.
  • 4:30pm: Return to Cairns Marlin Marina.
Tourists on pontoon enjoying Moore Reef views, Great Barrier Reef.

Tourists on pontoon enjoying Moore Reef views, Great Barrier Reef.

Tourists snorkeling at Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef near a boat in clear blue waters.

Tourists snorkeling at Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef near a boat in clear blue waters.

Tourists enjoying buffet lunch on Fitzroy Island with Great Barrier Reef view.

Tourists enjoying buffet lunch on Fitzroy Island with Great Barrier Reef view.

Packing essentials

    Your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, and walking shoes should accompany you on this trip.

    Swimming requirements

      The snorkel safari is not recommended for those who cannot swim.

      Accessibility notes

        This excursion accommodates prams/strollers but does not support wheelchair access.

        Important details to remember

        • The semi-submersible tour’s schedule depends on weather conditions.
        • Non-swimmers can safely enjoy the seawalker helmet dive activity.
        • Guests interested in the kayak tour must be capable swimmers with moderate fitness levels.
        • Please ensure check-in and boarding pass collection are completed between 7:00 - 7:30am at Sunlovers Cruises desk located inside Cairns Marina’s reef terminal.
        • Missing the final boarding by 7:30am may result in being unable to join your tour.

        No refunds will be issued for any tours missed due to late check-in.

        Man sliding from boat into ocean water.

        Man sliding from boat into ocean water.

        Tourist viewing marine life through semisubmersible windows at Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

        Tourist viewing marine life through semisubmersible windows at Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

        Book at least a day in advance during peak season to secure your spot for this popular cruise experience.

        Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and walking shoes to fully enjoy the snorkeling and beach activities offered on board.

        If you're planning multiple visits, start with Moore Reef as it's part of the smooth itinerary before heading to Fitzroy Island.

        Note that this experience is accessible for prams/strollers but not suitable for wheelchairs.

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        FAQs

        You'll need to bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, and walking shoes for your comfort throughout the cruise.
        On Fitzroy Island, you'll have the opportunity to wander rainforest trails and relax on white-sand beaches.
        You can customize your day by choosing optional upgrades such as a Snorkel Safari, Seawalker helmet dive, or visiting the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
        The cruise includes visits to Fitzroy Island and Moore Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef.
        Snorkeling equipment along with expert guidance is provided to enhance your experience exploring marine life at Moore Reef.
        Yes, the seawalker helmet dive and snorkel safari are available as suitable activities for non-swimmers during the trip.
        Your day begins at the Moore Reef Pontoon, which is a floating playground teeming with coral and tropical fish.
        The experience is pram/stroller accessible but not wheelchair accessible due to certain limitations on board and at activity sites.
        Guests can enjoy air-conditioned lounges, a sun deck, Sunlover waterslide, freshwater showers, change rooms, licensed bar, and snorkel assistance stations during their cruise.
        Yes, there is a premium buffet lunch with vegan, halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available during the trip to Fitzroy Island.

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