Aerial view of a pontoon with tourists in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Tourists on a glass bottom boat viewing coral and fish at Great Barrier Reef near Cairns, Australia.
Tourists in a semi-submersible boat viewing marine life at the Great Barrier Reef.
Marine biologists and children using microscopes on a Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns.
Tourists snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, wearing masks and life vests.
Aerial view of a pontoon at the Great Barrier Reef surrounded by vibrant coral formations.
Tourists on a pontoon enjoying a cruise from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef.

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

Cairns
Sightseeing Cruises
Google Verified Seller

Duration: Varies (8 hours to 9 hours)

Free cancellation

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

Meals included
Meals included
Guided tour

Expert local tour guide

Get your booking confirmed instantly

Head to an memorable snorkel cruise from Cairns to Moore Reef with Reef Magic, where vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life await you in the clear waters of the outer reef. Experience a unique adventure aboard a medium-sized catamaran designed for smaller groups, allowing personal exploration without crowds. Certified guides provide insights before leading optional guided snorkeling sessions, complemented by semi-sub rides to offer diverse perspectives beneath the surface.

Experience a complete reef adventure on the newest all‑weather pontoon at the outer reef, where clearer waters and vibrant coral create a truly immersive setting.

Benefit from a friendly, locally owned Cairns crew known for personalised service and access to premium snorkelling and diving equipment.

Enjoy diverse water activities: a glass‑bottom boat tour, talks by a marine biologist, plus the option to add a guided snorkel or an introductory scuba dive.

Full-day tour to Reef Magic Pontoon from Cairns

5 hours at reef activity pontoon

Snorkelling equipment with safety instructions

Lycra suit and wetsuit

Buffet lunch (menu here)

Morning and afternoon tea

Tea, coffee, and drinking water

Guided snorkeling tour (if option selected)

Introductory dive (if option selected)

Glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tour with commentary

Fish feeding and Great Barrier Reef marine biology presentation

Sundeck, fresh water showers, and changing rooms

Underwater reef viewing observatory

Infants’ safety swimming enclosure

Aerial view of a pontoon with tourists in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Aerial view of a pontoon with tourists in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Your journey begins from Cairns aboard a medium-sized catamaran, cruising out to the outer reef’s Moore Reef, known for its clearer waters, vibrant coral gardens, and abundant marine life. Step onto a newly rebuilt pontoon, designed for smaller groups so you can explore without the crowds.

Certified guides provide detailed tips before leading optional guided snorkelling sessions, letting you discover colourful reef residents at your pace. With up to five hours on the reef, mix relaxed snorkelling with semi‑sub rides for a different view beneath the surface.

In between, unwind over a tropical buffet lunch and tea breaks, and join interactive eco-presentations to learn what makes the outer reef so unique. The smaller group size means personalised attention, easy access to premium gear, and space to truly enjoy the surroundings. You can also upgrade your day with a guided snorkel or introductory scuba dive for an extra splash of adventure.

Tourists on a glass bottom boat viewing coral and fish at Great Barrier Reef near Cairns, Australia.

Tourists on a glass bottom boat viewing coral and fish at Great Barrier Reef near Cairns, Australia.

Tourists in a semi-submersible boat viewing marine life at the Great Barrier Reef.

Tourists in a semi-submersible boat viewing marine life at the Great Barrier Reef.

Marine biologists and children using microscopes on a Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns.

Marine biologists and children using microscopes on a Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns.

What to bring

  • Bring your swimsuits, towels, sun protection (SPF 30+ and water resistant), hat sunglasses, camera, and cash/credit card for onboard purchases.

  • Have your ID ready for a seamless experience.

What's not allowed

  • Safety is a priority, so the diving experience is restricted for children under 12 years.

Accessibility

  • Certain medical conditions like asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or specific medications may exclude individuals from diving.

  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Additional information

  • A medical questionnaire must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian for divers under 18 years.

  • After diving, intervals of 12-24 hours are recommended prior to flying depending on the depths of dives and accrued dive time.

  • Helicopters for scenic flights have maximum weight limits to ensure safety. Here’s a quick guide: 3-seat: 240 kg (529 lbs), 4-seat: 320 kg (705 lbs), and 6-seat: 490 kg (1,080 lbs).

Tourists snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, wearing masks and life vests.

Tourists snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, wearing masks and life vests.

Aerial view of a pontoon at the Great Barrier Reef surrounded by vibrant coral formations.

Aerial view of a pontoon at the Great Barrier Reef surrounded by vibrant coral formations.

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Operating hours

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Monday
10:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday
10:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday
10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday
10:00am - 5:00pm
Friday
10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday
10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday
10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

FAQs

You'll have up to five hours on the reef activity pontoon.
Moore Reef is known for its clearer waters, vibrant coral gardens, and abundant marine life.
You'll enjoy a tropical buffet lunch along with morning and afternoon tea breaks.
Certain medical conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or specific medications may exclude individuals from participating in some activities due to safety reasons.
Your journey begins from Cairns aboard a medium-sized catamaran.
Certified guides provide detailed tips before leading optional guided snorkelling sessions.
Bring your swimsuits, towels, and sun protection like SPF 30+ sunscreen that is water resistant.
The diving experience is restricted for children under 12 years due to safety concerns.
Besides relaxed snorkelling, you can enjoy semi-sub rides for a different view beneath the surface.
You have options like glass-bottom boat tours and talks by a marine biologist during interactive eco-presentations.

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