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

Start an adventure with Reef Magic's Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise, starting your journey in Cairns aboard a medium-sized catamaran heading towards Moore Reef. This excursion offers the chance to explore vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life from a newly rebuilt pontoon designed for small groups. Certified guides provide insights before leading optional guided snorkelling sessions, allowing you up to five hours on the reef with opportunities for both relaxed snorkeling and semi-sub rides beneath the waves.

At Cairns's outer reef adventure on Australia’s newest all-weather pontoon, enjoy clearer waters and vibrant coral in this unique setting.

The locally owned crew from Cairns is renowned for their friendly service and provides access to premium snorkelling and diving equipment.

Diverse water activities include a glass-bottom boat tour with marine biologist talks, along with optional guided snorkel or introductory scuba dive.

Entry to the Full-day tour at Pontoon by Reef Magic from Cairns

Access for five hours of activity pontoon time on the reef

Use of snorkelling equipment along with provided safety instructions

Ticket includes Lycra suit and wetsuit provision

Includes buffet lunch (menu here)

Covers morning tea, afternoon tea

One serving each of tea, coffee, and drinking water

Guided snorkeling tour included if option selected

Introductory dive available as an additional feature if option selected

Ticket covers glass-bottom boat excursion with commentary and a semi-submersible experience

Entry to the fish feeding session along with Great Barrier Reef marine biology presentation

Access to Sundeck, fresh water showers, and changing rooms provided

Admission includes Underwater reef viewing observatory facilities

Infants’ safety swimming enclosure is available

Individual Costs

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.

Experience Details

Aboard a medium-sized catamaran departing from Cairns, set off to Moore Reef on the outer reef. Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life, this destination ensures an intimate exploration experience thanks to our newly rebuilt pontoon designed specifically for smaller groups.

Guided Exploration

Certified guides will share detailed insights before leading optional guided snorkelling sessions. This allows you to explore colourful reef residents on your own schedule while enjoying up to five hours on the Great Barrier Reef, combining relaxed snorkeling with semi-sub rides for unique underwater perspectives.

Enjoy a Leisurely Afternoon

In between activities, relax over a tropical buffet lunch and tea breaks. Participate in interactive eco-presentations that explore what makes this outer reef so special. The reduced group size ensures personalized attention, easy access to premium gear like Lycra suits, and ample space for true enjoyment of the surroundings.

Optional Upgrades

To enhance your experience further, consider upgrading with a guided snorkel or introductory scuba dive, adding an extra splash of adventure to your day. The Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise offers these exciting options along with Pontoon Activities and Lunch by Reef Magic.

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

  • You'll need swimsuits, towels, sun protection with SPF 30+ that's water resistant, hat and sunglasses for the sun, a camera, and cash or credit card for any onboard purchases.

Your ID should be on hand when you board.

What's not allowed

    The diving experience is limited to those over 12 years of age due to safety considerations.

    Accessibility

    • If you have conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure or are on specific medications, you may be excluded from the dive activity.

    This excursion accommodates wheelchairs and prams/strollers.

    Additional information

    • A medical questionnaire must be signed by a parent/guardian for divers under 18 years of age.
    • To ensure safety, it's advised to wait 12-24 hours after diving before flying. This depends on dive depths and total time spent underwater.

    Helicopter scenic flights have weight limits: 3-seat helicopters can carry up to 240 kg (529 lbs), 4-seaters hold a maximum of 320 kg (705 lbs), and 6-seater models accommodate up to 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.

    Book your tour at least a day in advance during peak season to avoid sold-out sessions and ensure you get on this popular excursion from Cairns.

    Bring essentials like swimsuits, towels, sun protection (SPF 30+), hat, sunglasses, camera, and cash/credit card for any onboard purchases to make the most of your day out at sea.

    If you're planning multiple activities in Cairns, consider starting with this cruise since it takes place further from the city center before exploring closer attractions.

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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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