Aerial view of the Sunlover pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef at Moore Reef
Back Highly recommendedVerified as Loop's Top 10Last reviewed October 2026

Sunlover – Reef & Fitzroy Island Day Tour

from A$337
8 hours 30 mins
Cairns
All Ages (0+)
Free Cancellation (24 hours prior)

Cruise from Cairns to the Sunlover pontoon at Moore Reef for two and a half hours of snorkelling, semi submersible rides and the 30 metre waterslide, then sail on to Fitzroy Island for a buffet lunch at Zephyrs and time on Welcome Bay. Back at Cairns Marina by 4:30pm.

Quick read before you book.

  • Outer Great Barrier Reef and a rainforest island in one day
  • Snorkel the coral at Moore Reef
  • Ride the 30 metre spiral waterslide at the pontoon
  • Swim at Welcome Bay or walk Fitzroy Island's rainforest
  • Optional Seawalker dives, guided snorkelling and scenic flights

What people say about this operator.

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What could be better?

Honestly, not much. Keep your phone handy for updates on the day, especially in busy holiday periods.

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Included in this tour.

  • Return catamaran cruise from Cairns Marina
  • Two and a half hours at the Sunlover Moore Reef pontoon
  • Snorkel equipment and lycra suit
  • Semi submersible and glass bottom boat tours
  • Underwater observatory
  • 30 metre spiral waterslide and enclosed ocean pool
  • Buffet lunch at Zephyrs Restaurant, Fitzroy Island
  • Around two hours of free time on Fitzroy Island

Commonly asked questions.

Check in at the Sunlover Reef Cruises desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns, between 7:00 and 7:30am. The boat leaves Cairns Marina at 8:00am, and you'll need photo ID that matches your booking. Our guide to getting around Cairns without a car covers how to get there.

You get about two and a half hours at Moore Reef, then lunch on Fitzroy Island from 12:45pm and free time until the boat leaves at 3:30pm. You're back in Cairns by 4:30pm.

Yes. The semi submersible, glass bottom boat and underwater observatory let you see the coral without getting wet, and there's an enclosed ocean pool at the pontoon. Our guide for non swimmers on the Great Barrier Reef has more tips.

Yes, there's no minimum age. Infants aged 0 to 3 travel free but must be included in the booking, and children under 12 must be directly supervised by an adult at all times.

Tours run year round, and rain, cloud or wind doesn't automatically mean a cancellation. If Sunlover cancels for weather or sea conditions, you'll be offered another date, a different itinerary or a refund.

For bookings of up to 14 guests, you get a full refund when you cancel 24 hours or more before travel, outside peak periods. A longer notice period may apply during peak times, so check your booking terms.

Yes, a buffet lunch at Zephyrs on Fitzroy Island is included. Let Sunlover know about allergies such as nuts when you book, and you're welcome to bring your own snacks and non alcoholic drinks.

A lycra suit is included at Moore Reef for sun and stinger protection, and wetsuits can be hired for $10. Our Cairns stinger season guide explains when they matter most.

The catamarans have gangways, accessible toilets on the aft deck and portable ramps, but boarding can be narrow. Contact Sunlover before booking so they can plan safe boarding for you.

Yes, you can add a scenic flight or choose to fly out and cruise back for an extra cost, and it's a memorable way to see the reef from above.

More about this tour.

Most Cairns day trips make you choose between the reef and an island. Sunlover's Reef and Island in a Day does both. You cruise about 90 minutes to the Sunlover pontoon at Moore Reef on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, spend two and a half hours there, then sail on to Fitzroy Island for lunch and a couple of hours on the sand before heading home.At Moore Reef, snorkel the coral with gear and a lycra suit supplied, or stay dry on the semi submersible and glass bottom boat, or in the underwater observatory. Kids (and plenty of adults) make a beeline for the 30 metre spiral waterslide and the enclosed ocean pool. Optional extras include guided snorkelling, a Seawalker helmet dive and scenic helicopter flights.Fitzroy Island is mostly rainforest, ringed by granite boulders and coral beaches. Lunch is a buffet at Zephyrs on Welcome Bay, then the afternoon is yours for swimming at Welcome Bay or a rainforest walk. If the island is the part you're most excited about, the Fitzroy Island day tour gives you a full day there, and our guide to choosing a reef tour helps you weigh it up.You're back at Cairns Marina by 4:30pm. Check availability for the days this tour runs.

Additional info.

Itinerary:
  • 7:00 to 7:30am: Check in at the Sunlover desk, Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns
  • 8:00am: Depart Cairns Marina
  • 9:30am: Arrive at Moore Reef
  • 12:00pm: Depart for Fitzroy Island
  • 12:45 to 1:30pm: Lunch at Zephyrs
  • 3:30pm: Depart Fitzroy Island
  • 4:30pm: Return to Cairns Marina
Bring photo ID matching the name on your booking. This tour runs on selected days each week, so check availability for your dates.What to bring:
  • Swimwear, towel and a change of clothes
  • SPF 30+ sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
  • Reef shoes for Fitzroy Island's coral beaches
  • Motion sickness tablets if you're prone to it
  • Cash or card for extras
Alcohol can't be brought on board or onto Fitzroy Island, but drinks are available to buy.