7:00 AM Check in Opens
7:30 AM Check in Closes
8:00 AM Depart Cairns to Moore Reef Pontoon
9:30 AM Arrive at Moore Reef Pontoon
2 Hours of Pontoon Fun
11:30 AM Reboard and Depart Moore Reef
12:15 PM Arrive at Fitzroy Island
12:30-1:30 PM Lunch
2 Hours of Island Fun
3:30 PM Depart Fitzroy Island
4:30 PM Arrive Back in Cairns

A 100% cancellation fee will be charged for independent passengers cancelling within 24 hours of departure. A 100% cancellation fee will be charged for groups* cancelling within 72 hours of departure.

Outside this period bookings can be amended or cancelled without penalty.

No cancellation charges will apply for passengers failing to travel due to:
a) Ill health (medical certificate may be required);
b) Minor changes to group numbers;
c) Group or FIT passengers re-scheduling.

Should a cruise or package tour not operate for any reason, then an alternative date will be offered to the passenger. If an alternative date cannot be arranged then a full refund of monies paid to Sunlover Reef Cruises will be authorised. On the rare occasion where inclement weather prohibits a tour from operating the scheduled itinerary, an alternate itinerary will be offered to the passenger. If the passenger accepts this alternate itinerary then no further refunds will be authorised.

Seawalker and SCUBA Diving are subject to medical checklist. If medical is failed on-board no refund will be given for Seawalker or SCUBA dive options. Guests are advised to review medical checklists/requirements with their booking agent prior to booking. Minimum age for Seawalker and SCUBA diving is 12 years. Divers under 18 years of age must have a consenting parent or legal guardian with them in order to complete a Certified or Introductory SCUBA dive or a Seawalker Helmet dive.

Some package tours operate in conjunction with other tour operators and Sunlover acts as an agent for these companies. Conditions and cancellation policies for these tours are subject to operating conditions of these companies.

* A group means 10 or more passengers in one booking.

Please bring a valid ID that matches the credit card used for booking. If you’ve booked a local’s rate, you’ll also need to provide proof of residency, such as an ID with your address or a utility bill in the same name as your reservation.

The Great Barrier Reef is breathtaking year-round, and guests always have an unforgettable experience. Cairns enjoys a tropical climate with warm, humid summers and cooler, dry winters. Even if it’s cloudy or rainy in Cairns, conditions at the outer reef are often quite different.

Sea conditions can vary, but Sunlover’s catamarans and pontoons are stable and secure. On rare occasions when conditions are deemed unsafe, there’ll be an alternate travel date offered or a full refund. If you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking precautions like motion sickness medication before boarding.

The ferry departs from the Cairns Marlin Marina. Check in at the Sunlover desk inside the Reef Terminal (corner of Spence St & Pier Point Rd) to collect your boarding passes. Look for the catamaran with orange Sunlover branding.

No, seats aren’t pre-assigned, but there’s ample space on the large, air-conditioned catamaran with both indoor and outdoor seating options.

Check-in is open from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM at the Sunlover Cruises desk in the Reef Terminal. Boarding passes must be collected during this time. Late check-ins after 7:45 AM may miss final boarding.

There’s no minimum age to visit the Great Barrier Reef or Fitzroy Island, but please note that certain optional activities have minimum age requirements.

No, drones are strictly prohibited near the Moore Reef pontoon due to the active flight path overhead. This restriction ensures the safety of guests, the public, and aircraft in transit. Your understanding and cooperation are vital in maintaining a secure and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Yes, the crew can assist with getting prams on and off the catamaran. However, due to limited space onboard, we recommend packing light or using a baby carrier if possible.

For Fitzroy Island, please note that most pathways on the island are not sealed or pram-friendly.

The journey from Cairns to the Moore Reef pontoon takes approximately 2 hours, and then to Fitzroy Island is about 45 minutes. The return back to Cairns is about 45 to 55 minutes.

You’ll enjoy about 2 hours exploring the reef during your visit, and 2 hours exploring Fitzroy Island.

Yes, sea sickness can affect even seasoned sailors, but it’s easily preventable. We recommend taking TravaCalm (suitable for adults only or minors with parental consent) or natural ginger tablets, available for purchase at the onboard bar. Since these are preventative, take them early to allow time for them to work. Alternatively, consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

Absolutely! There’ll be onboard photographers from Calypso Reef Imagery at the Pontoon offering underwater camera rentals and professional photos of your reef adventure for purchase.

The Pontoon and Catamaran is a strictly no-smoking and no-vaping operation.

A pontoon is a floating, flat structure designed for stability and safety. The two-story Sunlover pontoon is moored in a coral-fringed lagoon at Moore Reef, providing a spacious, stable platform for guests of all ages and swimming abilities to explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef’s vibrant marine life and coral gardens.

Toilets are available onboard the catamaran, accessible at all times when docked at the pontoon. The pontoon also features freshwater rinse showers and change rooms for your convenience. There are public toilets on Fitzroy Island close to the disembarking location.

All guests enjoy a tropical buffet lunch, featuring vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Please notify us of any allergies during booking.

Additionally, the island also has a small shop and restaurant. Guests may also bring their own snacks, though cooking or reheating facilities are not available.

Provided are prescription snorkel masks for short-sighted guests, with strengths ranging from -1 to -6. These can be rented for $5 with a refundable $50 deposit. Please inquire with the team onboard.