Moore Reef is an outer Great Barrier Reef site reached on day trips from Cairns. Its activity pontoon lets you snorkel, ride a semi-submarine or stay dry in an underwater observatory. Trips from $307.

Quick answer

Moore Reef suits families, first-time snorkellers and anyone who wants options beyond snorkelling. A full day with Sunlover Reef Cruises gives you about four hours at the pontoon. The Fitzroy Island package splits the day between the reef and an island.

What you can do at the Moore Reef pontoon

    • Snorkel the coral-fringed lagoon from the snorkel platforms, with stairs into the water and lifeguards watching.
    • Stay dry in the underwater observatory or on a semi-submersible tour.
    • Splash about on the 30-metre waterslide, or in the enclosed ocean pool for young children.
    • Add an extra such as a guided snorkel tour, a Seawalker helmet dive or a scenic helicopter flight (extra cost).

Questions visitors ask

“Is Moore Reef good for non-swimmers?”

Yes. The underwater observatory and semi-submersible show you the coral and fish without getting wet. If you would like to try snorkelling, wear a flotation vest and stay close to the platform. Read our beginners guide.

“Is it good for kids?”

It is one of the easier reef days with children: there’s an enclosed ocean pool at wading height, the waterslide, and a stable platform to rest on between snorkels.

“Sunlover or the Fitzroy Island package?”

Choose Sunlover for the most reef time (about four hours). Choose the Fitzroy Island and Moore Reef package if you would like a beach and island walk as well as the reef (about two hours at each).

“Are there other outer reef trips from Cairns?”

Yes. The Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour Cairns ($245) visits two outer reef sites, and Reef Experience visits reefs such as Norman, Saxon and Hastings reefs. Compare all reef day trips.

More on the area: snorkelling from Cairns and the best time to snorkel the reef.