Exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef is a must-do experience for any visitor to Cairns. This comprehensive day tour combines the lush beauty of Green Island with the vibrant coral gardens of the Moore Reef Pontoon. Guests can enjoy the reef’s diverse marine life, from snorkeling the colorful underwater world to discovering the secrets of the ecosystem through an informative eco-reef talk. With a delicious buffet lunch, optional activities, and the convenience of a return catamaran cruise, this tour offers a truly unforgettable way to uncover the natural splendor of this iconic Australian destination. But what makes this experience truly remarkable is…

Key Points

  • This tour combines a catamaran cruise from Cairns to Green Island and the Moore Reef Pontoon, providing opportunities to explore both land and sea.
  • At Green Island, visitors can wander through the rainforest, relax on the beaches, and snorkel in the coral gardens to discover the underwater world.
  • The Moore Reef Pontoon offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, a semi-submarine tour, and an informative eco-reef talk to learn about the Great Barrier Reef.
  • A delicious buffet lunch with panoramic views of the reef is included, providing a chance to recharge and savor the stunning natural surroundings.
  • Optional extras, such as scuba diving, helicopter flights, and specialty photography sessions, are available for a more immersive and personalized Great Barrier Reef experience.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Return Catamaran Cruise

The return air-conditioned catamaran cruise transports guests comfortably from Cairns to Green Island and Moore Reef Pontoon, and back again. Equipped with modern amenities, the catamaran provides a smooth and efficient journey, ensuring a pleasant travel experience for all participants.

The cruise takes approximately 8 hours, allowing ample time for guests to explore the stunning natural wonders of Green Island and the outer reef. With complimentary tea, coffee, and morning tea cake, the cruise offers a refreshing start to the day.

The air-conditioned comfort of the catamaran ensures that guests can relax and enjoy the scenic views throughout the journey, creating lasting memories of their Great Barrier Reef experience.

Green Island Exploration

Guests embark on a two-hour exploration of the lush, verdant island, seeing the vibrant ecosystem of Green Island.

This pristine coral cay offers a diverse array of experiences, from strolling along the island’s walking trails to discovering the underwater wonders through snorkeling.

Visitors can:

  • Wander through the island’s lush rainforest and spot native wildlife
  • Relax on the white sandy beaches and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters
  • Explore the island’s rich marine life by snorkeling in the surrounding coral gardens
  • Learn about the island’s unique ecology and conservation efforts during an educational eco-reef talk

Indulge in a delectable buffet lunch while taking in the stunning panoramic views of the Great Barrier Reef.

Outer Reef Activity Platform

After exploring the lush island, guests head to the Outer Reef Activity Platform, where they’ll enjoy the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef.

For 3 hours, they’ll have the opportunity to snorkel in the coral gardens, discover the reef’s diverse marine life through a semi-submarine tour, and attend an informative eco-reef talk to learn about the fragile ecosystem.

The buffet lunch served on the pontoon offers panoramic views, allowing guests to refuel and soak in the stunning natural surroundings.

With snorkeling equipment provided, visitors can freely explore the colorful underwater realm, marveling at the rich biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef.

Buffet Lunch With Views

A bountiful buffet lunch, replete with panoramic views of the surrounding seascape, awaits guests aboard the pontoon, providing them the perfect opportunity to refuel and savor the stunning natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

Prepared fresh on-site, the lunch menu features a delicious array of local seafood, succulent meats, crisp salads, and decadent desserts. Guests can enjoy their meal al fresco, taking in the breathtaking vistas of the vibrant coral gardens and sparkling turquoise waters.

The lunch experience is truly an integral part of the tour, allowing visitors to:

  • Recharge their batteries after a morning of exploration
  • Indulge in the flavors of the region
  • Bask in the serene, picturesque setting
  • Share a meal with family and friends
  • Fuel up for the next wave of adventure
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Snorkeling the Coral Gardens

Donning the provided snorkeling equipment, visitors embark on an exhilarating underwater exploration of the vibrant coral gardens that adorn the Great Barrier Reef.

They’ll glide effortlessly through the crystal-clear waters, marveling at the kaleidoscope of colors and intricate structures that make up this underwater realm.

From towering brain corals to delicate sea fans, the diversity of marine life is truly breathtaking. Schools of tropical fish dart in and out of the coral crevices, while curious sea turtles gracefully navigate the currents.

It’s a chance to take in the natural beauty and wonder of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, creating lifelong memories of the Great Barrier Reef’s enchanting coral gardens.

Semi-Submarine Reef Discovery

Visitors embark on a captivating semi-submarine tour that offers a unique perspective of the Great Barrier Reef’s underwater wonders. They descend below the surface in a specially-designed vessel, gazing out through the panoramic windows as they glide effortlessly over the vibrant coral gardens.

This immersive experience allows them to:

  • Observe a diverse array of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the elusive reef sharks.
  • Learn about the intricate ecosystems that make the Great Barrier Reef one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders.
  • Appreciate the stunning colors and intricate structures of the coral formations up close.
  • Gain a newfound respect for the fragility and importance of this natural treasure.
  • Create lasting memories of this awe-inspiring underwater adventure.

Eco Reef Talk

During the eco reef talk, knowledgeable guides enlighten travelers on the fragile and diverse ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef. They explore the intricate web of life that thrives within this underwater paradise, sharing insights into the crucial role each organism plays in maintaining the reef’s delicate balance.

Guests learn about the symbiotic relationships between coral polyps, algae, and marine life, as well as the threats posed by climate change, pollution, and human activity. The guides emphasize the importance of conservation efforts and encourage visitors to become stewards of the reef, inspiring them to take small actions that can make a big difference in preserving this natural wonder for generations to come.

Optional Extras

Alongside the core tour experience, guests can explore optional extras that enhance their Great Barrier Reef adventure.

These include opportunities to dive beneath the waves, soar above the reef in a helicopter, or embark on a thrilling Scubadoo underwater scooter journey.

Optional extras include:

  • Scuba diving excursions to explore the vibrant coral gardens and marine life up close
  • Helicopter flights offering breathtaking aerial perspectives of the reef’s natural beauty
  • Scubadoo underwater scooters for a unique, self-guided exploration of the underwater world
  • Guided snorkeling tours to discover the colorful fish and soft corals teeming beneath the surface
  • Specialty photography sessions to capture one-of-a-kind moments during the reef experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, guests are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a buffet lunch, tea, coffee, and morning tea cake as part of the inclusions. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour offers discounts for children and seniors. Children under 4 years old can join the tour for free, while those aged 4-14 receive a reduced rate. Seniors over 65 are also eligible for a discount on the tour price.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour spends 2 hours at Green Island and 3 hours at the Outer Reef Activity Platform, allowing ample time to explore the underwater kingdom and enjoy the buffet lunch with panoramic views.

Can I Store My Belongings Securely During the Tour?

The tour provides secure storage for passengers’ belongings during the excursion. Lockers and storage facilities are available at both the Green Island and Moore Reef Pontoon locations, allowing guests to safely store valuables while exploring the reef.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Optional Extras?

The optional extras on this tour, such as diving, Scubadoo, and helicopter flights, may have certain restrictions or requirements. Guests should check with the tour operator for details on age limits, medical conditions, certification needs, and any other guidelines before booking these add-ons.

Recap

This comprehensive day tour from Cairns lets you experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

You’ll cruise to Green Island and the Moore Reef Pontoon, where you can snorkel the vibrant coral gardens, explore the island’s rainforest, and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.

Discover the reef’s diverse marine life through a semi-submarine tour and an informative eco-reef talk, making for a truly immersive Great Barrier Reef experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: