Full Day Tour to Sunlover Cruises Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island

Exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island in One Day: An Honest Review

If you’re considering a day trip around Cairns that combines the iconic Great Barrier Reef with a tropical island escape, the Full Day Tour to Sunlover Cruises Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island might be calling your name. From what we’ve gathered, this tour offers an immersive, well-rounded experience that balances adventure and relaxation — perfect for travelers wanting to maximize their time in the tropical north.

What immediately stands out are the comprehensive inclusions, from snorkelling gear and glass-bottom boat tours to a buffet lunch overlooking the water. The two-part nature of this tour, with an aquatic adventure followed by island leisure, appeals to those who want variety and value in one day. Still, the busy schedule might not suit visitors craving a slower pace or deeper dives into the reef or island environment.

One thing to keep in mind is the timing and group size—the tour operates on a 9-hour window and can host up to 200 travelers, which might feel a bit crowded at peak times. If you prefer quieter, more personalized experiences, this is worth considering. Still, for most, the balance of convenience and activity-packed fun makes it an attractive choice. This tour is ideal for adventure seekers, families, or anyone eager for a broad taste of Cairns’ must-see spots in just one day.

Key Points

• All-inclusive day trip combining the Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island
• Snorkelling gear, glass-bottom boat, semi-submarine tours included
• Buffet lunch and facilities on Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island
• Flexible activities such as exploring national park trails or relaxing on beaches
• Group size of up to 200 travelers, making for a lively, social atmosphere
• Ideal for those wanting a full, immersive day with minimal planning

Discovering the Reef and the Islands: What to Expect

This tour is designed as a seamless way to tick off the reef and island in one go. It kicks off early morning, with check-in at Cairns’ Reef Fleet Terminal around 7:00 am, giving you plenty of time to get organized before the 8:00 am departure. Travel is aboard a modern, air-conditioned catamaran, ensuring comfort during the roughly 1.5-hour cruise out to Moore Reef.

The Moore Reef Pontoon Experience

Once you arrive at Moore Reef around 9:30 am, your two hours of reef time begin. This part of the tour is packed with activities: snorkelling, semi-submersible tours, glass-bottom boat rides, and even a waterslide—yes, a waterslide over coral waters! Reviewers consistently praise the well-maintained facilities, the friendly staff, and the variety of ways to enjoy the reef.

Guests who snorkel often mention seeing abundant fish and coral, with Abi, the snorkel instructor, receiving specific praise for her helpful guidance, even reassuring those who are nervous about swimming in open water. The reef’s coral formations and the marine life are vibrant and plentiful, making it worth the trip.

What makes Moore Reef appealing beyond the activities is the full bar facilities and complimentary tea and coffee, which allow you to relax with a drink or a snack during your reef exploration. The freshwater showers and change rooms are also noted as convenient for freshening up after your swim.

The Fitzroy Island Stopover

Leaving Moore Reef at around 11:30 am, you’ll arrive at Fitzroy Island at approximately 12:15 pm. This island stop is the perfect antidote to the busy reef—here, you get about three hours of downtime. You can indulge in the included buffet lunch at Zephyrs restaurant, which offers lovely views over Welcome Bay, giving you a chance to fuel up and soak in the scenery.

Once fed, the island offers a range of options. You might opt for a leisurely walk on the self-guided national park trails, discover hidden beaches, or simply unwind on the sand. Several reviews highlight the island’s pristine beaches and well-maintained walking paths. For those seeking a bit more, optional activities like guided kayaking or a visit to the turtle rehabilitation centre are available, although these come at extra costs.

Traveling to Fitzroy Island provides a chance to see the lush tropical vegetation and spot wildlife, adding another layer to your day. The island’s atmosphere is relaxed, and many appreciate its natural beauty and opportunity for self-directed exploration.

Returning to Cairns

Your day wraps up with a 4:30 pm departure from Fitzroy Island, returning to Cairns Marina around 5:30 pm. While the schedule is tight, most travelers find it balances enough activity with some downtime, making it an excellent way to experience both the reef and the island without multiple trips.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour delivers a lot for the price — approximately $195 per person — which, when broken down, reflects good value considering the inclusions:

• Snorkelling gear, including mask, fins, snorkel, Lycra suit, and life jackets.
• Glass bottom boat ride and semi-submarine tour (subject to wind conditions), adding underwater views without getting wet.
• Sunlover waterslide and access to the spacious sundeck.
• Underwater observatory and ocean pool for kids, making it family-friendly.
• A full buffet lunch with options suitable for most, though some reviews note limited vegetarian choices.
• Free Wi-Fi onboard and the convenience of freshwater showers.

Extras include guided snorkel tours, helmet dives, camera hire, or specialty photos — these are paid separately. Optional activities on Fitzroy Island, like kayaking or visiting the turtle rehab centre, are also extra but available if you want to extend your experience.

Authentic Guest Insights: What Travelers Love and What Could Be Better

Many reviews emphasize the friendly, knowledgeable staff, with guides that are well-versed and passionate about the reef. One reviewer specifically praised Abi, the snorkel instructor, for her helpfulness and patience, which makes a real difference when trying to get comfortable in open water.

The quality of the reef experience also comes through strongly. Multiple guests mention the vibrant coral and abundant fish, with some highlighting the semi-submarine and glass-bottom boat tours as excellent ways to see the reef, especially when weather conditions aren’t perfect for snorkeling.

The food gets generally positive remarks, with the buffet described as “very good,” although a few mention that vegetarian options could be more varied. The relaxed, scenic setting of Zephyrs restaurant on Fitzroy Island is a highlight, with stunning views over Welcome Bay.

On the other hand, some reviewers note that the semi-submarine’s glass can be cloudy, which slightly hampers the underwater viewing experience. The group size (up to 200 people) can also make the day feel bustling, especially during peak times, which might affect those seeking a more intimate experience.

Finally, weather plays a crucial role. Several comments mention how good weather makes all the difference—thunderstorms or cloudy days could limit some activities, but the tour’s flexible policy offers refunds or alternative dates if this occurs.

Transportation, Timing, and Group Dynamics

The tour’s departure from Cairns is straightforward, with check-in starting early morning. The air-conditioned catamaran ensures comfort during the roughly 1.5-hour cruise to Moore Reef, which can be appreciated after an early start.

Group size is capped at 200, creating a lively, social atmosphere, but potentially crowded during peak seasons. The schedule is tight but well-structured, allowing you to enjoy activities at your own pace but with little flexibility for extended time at any one spot.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who want a full-on day of activity without the hassle of multiple bookings. It’s ideal for families, first-time reef visitors, or those with limited time in Cairns wanting to see both the reef and island in one go.

It’s also suitable for people who appreciate guided tours and amenities, as the inclusions are thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience. However, if you’re seeking a quiet, personalized reef experience or deep dives, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers excellent value for those looking to tick off two major Cairns highlights in one day—the Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island. The inclusions, friendly guides, and variety of activities make it a compelling option, especially for those wanting convenience without sacrificing fun.

While the schedule is packed, the balance of reef exploration, island leisure, and good food can make for a memorable tropical adventure. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers eager to experience the natural beauty of Cairns without multiple trips or complex planning.

If you’re after a lively, activity-packed day with stunning views and friendly service, this tour deserves serious consideration.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
Check-in at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal begins at 7:00 am, with departure at 8:00 am.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, returning to Cairns around 4:30 pm.

Is snorkelling equipment included?
Yes, snorkelling gear such as masks, fins, snorkels, Lycra suits, and life jackets are provided free of charge.

Can I participate if I don’t snorkel?
Absolutely. The semi-submarine and glass-bottom boat tours offer underwater views without needing to snorkel.

Are meals included?
Yes, a tropical buffet lunch is provided on Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island.

What activities are available on Fitzroy Island?
You can explore self-guided national park trails, relax on beaches, or choose optional activities like kayaking and turtle rehab visits at extra cost.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available during the cruise.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the minimum age for Seawalker Helmet Dive is 12 years with medical clearance.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, a hat, water, a towel, and your camera (note that extra charges apply for camera hire).

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. In case of cancellation due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

In essence, this full day adventure showcases the best of Cairns’ marine and tropical landscapes, balancing active exploration with relaxing moments—perfect for an unforgettable tropical escape.