Full Day Tour to Sunlover Cruises Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island

Introduction

Planning a trip to Cairns and the Tropical North? You’re likely to be overwhelmed by the options, but this combined day tour offers a well-rounded taste of the Great Barrier Reef and nearby island escapes. We’ve compiled a detailed look at the Sunlover Reef Cruises experience, weighing the good, the not-so-good, and who it’s best suited for.

What we love about this tour? First, it packs two iconic destinations into one day, saving you on separate bookings and transportation hassles. Second, the activities are diverse—snorkeling, waterslides, glass-bottom boat rides, and free time on Fitzroy Island. Third, the buffet lunch on the island is a major perk, especially after a morning of reef adventures.

One thing to keep in mind is that some reviewers mention limited time for certain activities and the potential for long queues. If you’re keen on a relaxed pace or more personalized experiences, this might mean a bit of a rushed day. This tour is ideal for travelers who want solid value, a mix of activities, and don’t mind a busy schedule.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines reef snorkeling and island relaxation in one day.
• Inclusive Activities: Snorkel gear, glass-bottom boat, waterslides, and more are included.
• Value for Money: At roughly $211, it covers transportation, meals, and multiple activities.
• Suitable for First-Timers: Guides and safety briefings make it approachable for beginners.
• Time Management: It’s a busy day with tight schedules; be prepared for a full itinerary.
• Weather Dependent: Good weather is crucial for the best experience; cancellations are possible.

What’s Included and How It Works

This tour is designed to maximize your time in Cairns’ most famous spots. Beginning early, you’ll check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal around 7:00 am and depart at 8:00 am on a comfortable, air-conditioned catamaran. The voyage itself is smooth and scenic, offering a chance to settle in with coffee or tea while enjoying the views.

Moore Reef Stop

Arriving at the Moore Reef pontoon after just over an hour and a half, you’re greeted with a range of activities. The reef is the highlight for many, offering snorkeling (gear included), a glass-bottom boat tour, and a semi-submersible ride—though the latter is subject to wind conditions. The reef’s rich marine life and coral formations are what make this experience memorable, and many reviewers mention seeing turtles, sharks, giant clams, and colorful fish.

Pro tip: If snorkeling isn’t your thing, the semi-submarine and glass-bottom boat provide excellent reef views without getting wet. Some reviews point out that the semi-sub was less impressive in terms of clarity, but the glass-bottom boat was praised for its commentary and visibility.

Fitzroy Island Visit

After a couple of hours exploring the reef, you’ll leave at around noon and arrive on Fitzroy Island by approximately 12:45 pm. Here, you get around three hours to unwind, explore, or enjoy the buffet lunch. The island boasts beautiful beaches and walking trails, and many guests appreciate having free time to relax on Nudey Beach or walk the scenic paths.

Lunch: The included buffet is a highlight for some, with reviews mentioning delicious food, though there are notes about queues and limited vegetarian options. It’s a good opportunity to replenish before more beachside lounging or exploring.

Afternoon and Return

You’ll depart Fitzroy Island at 3:30 pm, returning to Cairns Marina by about 4:30 pm. Though the day is packed, the itinerary offers a nice balance of adventure and downtime. The return journey is relaxing, with scenic views and a chance to reflect on the day.

The Activities: Dive Into Reef and Island

Snorkeling and Marine Encounters

Snorkeling is a core part of this trip, with gear provided, including masks, fins, and lycra suits. Multiple reviews highlight how enjoyable and vibrant the reef is—an explosion of colors, diverse marine life, and clear waters. For first-time snorkelers, guides like Abi have been praised for their helpfulness, patience, and clear instructions, making beginners feel at ease.

One reviewer noted that they were initially nervous but ended up loving the experience thanks to the staff’s support. Seeing turtles, sharks, and giant clams became a highlight for many, which speaks to the quality of the reef viewing.

The Reef Activities

Aside from snorkeling, you have options like the glass-bottom boat tour—a relaxing way to see coral and marine life without getting wet—and semi-submersible rides if the weather permits. Some reviewers mention that the semi-submarine’s windows could have been cleaner for better visibility, but overall, the reef views were appreciated.

Waterslides and Sun Deck

The pontoon’s waterslides and spacious sun deck add a fun, family-friendly element. The slide is often described as a fun bonus, especially for kids or the young at heart. The sun deck offers stunning views and space to sunbathe or photoshoot.

Fitzroy Island Exploration

On Fitzroy Island, the focus is on relaxation and exploration. The island’s beaches, particularly Nudey Beach, are praised for their natural beauty. Walking trails offer views of the coastline and rainforest, while the free time allows you to do as much or as little as you like.

Value and Practical Considerations

Price Analysis

At around $211.59 per person, this tour offers a substantial package—covering transportation, reef activities, island time, and a buffet lunch. Many reviewers feel it’s good value for money, especially because gear, guides, and activities are included, and you get the chance to see both reef and island attractions in one day.

Group Size and Organization

With a maximum of 200 travelers, the tour can feel a little bustling, but most reviews praise the staff for being friendly and attentive. The entire operation seems well-organized, from check-in to the return journey, though some guests mention the experience can be rushed, especially around meal times and activity slots.

Weather and Cancellations

Good weather is essential for this trip—bad weather can lead to cancellations, and refunds are straightforward if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. It’s worth keeping an eye on the forecast and planning accordingly.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Many travelers highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, with individuals like Leo and Andrea receiving special mentions for their support. The reef itself is consistently described as vibrant and full of marine life, with snorkeling being the star activity.

However, some reviews point out logistical issues, such as limited time for activities like the semi-submarine or queues for food. One guest expressed disappointment about the buffet on Fitzroy Island, citing cold meats and limited vegetarian options, which is worth considering if you have dietary restrictions.

Interestingly, several reviewers appreciated the ease of the overall experience—no stress about transport or planning—making it a great choice for families or first-time reef explorers. Others, however, felt the schedule was tight and could be rushed, especially during busy periods.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive day of reef and island experiences without booking multiple excursions. It’s ideal if you’re after a good mix of activities—snorkeling, scenic views, and relaxing beach time—especially if you’re new to snorkeling or prefer guided tours with included gear.

It’s also a solid choice for families, given the safe environment, kid-friendly features like the ocean pool, and the waterslides. Budget-conscious travelers will find it offers good value, considering the inclusions.

However, it’s less suited for those seeking a slow-paced, personalized experience or with specific dietary needs that aren’t well catered to by the buffet. If you prefer more time at each activity or want to explore at your own pace, you might find this day a bit hectic.

The Sum Up

This combined tour to Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island balances adventure and relaxation in a single day, making it a practical choice for many travelers. The included snorkel gear, guides, and meals ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience—especially for first-timers or those eager to tick off the Great Barrier Reef from their bucket list.

The highlight for most is the reef itself—vivid coral, lively marine creatures, and the variety of ways to explore underwater. On the island side, the beaches and walking trails offer a peaceful counterpoint to the morning’s excitement.

While the schedule can feel tight and queues might be a concern, the overall value and quality of the activities make this a worthwhile option for those wanting a full day of Cairns’ top sights. It’s especially suited for families, first-time visitors, or anyone looking for a lively, all-in-one experience.

FAQ

Is snorkeling gear included? Yes, snorkel masks, fins, lycra suits, and life jackets are provided as part of the tour.

What activities are available at the reef? You can snorkel, take a glass-bottom boat tour, and if weather permits, enjoy the semi-submersible ride and waterslides.

How much time do I get on Moore Reef? Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes are allocated at the reef pontoon, allowing for plenty of exploration and activities.

Can I relax on Fitzroy Island? Absolutely. You have about three hours to unwind, explore the beaches, walk the trails, or enjoy the buffet lunch.

Is the lunch included? Yes, a buffet lunch is part of the package, with some reviewers noting it’s delicious, though queues can be long and vegetarian options limited.

What is the duration of the tour? The entire day lasts roughly 9 hours, from check-in in the early morning to return in the late afternoon.

Is this tour suitable for children? The minimum age for participating in the Seawalker Helmet dive is 12 years, but the island activities and reef tours are generally suitable for families.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and extra cash for snacks or drinks. Everything needed for reef activities is supplied.

What happens if the weather is bad? The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This Sunlover Cruises experience combines the best of Cairns’ marine wonders and tropical island charm into one well-organized day—perfect for those who want an action-packed yet scenic escape.