Sunlover Reef Cruises

Why Travellers Choose Sunlover Reef Cruises

Sunlover Reef Cruises has been taking visitors to the Great Barrier Reef since 1991, specialising in Moore Reef pontoon experiences and Fitzroy Island day trips from Cairns. Australian-owned with daily departures.

Featured Tours

About Sunlover Reef Cruises

Sunlover Reef Cruises is an Australian-owned operator that’s been showcasing the Great Barrier Reef since 1991. Based at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, they run daily tours to their purpose-built pontoon at Moore Reef on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, as well as trips to Fitzroy Island. Their Moore Reef pontoon sits in a calm natural lagoon surrounded by vibrant coral gardens, giving guests easy access to one of the reef’s most spectacular sections.

What sets Sunlover apart is their commitment to making the reef accessible for everyone – from first-time snorkellers to experienced divers, families with young kids, and visitors with mobility needs. The pontoon features Australia’s only waterslide on the reef, an underwater observatory, glass-bottom boats, and a fully enclosed ocean pool for children. All tours include snorkelling gear, marine biologist presentations, and a tropical buffet lunch prepared fresh on board.

As an Eco-Tourism Hall of Fame member with 20+ years of certification, Sunlover operates with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and reef protection. Their team of up to 100 staff includes long-serving marine biologists and dive instructors who’ve been sharing their passion for the reef for decades. Whether you’re after a full-day reef adventure, an island escape, or a combined experience, Sunlover’s daily departures make it easy to fit a Great Barrier Reef tour into your Cairns itinerary.

Address:
Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns QLD 4870.

Operating Hours:
Daily departures.
Check-in: 8:45am – 9:45am.

Operator FAQs

What makes Sunlover Reef Cruises different from other reef operators?

Sunlover operates the only pontoon on the reef with a 30-metre waterslide and has held Eco-Tourism Hall of Fame status for over 20 years. Their purpose-built pontoon at Moore Reef includes an underwater observatory, fully enclosed kids' pool, and multiple ways to experience the reef without swimming. The crew includes long-serving marine biologists and PADI instructors who've been with Sunlover for decades.

How long has Sunlover Reef Cruises been operating?

Sunlover Reef Cruises has been operating Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns since 1991, making them one of the region's most established reef operators with over 34 years of experience.

What's included in a Sunlover Reef Cruises tour?

Sunlover tours include return catamaran transfers from Cairns, all snorkelling equipment, glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours, underwater observatory access, marine biologist presentations, waterslide and ocean pool access, and a hot buffet lunch prepared fresh on board. Optional extras like scuba diving, helmet dives, and helicopter flights can be added.

Is Sunlover Reef Cruises suitable for non-swimmers?

Yes, Sunlover caters specifically to non-swimmers with glass-bottom boats, semi-submersible tours, and an underwater observatory that let you experience the reef without getting wet. For those wanting to try snorkelling, the crew provides full instruction and the calm lagoon waters are ideal for beginners.

Does Sunlover Reef Cruises offer diving?

Yes, Sunlover offers both introductory dives for first-timers and certified dives for experienced divers, all led by PADI instructors. You'll need to complete a medical checklist on the day, and dives are available as optional extras to add to your reef tour.

Where do Sunlover Reef Cruises depart from?

Sunlover departs from the Reef Fleet Terminal at 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Check-in opens at 8:45am and closes at 9:45am sharp. The terminal is in Cairns city centre, within walking distance of most accommodation.

Can I book a Sunlover tour for just a few hours?

Sunlover offers a half-day Reef Zoom option for shorter visits, as well as full-day Moore Reef tours, Fitzroy Island trips, and combined Reef & Island tours. All tours depart daily from Cairns.

Is Sunlover Reef Cruises family-friendly?

Sunlover is extremely family-friendly with a fully enclosed ocean pool for young children, the reef's only waterslide, trained lifeguards supervising all activities, and no minimum age requirements. Many families choose Sunlover specifically for its child-focused facilities.

Does Sunlover Reef Cruises have eco-certification?

Yes, Sunlover has held Eco Tourism certification for over 20 years and is recognised in the Eco-Tourism Hall of Fame as a Green Travel Leader, demonstrating their long-term commitment to sustainable reef tourism.