This is a HORRIBLE experience. The boat held 250 people, of which were few were prepared, the staff overhead announced multiple times to take seasickness medication or buy it from them as they thought the ride would be a little rough, it had a couple of waves, multiple people vomited. There were teens and very young families, yes babies... and my group of experienced travelers. The boat docks next to a cement block for which there is not enough room for the 250 folks. The gear is old and wet. The food reminded me of a prison movie. There are too many activities in the small space: scuba, snorkel, glass bottom boat, semi submersible, guided snorkel, helicopter and a slide. The noise even in the water is outrageous, screaming and instructor floating folks around, and yes you get kicked in the head multiple times because most have no idea how to snorkel. Worst experience in my very well traveled life, it ruined my trip to Australia.
Great Barrier Reef Pontoon and Helicopter
+9 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 5–8 hours
- Price from
- $360 / person
- Location
- Cairns and the Tropical North
- Rating
- 1.0 / 5 · 1 reviews
- Languages
- DE, KO, CMN, JA
- Group
- Small group, up to 6
- Cancellation
- See policy below
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Sunlover Reef Cruises
- Meeting point
- Check In at the Reef Fleet Terminal at the Sunlover desk. Our team will direct you from there!
Description
Experience the Great Barrier Reef from above and below with Sunlover’s unique Moore Reef helicopter experiences. Choose to fly out to the reef, fly back to Cairns, fly both ways, or add a scenic helicopter flight at the pontoon. Combined with time on our spacious Outer Reef pontoon, guests can snorkel vibrant coral gardens, discover incredible marine life or simply relax surrounded by one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Theres even a waterslide, and a great array of included activities such as a glass bottom boat, semi submersible and buffet lunch.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 8:45 AM and 11:00 AM
- Next available
- Thu, Oct 15
- Adult (ages 16+)
- $360
- Child (ages 4–15)
- $277
- Infant (ages 2–3)
- $155
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 14.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders. Stretching over 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast, it is home to thousands of species of marine life, including colourful coral gardens, tropical fish, sea turtles, giant clams and reef sharks. Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon, located on the Outer Reef, offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral formations and excellent visibility, making it an ideal location for snorkelling, diving and scenic flights. Viewing the reef from above by helicopter reveals the incredible scale, patterns and vivid colours of this World Heritage-listed environment, while in the water guests can experience the reef up close among thriving marine ecosystems.
What's included
Included
Buffet Lunch at the pontoon
Glass Bottom Boat and Semi Submersible Ride
Helicopter Flight (duration & route subject to option booked)
Marine Biology & Fish Feeding Presentations
Access to Sunlover's pontoon and facilities
Underwater Observatory and Spacious Sun Deck
Use of Snorkelling equipment
The Only Waterslide on the Reef!
Not included
Alcoholic Beverages
Adult Rates: $10 for Reef, $10 for Heli 10 Min, $20 Heli Each Way. Child rates: $5 for Reef, $10 for Heli 10 Min, $20 Heli Each Way.
Hotel Pickups/Drop Offs
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
1.0
1 reviews
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
0+ days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Great Barrier Reef Pontoon and Helicopter take?
Great Barrier Reef Pontoon and Helicopter lasts about 5–8 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does Great Barrier Reef Pontoon and Helicopter cost?
Prices start at $360 per person for this Cairns and the Tropical North experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 4 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Great Barrier Reef Pontoon and Helicopter run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:45 AM and 11:00 AM.
How much does Great Barrier Reef Pontoon and Helicopter cost for children?
Children aged 4–15 pay from $277, adults from $360.
Can I cancel Great Barrier Reef Pontoon and Helicopter for free?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Check In at the Reef Fleet Terminal at the Sunlover desk. Our team will direct you from there! Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Great Barrier Reef Pontoon and Helicopter offered in?
The experience is available in DE, KO, CMN, JA, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 6 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Great Barrier Reef Pontoon and Helicopter worth it?
Travellers rate it 1.0 out of 5 across 1 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Sunlover Reef Cruises.
Reviews(1)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
C
Worst experience EVER!
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| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Barrier Reef Pontoon and Helicopter | 5–8 hours | 1.0 (1) | $360 | |
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 Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour | 9 hours | 4.8 (2,042) | $158 | View |
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 Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience | 8 hours | 4.3 (882) | $218 | View |
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from$360
1.0(1)