Outer Great Barrier Reef
Agincourt Reef / Moore Reef
The core of the world's largest coral reef system. Large catamarans take you to pontoons on the outer reef, where coral and tropical fish are most abundant, with diving or helicopter flights as add-ons.
The Great Barrier Reef stretches for 2,300 km. The Outer Reef, 40 to 70 km offshore from Cairns and Port Douglas, has the healthiest coral and clearest water, making it the first choice for a day trip. From Cairns, operators include Sunlover (Moore Reef pontoon), Reef Magic, Great Adventures (Norman Reef) and Quicksilver (from Port Douglas, Agincourt Reef pontoon). The boat ride takes about 1.5 hours, with around 4 hours on the reef. Tickets cost AUD 250 to 300 and include snorkelling gear, a buffet lunch, a semi-submersible and a glass-bottom boat. Discover Scuba (no certification required) costs an extra AUD 150 to 190, and a helicopter flyover costs about AUD 200 for 10 minutes. The pontoon has a children's swimming area and a viewing platform. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication in advance and choose a larger boat. Operators choose reef sites based on wind and waves each day. When snorkelling, always wear a life jacket or flotation noodle and follow your guide. Do not touch the coral or stand on the reef. All visitors pay an environmental management fee of about AUD 8, usually included in the ticket. To stay on the reef, you can book Reef Sleep, an overnight pontoon, or resorts on islands such as Lizard Island. Boats usually gather at the city's Reef Fleet Terminal around 8:00 a.m. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in.
Opening hours
Boat sailings about 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Daintree Rainforest / Cape Tribulation
- Dubuji Boardwalk
- Mount Sorrow Ridge Trail
- Walu Wugirriga (Mount Alexandra) Lookout
- Daintree Discovery Centre
- Low Isles
- Daintree Ice Cream Company
- Daintree River Ferry