Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 49 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island worth booking?
Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island is a 9-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $241 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 49 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (49)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $241 per person
The ultimate 1-day adventure combining Sunlover Cruises 2 top selling tours. Moore Reef pontoon + Fitzroy Island stop over in a day! Moore Reef has all of our standard inclusions including snorkelling, glass bottom boat & semi tour, waterslide & more. The added stop at Fitzroy Island has plenty of time to relax & unwind including buffet lunch at Zephyrs restaurant overlooking welcome bay, or explore the island & beaches on the varying self-guided national park walking trails. *Enquire abut the optional on island activities such as guided kayak tour or visit to the turtle rehabilitation centre.
What you get
About this experience
The ultimate 1-day adventure combining Sunlover Cruises 2 top selling tours. Moore Reef pontoon + Fitzroy Island stop over in a day! Moore Reef has all of our standard inclusions including snorkelling, glass bottom boat & semi tour, waterslide & more. The added stop at Fitzroy Island has plenty of time to relax & unwind including buffet lunch at Zephyrs restaurant overlooking welcome bay, or explore the island & beaches on the varying self-guided national park walking trails. *Enquire abut the optional on island activities such as guided kayak tour or visit to the turtle rehabilitation centre.
What's included
Included
- Coffee and / or Tea (whilst the vessel is stationary)
- Semi Submersible Tour (*Subject to wind conditions)
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour
- Underwater observatory and enclosed ocean pool for kids.
- Sunlover Waterslide and spacious sundeck
- Round trip travel aboard air conditioned catamaran
- Free time to explore Fitzroy Island
- Snorkel gear at the reef (Mask, Fins, Snorkel, Lycra Suit & Life Jacket if required).
- Buffet Lunch
Not included
- Extra cost: Reef - Guided snorkel tour, Helmet dive, 10 minute helicopter flight
- Extra cost: Professional photos or Camera Hire
- Snacks - food & drinks can be purchased from the bar
- Extra cost: Island - Kayak tour, Guided Rainforest Tour, Turtle Talk, Snorkel gear
- Surcharges on fuel
What you'll see and do
Times will vary for helicopter fly out option. EX CAIRNS Reef Fleet Terminal itinerary is as follows: • 7:00am – Check in starts @ Sunlover Cruises counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal • 7:45am – Check in closes • 8:00am – Depart Cairns • 9:30am – Arrive Moore Reef Pontoon
150 minutes here · Admission included
Fitzroy Island
• 12:00pm – Depart Moore Reef • 12:45pm – Arrive Fitzroy Island, proceed straight to lunch • 3:30pm – Depart Fitzroy Island • 4:30pm – Arrive back at Cairns Marina
150 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cairns & the Tropical North
FLY CRUISE passengers departing Cairns via Helicopter are required to make their own to Zoom Helicopters general aviation Cairns airport (Tour returns to Cairns Marina).
Meeting point
Cairns & the Tropical North
Check-in & collection of boarding pass is required at the Sunlover Cruises counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
FLY CRUISE passengers departing Cairns via Helicopter are required to make their own to Zoom Helicopters general aviation Cairns airport (Tour returns to Cairns Marina).
Ends at
Check-in & collection of boarding pass is required at the Sunlover Cruises counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal.
Options you can book
Fly to Reef & Cruise Island
25 min Flight Cairns to Reef Starting point: Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Reef + Island Family Deal
2 Adults + 2 Children (4-15yrs Starting point: Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Moore Reef + Fitzroy Island 1 Day Tour
Starting point: Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Reef & Island + 10 min Heli
10 Min Helicopter Flight Starting point: Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Sunlover Reef Cruises
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 12 years for participating in Seawalker Helmet dive - medical conditions apply
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 49 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
49 verified traveler reviews for Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Disorganized, dismissive customer service — would not recommend
Unfortunately, our experience with Sunlover was disappointing from check-in through the end of the day. Check-in was confusing from the start. There were four lanes, and the signage directed guests with both the boat and helicopter experience—which we had—to lanes 1 or 2. I followed the instructions and went to lane 1. When we were called forward, the helicopter representative told us she couldn’t help us until after the Sunlover boat check-in and sent us to lines 3 or 4. We went back, waited again, and then the person at lane 1 called us back and sent us to the helicopter representative. Altogether, it took about 25 minutes just to get checked in. The ride to Moore Reef was extremely rough. My son and I were okay, but a large number of passengers were sick during the crossing. By the time we arrived, people looked exhausted and we were running late. That delay created a problem because we had both a scheduled helicopter flight and a guided snorkel experience. I immediately went to the helicopter desk to ask how the delay would affect our snorkel time and was told to come back in 10 minutes. I then went to the snorkel guide to ask what we should do and was told she was busy with her other group. Another Sunlover crew member told me he couldn’t help because the helicopter was operated by a different company. This was the most frustrating part of the experience. We purchased these activities as part of the same day excursion, yet no one seemed willing or able to coordinate them when Sunlover’s arrival was delayed. The helicopter representative told us we needed to do the helicopter flight first and that we could not receive a refund. The crew member taking us to the helicopter platform was actually very nice and said she would send word to the snorkel guide that we had been delayed. My husband also stayed behind specifically to tell the snorkel guide what was happening. He said she seemed annoyed when he explained it. The helicopter flight itself was amazing, and the pilot was excellent. Unfortunately, that is operated by a separate company. As soon as we returned, we rushed back to the snorkel guide. There were three of us who had paid for the guided snorkel experience, so we represented a significant portion of that group. We hurried to get our equipment on and got into the water. Once in the water, another participant apparently could not swim and needed substantial assistance. I asked the guide what the plan was and where we would be snorkeling. She explained that because of the wind and because she needed to stay with the guests who couldn’t swim, we couldn’t go very far. I was essentially told that I could go off on my own and that it didn’t matter because I wouldn’t receive a refund anyway. So that is what we did—we snorkeled on our own despite having paid for a guided snorkeling experience. When I got out of the water, another crew member asked how it went. I told her it had not gone well, and she was one of the few people who seemed genuinely concerned. She said she would let the senior guide know. Before leaving, I went to the Sunlover desk to explain what had happened and express my disappointment. Instead of feeling heard, I felt dismissed. I was told that I had booked through a third party and was handed a card and told to email the reservations manager. When I asked for the manager’s name, I wasn’t given one because apparently there are multiple managers. I understand that weather and rough seas are outside a tour operator’s control. I also understand that delays happen. What a company can control is how it responds when those things happen. We had paid for a helicopter experience and a guided snorkel experience, and when the boat arrived late and those activities conflicted, it felt as though we were repeatedly passed from one person to another. No one took ownership of coordinating the activities, and when I ultimately expressed my disappointment, I didn’t receive what I would consider a basic customer-service response: listening to the concern and acknowledging that the experience had not gone as expected. I don’t expect everything on a tour to be perfect. I do expect a tourism company to make a reasonable effort to accommodate guests when its schedule is disrupted and to treat an unhappy customer with some empathy. I gave Sunlover two stars because there were two crew members who were genuinely kind and helpful, and the helicopter pilot was fantastic—although he does not work for Sunlover. Based on our experience, I would not recommend Sunlover.
Response from the operator: Thank you for such detailed and thoughtful feedback. We’re genuinely sorry that what should have been a special day left you feeling frustrated and unheard. The part that concerns us most is not that the day was affected by rough conditions and timing changes, but that you felt you had to keep chasing answers yourself and that no one took ownership of helping bring the experience back together for you. That is not the level of service we expect from Sunlover. Your comments have been shared with the relevant managers and teams, particularly around how we coordinate combined activities and how concerns are handled when something has not gone to plan. Even when operational circumstances are complicated, our guests should still feel looked after. We’re pleased there were a few people who made a positive difference and that the helicopter flight was a highlight, but we completely understand why that was not enough to change your overall impression of the day. Thank you for being so clear about where we let you down. Feedback like this is uncomfortable to receive, but it is also exactly the kind that helps us improve.
via Tripadvisor
Swapped Option Due to Cancellation Not Worth It
Tour package was canceled "due to weather" and substituted a single day to just the reef/pontoon with a small credit. Just not the same thing. There was no semi-submersible sub, and there was little to see or do. Skip this tour, especially if they cancel the Fitzroy Island component - not worth the extreme cost for a couple hours on the pontoon.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We completely understand that if you specifically booked the combined Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island experience, changing to a reef-only day would not feel like an equivalent substitute, even with the fare adjustment. When weather prevents us from safely operating the Fitzroy Island component, we offer the best available alternative rather than operate an itinerary that conditions don’t support. Unfortunately, the semi-submersible also has its own operating limits and may be unavailable even when the main vessel and pontoon can operate safely. Moore Reef normally offers a wide range of included activities, but we appreciate that losing both Fitzroy Island and one of the dry reef-viewing options significantly changed the value of the day for you. We’re sorry the alternative experience did not deliver what you had originally booked and hoped for.
via Tripadvisor
We will never get the opportunity to do this again
We booked the Moore Reef tour we explicitly told staff we were unable to snorkel. We only wanted to see the reef via the semi-submersible and glass-bottom boats. We were told we had to buy a full-day tour to Moore Reef to do this as the boats only sailed from the reef. The actual experience looked nothing like the brochures or photos shown to us on the computer screen. The semi-submersible was a total waste of time. We went on it twice and saw absolutely nothing except the fish at the end they feed right next to the pontoon. No reef at all. There were no staff in this part of the boat to monitor what we might or might not see By the time we queued up and ate our lunch, there was only enough time to go on the glass-bottom boat once. The glass-bottom boat ride lasted approximately 20 minutes. I emailed the company about seeing nothing on the semi-submersible. They blamed "nature and changing conditions," which is a poor excuse given the reef was perfectly visible from the glass-bottom boat at the same time. When I replied to point this out, they completely ignored me. They have our money now, so they clearly don't care. We had one chance to see the Great Barrier Reef and this was it! We are so so disappointed. Do not buy a full-day tour if you just want to see the reef without swimming. It is a very expensive for a lunch you have to queue for and just 20 minutes of reef viewing. Sunlover should offer a reduced price for non-swimmers, using different coloured wristbands to distinguish guests. It would be incredibly easy to implement, rather than charging full price for amenities we cannot use. The staff were lovely but had no answers for us when we said we were disappointed.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share this, Judy. We’re genuinely sorry that a day you had planned so carefully around the dry reef-viewing activities left you feeling that you barely had the chance to see the Great Barrier Reef. Your follow-up has not been ignored. Your feedback has been under active review internally because it raised a broader question for us about the experience of guests who specifically book Moore Reef because they cannot or do not wish to snorkel. We also understand why the contrast between the semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat was frustrating. Those activities view the reef from different depths and angles, so visibility can vary between them on the same day, but that does not make your disappointment any less valid when the semi-submersible was one of the main reasons you booked. Our full-day fare covers the journey to Moore Reef, pontoon access, lunch and the range of included activities rather than being priced according to which individual activities each guest uses. That said, your suggestion around a non-swimmer option is useful feedback and has been included in the discussion. We’re very pleased you found our crew lovely, but we completely understand why that does not make up for feeling that your one opportunity to see the reef did not deliver what you had hoped for. We are very sorry this was the memory you were left with.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent and totally awesome.
This cruise was just perfect for our family, two of us were swimmers and two weren’t and it catered for everyone. Reef pontoon with the glass bottom boat tour, and the submarine for non swimmers was brilliant. We had an added bonus of seeing turtles too. Lunch at Fitzroy island was so good with an amazing view, and then the island experience was also beautiful. We had people suggest this outer reef tour would be awful in bad weather , however the morning reef session blowing 15-20 knots was still good swimming. The Sunlovers boat crew were all very friendly, very attentive and thoughtful, helping all passengers the entire day. Epic day , totally worth it , even if weather isn’t perfect. Cheers
Response from the operator: Thank you, Cathie. We love hearing when a family with different confidence levels in the water can all enjoy the day together. It sounds like you made the most of both Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island, with the glass bottom boat, semi-submersible, swimming, turtles and lunch with a view all coming together perfectly. We also really appreciate your comments about the conditions. A reef day doesn’t need completely calm, cloudless weather to be memorable, and it’s great to hear you still had such good swimming and an epic day in 15–20 knot winds. We’ll pass your lovely comments on to the crew. Thanks for choosing Sunlover Reef Cruises and for the fantastic recommendation. 🐠🧡
via Viator
The owners should be ashamed
The staff were friendly enthusiastic and knew their jobs. Jimmy who was in charge of the glass bottom boat was a informative and personable The conditions of the catamaran and pontoon were run down, dirty, stank inside and in dire need of some TLC. The semi submersible boat was also filthy and smelly inside and the viewing windows were so dirty that the reef viewing was severely compromised. Lunch was substandard. Haven’t had such small washed out prawns anywhere else in NQ. The buffet was supposed to be open for a couple of hours but one half of it was closed after an hour creating long waits. They had totally closed the buffet long before it should have been. The hygiene was of the full body Lycra suits was shameful, let’s face it no one was going to shuck out of one of those things for a pee when snorkelling. There was a large bucket of water for everyone to rinse the suits then they were just hung up for the next person to use. How do you fancy using a snorkel what hasn’t been properly disinfected? No Thanks
Response from the operator: Thank you for your detailed feedback, Heidi. We’re pleased you found our crew friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and we’ll make sure Jimmy receives your kind comments about his glass bottom boat tour. We are, however, concerned by your comments regarding presentation and cleanliness across the vessel, pontoon and semi-submersible. These areas are subject to regular cleaning and maintenance, and the standard you describe is not what we expect guests to encounter. Your comments regarding the semi-submersible viewing windows have also been raised for review, as clear visibility is obviously fundamental to that activity. We’re also sorry the buffet did not meet expectations. The Moore Reef lunch service has recently undergone a substantial menu update, so feedback about food quality, queueing and the buffet closing earlier than expected is particularly important for us to investigate with the catering and operations teams. We would also like to clarify the hygiene process around snorkelling equipment. Reusable masks, snorkels and other equipment are cleaned and sanitised between guests. The rinse station visible to passengers is not an indication that equipment is simply rinsed and immediately handed to the next guest without further hygiene procedures. Lycra suits are also processed between uses rather than being considered ready for reuse simply because they have been placed through a communal rinse. We take hygiene, maintenance and presentation seriously, particularly on a Great Barrier Reef tour where guests are spending a full day using shared facilities and equipment. Thank you for recognising the quality of our crew while also giving us very specific areas to follow up internally.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $241 to $763
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 17
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Sunlover Reef Cruises, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.1.
See everything Sunlover Reef Cruises runsWhy this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.
How much does Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island cost?
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Prices start at $241 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cairns & the Tropical North usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cairns & the Tropical North is not rushed.
Is Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 49 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cairns & the Tropical North, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island?
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Around 17 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cairns & the Tropical North can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cairns & the Tropical North and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cairns & the Tropical North within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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On Outty we rank every Cairns & the Tropical North experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Fun, Falls and Forest Day Trip from Cairns, Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran, Tully River Full-Day Rafting: Cairns, Mission Beach or Self-Drive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island?
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Included: Coffee and / or Tea (whilst the vessel is stationary); Semi Submersible Tour (*Subject to wind conditions); Glass Bottom Boat Tour; Underwater observatory and enclosed ocean pool for kids; and Sunlover Waterslide and spacious sundeck. Not included: Extra cost: Reef - Guided snorkel tour, Helmet dive, 10 minute helicopter flight; Extra cost: Professional photos or Camera Hire; Snacks - food & drinks can be purchased from the bar; and Extra cost: Island - Kayak tour, Guided Rainforest Tour, Turtle Talk, Snorkel gear. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island?
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FLY CRUISE passengers departing Cairns via Helicopter are required to make their own to Zoom Helicopters general aviation Cairns airport (Tour returns to Cairns Marina). Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island?
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Across 49 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
What booking options are available for Full Day Premium Tour to Sunlover Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Fly to Reef & Cruise Island, Reef + Island Family Deal, Moore Reef + Fitzroy Island 1 Day Tour, Reef & Island + 10 min Heli. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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