Moore Reef, Queensland, Australia

Moore Reef

  • 🌊 A Stunning Outer Reef Destination.  Located on the outer Great Barrier Reef, Moore Reef is famous for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, and diverse marine life.

  • 🐠 Incredible Snorkeling & Diving. With shallow coral lagoons and deeper drop-offs, Moore Reef is perfect for snorkelers, certified divers, and first-time explorers.

  • 🛥️ Reef Pontoons for All Ages – Experience the reef from a floating pontoon, with snorkelling platforms, glass-bottom boat tours, underwater observatories, and even waterslides!

  • 🐢 Amazing Marine Life Encounters – Spot turtles, clownfish, giant clams, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish while exploring the reef’s breathtaking coral formations.

  • 🤿 Scuba Diving Adventures—Whether you’re a certified diver or a beginner, Moore Reef offers a wonderful dive experience with coral-covered walls, swim-throughs, and incredible visibility.

  • 🦑 Helmet Diving – Walk Underwater! Experience the reef without needing to swim or dive by trying a helmet dive, where you can walk on the ocean floor surrounded by marine life.

  • 🏝️ Easily Accessible from Cairns. With daily reef tours departing from Cairns, Moore Reef is one of the best  Great Barrier Reef destinations for visitors.

  • Location  Latitude: 16.880134, Longitude: 146.214971
  • Depth Range 1-25 metres
  • Visibility: Up to 20 metres.
  • Access Boat or helicopter
  • Rating: Novice to advanced.
  • Size: 2650 hectares

Explore Moore Reef: A Snorkeling and Diving Paradise

Moore Reef, located about 40 kilometres off the coast of Cairns, is one of the most popular and vibrant spots on the Great Barrier Reef. Moore Reef offers something for everyone with its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and exciting activities. Whether you’re an avid diver, a snorkelling enthusiast, or simply looking for a family-friendly day out, Moore Reef promises a wonderful adventure.

Things to do At Moore Reef

 

Snorkelling

A snorkeler’s dream, its shallow coral gardens teeming with life beneath the surface. The clear, warm waters provide excellent visibility, making spotting colourful fish, vibrant corals, and playful sea turtles easy. Snorkelers of all skill levels can enjoy exploring this underwater wonderland.  Guided tours are available to help you make the most of your time in the water. Swimming alongside turtles, clownfish, and even rays is common, making every snorkel a new and exciting experience.

Scuba Diving

For scuba divers, there are even more opportunities to explore the depths of the Great Barrier Reef. With several dive sites featuring dramatic drop offs, coral walls, and swim-throughs, divers can experience the reef’s full beauty up close. Home to a diverse range of marine life, including reef sharks, rays, and schools of tropical fish. The reef’s vibrant coral formations and clear waters make it a perfect destination for divers of all levels, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver looking for a new challenge.

Family-Friendly Fun

Moore Reef is not just for snorkelers and divers – it’s also a fantastic destination for families. Many tours to Moore Reef include access to reef pontoons, where you can enjoy activities like glass-bottom boat rides, semi-submersible tours, and even waterslides. These tours are great for kids and adults, allowing you to see the reef’s beauty without getting wet. Plus, the pontoons often feature underwater observatories so that you can get a close-up view of the marine life from the comfort of the deck.

Marine Life at Moore Reef

One of the biggest draws of Moore Reef is its rich marine biodiversity. From vibrant corals to a wide variety of fish species, there are endless opportunities for marine life encounters. You’ll likely spot sea turtles, clownfish, parrotfish, and even reef sharks as you explore the reef’s many nooks and crannies. The reef’s shallow waters make it easy to observe the marine life up close, and the calm conditions ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Map

Moore Reef Cairns Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Where is Moore Reef located?
Moore Reef is part of the stunning Great Barrier Reef, located about 40 kilometres off the coast of Cairns. It’s a popular destination for snorkelling, diving, and Reef tours, offering clear waters, vibrant coral, and diverse marine life.

How can I get to Moore Reef from Cairns?
By joining a guided reef tour. These tours typically depart from Cairns and include a comfortable boat ride, taking about 90 minutes to reach the reef. You can choose from various tours, including half-day, full-day, and liveaboard options.

What activities can I do at Moore Reef?
Enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat tours to explore the incredible coral formations and marine life. Many tours also offer underwater observatories, semi-submersible boats, and even waterslides from the reef pontoons, making it a fun destination for families and adventurers.

Do I need any experience snorkelling or diving at Moore Reef?
Not at all! Most tours cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced divers. If you’re new to snorkelling or diving, helpful guides will provide instructions and equipment, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

What marine life will I see at Moore Reef?
This reef is home to a dazzling array of marine life, including vibrant corals, colourful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional reef shark. You might also spot giant clams, rays, and other fascinating creatures that call the Great Barrier Reef home.

Experience the Magic of Moore Reef

Moore Reef is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience the incredible beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. With its crystal-clear waters, thriving marine life, and stunning coral formations, it offers something for snorkelers, divers, and adventure seekers of all levels. Whether you’re floating above colourful coral gardens, diving alongside reef sharks, or exploring from a reef pontoon, every moment at Moore Reef is an unforgettable encounter with one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Easily accessible from Cairns, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the magic of the reef and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Discover Nearby Reefs