Just a short boat ride from Cairns, Moore Reef is one of the Cairns most popular spots on the Great Barrier Reef, offering vibrant coral gardens, sheltered waters, and abundant marine life. Pure Snorkelling has exclusive access to four moorings on Moore Reef which means we can choose the site on the day based on the best conditions.
One of our favourites is East Timor, located at the northern end of the reef. This site boasts large gardens of plate coral, thriving bushy corals, all in shallow waters easy to access. A gentle ledge drops down to 12 meters, offering something for snorkellers of all experience levels.
If conditions are just right, we may visit 5 Ways, where five natural reef channels cut through the coral. Hovering above these channels, you can watch schools of reef fish dart in and out of the crevices, making for an incredible snorkelling experience.
Another breathtaking spot is Manta Ray Bay, positioned at the narrowest point of Moore Reef. Here, you’ll find coral bommies, deep crevices, and stunning shallow tableaus, where parrot fish, fusiliers, butterfly fish and coral dwellers are easy to find. You might be lucky and see a turtle, and yes, occasionally we have seen a manta ray!
Thanks to Moore Reef’s natural protection from ocean swells, the snorkelling conditions are usually calm and the water clear year-round.
Come explore one of our favourite reef sites—a place where nature’s magic unfolds beneath the waves. No crowds. Just pure snorkelling.