Pontoon

Great Barrier Reef Pontoon

Millions of visitors travel to the Great Barrier Reef every year, eager to dive underwater to discover the wondrous world hidden below.

What is a Pontoon?

The sparkling sapphire waters blend together with the bursts of green and yellow fishes darting in and out of the pink and orange coral. It’s no wonder the Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the world, being the biggest living thing on the entire planet, spanning out to around 348,000 square kilometres of the ocean floor.

But what’s the best way to see this fantastic site? Most people jump on a boat and that’s that, hopping from one reef to the next. But one of the best alternatives to this is hopping on a Pontoon. This massive boat structure is essentially like a small floating island, becoming a permanent part of the waters, where boats travel to and from dropping off or pick up visitors.

What features does it have?

Due to its stability and size, a pontoon is able to fit a number of people and facilities. This spacious platform delivers both inside and out areas, large toilets, showers and change rooms, with even a kitchen and dining area. For families with children, there is both a kid’s a pool and a theme-park style waterside for those looking for some thrills. The platform is so big, it even has a licensed bar on board, giving adults a relaxing break after they’ve hopped out of the reef for the day.

Activities available on board

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkeling

    Snorkelling is an essential activity during your stay, and the Pontoon offers you plenty of things to see The platform is located right on top of an array of reef life, with snorkel resting stations stretching out so you can discover the outer water spots away from the platform section. Simply float on top of the water’s surface and look down at the tropical world hidden below. This activity is so easy, you don’t even need to be a pro swimmer to do it! With even young kids and nervous swimmers welcome to join in.

  • Glass-Bottom Boat

    Are your hands getting a bit too pruney? Hop out of the water and experience the reef from above the waves. The Glass bottom boat is a small vessel with a large glass window on the boat’s floor, offering the perfect window to the reef as you cruise along the surface.

  • Dive Area

    Dive a little deeper into the tropical underwater world with the scuba diving experience offered. Whether you are a first-timer or an expert, diving form the pontoon is offered to everyone. With a dive platform which brings you straight out to the perfect dive reef section offer, all you need to do is suit up and dive down for an unforgettable experience. An underwater photographer will be will you, so you can grab some snaps of you with the tropical fish and colour reef in the background.

  • Great Barrier Reef Presentation

    Before even plunging into the waters, first, you can learn about the different species and the overall environment of the reef. With the professional marine biologist staff detailing the biodiversity with an informational presentation. As well, there will be other presentations, such as the fish feeding, and a touch tank presentation offered to all visitors.

  • Kid’s Swimming Pool

    Bringing along the kids? Instead of hovering over them for the day, simply drop them off at the fully enclosed kid’s pool! Designed just for kids, with staff lifeguards standing by in case of any issues. This gives both adults and kids have their own fun time; with the children meeting new friends during their swim, while the parents can go off and enjoy a relaxing sunbake, swim, or drink at the bar.

  • Underwater Observatory

    See the epic collection of marine wildlife without having to get in the water at all! With the Pontoon’s underwater observatory, similar to an aquarium display. The clear glass windows are located deep underwater, showcasing the bottom sea floor bursting with activity. See incredible butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish and even some favourites including stingrays and turtles. Due to visitors being completely dry and free from goggles, flippers, or breathing limits, guests can take their time in observing this incredible underwater wonderland.

  • Fish Feeding Presentation

    Located at the underwater Observatory, the staff offer a ‘fish feeding’ activity for all. Feeding the fish right in front of the underwater observatory window, so you can get an up-close and personal look at the collection of fish.

  • Touch Tank Presentation

    Instead of just sitting back and watching, you can actually interact with some of the unique marine species at a close range. With this 15-minute touch tank presentation featuring a professional marine specialist showcasing a variety of marine life to the guests. These creatures are typically fascinating and unique, including sea cucumbers, starfish, and to chorus shell.

  • Buffet Lunch

    Refuel from the jam-packed day with the ultimate buffet lunch. The Pontoon is equipped with a kitchen, bar, and lunch area, letting visitors sit inside or out while tucking into the mouth-watering tropical buffet lunch.

  • Theme-park style Waterslide

    Were the kids hoping for a waterpark day? Instead of doing both reef and adventure park, simply join the pontoon tour and let the kids enjoy the reef and slides all at once. It’s not just the kids that can enjoy this epic feature, with the 30-metre spiral looping guests around until they crash into the tropical ocean. It is the only waterslide on the great barrier reef and brings some adrenaline-pumping fun into your day.

Regardless of what you are after for your Great Barrier reef journey, we guaranteed that the pontoon tour will have you covered!

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