Reef Magic (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Reef Magic?
What makes it 72% Baby-Friendly: Pram ramps, baby-change room and infant splash enclosure help, but 90-min sea ride, constant sun, and zero babysitting make the outing manageable yet tiring for carers with a baby.
Positives:
- Pram-Friendly Boarding: Gentle ramps on the catamaran and pontoon allow stroller access everywhere.
- Baby-Change Facilities: Onboard changing room, freshwater rinse showers and enclosed toilets on the pontoon.
Challenges:
- No Childcare Service: Parents must supervise infants at all times; no nursery or babysitting available.
- Boat Motion: The catamaran can rock mildly; consider motion bands or timing naps to reduce fussiness.
What is Reef Magic?
- A permanent offshore marine platform moored on Moore Reef in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
- A multilevel structure housing an underwater observatory, glass-bottom viewing chambers, and a sheltered coral lagoon
- A catamaran-linked facility engineered to accommodate up to 200 people with dedicated dive and snorkel infrastructure
What is so special about Reef Magic for with baby?
- Dedicated baby enclosure and pram ramps for stress-free boarding
- Dry activities—observatory and glass-bottom boat—so baby can watch reef life
- Buffet lunch with high-chair and kids’ options included
- Marine biology talks add fun learning moments for all ages
- Stable catamaran access to outer barrier reef with limited 200 guests
Recommended visit duration: 1 day
Why 1 day visit duration is ideal for with baby: A full-day trip lets you enjoy free baby facilities, dry activities and buffet lunch without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Reef Magic
Infant Swimming Enclosure:
Shallow, lifeguard-supervised pool on the pontoon for safe baby splashing.
Tip: Bring swim nappies and a sun hat before boarding.
Underwater Observatory:
Floor-to-ceiling windows let you and your baby watch fish without getting wet.
Tip: Go first after lunch for smaller crowds and clearer views.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tour:
See coral and marine life through the boat’s glass panels while baby stays dry.
Tip: Sit near the middle of the boat to reduce motion for your baby.
Buffet Lunch with High-Chair:
Hot and cold dishes plus kids’ meal options served on board and pontoon.
Tip: Request a baby high-chair when you check in to secure one early.
Marine Biologist Fish-Feeding:
Interactive talk and fish feeding show on the pontoon deck.
Tip: Bring a small sunshade umbrella to keep baby cool during the presentation.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Reef Magic
- Pack Extra Baby Snacks: Bring familiar sippy cups and snacks to keep your baby happy between meal times.
- Reserve High-Chair Early: Call ahead or tell staff on boarding to guarantee a high-chair at lunch.
- Use Free Life Vests: Ask staff for a baby-sized buoyancy vest to keep your infant safe in the splash area.
Reviews of Reef Magic
amanda tilley
Absolutely fabulous day with the crew of reef magic. Super organised but also very relaxed day. We had a nice 90 min trip out to the pontoon,then 5 hrs there to snorkel and do any of the other free activities plus paid activities as well. The crew were all friendly and helpful. I suffer from knee arthritis and all offered qhat ever help I needed. The pontoon is easy to access the water and they h...
Steven Z
Highly recommended! The crew members were friendly, and the outer reef platform let you get incredibly close to the world-class coral formations. I felt a bit seasick, but after holding on for a while, it passed.
Kaz Bar
Absolutely sensational experience with Reef Magic and Dreamtime Dive. The boat itself was fantastic, with the top deck available due to good weather, we were spent the trip out and back with our guide Kevin sharing his culture and stories. This was a wonderful experience and we truly appreciated Kevin's humour and learned so much. The two reef sites we stopped at were beautiful. The snorkelling a...
Nupur
I went with zero expectations but had the best time of my life. They have something for everyone no matter you are young , old or swimmer or non swimmer. I did helicopter, semi submersible , glass bottom and had the great view. Semi submersible was amazing like you are in water. As a non swimmer I wanted to do first the intro scuba diving but after trying it I decided to change it to helmet diving...
Karen Serritslev
An unforgettable first reef experience – perfect for families! This was our very first reef tour, and Reef Magic completely exceeded our expectations. Our family of five (with kids aged 9, 12, and 15) spent the day on the outer reef, and it was the highlight of our trip. The crew was incredible — so friendly, professional, and genuinely caring. When our 9-year-old felt a bit sick on the choppy r...
When is the best time to visit Reef Magic (Great Barrier Reef Area, Australia)?
Visit between April and October to avoid most jellyfish. If traveling from November to May, use free stinger suits and ask staff for extra protection.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult day cruise ticket (x2) | AUD 280 |
| Underwater camera hire | AUD 64 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 624 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Reef Magic
Address: Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
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About Reef Magic
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 7 4031 1588Explore Popular Things to Do
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