Reef Magic (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Reef Magic?
What makes it 86% Kids-Friendly: Child-size masks, life vests, fenced snorkel lagoon and glass-bottom tours suit 4-12 yr olds, but scuba age min 12 and no formal childcare mean parents work hard; still a strong pick.
Positives:
- Stable Catamaran: Wide decks and handrails help kids feel secure at sea.
- All-inclusive Meals: Buffet lunch with kids’ options and snacks keeps energy up.
Challenges:
- Limited Shade: Pontoon can get hot; apply reef-safe sunscreen and use shaded areas.
- Age Restrictions: Kids under 4 can’t join deep-water snorkel; use the infant enclosure instead.
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 kids?
- Safe supervised snorkel lagoon for kids.
- Dry activities: observatory and glass-bottom boat.
- Interactive marine lab with fish-feeding.
- All-inclusive buffet with children’s meals.
- Stable catamaran and family-friendly facilities.
Recommended visit duration: 0.5–1 day
Why 0.5–1 day visit duration is ideal for with kids: Half-day to full-day cruise gives 5 hours on reef, enough time for family to snorkel, explore pontoon and relax without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Reef Magic
Supervised Snorkel Lagoon:
Shallow lagoon with child-sized vests and noodles.
Tip: Kids 3+ can splash safely; schedule first to avoid afternoon crowds.
Infant Swimming Enclosure:
Fenced shallow pool for toddlers under 4.
Tip: Bring swim nappies and sunscreen; it's lifeguard-supervised.
Underwater Observatory:
Floor-to-ceiling windows to watch fish feeding.
Tip: Attend the fish-feeding talk to learn reef facts.
Glass-bottom Boat Tour:
View coral and marine life from a dry boat.
Tip: Sit near the front for the clearest view; go right after lunch.
Marine Biologist Science Lab:
Interactive lab visit with hands-on exhibits.
Tip: Book the early slot; kids love feeding the small reef fish.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Reef Magic
- Pre-book Snorkel Gear: Reserve child-size masks and vests online to ensure fit.
- Arrive Early: Board at 7:30 AM to get prime sundeck and lagoon access.
- Label Belongings: Use waterproof name tags on towels and snorkel gear.
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 June–November for calm seas and clear water. From November–May, wear protective stinger suits and check for jellyfish warnings.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult day cruise ticket (x2) | AUD 550 |
| Child day cruise ticket (x2) | AUD 360 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 910 |
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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