Sunlover Reef Cruises

Unlocking the Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef

Blending innovation, sustainability, and unforgettable experiences to showcase the Great Barrier Reef to the world.

Sunlover Reef Cruises, an integral player in Australian tourism, offers a world-class experience of the Great Barrier Reef. Since its inception in 1991 under the stewardship of the Japanese shipping giant NYK (Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha), the company has evolved significantly. Acquired by Ocean Capital Group in 2006, Sunlover has expanded its fleet and facilities, ensuring its guests receive unparalleled access to one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

André MacLaughlin, Chief Operations Officer, explains, “When Ocean Capital Group took over, the company already had two 400-seat catamarans, and a floating pontoon located 40 kilometers offshore from Cairns at Moore Reef. These assets formed the foundation of our operations. From there, we’ve continuously innovated and grown.”

In 2017, the company introduced a cutting-edge pontoon, complete with the only water slide on the Great Barrier Reef, marking a significant enhancement to its offerings. “We added a second semi-submersible in 2020, and in 2022, we acquired a 180-seat vessel to expand our Fitzroy Island operations,” Ms MacLaughlin continues. The expansion didn’t stop there. “In 2023, we purchased a 34m catamaran to launch our Reef & Island Day Tour, broadening our reach and diversifying our experiences.”

Cairns, often called the jewel of inbound tourism to Australia, plays a pivotal role in Sunlover’s success. Brian Hennessy, Senior Manager of International Sales, emphasizes, “Cairns is one of the most visited areas in the country for international travelers, second only to Sydney and Melbourne. And within Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef is the top destination on everyone’s list.”

The company’s operations directly reflect the pulse of international tourism. Hennessy describes their unique perspective: “We’re at the heart of inbound tourism. The Great Barrier Reef is a bucket-list experience for travelers worldwide, making us a strong indicator of global travel trends. When international tourism thrives, we feel the impact immediately—and when it slows, we feel that just as quickly.”

Sunlover’s ability to adapt to shifts in tourism demand has been a defining characteristic. From launching premium day tours complete with buffet lunches provided by Fitzroy Island Resort to introducing smaller vessels for niche experiences, the company has consistently responded to the evolving preferences of travelers. “In regard to Fitzroy Island, we’re no longer just about transfers,” says Ms MacLaughlin. “We’re about creating full-day, immersive experiences that highlight the beauty and wonder of the reef and surrounding islands.”

A Diverse Offering on the Great Barrier Reef

Operating in one of the most sought-after destinations in the world requires a finely tuned balance of capacity, variety, and customer experience. Sunlover Reef Cruises has embraced this challenge, creating a multifaceted operation that caters to international travelers, families, and even educational groups. The company’s offerings are designed to highlight the unique wonders of the Great Barrier Reef while ensuring accessibility for different types of visitors.

“We’re currently running a daily tour to the Great Barrier Reef with a maximum capacity of 335 passengers,” says Ms MacLaughlin. “Our Fitzroy Island service accommodates up to 180 passengers daily, and our Reef and Island Tour currently runs three times a week, also with a maximum of 180 guests.” These tours are bolstered by an extensive fleet and robust scheduling that provide flexibility for tourists seeking tailored experiences.

In addition to regular tours, the company has diversified into niche services that complement its core operations. “We also cater to cruise ships,” Ms MacLaughlin explains. “In Cairns, not all cruise ships can dock in the inlets, so they anchor offshore. We provide ship-to-shore transfers, using our boats to ferry passengers back and forth all day. It’s a vital service for the region’s cruise tourism.”

Education also plays a significant role in Sunlover’s offerings. The Marine Biologist for a Day program is a standout, designed to align with school curriculums and inspire young minds about reef preservation. “This program gives students a chance to experience the reef firsthand and learn about its protection,” Ms MacLaughlin adds, noting that it’s an initiative that blends fun and adventure with education, bringing awareness about the reef’s ecological importance.

Beyond traditional sightseeing, Sunlover provides options for thrill-seekers and underwater explorers. “We offer scuba diving, snorkelling, and SeaWalker experiences, along with Glass Bottom Boat and Semi-Submersible tours,” says Ms MacLaughlin. The SeaWalker activity, in particular, appeals to guests seeking a unique underwater encounter. “It’s an incredible way to experience marine life without needing scuba gear—just a helmet that lets you walk along a catwalk 3.5m under water.”

Photo Credit: Calypso Productions

A Passionate and Diverse Workforce

The backbone of Sunlover Reef Cruises lies in its dedicated and passionate team. With 32 full-time employees backed up by another 117 part-time or casual workers, the company thrives on a culture that blends long-term loyalty with fresh, international perspectives. Its workforce not only powers its operations but also embodies its mission to showcase the Great Barrier Reef to the world.

“We’re fortunate to have employees with incredible tenure,” Ms MacLaughlin shares. “We have eight crew members who have been with us for 15 years or more, two who’ve been here for 33 years each, and another with 28 years of service.” This remarkable stamina and unwavering dedication, sustained week after week, underscore the company’s strong employee engagement and the unique allure of working on the reef.

Hennessy attributes this loyalty to the company’s supportive and career-oriented culture. “We’re not just offering jobs; we’re offering career development,” he explains. “Our crew is part of a small, passionate team. Many of them fall in love with the reef, and that passion feeds their pride in showcasing it to visitors from around the globe.”

The company invests heavily in upskilling its workforce and cultivating personal growth. Training programs ensure employees have the tools they need to excel, while management takes a hands-on approach to mentoring. “We support long-term growth at every level,” says Hennessy. “In the current climate of worker shortages, we’ve sponsored team members and actively recruit individuals on working holiday visas, creating a workforce that mirrors the global diversity of our visitors.”

This international representation extends across countries, including China, Canada, Japan, South America, Spain, France, and Germany. Hennessy emphasizes how this diversity enhances both the visitor experience and workplace culture. “Having a crew with cultural understanding and language skills makes a huge difference. And our Australian team members enjoy the dynamic mix of backgrounds and perspectives.”

Beyond skills and professionalism, Sunlover’s team shares a distinctive personality. “Our crew combines a fun-loving, hospitality-driven attitude with a deep commitment to environmental preservation,” Hennessy notes. “They’re not just showing off the reef—they’re actively engaged in protecting it. That passion resonates with visitors and creates a memorable experience.”

Stewarding the Reef

Operating in one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems comes with significant responsibility. For Sunlover Reef Cruises, sustainable tourism isn’t just a priority – it’s embedded in the company’s operations and ethos. Through partnerships, research initiatives, and education, Sunlover is working to preserve the Great Barrier Reef while providing unforgettable experiences for its visitors.

“We’re actively involved with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA),” says Ms MacLaughlin. “Through our site stewardship agreement, the Tourism Reef Protection Initiative, we actively contribute to marine park management by collecting data through the Eye on the Reef program, and removing crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) and Drupella, both of which are destructive to coral ecosystems.” This proactive approach ensures the company plays a direct role in safeguarding the reef from environmental threats.

Collaboration with other organizations further bolsters these efforts. “Since 2022, Reef Restoration has been working at our site, a prime location due to the water temperature”, Ms MacLaughlin explains. “They’ve installed 20 coral trees and are successfully creating coral spawning nurseries which can produce millions of new corals each year to the ecosystem”.   These initiatives represent a forward-thinking approach to ecological recovery, restoring damaged areas of the reef.

Every visitor to the reef also plays a role in its conservation. “A portion of our ticket price includes  a fee which we collect on behalf of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA),” Ms MacLaughlin notes. “In the past 12 months alone, we have contributed over half a million dollars to GBRMPA which is a substantial amount of money that is directly reinvested into preserving the reef.” Additionally, the company supports the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre at Fitzroy Island, helping to fund the care and release of sick and injured sea turtles.

Hennessy highlights the operational measures the company has adopted to minimize its environmental footprint. “As far as possible, we have eliminated plastics from our boats—nothing we take out there enters the marine environment,” he says. “Everything is brought back to shore for proper disposal or recycling.”

Education is another cornerstone of Sunlover’s environmental strategy. “We spend a lot of time training and educating people about the reef,” Hennessy adds. “Our programs cover the effects of climate change, the impact of agricultural runoff, and the broader importance of the reef to the health of the marine ecosystem.” In this way, Sunlover extends its mission beyond tourism, encouraging a collective effort to protect one of the world’s greatest natural treasures.

Photo Credit: Calypso Productions

Sailing into the Future

As Sunlover Reef Cruises reflects on recent successes and sets its sights on the future, the company’s plans signal an exciting evolution in its offerings. Focusing on refining existing services and reintroducing unique experiences, Sunlover is poised to enhance its appeal to first-time visitors and returning guests.

“In the last 18 months, we’ve launched two new products,” says Ms MacLaughlin. “At the moment, our immediate focus is on ensuring their success, but we also hold a permit for a second site. That’s always in the back of our minds for future development.” This potential second pontoon could provide new opportunities to expand the company’s footprint on the reef and diversify guest experiences further.

Hennessy elaborates on recent innovations and long-term goals. “Over the past year, we revitalized our program to Fitzroy Island, maintained our flagship service to Moore Reef, and introduced a combined tour. This product offers visitors time at our outer reef pontoon and Fitzroy Island in one trip. It’s a fresh way to experience the best of both worlds.”

Looking ahead, Sunlover aims to bring back a guest favorite that was temporarily paused during the pandemic. “Before COVID, we offered an overnight stay on the pontoon,” Hennessy recalls. “It gave people the chance to sleep under the stars, surrounded by the reef, which is a truly unparalleled experience. We’re eager to bring that back as soon as we’ve solidified our newer products.”

The company’s vision also includes staying adaptable to shifts in traveler’s expectations. Whether through new destinations, enhanced tour options, or revived programs, Sunlover Reef Cruises is ensuring it remains at the forefront of Great Barrier Reef tourism. With a rich history, a dedicated team, and a deep respect for the environment, the company’s future promises even greater adventures on one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.

AT A GLANCE

Sunlover Reef Cruises

What: Premier Great Barrier Reef tour and marine tourism operator

Where: Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Website: www.sunlover.com.au

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