Best of Fitzroy Island Full Day Tour by Sunlover Reef Cruises | Cairns
- Choose from 8:45am or 10:10am ferry departures from Cairns Marina
- Return ferry, snorkel gear, glass-bottom boat and picnic lunch
- Pristine beaches, rainforest trails and spectacular island views
- Snorkelling, swimming, hiking and relaxed coastal walking trails
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Sightseeing type | Islands tour |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise |
| Cruise type | Glass bottom boat |
Product Info
_What You Can Expect_
Discover one of the best and most relaxed Great Barrier Reef island experiences with the Best of Fitzroy Island tour from Cairns. Just a short ferry ride from Cairns Marina, Fitzroy Island is a natural tropical paradise where rainforest-covered mountains, coral beaches and clear blue water come together in one unforgettable destination.
Choose from an 8:45am or 10:15am departure and enjoy the freedom to explore Fitzroy Island at your own pace. Your package includes return ferry transfers from Cairns, snorkelling equipment, a glass-bottom boat tour and a picnic lunch, giving you everything you need for an easy and enjoyable island day.
Spend your time swimming or snorkelling in sheltered tropical waters, relaxing on beautiful beaches or discovering the reef from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat. Fitzroy Island is surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, making it a wonderful place to see coral, tropical fish and marine life while enjoying a quieter and more natural island setting.
For adventurous travellers, scenic hiking tracks lead through rainforest and across the island’s rugged landscape, with rewarding viewpoints and incredible photo opportunities along the way. Visitors looking for a slower pace can enjoy relaxed walking trails, peaceful coastal areas and plenty of time to take in the scenery.
Fitzroy Island is also ideal for photography, with rainforest, mountains, turquoise water and pristine beaches creating stunning backdrops throughout the day. Whether you want to snorkel, hike, swim, explore or simply unwind by the sea, this tour offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
The Best of Fitzroy Island tour is a great choice for couples, families, solo travellers and anyone looking for a natural Great Barrier Reef day trip from Cairns. With flexible departure times, included activities and plenty of space to explore, it is one of the easiest ways to experience the beauty of a tropical island without feeling rushed.
See the incredible landscapes of the rainforest and the reef meeting
Stunning beaches, capture perfect photos to share
Fitzroy Island is a nature lovers paradise, escape the crowd and enjoy being off the beaten track
Gear up to go snorkeling and see Australia's marine life up close!
Purchase Notice
- Please reconfirm your tour 24 hrs prior with Sunlover Reef Cruises
- Dietary requirements are also required 24 hrs prior so we are able to best cater for your requirements
- WHAT TO BRING: Simply pack a bag as if you were going to the beach for the day:
• Swimming costume
• Beach towel
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Sun protective clothing such as T-shirt or rash vest, hat and sunglasses
• Cash or credit card for on-board purchases, snacks and optional activities. (AUD$, VISA, MasterCard & Amex accepted)
• Camera
• Sturdy footwear if you intend on bushwalking
• Insect repellent
• Reef shoes
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 60 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 4
Check-in & collection of boarding passes must be completed before the stated time at the Sunlover Cruises desk inside the Reef Terminal at Cairns Marina. Passengers failing to check-in within this time may may miss the tour without any refund
Travellers that fail to arrive before the meeting time will be classed as no-show without any refund
The actual itinerary is dependent on weather/transportation conditions. Refunds for canceled activities will not be granted
On occasion the tropical weather conditions can cause cancellations and or changes to schedules and activities. Sunlover reserves the right to vary prices, schedules, vessels and any activities without notification. Any tickets issued are non-refundable
It is suggested to contact Sunlover Cruise to reconfirm your booking at least 24 hours prior to departure
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. What makes a day trip to Fitzroy Island worthwhile for visitors from Cairns?
Fitzroy Island offers a unique blend of lush rainforest and fringing reefs, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy activities like snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and scenic bushwalks. Its close proximity to Cairns, with a quick 55-minute boat ride, provides an accessible and refreshing escape to a natural paradise, allowing for a full day of relaxation and exploration of the Great Barrier Reef's beauty.
2. How does Fitzroy Island differ from Green Island for a day trip experience?
Fitzroy Island is characterized by its rugged landscape, featuring granite outcrops, open woodlands, and direct access to fringing reefs from its beaches, making it suitable for active exploration such as hiking and snorkeling. In contrast, Green Island is a smaller, picturesque coral cay with pristine white sand beaches and a more resort-like atmosphere, often favored for its calm, sheltered lagoon and easy viewing of marine life.
3. How do travelers typically get to Fitzroy Island from Cairns for a day trip?
The most common and convenient way to reach Fitzroy Island from Cairns is by taking a direct ferry service. These transfers usually depart from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. The journey across the Coral Sea to the island is scenic and takes approximately 55 minutes. It is highly recommended to book your return boat transfers in advance to ensure availability.
4. Can visitors explore Fitzroy Island independently, or is it better to join an organized tour?
Visitors have the option to explore Fitzroy Island independently by simply booking return boat transfers. However, joining an organized tour, like the "Best of Island" full-day tour, can significantly enhance the experience. Such tours often include valuable inclusions such as a picnic lunch, a glass-bottom boat tour, and snorkeling equipment hire, simplifying logistics and offering a comprehensive package of activities.
5. What activities are available on Fitzroy Island, and how much time should be allocated for exploration?
Fitzroy Island provides a variety of activities including snorkeling directly from the beach to discover vibrant fringing reefs, taking glass-bottom boat tours for underwater viewing, and exploring several walking trails such as the Lighthouse Walk for panoramic vistas or the tranquil Secret Garden Walk. To fully experience the island's natural beauty and participate in multiple activities, allocating a full day is highly recommended.
6. Is a stinger suit necessary when swimming or snorkeling around Fitzroy Island?
During Queensland's wet season, typically from November to May, marine stingers can be present in the waters surrounding Fitzroy Island. For protection against potential stings, it is strongly advised to wear a full-body lycra stinger suit when engaging in swimming or snorkeling activities during these months. Stinger suits are generally available for rent on the island.
7. Are there concerns about crocodiles in the waters or on the shores of Fitzroy Island?
While Fitzroy Island is situated in a tropical region where saltwater crocodiles inhabit mainland rivers and estuaries, sightings around the island itself are extremely rare. The island's clear, open ocean waters and strong currents are not typical habitats for these creatures. Local authorities maintain regular monitoring, and visitors can generally enjoy the marine environment with peace of mind.
8. What does the "Best of Island" full-day tour package for Fitzroy Island include for visitors?
The "Best of Island" full-day tour package to Fitzroy Island is designed for a seamless and enjoyable day. It conveniently includes return boat transfers from Cairns to the island, an individual picnic lunch box for your midday meal, a fascinating glass-bottom boat tour allowing you to view marine life without entering the water, and the rental of snorkeling equipment, enabling you to explore the vibrant underwater world at your leisure.
