Help

Sell on Headout

Fitzroy Island Cruises

Embark on a journey to Fitzroy Island near Cairns. Explore coral beaches, snorkel in clear waters, and hike trails. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
4.5/5
4,769 travellers from around the world love this
Slide 1 of 16, Group enjoying beach on Fitzroy Island with snorkeling gear, part of Half Day Adventure Tour from Cairns.
Group enjoying beach on Fitzroy Island with snorkeling gear, part of Half Day Adventure Tour from Cairns.
2 hrs 30 mins - 4 hrs 15 mins
1 more
  • Experience Fitzroy Island in just half a day, perfect for a quick visit from Cairns to explore its beauty.

  • Travel aboard a modern, air-conditioned catamaran that serves as your base, offering comfort and convenience while you explore the island’s beauty.

  • Enjoy over two hours of free time to snorkel vibrant coral reefs, relax on stunning coral beaches, or wander rainforest trails at your own pace.

  • Upgrade your experience by adding both snorkeling gear and a glass-bottom boat tour, or include a delicious lunch for the ultimate hassle-free adventure.

More details
  • Experience Fitzroy Island in just half a day, perfect for a quick visit from Cairns to explore its beauty.

  • Travel aboard a modern, air-conditioned catamaran that serves as your base, offering comfort and convenience while you explore the island’s beauty.

  • Enjoy over two hours of free time to snorkel vibrant coral reefs, relax on stunning coral beaches, or wander rainforest trails at your own pace.

  • Upgrade your experience by adding both snorkeling gear and a glass-bottom boat tour, or include a delicious lunch for the ultimate hassle-free adventure.

from
AU$108
Slide 1 of 13, Person overlooking ocean and lush hills on Fitzroy Island adventure trail.
Person overlooking ocean and lush hills on Fitzroy Island adventure trail.
6 hrs - 8 hrs 30 mins
2 more
  • Spend a full day exploring Fitzroy Island with round-trip cruise, snorkel gear or glass-bottom boat tour, and access to rainforest trails.

  • Discover vibrant marine life with ample time to snorkel at Welcome Bay, under the jetty, and Nudey Beach—Australia’s top-rated beach.

  • Hike rainforest trails to the Summit or Lighthouse track for sweeping island and reef views, or relax on pristine coral beaches.

  • Learn from an onboard reef presentation and visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre to deepen your understanding of island ecology.

  • Choose variants with snorkel safaris, kayak tours, or helmet diving to customize your adventure and enhance your reef experience.

More details
  • Spend a full day exploring Fitzroy Island with round-trip cruise, snorkel gear or glass-bottom boat tour, and access to rainforest trails.

  • Discover vibrant marine life with ample time to snorkel at Welcome Bay, under the jetty, and Nudey Beach—Australia’s top-rated beach.

  • Hike rainforest trails to the Summit or Lighthouse track for sweeping island and reef views, or relax on pristine coral beaches.

  • Learn from an onboard reef presentation and visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre to deepen your understanding of island ecology.

  • Choose variants with snorkel safaris, kayak tours, or helmet diving to customize your adventure and enhance your reef experience.

from
AU$108
Slide 1 of 10, Fitzroy Island ferry docked at lush green island, Cairns day trip.
Fitzroy Island ferry docked at lush green island, Cairns day trip.
8 hrs 30 mins
3 more
  • Cruise from Cairns to Fitzroy Island on a high-speed catamaran and spend the day exploring tropical rainforest, white-sand beaches, and coral-filled waters.

  • Snorkel straight from the shore using the provided gear and flotation vest, or stay dry with a guided glass-bottom boat tour over vibrant reef gardens.

  • Enjoy a fresh tropical lunch box filled with island-style bites—perfect for a relaxed beachside meal or quick break between swims.

  • You’ll have up to 4.5 hours of free time to explore the island at your own pace—swim, sunbathe, hike rainforest trails, or just slow down and soak in the serenity.

  • With everything taken care of, this day trip is ideal for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking for a no-fuss Great Barrier Reef island experience.

More details
  • Cruise from Cairns to Fitzroy Island on a high-speed catamaran and spend the day exploring tropical rainforest, white-sand beaches, and coral-filled waters.

  • Snorkel straight from the shore using the provided gear and flotation vest, or stay dry with a guided glass-bottom boat tour over vibrant reef gardens.

  • Enjoy a fresh tropical lunch box filled with island-style bites—perfect for a relaxed beachside meal or quick break between swims.

  • You’ll have up to 4.5 hours of free time to explore the island at your own pace—swim, sunbathe, hike rainforest trails, or just slow down and soak in the serenity.

  • With everything taken care of, this day trip is ideal for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking for a no-fuss Great Barrier Reef island experience.

from
AU$202
Slide 1 of 15, Cruise ship and pontoon near Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, with snorkelers in clear water.
Cruise ship and pontoon near Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, with snorkelers in clear water.
9 hrs 30 mins
1 more
  • Cruise to both Fitzroy Island and the outer Great Barrier Reef in one epic day—two distinct reef environments, one seamless itinerary.

  • Start your day at the Moore Reef floating pontoon, a marine playground teeming with coral and tropical fish, before transferring to Fitzroy Island to wander rainforest trails and unwind on white-sand beaches.

  • Snorkel with guidance from marine experts, slip down a 30-meter spiral waterslide into the ocean, or stay dry with glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours.

  • Enjoy a premium buffet lunch on Fitzroy Island before heading back to the beach or reef.

  • Customize your day with optional upgrades like a Snorkel Safari, a Seawalker helmet dive, or a visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

More details
  • Cruise to both Fitzroy Island and the outer Great Barrier Reef in one epic day—two distinct reef environments, one seamless itinerary.

  • Start your day at the Moore Reef floating pontoon, a marine playground teeming with coral and tropical fish, before transferring to Fitzroy Island to wander rainforest trails and unwind on white-sand beaches.

  • Snorkel with guidance from marine experts, slip down a 30-meter spiral waterslide into the ocean, or stay dry with glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours.

  • Enjoy a premium buffet lunch on Fitzroy Island before heading back to the beach or reef.

  • Customize your day with optional upgrades like a Snorkel Safari, a Seawalker helmet dive, or a visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

from
AU$337
Slide 1 of 12, Snorkelers exploring coral reefs at Fitzroy & Green Islands.
Snorkelers exploring coral reefs at Fitzroy & Green Islands.
8 hrs 30 mins
1 more
  • Visit Fitzroy and Green Islands in one day, with over 6 hours to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Join expert marine commentary and a biology presentation; snorkel or relax among colorful fish, turtles, and coral reefs.

  • Explore rainforest walking trails, pristine beaches, and rich marine life; snorkelling gear included with selected options.

  • Travel comfortably between islands with smooth, well-timed transfers.

  • Upgrade your experience with a Fitzroy glass-bottom boat tour, snorkelling gear for both islands, or a picnic lunch.

  • Ideal for time-limited travelers, two iconic islands in one seamless day.

More details
  • Visit Fitzroy and Green Islands in one day, with over 6 hours to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Join expert marine commentary and a biology presentation; snorkel or relax among colorful fish, turtles, and coral reefs.

  • Explore rainforest walking trails, pristine beaches, and rich marine life; snorkelling gear included with selected options.

  • Travel comfortably between islands with smooth, well-timed transfers.

  • Upgrade your experience with a Fitzroy glass-bottom boat tour, snorkelling gear for both islands, or a picnic lunch.

  • Ideal for time-limited travelers, two iconic islands in one seamless day.

from
AU$196
Slide 1 of 10, Snorkelers exploring coral at Moore Reef with a cruise ship in the background, Great Barrier Reef.
Snorkelers exploring coral at Moore Reef with a cruise ship in the background, Great Barrier Reef.
8 hrs - 9 hrs
1 more
  • The Moore Reef pontoon is equipped with activities suitable for all ages, including a giant waterslide—the only one of its kind on the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Spend 4 hours exploring the reef by taking advantage of the free inclusions such as glass-bottom boat tours, all snorkeling equipment, and an underwater observatory.

  • Enhance your reef adventure with additional experiences, such as the Seawalker helmet dive or guided snorkel tours, perfect for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.

More details
  • The Moore Reef pontoon is equipped with activities suitable for all ages, including a giant waterslide—the only one of its kind on the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Spend 4 hours exploring the reef by taking advantage of the free inclusions such as glass-bottom boat tours, all snorkeling equipment, and an underwater observatory.

  • Enhance your reef adventure with additional experiences, such as the Seawalker helmet dive or guided snorkel tours, perfect for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.

from
AU$307
Slide 1 of 14, Aerial view of a pontoon with tourists in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Aerial view of a pontoon with tourists in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
8 hrs - 9 hrs
2 more
  • Experience a complete reef adventure on the newest all‑weather pontoon at the outer reef, where clearer waters and vibrant coral create a truly immersive setting.

  • Benefit from a friendly, locally owned Cairns crew known for personalised service and access to premium snorkelling and diving equipment.

  • Enjoy diverse water activities: a glass‑bottom boat tour, talks by a marine biologist, plus the option to add a guided snorkel or an introductory scuba dive.

More details
  • Experience a complete reef adventure on the newest all‑weather pontoon at the outer reef, where clearer waters and vibrant coral create a truly immersive setting.

  • Benefit from a friendly, locally owned Cairns crew known for personalised service and access to premium snorkelling and diving equipment.

  • Enjoy diverse water activities: a glass‑bottom boat tour, talks by a marine biologist, plus the option to add a guided snorkel or an introductory scuba dive.

from
AU$360
Slide 1 of 14, Cruise boats on clear waters near Green Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Cruise boats on clear waters near Green Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
4 hrs
  • Set off on a high-speed half-day cruise to Green Island aboard a modern, air-conditioned catamaran—perfect for those short on time.

  • Choose your reef encounter: snorkel through vibrant coral gardens or relax on a glass-bottom boat tour for stunning marine views.

  • Receive a quick yet thorough safety briefing before diving into your aquatic adventure, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

  • Spend over 2 hours on the island—stroll rainforest boardwalks, unwind on sandy beaches, or upgrade to a semi-submarine ride for a unique underwater view.

  • Designed for busy travelers, this experience delivers the essential highlights of the Great Barrier Reef in one efficient and memorable trip.

More details
  • Set off on a high-speed half-day cruise to Green Island aboard a modern, air-conditioned catamaran—perfect for those short on time.

  • Choose your reef encounter: snorkel through vibrant coral gardens or relax on a glass-bottom boat tour for stunning marine views.

  • Receive a quick yet thorough safety briefing before diving into your aquatic adventure, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

  • Spend over 2 hours on the island—stroll rainforest boardwalks, unwind on sandy beaches, or upgrade to a semi-submarine ride for a unique underwater view.

  • Designed for busy travelers, this experience delivers the essential highlights of the Great Barrier Reef in one efficient and memorable trip.

from
AU$110
Slide 1 of 13, Catamaran docked at Green Island, surrounded by coral reef and turquoise waters.
Catamaran docked at Green Island, surrounded by coral reef and turquoise waters.
6 hrs - 8 hrs
2 more
  • Journey to Green Island aboard the spacious 'Big Cat' catamaran and enjoy a full day exploring this unique coral cay, where vibrant reef meets lush rainforest—entirely at your own pace.

  • Choose how you'll witness the underwater magic. Snorkel straight off the pristine beaches, glide over coral gardens on a glass-bottom boat tour, or descend for a submariner's view in our semi-submarine. Guided snorkel safaris are also available.

  • Wander shaded rainforest boardwalks under ancient trees, relax on sun-kissed white sand beaches, or dive into the turquoise waters. Enjoy up to 5 hours of leisure time to explore Green Island's beaches and rainforest trails independently.

  • For a fully planned day, opt for the tour that includes a buffet lunch. You'll enjoy freshly-prepared hot and cold items with native Australian ingredients from an award-winning restaurant.

More details
  • Journey to Green Island aboard the spacious 'Big Cat' catamaran and enjoy a full day exploring this unique coral cay, where vibrant reef meets lush rainforest—entirely at your own pace.

  • Choose how you'll witness the underwater magic. Snorkel straight off the pristine beaches, glide over coral gardens on a glass-bottom boat tour, or descend for a submariner's view in our semi-submarine. Guided snorkel safaris are also available.

  • Wander shaded rainforest boardwalks under ancient trees, relax on sun-kissed white sand beaches, or dive into the turquoise waters. Enjoy up to 5 hours of leisure time to explore Green Island's beaches and rainforest trails independently.

  • For a fully planned day, opt for the tour that includes a buffet lunch. You'll enjoy freshly-prepared hot and cold items with native Australian ingredients from an award-winning restaurant.

from
AU$110

Browse by themes

What our guests say

Simon S

Australia
Group
Jun 2026
Friendly crew, comfortable boat, great facilities made for a fabulous day out. Highly recommended for half day or full day

Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades

Nearby cities to explore

Most Fitzroy Island day trips run 6–8 hours door-to-door from Cairns on fast ferries like the Fitzroy Flyer, with shorter 4–5 hour half-day options. You’ll usually fit 2–4 “stops”: Welcome Bay, Nudey Beach, and possibly a summit or lighthouse walk, mixing beach time, off-the-beach snorkeling, easy hikes, and add-ons like glass-bottom boat tours.

Overview of Fitzroy Island island hopping tours

  • Boat types: Shared fast catamaran ferries (Fitzroy Flyer and similar) on fixed schedules; all crossings take about 45 minutes each way.
  • Reality check – resort access: Day-trippers cannot use the resort pool or guest-only areas; expect basic public bathrooms, a general store, and Foxy’s café/bar only.
  • Inclusions & extra costs: Basic tickets include return ferry only. Packages may add snorkel gear, a glass-bottom boat tour, and/or picnic lunch. On-island extras like snorkel hire (~A$30) and stinger suits (~A$10–12) are usually paid separately.
  • Departure bases: Almost all trips depart and return via Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal; there are no regular departures from other ports.
  • Time formats: Half-day options give roughly 2–3 hours on the island; full-day ferries allow about 5–6 hours, enough for snorkeling plus one walk such as the Nudey Beach track.
  • Typical stops/activities: Free time to explore Welcome Bay, walk to Nudey Beach, snorkel from shore, and optionally join a glass-bottom boat or turtle rehab talk; there is no full-day guided island tour.
  • Price range: From about A$85–A$99 per adult for return ferry-only to around A$159–A$180 for bundled “all-inclusive” day packages with snorkel gear, glass-bottom boat, and lunch.

Know before you book your Fitzroy Island tour

  • Step 1: Choose your base. All day trips depart from Cairns’ Reef Fleet Terminal. Expect ~45 minutes each way by fast catamaran, with morning departures and a set afternoon return; there is no alternative mainland base.

  • Step 2: Pick your route. For most visitors this is a simple full-day return (first boat out, last boat back), giving ~5–6 hours on the island. Half-day variants cut island time to ~2–3 hours and are only realistic for either a short walk to Nudey Beach or a quick swim/snorkel, not both.

  • Step 3: Choose your boat. Major operators (e.g., Fitzroy Flyer and similar catamarans) all take roughly the same route and ~45 minutes. There are no true “express” or scenic-detour routes; differences are mainly departure times and onboard capacity.

  • What’s usually included. A full-day “adventure” product typically covers return ferry, basic onboard amenities, and on-island free time; upgrades may add snorkel gear, a glass-bottom boat session, and a simple picnic or Foxy’s Café lunch.

  • Extra costs to check. Snorkel gear and stinger suits (in Nov–May), guided snorkel safaris, glass-bottom tours, Turtle Rehabilitation Centre talks, and most food and drinks are often extra. Check whether your specific ticket includes lunch or only a picnic pack.

  • The big restriction or route caveat. This is a self-guided island day: once you land at Welcome Bay there is no all-day guide, and walks to Nudey Beach or the summit involve uneven, sometimes steep trails. If you have limited mobility, plan to stay near the jetty area and skip longer tracks.

Which Fitzroy Island day trip is right for you

Full-day ferry + DIY island time

Full-day ferry + DIY island time

  • Best for: Travellers who want enough time to snorkel, walk to Nudey Beach, and still have unhurried beach breaks.
  • Duration: Around 8–9 hours door-to-door from Cairns, typically ~6 hours on the island.
  • Islands & stops: Single stop at Fitzroy Island (Welcome Bay, optional walks to Nudey Beach and the summit/lighthouse).
  • What the pace feels like: Relaxed but full; you can spread activities through the day without clock-watching.
  • Inclusions: Return ferry only; all snorkeling gear, glass-bottom boat, food, and guided activities are pay‑as‑you‑go extras, so costs can add up if you decide everything on the day.

Full-day ferry + picnic lunch package

Full-day ferry + picnic lunch package

  • Best for: Visitors who want a structured full day with food pre-arranged so they can avoid long café queues.
  • Duration: Roughly 8–9 hours door-to-door, aligned with first morning departure and late-afternoon return.
  • Islands & stops: Fitzroy Island only, with free time to reach Nudey Beach, Welcome Bay reef, and short rainforest tracks.
  • What the pace feels like: Similar to DIY full-day, but with one fixed element (lunch), leaving the rest of the schedule flexible.
  • Inclusions: Return ferry and a pre-packed picnic lunch; snorkeling, glass-bottom boat, and gear hire remain optional extras, and the included lunch is simple rather than gourmet.

Your Fitzroy Island tour starting points

Best for
Most Fitzroy Island day trips and packages, including full-day ferry-only, snorkel-gear combos, glass-bottom boat add-ons, and “Best of Fitzroy” activity bundles.

Where you start
You’ll check in and depart from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal/Marlin Marina area in central Cairns. Different operators use different wharves there, so your exact check-in counter and departure gate are always confirmed on your voucher.

Getting there
It’s an easy 10–15 minute walk from many Esplanade hotels, or a 10–20 minute taxi/ride-share from Cairns Airport. Expect about 45 minutes on the boat each way to Fitzroy Island.

What to expect
Hotel transfers aren’t usually included; most guests make their own way to the terminal. Always follow your voucher for your confirmed meeting time, wharf number, and any included transfer details if you’ve booked a hotel pickup. If you want a simple “city-to-island” flow with the widest choice of ferries and packages, start here.

Fitzroy Island island by island - what each stop is like

Welcome Bay (Main Beach & Jetty)

Welcome Bay is where the ferry docks and where you’ll spend most of your on-island time if you don’t hike far. The “beach” is coral rubble and rock, not soft sand, so it’s better for snorkeling, paddling, and sitting under trees than barefoot strolling or sandcastles. You’ll find the gear-hire hut, Foxy’s Bar, basic facilities, and easy-entry snorkeling spots right off the shore and jetty.

Different types of boats during your Fitzroy Island tour

Large fast ferries (catamarans)

  • What they're like: Big, enclosed catamarans with indoor airline-style seating, some outdoor benches, and basic onboard toilets. Most seating is under cover with windows, and you usually stay in your seat while underway.
  • Pros: Generally stable and spacious, with more shade and shelter from wind and spray. The 45‑minute crossing feels more like a short commuter ferry than a thrill ride.
  • Cons: In windy conditions the ride can feel bumpy and crowded at peak times.

Plan your island hopping tour in Fitzroy Island

How long does the tour take?

  • From Cairns, full-day ferries: Expect around 8–9 hours door-to-door, including check‑in, 45 minutes each way, and ~5–6 hours on the island.
  • Half‑day options: Typically 5–6 hours door‑to‑door with about 2–3 hours on the island.

Frequently asked questions about Fitzroy Island day trips

  • On a full-day ticket you usually get about 5–6 hours on the island, enough for the walk to Nudey Beach plus either a main hike (Summit or Lighthouse) and some snorkelling or a glass‑bottom boat. Half‑day options give roughly 2–3 usable hours, so you must choose one main activity.

We've served 53 million+ guests and we are here for you

53 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime