Day Trips

Sunlover: Cairns to Fitzroy Island Full-Day Cruise with Snorkel, Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Lunch

4.4/5(18)

Rhonda T

Couple

Verified booking

6 days ago

We loved everything about our trip yo Fitzroy Island. Its beautiful. We had a package that included the boat ride, snorkeling, glass bottom boat and lunch, which was amazing. Beautiful place.

Barry M

Couple

Verified booking

Aug 2026

The trip there and back , the island was disappointing to me , glass bottom boat was a waste of time and money as the tide was middle going out and as the water cloudy you could not see anything, I know you can't do anything about the weather and tides but needs more thought compared to green island it was , to me anyway , disappointing.

Richard V

Couple

Verified booking

Jun 2026

We had a great day. Weather was the best. Unfortunately the water was murky to enjoy the Glass bottom boat experience though the the ladies were great hosts.

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.

Full-day tour to the Great Barrier Reef & Fitzroy Island with ferry transfers from Cairns

Snorkel gear including mask, fins, Lycra suit, and flotation vest

Guided glass-bottom boat tour

Tropical lunch box with vegan, halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available (menu here)

Up to 4.5 hours for island self-exploration

Timeline
Map
Start point
Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
Get direction
1. Fitzroy Island
2 activities
This all-inclusive experience combines ferry transfers, snorkeling gear, a glass-bottom boat tour, rainforest walks, and a buffet lunch—everything you need for an unforgettable day! Start your day with snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tours before lunch—the water visibility is best earlier in the day.
Things to do
Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
Included in price
Buffet Lunch at Zephyrs
Included in price
Snorkelling
Included in price
End point
Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

18 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Rhonda T
Couple
Verified booking
6 days ago
We loved everything about our trip yo Fitzroy Island. Its beautiful. We had a package that included the boat ride, snorkeling, glass bottom boat and lunch, which was amazing. Beautiful place.
Nicki C
Family
Verified booking
Last week
Snorkelling with the sea turtles was amazing. The just pop up in front of you.
Barry M
Couple
Verified booking
Aug 2026
The trip there and back , the island was disappointing to me , glass bottom boat was a waste of time and money as the tide was middle going out and as the water cloudy you could not see anything, I know you can't do anything about the weather and tides but needs more thought compared to green island it was , to me anyway , disappointing.
Richard V
Couple
Verified booking
Jun 2026
We had a great day. Weather was the best. Unfortunately the water was murky to enjoy the Glass bottom boat experience though the the ladies were great hosts.
Simon P
Couple
Verified booking
Feb 2026
This beautiful day we had me and my girlfriend will remain engraved in our memories. The sun, the experiences were exceptional. I recommend to anybody who come in Cairns !

A tropical reef escape just 45 minutes from Cairns

Board your high-speed ferry from Cairns and cruise across the Coral Sea to Fitzroy Island—one of the most accessible and unspoiled destinations on the Great Barrier Reef. This full-day tour blends marine adventure and island downtime, giving you a taste of reef life without venturing too far from shore.

What to expect

On arrival, pick up your snorkel gear (mask, fins, lycra suit, and flotation vest included) and hit the water straight off the beach. Fitzroy’s fringing reef is just steps from the shore, making it perfect for beginners and casual swimmers. Prefer to stay dry? Join a guided glass-bottom boat tour and glide above coral gardens as your guide points out reef fish, clams, and sea turtles.

Midday, take a break with a tropical lunch box packed with island-style flavours—easy to enjoy at a picnic spot, shaded table, or even barefoot on the beach.

After lunch, the rest of the island is yours to explore. Wander rainforest trails with panoramic lookouts, discover Australia’s #1 beach (Nudey Beach), or simply relax with a book beside the water.

Features

Fitzroy Island ferry: Fast, scenic round-trip catamaran transfer from Cairns.

Snorkel gear included: Mask, snorkel, fins, Lycra suit, and flotation vest.

Glass-bottom boat tour: Glide over coral reefs with expert commentary.

Tropical lunch box: Fresh, island-inspired meal included in your ticket.

Free time: 4.5 hours to snorkel, hike, swim, or just unwind on your own schedule.

Schedule

8:45 to 9:45am: Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal at Sunlover's desk

10am: Boarding closes

10:15am: Depart Cairns Marina

4.5 hours to experience Fitzroy Island

3:30pm: Depart Fitzroy Island

4:30pm: Arrive at Cairns Marina

What to bring

Have your ID or proof of local residency ready for a seamless experience.

Bring a beach towel, sunscreen, and hat to beat the heat.

Bring local currency or your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

Pack your meds – better to be prepared, just in case they’re not available onsite.

Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the island.

What’s not allowed

It is recommended to leave jewelry and expensive items at your accommodation.

Keep in mind that guests are not allowed to stand on live coral, touch any wildlife, on the island or in the water, litter, swim, kayak, or paddle board past the boat channel markers, or bring alcohol to the island.

Accessibility

This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.

Space is tight, so we recommend packing light or using a baby carrier. Be aware that most paths on the island aren't suitable for prams.

Additional information

Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, especially for those guests who wish to hike and explore around the island.

Please note that the buffet lunch will be at Fitzroy Island Resort.

Guests should confirm the best snorkeling times with the crew before going for it as the island has low and high tides.

Guests must wear a stinger suit available on board to protect themselves from stingers.

If the trip is deemed unsafe to operate due to sea conditions, passengers will be offered travel on an alternate day or will receive a refund.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.