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Day Trips

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

Snorkelers exploring coral reefs
Tourists view coral and marine life from a glass bottom boat at Fitzroy Island, Great Barrier Reef.
Snorkelers exploring coral reefs near Fitzroy Island, visible from a glass-bottom boat on a Cairns day trip.
Snorkelers exploring coral reefs near Fitzroy Island on a Cairns day trip with glass bottom boat.

Duration

8 hr 30 min

Open today

08:30am - 05:00pm

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Guided tour

Transfers included

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

    • 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 (menu here)
    • Up to 4.5 hours for island self-exploration
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • 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.
  • Fitzroy Island

    Monday08:30am - 05:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Tuesday08:30am - 05:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Wednesday08:30am - 05:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Thursday08:30am - 05:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Friday08:30am - 05:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Saturday08:30am - 05:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Sunday08:30am - 05:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
  • 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 instantly.

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

    • Please arrive at the redemption point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

    Ticket redemption point

    • Redeem your ticket at Sunlover Reef Cruises.

    • Address: Reef Fleet Terminal (Bottom floor, 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia.

    Get directions to the redemption point

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