Guided Tours

Cairns to Fitzroy Island Half-Day Cruise With Activity Upgrades

Name: Cairns to Fitzroy Island Half-Day Cruise With Activity Upgrades
Start: 2026-10-23T10:45:00
End: 2026-10-23T14:30:00
Location: Cairns

4.7/5(761)

Sudheshna O

Group

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

The event organizers were helpful and the ferry very luxurious to get to the Island. The schedule was good and gave me plenty time to enjoy the island and cover the major chinks of I. However, the dock of the cruise had changed into he last minute but we were not informed and figured it out by akin around. It would be nice if one fo the team members informed us of the change just so we weren't at risk of missing the cruise. Thy offered upgrade on activities like snorkeling and glass boat tour but when I asked for it they said they ran out of equipment for snorkeling. It would be nice if they kept some extras as they did offer and upgrade. Yet the organizers were still resourceful to tell me where I can get the equipment to have a good time, so I can't complain! 😊 Even if you have a only a half day left, I highly recommend visiting Fitzroy island and taking this tour as it is a place you will regret if you miss it.

Josephine B

Family

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

The ride over was rough as the winds had come up. The crew handled it well. The marine biologist on the glass bottom boat was very knowledgeable. Lunch was fine and our day moved along well. The youngest member of our party had a little fall accident and was treated well by staff with no prolonged issues. Thank you

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.

Half-day trip to Fitzroy Island

Round-trip ferry transfers from Cairns

Up to 2 hours on Fitzroy Island

Self-guided walk of National Park

Picnic lunch (menu here) (if option selected)

Guided glass-bottomed boat tour (if option selected)

Snorkel Safari with marine biologist (if option selected)

Snorkelling equipment, lycra suits, and flotation vests (if option selected)

Timeline
Map
Start point
Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
1. Fitzroy Island
2 activities
A tropical paradise with coral beaches, lush rainforest trails, and fringing reefs. Perfect for snorkeling, hiking, or simply relaxing in nature. Head straight to the jetty area for some of the best snorkeling spots—it’s a favorite hangout for turtles!
Things to do
Snorkelling
Included (based on selection)
Rainforest Walks
Included in price
Picnic lunch
Included (based on selection)
End point
Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
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.

761 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
Sudheshna O
Group
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The event organizers were helpful and the ferry very luxurious to get to the Island. The schedule was good and gave me plenty time to enjoy the island and cover the major chinks of I. However, the dock of the cruise had changed into he last minute but we were not informed and figured it out by akin around. It would be nice if one fo the team members informed us of the change just so we weren't at risk of missing the cruise. Thy offered upgrade on activities like snorkeling and glass boat tour but when I asked for it they said they ran out of equipment for snorkeling. It would be nice if they kept some extras as they did offer and upgrade. Yet the organizers were still resourceful to tell me where I can get the equipment to have a good time, so I can't complain! 😊 Even if you have a only a half day left, I highly recommend visiting Fitzroy island and taking this tour as it is a place you will regret if you miss it.
Josephine B
Family
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The ride over was rough as the winds had come up. The crew handled it well. The marine biologist on the glass bottom boat was very knowledgeable. Lunch was fine and our day moved along well. The youngest member of our party had a little fall accident and was treated well by staff with no prolonged issues. Thank you
Rosemary M
Couple
Verified booking
Sep 2026
The snorkeling on the reef was amazing and the tips from the staff about where to snorkel to see turtles was spot on!
Norelle G
Family
Verified booking
Sep 2026
Being on the boat and watching the fishes swimming around in the water.
Shayne N
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
Lovely island, great trip out and back and glassbottom boat a highlight.

Enjoy a quick escape to Fitzroy Island with this half-day cruise, perfect for those who want a shorter yet unforgettable island adventure. Hop aboard a modern, air-conditioned catamaran for a smooth 45-minute ride from Cairns to Welcome Bay. Once you arrive, you’ll have over two hours to explore the island’s highlights. Choose between snorkeling gear or a glass-bottom boat tour to discover the fringing coral reefs teeming with marine life. You can also take a self-guided rainforest walk or relax on the coral beaches at your own pace.

This half-day option is ideal for travelers who want flexibility and convenience while still experiencing Fitzroy Island’s beauty. With snorkeling equipment or boat tours included and access to rainforest trails and beaches, it’s a quick yet rewarding way to soak up this tropical paradise!

What to bring

Bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, swimwear, towel, and cash or credit for additional purchases on the island.

Sandals or reef shoes are recommended, as the beach is covered in old coral.

What's not allowed

Due to island restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

Due to the sensitive environment, the use of sunscreens and insect repellents is not recommended, as these products may be harmful to waterways and reefs.

Guests are prohibited from bringing their own alcohol for consumption. The island offers a bottle shop service from Foxy's bar and maintains a small general store for some basic goods.

Safety is a priority, so the Snorkel Safari is restricted for guests aged under 6 years.

Accessibility

While the ferry is accessible for wheelchairs and pram/strollers, some walks including the one to Nudey Beach, can be steep and not suitable.

The glass bottom boat tour is not accessible by wheelchair.

Additional information

Children aged under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.

The picnic lunch consists of a fresh wrap, a sandwich, a seasonal fruit piece, a muesli fruit bar, juice, and a bottle of water.

Surf lifesavers do not monitor or patrol the beaches on Fitzroy Island.

Marine stingers are present in tropical waters from November to May. Guests are provided with stinger suits when they hire snorkel gear.

The picnic lunch can be catered to various dietary requirements such as vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, etc. Guests who book lunch should contact the company to confirm their lunch order at least 24 hours before departure.

A refundable cash deposit of $50 is required for all rented snorkel gear. The deposit will be returned upon the complete and undamaged return of the equipment.

The Snorkel Safari is suitable for those comfortable in the water and competent snorkelers.

Fitzroy Island National Park features four primary walking trails, varying in duration from 30 minutes to 3 hours and catering to different fitness levels.

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.