• Best of Fitzroy Island Special Offer! Free UPGRADE from Value Package to Best of Island package which includes Ferry Transfers, Buffet Lunch & Snorkel Equipment. Valid for bookings and travel 8 Feb 2025 – 30 June 2025
• Prebook your visit the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and leave a donation 
• There are wonderful walking trails on Fitzroy Island to the Secret Garden, Nudey Beach (keep your clothes on), the Lighthouse and other beach trails.  
• Family Deal - Save $95 on the Island Value package based on 2 adults & 2 children
• Hike your way to the top of Fitzroy Island for the view from the lighthouse across the vista of the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Join us for one Cairns best island tours. Take a 45 minute scenic boat ride from Cairns to spend a day snorkelling off Fitzroy Island, or do some hiking up to the top of the island up to the lighthouse then through the rainforest to the Secret Garden.

What to Expect

Book a day in paradise for an exhilarating snorkelling tour of Fitzroy Island, a tropical island just a 45-minute scenic catamaran ride from Cairns. Arguably one of Cairns best island tours whether you're interested in snorkelling, hiking, or simply relaxing, Fitzroy Island offers a perfect escape with its crystal-clear waters and lush rainforest. The fast, air-conditioned catamaran ensures a swift and comfortable journey, maximising your time to enjoy snorkelling and exploring the island's natural beauty.

Features and Highlights

Speedy and Comfortable Transportation

• Enjoy a quick and comfortable 45-minute journey from Cairns to Fitzroy Island.

Fitzroy Island Tour Options

• Day tour with ferry transfers only (choose optional extras)
• Half Day tours
• Full day package including snorkelling gear and glass bottom boat ride
• Fitzroy Island and Sunlover Reef Pontoon in the one day tour
• 2 Day Combo Package Deal, Fitzroy Island & Sunlover Pontoon.

 Diverse Activities

• Dive into the underwater world with high-quality snorkelling equipment provided.
• Explore Fitzroy Island’s underwater views without getting wet on a glass bottom boat tour.
• Traverse the island at your leisure with access to self-guided rainforest walks to The Secret Garden, Nudey Beach or hike to the summit and lookout on top of the island.

Comprehensive Amenities

• Snorkelling equipment is included, with masks, snorkels, fins.

Explorative Opportunities

• Set out on a snorkelling adventure around the stunning fringing reefs.
• Opt for a hike through the island's rainforest up to the lighthouse or explore the Secret Garden for a serene experience.

Personalised and Informative Experience

• This Fitzroy Island tour is designed for intimate groups, providing a personalized and high-quality experience.
• Learn about the diverse marine life and the island’s ecology through educational commentary provided during your boat transfer from Cairns to Fitzroy Island.

Fitzroy Island Ferry Boat Tours - Activities on the Island

• Engage in various water sports with a range of beach equipment available for hire.
• Participate in guided activities like the Kayak tours, Rainforest, Nature Walks or visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
• Choose from several hiking trails of varying difficulty, ensuring there is something for every fitness level.

Dining on Fitzroy Island

Foxy's Bar

• Located right on the beach front, Foxy's offers a casual cafe-style menu suitable for all tastes, including a kids menu. Enjoy a variety of beverages, cocktails, and the essential cappuccino.
• Happy Hour is available daily, enhancing the relaxed beach atmosphere.

Zephyr Restaurant

• Buffet Lunch is included on selected packages with stunning views over Welcome Bay, providing a tropical dining experience with Modern Australian Cuisine.
• Perfect for any occasion, from family meals to romantic dinners, with the option to book private dining experiences.

Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, this tour to Fitzroy Island from Cairns promises a memorable day amidst one of the most beautiful natural settings in the world.

Learn more about the best tours on the Great Barrier Reef. 

A Day on Fitzroy Island - Great Barrier Reef

Full day Fitzroy Island - 10:15am Departure

• 8:45am -9:45am Check in
• 9:30am Commence boarding
• 10:00am Boarding closes
• 10:15am Depart Cairns Marina
• 11:00am Arrive Fitzroy Island
• 12:30pm – 1:15pm Buffet Lunch *if selected
• 3:30pm Depart Fitzroy Island
• 4:30pm Arrive Cairns Marina

Snorkeling Equipment Hire - needs to be prebooked

Please ensure you prebook your snorkel equipment, it includes:

• Mask
• Snorkel
• Fins
• Lycra suit
• Life jacket

Snorkelling equipment will be given out on board the vessel enroute to Fitzroy Island.

Passengers must return items once re-boarding vessel.

Activities on Fitzroy Island

The Fitzroy Island Sports Hub is located in the Resort, close to the reception.

• Guided Snorkel Safari Tour - 35 minutes
• Guided Kayak Tour - 45 minutes
• Guided Turtle Talk - 30 minutes 
• Guided Nature Talk - 20 minutes
• Guided Rainforest Walk - 45 minutes - 1KM return walk

Fitzroy Island Hikes

Discover Fitzroy Island by foot with a variety of hikes that venture up through the mountain range and amidst tropical rainforests that cover the island.

A variety of reptiles, birdlife and flying foxes call Fitzroy Island home and may be seen as you follow the tracks.

Choose a hike to suit your fitness levels:

• Lighthouse Road – 3.6km return – 2 hrs
• Summit Track – 2.6km return – 3hrs
• Secret Garden – 1km return – 45 mins
• Nudey Beach – 1km return – 45 mins
• Boulder Lookout - 300m return – 30 minutes

Dining on Fitzroy Island

***Foxy's***

Foxy’s is a large Pacific Islands bar with a 70s structural theming, situated right on the beach front, about 100 metres from the resort buildings, south of the main creek (on the way to Nudey Beach). Foxy’s Bar features the best beachside view for sunset, pool tables, a dance floor and big sports TV.

Foxy’s has an excellent casual cafe style food menu including kids meals and provides a wide range of beers, wine and soft drinks plus a cocktail menu and the essential cappuccino! Food and drinks are also served from Zephyr Restaurant and the Pool Bar. 

Join the Happy Hour daily from 3-4pm

The General Store is located next to Foxy’s.

Opening Hours:

Beverage: 10:00am to late
Lunch service: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Opening hours are subject to change

***Zephyr Restaurant***

Enjoy the ultimate dining experience with a Premium Buffet lunch (Included in selected packages) at Zephyrs Restaurant in Fitzroy Island Resort, offering stunning views overlooking Welcome Bay. Indulge in a delectable selection of chef-prepared hot dishes, gourmet salads, charcuterie, and prawns, meticulously crafted to satisfy every palate. The serene backdrop of the bay enhances your dining pleasure, immersing you in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

To ensure a seamless dining experience, please present yourself at the restaurant during the specified dining hours as your reservation will be noted on the dining manifest. Our attentive team looks forward to welcoming you!

This exceptional dining option combines delicious cuisine with breathtaking views, making it the perfect addition to your day at Fitzroy Island. With daily changes to the menu reflecting the freshness of the day and thoughtful consideration of dietary preferences such as Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan options integrated seamlessly into the buffet, everyone can indulge in the diverse and delightful array of dishes.

As you savor your meal amidst the captivating views of Welcome Bay, let the gentle sounds of the water and the stunning vistas elevate your culinary journey to unforgettable heights.

Read our blog - Green Island or Fitzroy Island.

Learn more about the best Great Barrier Reef tours.  

Optional Extra: Snorkel Safari

Participate in an exclusive snorkeling adventure to a secluded reef location accessible only by boat. This Safari includes a one-hour excursion comprising a briefing, transfer to and from the location, and approximately 35 minutes of snorkeling time.

Please note, this tour requires moderate swimming proficiency and is not suitable for non-swimmers. Enjoy the opportunity to explore the majestic reef away from crowds, ensuring a serene and unforgettable underwater experience.

• Briefings take place at a specified meeting point on Fitzroy Island.
• The Snorkel Safari time slot is assigned and communicated to passengers during the journey to Fitzroy Island.
• At the designated time, passengers must gather at the appointed meeting spot on the island with their snorkeling gear to begin the snorkeling tour.
• Expect up to 35 minutes of snorkeling time in the water. Participants will be transported by boat to a secluded area of the reef, where they can encounter local marine life such as turtles, lionfish, and clownfish.

Optional Extra - Turtle Talk

Set amidst the rainforest with a view of the beach, enhance your Fitzroy Island experience with a Turtle Talk! Embark on a short 500-meter walk to visit the headquarters of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where dedicated volunteers nurture sick and injured turtles back to health.

During the tour, your guide will deliver an enlightening presentation on the turtle species found in the area and the typical threats they face that necessitate rehabilitation. The ultimate goal is to prepare these turtles for eventual release back into their natural habitat.

All proceeds from ticket sales contribute directly to the rehabilitation efforts, supporting the care and release of these remarkable creatures.

SCHEDULE:
2.30pm departs lobby
2.40pm talk starts
3.05pm conclusion
3.15pm return for boarding

Optional Extra : Kayak Tour

Embark on an exhilarating kayak tour directly from the beach—an exciting addition to your Fitzroy Island getaway! This 45-minute adventure begins with a comprehensive briefing and instruction session to familiarize you with kayak operation.

Our knowledgeable tour leader will assign either double or single kayaks and provide buoyancy vests for safety. Paddle through the stunning island landscapes, enjoying panoramic views and refining your kayaking skills along the way.

Participants must be capable swimmers with moderate fitness levels to join this memorable experience.

SESSION A:

• 1.30pm Meet at FISH
• (ready to go)
• 1.35pm briefing
• 1.45pm skills in-water
• 1.55pm tour commences
• 2.15pm conclusion

SESSION B:

• 2.30pm Meet at FISH
• (ready to go)
• 2.35pm briefing
• 2.45pm skills in-water
• 2.55pm tour commences
• 3.15pm conclusion

• Minimum age 5 years
• Children under 12 years old will need a parent or legal guardian present on the tour with them
• Kayak tour is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Optional Extra : Nature Talk

Take a leisurely stroll starting from the Jetty's end and extending past Foxys Bar and Grill, exploring the remarkable vegetation of Fitzroy Island up close. Join our guided Nature Talk, where your tour leader eagerly shares insights into the island's unique rainforest landscapes and its inhabitants.

Discover the diverse wildlife that inhabits Fitzroy Island and learn about the historical uses of the native plants along the way. This guided tour is suitable for all ages, offering a low-intensity experience ideal for both nature enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

1.30pm departs lobby
1.50pm finishes at Foxys

No minimum age required
Children under 12 years old will need a parent or legal guardian present on the tour with them

Optional Extra : Rainforest Walk

Enhance your Fitzroy Island adventure with a guided tour to the Secret Garden!

This 45-minute experience takes you along a 1km return track into the rainforest, where our expert guide reveals intriguing facts about this unique ecosystem. Immerse yourself in the serene stillness under the rainforest canopy, where tranquility abounds.

Discover a rich diversity of flora and fauna thriving in harmony within this pristine rainforest environment. The trail covers uneven terrain totaling 1km, making moderate fitness advisable for participants.

SESSION A:

• 1.30pm Meet at Secret Garden, brief and welcome
• 1.35pm depart
• 1.50pm arrive at Secret Garden
• 2.00pm depart Secret Garden
• 2.15pm return to Foxys, conclusion

SESSION B:

• 2.30pm Meet at Secret Garden, brief and welcome
• 2.35pm depart
• 2.50pm arrive at Secret Garden
• 3.00pm depart Secret Garden 3.15pm return to Foxys, conclusion

Minimum age 5 years
Children under 12 years old will need a parent or legal guardian present on the tour with them

 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• 8.45am to 9.45am Check In
• 10.15am Departure from Cairns Marina
• 4.30pm Arrive Cairns Marina

Destinations

Fitzroy Island

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Full day 4.5 hours on the island

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Turtle Talk
• Nature Walk
• Rainforest Walk
• Kayak Tour

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

• Camera
• Hat, sunscreen and sun safe clothing
• Swimming costume and towel
• Credit cards or cash for food, drinks and optional activities
• Light jacket for cool/windy days
• Reusable water bottle
• Walking shoes and socks

• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)
• Child Fare 4-15 years inclusive
• Infants under 4 years travel for free.