• 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.
• As soon as you reach the island book a tour to visit the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and leave a donation 
• Hire some snorkel gear or book a dive tour, try stand up paddle boards or simply enjoy a great lunch at the Fitzroy Island restaurant Foxy's Bar which is famous for fun. 
• There are wonderful walking trails on Fitzroy Island to the Secret Garden, Nudey Beach (keep your clothes on), the Lighthouse and other beach trails.  

Take a 45 minute scenic boat ride from Cairns to spend a day snorkelling and scuba diving on Fitzroy Island, or do some hiking up to the top of the island up to the lighthouse then thru the rainforest to the secret garden.

Fitzroy Island is a large tropical continental island surrounded by its own fringing coral reef in an area that is a known underwater highway for migrating whales life on the Great Barrier Reef with currents in the deeper water that allow them to move along at a faster pace just like you see the turtles in the movie Finding Nemo!

Locals and tourists alike say this is one of the best Cairns Island tours along with Frankland Islands and even a great day out on the Barrier Reef for non-swimmers.

The area where you dive and snorkel on Fitzroy Island is north to the Great Barrier Reef and is always crystal clear and protected from the southerly winds.

Each day from Cairns we provide fast ferry boat transfers to and from Fitzroy Island so visitors can spend the day exploring the coral reefs and the mountainous terrain or instead just relax and enjoy the ambience and have a nice lunch in the restaurant with a few tropical cocktails as you watch all the action happening before your eyes

 Tropical Islands are for lazing about and Fitzroy Island is one you can choose to be super active or super lazy.

Fitzroy Island is the perfect reef trip day adventure for all ages with quick cat transfers from Cairns city. 

A Day on Fitzroy Island - Great Barrier Reef

Guests will need to begin check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns at 8.30am – 9.15am with the transfer catamaran departing at 9.30am for Fitzroy Island.

The friendly staff at the ferry counter will issue your boat tickets and direct you to the Marlin Marina. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee on board before departing.

The return transfer boat will collect you from Fitzroy Island jetty at 4.30pm and you should arrive back in Cairns at around 5.30pm.

Great Barrier Reef Optional Activities

Fitzroy Island is a mecca for fun water and land activities, relax or be active, both can be enjoyed here.

A large range of beach hire equipment is available for hire from the Raging Thunder Beach Hut.

Explore the island by foot as there are many hiking tracks suited to different fitness levels on Fitzroy Island.

Take a tour through the turtle rehabilitation centre or just relax under a tree beachside.

In Water Activities

The Beach Hut is located just to the right of the Fitzroy Island jetty as you disembark your ferry boat transfer vessel. Hire your choice of water activities equipment or join a tour:
• Snorkelling equipment - explore the fringing reefs and rocky outcrops home to many species of colourful reef fish and marine life including a number of Green Turtles that inhabit the area. Buoyancy jackets and lycra suits also available.
• Stand up paddle boards – take a relaxing paddle around the calm waters of Fitzroy. Keep an eye out for turtles surfacing for a breath of fresh air.
• Ocean Trampoline – bounce yourselves silly on this purpose built trampoline located just off the beach.
• Coral Viewing Board – keep your hair dry and view the remarkable reefs and marine life that are just metres off the beaches.
• Glass Bottom Boat Tours – stay dry aboard the Glass Bottom Boat tour as it ventures out to favourite reef spots off Fitzroy to witness the corals and huge variety of marine life.

Fitzroy Island Activities

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 Track – 3.6km approx. 1.5 hours return
• Summit Circuit – 4.2km approx. 2.5 hours return
• Secret Garden – 1km approx. 45 minutes return
• Nudey Beach – 1.2km – approx. 45 minutes return

Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

Visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and meet the current patients. Tours depart daily at 2pm for a maximum of 15 people. Bookings are taken on the day only and can be organised at the Fitzroy Island Resort reception.

All monies go toward assisting the on-going turtle care.

Dining On Fitzroy Island - Foxy’s Bar and Café

Open daily for lunch Foxy’s has an appetising casual dining menu and overlooks the pristine coral beach. Foxy’s is fully licensed with a great selection beers, wines and tropical cocktails to match the scenery.

Upgrade to a Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Day Tour

Join us for an Outer Barrier Reef tour at beautiful Moore Reef where you can scuba dive, snorkel, swim with a huge variety of marine life and/or take in a scenic helicopter flight from the pontoon to see the reef from above and below the water’s surface.

See more Great Barrier Reef island tours departing from Cairns here.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• 8:30am - check in starts
• 9:15am - check in closes
• 9:30am - boat leaves Cairns
• 4:15pm - please be at The Fitzroy Island wharf
• 4:30pm - boat leaves Fitzroy Island
• 5:30pm - boat returns to Cairns

Departure Instructions

If you are making your own way / self drive to the Reef Fleet Terminal, please note your check in is at 8:30am

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove

Destinations

• Fitzroy Island
• Fitzroy Island

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

45 minute cruise to Fitzroy Island
Over 5 hours on Fitzroy Island

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Return accommodation transfers, please pre-book
• Snorkel equipment available for hire on the island
• Drinks, snacks and souvenirs can be purchased on Fitzroy Island

Restrictions

Scuba Diving – minimum age 12

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
• Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
• Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

• Hat,
• Sun protective clothing,
• Towel,
• Swimming costume,
• Sunscreen SPF 30+,
• Cash & credit card

• Child rate is applicable between the ages of 4-15 years inclusive.
• Family rate comprises of 2 adults and 2 children.
• Infants under 4 years travel for free.

Any bookings cancelled within 72 hours of departure will be subject to a cancellation charge. A 100% cancellation fee will be charged for FIT passengers cancelling within 24 hours of departure.