• Whilst on your half day tour of Fitzroy Island take the opportunity to experience the incredible Lighthouse Walk if you are feeling fit and take a triumphant selfie at the top with views beyond to the Great Barrier Reef.
• The Secret Garden Walk is a simple track through the lush Fitzroy Island forest. Immerse yourself in nature and keep your ears and eyes peeled for local wildlife.
• Be sure to upgrade to include snorkel gear for the day and head to Nudey Beach to snorkel straight off the beach.
• On our half day Fitzroy Island tour you can hire snorkel gear, book a picnic lunch, try stand up paddl boarding, go on a glass bottom boat tour, book a guided snorkel tour, book a visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre 
• Family Deal - Save $91 based on 2 adults & 2 children

The boat ride to Fitzroy Island offers the choice of an exhilarating open position on the top deck or inside the air conditioned cabin for guests visiting this World Heritage-listed gem on a half day tour. Explore the island walks, snorkelling the reef or simply relax on the beach.

What to Expect

Experience the beauty of Fitzroy Island and the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns with a half-day tour that offers a late start, perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely morning. Departing at 11:00 am, the 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns provides stunning views, whether you choose the open top deck or the air-conditioned cabin. Once on Fitzroy Island, you'll have ample time to explore the lush rainforest, snorkel the vibrant reef, hike the mountainous trails or simply relax on the pristine beaches.

Fitzroy Island, part of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, offers a variety of activities to suit all interests on a half day tour from Cairns. From snorkelling and glass bottom boat tours to hiking and visiting the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, there's something for everyone.

Features and Highlights

Scenic Ferry Boat Ride To Fitzroy Island

• Comfortable Travel: Enjoy the 45-minute journey from Cairns on a modern ferry.
• Choice of Seating: Opt for the exhilarating open top deck or the air-conditioned cabin.

Fitzroy Island Activities

• Snorkelling: Wade into the clear waters and explore the fringing coral reefs teeming with marine life with your snorkelling gear.
• Glass Bottom Boat Ride: Stay dry while viewing the vibrant underwater world.
• Guided Snorkelling Tours: Pre-book a snorkelling tour to see the outer reefs and diverse marine species.

Hiking Fitzroy Island Trails

• Summit Walk: Climb to the island’s highest point for breathtaking views of Fitzroy Island and the mainland (2.5 hours).
• Lighthouse Trek: A moderate hike leading to the historic lighthouse (1.5 hours).
• Secret Garden and Nudey Beach Tracks: Shorter, moderate walks showcasing the island's diverse landscapes.

Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

• Educational Tours: Learn about the rehabilitation of sick and injured sea turtles at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Tours are available at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm, with limited spots.

Relaxation

• Beaches: Spend your time sunbathing or swimming at the island’s beautiful beaches. Please note the main beach is made up of coral so its best to have reef shoes.  
• Foxy’s Bar: Enjoy a meal and a cocktail at this island restaurant.

Fitzroy Island Half Day Tour Itinerary

Departure

• 10:30 am: Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns.
• 11:00 am: Depart Cairns for Fitzroy Island on a comfortable ferry.

On the Island Activities

• 11:45 am - 2:00 pm:
  • Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat Tours: Explore the underwater world or enjoy dry viewing options.
  • Hiking: Choose from various trails based on your preference and fitness level.
  • Turtle Rehabilitation Centre: Attend the 1:00 pm tour to learn about the centre’s efforts in turtle conservation.
  • Relaxation: Unwind on the beaches or enjoy a meal at Foxy’s Bar.

Return to Cairns

• 1:30 pm: Return any hired equipment.
• 1:45 pm: Check-in for the return ferry.
• 2:00 pm: Depart Fitzroy Island.
• 2:45 pm: Arrive back in Cairns.

Experience the best of Fitzroy Island with our half-day tour, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation on the Great Barrier Reef. Book now for an unforgettable island escape!

See all half day Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns and full day tours from Cairns. 

Learn more from our blogs, Green Island or Fitzroy Island, Fitzroy Island with mobility issues, 

Enjoy a Late Start Great Barrier Reef Tour

For those who like a sleep-in, our half day Great Barrier Reef tour package provides a more efficient way of exploring Fitzroy Island. With a later departure time of 11.00am our mode of transport will have you disembarking at the shores of Fitzroy Island only 45 minutes after pushing off from the Reef Fleet Terminal.

Check in at 10:30am for an 11.00am departure and prepare yourself for a lovely day on this tropical island!

What Can You Do On Fitzroy Island?

With so much to see and do on Fitzroy Island, make the most of your half day tour by pre-booking your preferred activities.

Choose to hire some snorkel equipment or join a glass bottom boat tour.

Activities on Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is a national park, boasting incredible, unspoilt natural beauty. The diverse landscape, of granite outcrops, rainforest, open woodlands, mangroves and coral beaches, means there are a number of unique exploratory walks you can do around the island.  

You might choose to climb the 269m to the summit (2.5 hours), with its breathtaking views of the island and mainland. Or the lighthouse trek (1.5 hours), Secret Garden or Nudey Beach tracks could be a more suitable option – these are graded moderate in their difficulty. 

Alternatively, relax on the beach and swim in the clear, calm waters. If you haven’t pre-ordered a packed picnic lunch, there is the option of Foxy’s Bar on the island for a meal and a cocktail.

Take a Trip to the Turtles

You can’t visit Fitzroy without visiting the Fitzroy Island campus of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Run completely by volunteers it’s a non-profit organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick and injured sea turtles.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles and several these are seriously threatened.

The educational tours run at 1.00pm and 2.00pm every day. As a Half Day guest, the 1.00pm tour option is for you so book as soon as you arrive at the General Store on the island as spots are limited to 15 people per tour.

Ferry Return to Cairns

Check-in for your return fast boat to Cairns is at 1.45pm sharp so all equipment must be returned by 1.30pm. Departing at 2.00pm, the ferry boat should have you back in Cairns within 45 minutes for you to return to your hotle or get ready to explore some of the city sights.

Book a full day tour to Fitzroy Island here.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

Check in 10.15am - Departs 10:45AM - Departs Fitzroy 2.00pm - Arrive back in Cairns 2.45pm

Destinations

• Fitzroy Island
• Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

4.5 hours in total - 2 hours on the island

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Glass Bottom Boat Tour | 30 minutes
• Snorkel Equipment Hire
• Picnic Lunch | Dietary Requirements must be advised prior to travel

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

• Baggage, weather, medical and seating restrictions apply
• Activities on the island include tracks which are graded as difficult, requiring a high level of fitness
• Guests visiting the island are to use the public bathroom facilities at the camping ground at no further charge
• Please note the beaches on Fitzroy Island are not patrolled by surf life savers

Additional Information

Guests can bring own snacks and bottled water

Eco Certifications

• Hat
• Swimmers
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Cash or credit card for additional purchases
• Sandals or walking shoes
• Sun safe clothing
• Water bottle

• Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive
• Infants 3 and under travel free but must be booked
• Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times