• 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 

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, snorkel the reef or simply relax on the beach.

Adorned with lush rainforest, open woodland and coral beaches, Fitzroy Island is a part of the World Heritage-listed site of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is only a 45 minutes ferry ride away from the city of Cairns.

Join us for a half day tour to Fitzroy Island and explore the island walks, snorkel the reef or simply relax on the beach for a few hours of peace and serenity.

Boasting pristine, natural beauty, visitors can snorkel, stroll or go on a glass bottom boat tour or book a guided snorkel tour to see the outer coral reefs and marine life.

Alternatively, If you prefer hiking over snorkelling, there are a range of walking tracks through the national park, one of which leads up to the Fitzroy Island’s summit.

Take in the sweeping spectacle of the island and the mainland from here, then head back down to cool off at one of the beaches.

If you have time, squeeze in a visit to the island’s campus of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Places on the tours are limited though, so book as soon as you arrive on the island. 

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

Depart Cairns at 10:45AM, depart Fitzroy at 2:15PM. Arrive in Cairns at approx. 3PM

Destinations

Fitzroy Island

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

4 hours

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Glass Bottom Boat Tour (30 minutes)
• Snorkel Equipment Hire
• Snorkel Experience Tour | 35 Minutes
• Snorkel Safari Tour | 50 Minutes

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