Fitzroy Island Adventures Fitzroy Island Day Tour + Snorkeling Gear & Glass Bottom Boat

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A full day on Fitzroy Island, 45 minutes by fast ferry from Cairns, with snorkel gear for the fringing reef off the beach and a glass-bottom boat ride around the island. You get up to six hours to snorkel, swim, walk the rainforest and look for sea turtles.

Days

Full day, up to 6 hours on the island

Age

All ages; under 16s with a parent or guardian

Group size

Shared ferry and self-guided island day

Start / finish

Cairns / Fitzroy Island / Cairns
Cairns, ferry leaves the island at 4pm

Return

Cairns, ferry leaves the island at 4pm

Transport

Return fast ferry, 45 minutes each way

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Fitzroy Island Adventures Fitzroy Island Day Tour + Snorkeling Gear & Glass Bottom Boat

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Included experiences

Glass-bottom boat — ride over the coral around the island
Welcome Bay — snorkel the fringing reef straight off the beach
Nudey Beach — 20 minute rainforest walk to a coral beach
Summit walk — climb through national park for views over the reef
Sea turtles — green turtles are often seen around the island

Fitzroy Island Adventures Fitzroy Island Day Tour + Snorkeling Gear & Glass Bottom Boat

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO FITZROY ISLAND

Check in on the boat itself, moored at Finger A on Marlin Wharf in central Cairns, about half an hour before it leaves at 8:30am or 10:45am, whichever you've booked. The afternoon before, you get an email and a text with a map of the marina. The ferry is fast and stable, with seats inside or up on the open top deck, and the crossing takes about 45 minutes while the crew talk about the island. Ahead, Fitzroy Island rises high and green out of the sea. It's a continental island, the granite top of a ridge that was joined to the mainland when sea levels were lower, and Captain Cook named it in 1770 after the Duke of Grafton, Augustus FitzRoy.

LATE MORNING: THE REEF OFF WELCOME BAY

When you land, the crew hand out your mask, snorkel and fins, plus a lycra stinger suit and a flotation vest. Welcome Bay, the main beach, is made of broken coral rather than sand, and the fringing reef starts only metres from the water's edge at either end. Float over hard and soft corals, watch parrotfish crunching coral with their beak-like teeth, and look for clownfish darting in and out of their anemones. Green sea turtles are often seen, and small reef sharks are quite common, though nothing is guaranteed. The shallows are calm enough for children and nervous swimmers, and from November to May the lycra suit keeps stingers off.

THE GLASS BOTTOM BOAT

Your glass bottom boat ride takes you around the island over some of its best coral, with staff explaining what passes under the glass. It usually runs in the morning, at a time set on the day to suit the tide. It's the best way to see turtles, butterflyfish and wrasse without getting wet, and handy if anyone in your group would rather not swim. The ride often sells out, so it's good to have it already in your booking.

AFTERNOON: RAINFOREST WALKS

Most of the island is national park, and a short walk takes you into rainforest of figs, palms and granite boulders. The track to Nudey Beach takes about 20 minutes each way over rocks and small bridges, to a cove named Australia's best beach in 2018. Longer walks climb to the summit and the Fitzroy Island Lighthouse, built in 1973 and one of the last staffed lighthouses built in Australia, with views over the reef back to the mainland. Lunch isn't included: add a picnic lunch when you book, or buy food at Foxy's Bar. Take water and good shoes, as the tracks aren't patrolled.

LATE AFTERNOON: BACK TO CAIRNS

Make the most of the last hour with a swim or a rest in the shade, then be back at the jetty by about 3:45pm. The ferry leaves Fitzroy at 4pm and gets you back to Marlin Wharf at about 4:45pm, as the island fades behind you.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The ferry at Finger A, Marlin Wharf, Cairns, opposite the Pier Shopping Centre. Check in at the boat about 30 minutes before departure.
Departure time: 8:30am or 10:45am from Cairns; your sailing is confirmed when you book.
Finishes: The return ferry leaves Fitzroy Island at 4pm and takes about 45 minutes.
Minimum age: No minimum age. Child fares are for ages 4 to 15; under 4s travel free but must be booked. Under 16s travel with a parent or guardian.
Fitness: Snorkelling is from the beach in shallow water. The Nudey Beach walk is about 20 minutes each way with rocks and steps, and the tracks aren't suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
Suits: Families and swimmers of most levels, as the reef starts right off the beach. Guests with vision or hearing impairment get help boarding, and guests with high support needs are welcome with a carer.
Please note: Stingers are in the water from November to May, so wear the lycra suit. The beaches and walking tracks aren't patrolled. Water is about 29°C in summer and 22°C in winter.

What to bring

Swimwear and a towel
Hat, sunglasses and reef-friendly sunscreen
Good shoes and water for the walks
Seasickness tablets if you need them
Camera

What is included

Return ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island
Glass-bottom boat tour around the island
Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins) for the day
Lycra stinger suit and flotation vest
Fitzroy Island facilities levy

Not included

Hotel transfers (there are none; parking is close to the wharf)
Lunch (a picnic lunch can be added)
Guided snorkel tours with a marine biologist (can be added)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.