Fitzroy Island Resort Fitzroy Island Full Day Tour from Cairns – Return Ferry (8am-5pm) & Glass Bottom Boat Tour (9:30am)

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See the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet: a full day on Fitzroy Island from Cairns, with a 45 minute glass bottom boat trip over the coral at 9:30am and the rest of the day free until the 5pm ferry.

Days

Full day, 8am to 5:45pm

Age

Under 18s must travel with an adult

Group size

Shared glass bottom boat, then a self-guided day

Start / finish

Cairns / Fitzroy Island / Cairns
Cairns Marlin Marina, about 5:45pm

Return

Cairns Marlin Marina, about 5:45pm

Transport

Fitzroy Flyer ferry, about 45 minutes each way

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Fitzroy Island Resort Fitzroy Island Full Day Tour from Cairns – Return Ferry (8am-5pm) & Glass Bottom Boat Tour (9:30am)

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Included experiences

Glass bottom boat — 45 minutes over the reef around the island
Nudey Beach — 45 minute return walk to a boulder-framed beach
Summit and lighthouse — 2.5 hour loop with views to the reef
Secret Garden — short rainforest walk for birdlife
Turtle Rehabilitation Centre — talk on caring for sick sea turtles (extra cost)

Fitzroy Island Resort Fitzroy Island Full Day Tour from Cairns | Return Ferry (8am-5pm) & Glass Bottom Boat Tour (9:30am)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO FITZROY ISLAND

Head to Berth 20 on the Marlin Marina wharf in Cairns for the 8am Fitzroy Flyer. The air-conditioned ferry takes about 45 minutes to cross to the island, and from about June to September keep watch for humpback whales, which travel this coast in winter. Fitzroy Island, whose Gunggandji name is Gabarra, is a granite hilltop that was cut off from the mainland when the sea rose at the end of the last ice age. James Cook named it in 1770 after Augustus FitzRoy, Duke of Grafton, and most of it is now national park.

9:30AM: THE GLASS BOTTOM BOAT

Check in at the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub (FISH), opposite the resort pool, at 9am for the 9:30am glass bottom boat. For 45 minutes you look down through the hull at the coral gardens around the island, and you never get wet, which makes it the easy way to see the reef with young children or non-swimmers. Each coral head is a colony of thousands of tiny animals called polyps, coloured by algae living in their tissue. Reef fish and clownfish dart between them, and green turtles are often seen grazing in Welcome Bay, the calm bay in front of the resort.

THE REST OF THE DAY: THE NATIONAL PARK

Most of the island is national park, with three walking tracks to choose from. The Secret Garden walk is an easy 45 minutes return through rainforest where orange-footed scrubfowl rake leaf litter into mound nests metres across, letting the heat of the rotting leaves hatch their eggs. The Nudey Beach walk, also about 45 minutes, crosses three small bridges to a cove framed by granite boulders, named Australia's best beach by coastal writer Brad Farmer in 2016. The Summit and Lighthouse loop takes about 2.5 hours, climbing from rainforest into open woodland past Second World War remains, with views over Welcome Bay to the reef. In summer, start it early.

AFTERNOON: TURTLES AND THE FERRY HOME

Book ahead and you can join a turtle talk at 2:15pm or 2:45pm at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, a volunteer-run hospital where sick and injured sea turtles are nursed until they can go back to the sea (extra cost, not on Mondays). Lunch and drinks are sold at Foxy's Bar, the pool bar, Zephyr Restaurant and the general store. Be at the jetty at least 20 minutes before the 5pm ferry. As the Flyer pulls away, the island's forested ridges drop behind you, and you're back at Marlin Marina at about 5:45pm with the evening free in Cairns.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Fitzroy Flyer, Berth 20, Marlin Marina wharf, Cairns (Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, beside the Pier Marketplace and the Shangri-La). Check in at the boat with your booking name and QR code at least 30 minutes before departure.
Departure time: 8am from Cairns. Check in for the glass bottom boat at FISH, opposite the resort pool, at 9am.
Finishes: 5pm ferry from Fitzroy Island, arriving in Cairns at about 5:45pm. Be at the island jetty at least 20 minutes before.
Minimum age: Anyone under 18 must travel with an adult. Child fares are for ages 4 to 13; under 4s are infants.
Suits: Families, young children and non-swimmers who want to see the reef, as well as couples, solo travellers and photographers. The ferry has ramp access.
Please note: The ferry cannot carry bags of 20 kg or more, eskies, cooler boxes, beach trolleys, stand up paddleboards or kayaks. Day visitors are asked not to bring their own food or alcohol. Stingers are most likely from October to May.

What to bring

Swimwear and a towel
Reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
Walking shoes and water for the national park tracks

What is included

Return Fitzroy Flyer ferry: 8am from Cairns, 5pm from Fitzroy Island
45 minute glass bottom boat tour at 9:30am

Not included

Food and drink (sold at Foxy's Bar, the pool bar, Zephyr Restaurant and the general store)
Snorkel gear, stinger suit and life jacket hire
Turtle Rehabilitation Centre talk (book ahead; non-refundable)
Kayaks and guided snorkel tours
Parking in Cairns

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

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.

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.

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.