Sunlover Reef Cruises Reef & Fitzroy Island in a Day

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The outer Great Barrier Reef and a rainforest island in one day from Cairns: two and a half hours at Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon in the morning, then a buffet lunch and free time on Fitzroy Island in the afternoon. Sunlover is the only operator that combines the two in a single trip.

Days

Full day, about 8.5 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Shared reef and island cruise

Start / finish

Cairns / Moore Reef / Fitzroy Island / Cairns
Reef Fleet Terminal, about 4:30pm

Return

Reef Fleet Terminal, about 4:30pm

Transport

Large air-conditioned catamaran from Cairns

Meals

Buffet lunch at Fitzroy Island Resort

Route

Map of Sunlover Reef Cruises Reef & Fitzroy Island in a Day

View map

Included experiences

Moore Reef pontoon — snorkel the outer reef from the platform
Glass bottom boat and semi-submersible — see the coral without getting wet
Underwater observatory — watch reef life through the windows
Zephyr's, Fitzroy Island — buffet lunch overlooking Welcome Bay
Nudey Beach — a 15-minute rainforest walk to a coral beach
Welcome Bay — swim or snorkel off the island beach

Sunlover Reef Cruises SPECIAL - Reef & Fitzroy Island in a Day

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: CAIRNS TO MOORE REEF

This is an early start, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Check in at the Sunlover desk in the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns from 7am, and the air-conditioned catamaran leaves at 8am down Trinity Inlet, named for the bay Captain Cook sailed into on Trinity Sunday in 1770. Tea and coffee are on as you cross about an hour and a half of open water to Moore Reef, 47 km offshore on the outer edge of the reef.

MID MORNING: 2.5 HOURS ON THE OUTER REEF

You tie up at Sunlover's two-storey pontoon at about 9:30am. Snorkel gear, a lycra suit and a buoyancy vest are yours to use, and lifeguards keep watch over the snorkelling area, where resident turtles and Maori wrasse often cruise past. The wrasse can grow to about two metres, and some switch from female to male as they age. Prefer to stay dry? The glass bottom boat, the semi-submersible and the underwater observatory all show you the coral. Children have an enclosed ocean pool, and everyone can try the 30-metre waterslide, the only one on the Great Barrier Reef.

MIDDAY: LUNCH ON FITZROY ISLAND

At midday you reboard and head for Fitzroy Island, which Cook also named in 1770 and which is now about 99 per cent national park rainforest. You arrive at about 12:45pm and go straight to lunch: a premium buffet at Zephyr's, the restaurant at Fitzroy Island Resort, looking out over Welcome Bay. Wine, beer and soft drinks can be bought from the bar.

AFTERNOON: THE ISLAND IS YOURS

After lunch you're free until 3:30pm. Swim off the beach at Welcome Bay, where the coral starts metres from the shore, or hire snorkel gear on the island to look for parrotfish and green turtles. The walk to Nudey Beach takes 15 minutes through the rainforest to a cove of white coral rubble and granite boulders. The Secret Garden track is a short loop where orange-footed scrubfowl rake leaves into nesting mounds that the rotting litter keeps warm. A guided rainforest walk or the Turtle Talk at the island's turtle rehabilitation centre can be added at extra cost. The boat leaves at 3:30pm and you're back in Cairns at about 4:30pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Sunlover desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns, opposite The Pier and the Shangri-La. Check in 7 to 7:30am with your booking confirmation and photo ID; the boat can't wait for late arrivals. Paid parking is at the Lagoon car park and The Pier car park, both off Pier Point Road.
Departure time: 8am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Finishes: Back at the Reef Fleet Terminal at about 4:30pm.
Minimum age: No minimum age. Infants under 4 travel free but must be included in the booking, and children under 12 must be watched by an adult at all times.
Fitness: Relaxed. The island walks range from a gentle 45-minute loop to steep tracks of 2 to 3 hours, so pick one to suit you.
Accessibility: There is no wheelchair access for the Fitzroy Island part of the day, and gangways onto the boat and pontoon are narrow.
Please note: You get less time at each place than on the separate Moore Reef or Fitzroy Island day trips. The resort's pool and guest areas are for hotel guests only; day visitors can use Foxy's Bar, the General Store, public toilets and rinse showers. Kayak tours are no longer offered on the island.

What to bring

Swimsuit and towel
SPF 30+ sunscreen (reef friendly recommended)
Hat, sunglasses and a t-shirt or rash vest for the sun
Reef shoes or sturdy footwear for Fitzroy Island, whose beaches are coral rubble rather than sand
A dry change of clothes for the trip home
Cash or card for purchases (AUD cash, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, WeChat Pay; no American Express)
Motion sickness tablets if you are prone, taken before you leave
Water bottle and camera

What is included

Return air-conditioned catamaran: Cairns, Moore Reef, Fitzroy Island, Cairns
2.5 hours at the Moore Reef pontoon
Snorkel gear at the reef, including lycra suit and buoyancy vest
Glass bottom boat tour at Moore Reef (conditions permitting)
Semi-submersible tour (subject to wind conditions)
Underwater observatory, sun deck and waterslide
Kids snorkel training area and enclosed ocean pool
Tea and coffee on boarding and while at the reef
Premium buffet lunch at Zephyr's, Fitzroy Island Resort
Free time on Fitzroy Island, with its self-guided national park walks and beaches

Not included

Hotel transfers to the Reef Fleet Terminal
Snorkel gear on Fitzroy Island (hire available on the island)
Drinks with lunch, snacks and other purchases
Optional extras: guided snorkel tour, scuba dive, Seawalker helmet dive or helicopter flight at the reef; guided rainforest walk or Turtle Talk on the island
Paid lockers on the island

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.

Reviews

4.9

Based on 9 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(4/5)

A great trip with friendly, helpful staff and excellent food on Fitzroy Island. I only wished we'd had longer at Moore Reef, but overall it was amazing.

sanjana baral Verified· Travelled 21st October 2026

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(5/5)

A fantastic day at Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island. It was overcast but we still saw plenty of coral and fish. The trip out was rough and many passengers were seasick, so take tablets if staff warn you. My wife and son enjoyed the glass-bottom boat, lunch on the island was great and the kids loved the beach.

Chris Diprose Verified· Travelled 5th October 2026

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(5/5)

Moore Reef and the waterslide were awesome and Fitzroy Island was gorgeous. The team were lovely, the boat was clean, and they even retrieved a sentimental hat of mine that blew away.

EFP Photography Verified· Travelled 17th September 2026

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(5/5)

Our favourite memory of our family holiday to Cairns. Everything was organised so we could simply enjoy a day at the reef and Fitzroy Island, and our kids loved learning from Erica, the marine biologist on board.

Kate Pianto Verified· Travelled 7th September 2026

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(5/5)

A wonderful trip to the reef and Fitzroy Island on a modern, clean boat with happy staff. Erica was great on the snorkelling tour.

Wayne Peach (WDP) Verified· Travelled 5th September 2026

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(5/5)

An incredible day at Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island. As a non-swimmer I was nervous, but the guided snorkel with Erica, the marine biologist, felt safe and was packed with information. The glass-bottom boat was fun, and we finished with a lovely lunch on Fitzroy.

Dhruvi Gajjar Verified· Travelled 31st August 2026

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