Fitzroy Island Adventures Fitzroy Island Full Day Tour + Snorkel Experience

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A full day on Fitzroy Island from Cairns with a guided snorkel from the beach led by a marine biologist, gear included, and the rest of the day for the beach, the reef and the rainforest trails.

Days

About 6 to 8 hours

Group size

Shared boat, guided snorkel group

Start / finish

Cairns / Fitzroy Island / Cairns
Marlin Marina, Cairns, about 4:45pm

Return

Marlin Marina, Cairns, about 4:45pm

Transport

Catamaran, about 45 minutes each way

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Fitzroy Island Adventures Fitzroy Island Full Day Tour + Snorkel Experience

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Included experiences

Guided snorkel — 35 minutes from the beach with a marine biologist
Welcome Bay — swim in the shallows of the coral beach
Nudey Beach — 1.2 km walk to one of the island's few sandy beaches
Lighthouse and summit — steep morning walks with views over the reef

Fitzroy Island Adventures Fitzroy Island Full Day Tour + Snorkel Experience

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO FITZROY ISLAND

Your day starts at Marlin Marina in Cairns, where you check in on board for the 8:30am or 10:45am departure, whichever you booked. The crossing takes about 45 minutes, in the air-conditioned cabin or up on the sun deck, out past Cape Grafton to an island about 25 km offshore. 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.

THE GUIDED SNORKEL FROM THE BEACH

Your snorkel experience is a 35-minute guided swim straight off the beach with a marine biologist, with the mask, snorkel and fins included. There's no boat to jump from, which makes it a gentle first go for beginners and families. The fringing reef grows right up to the shore here, so the coral starts a few kicks from the sand. Your guide points out parrotfish, whose beaks grind dead coral into much of the white sand on reef beaches, and clownfish darting in and out of anemones whose sting they are protected from by a coat of mucus. The snorkel is timed to the tide, so the crew confirm when on the day.

THE REST OF THE DAY: BEACHES AND RAINFOREST

Between swims the island is yours. Welcome Bay, the main beach, is a coral beach with shallows that suit non-swimmers, and the reef starts at either end of it. The Secret Garden walk takes about 45 minutes return through rainforest, where orange-footed scrubfowl rake leaf litter into mound nests metres across and let the heat of the rotting leaves hatch their eggs. The Nudey Beach walk, also about 45 minutes, ends at one of the island's few sandy beaches, named Australia's best beach by coastal writer Brad Farmer in 2016. On the 8:30am boat there's time for the steep Lighthouse track, 3.6 km and about 2 hours, or the 4.2 km Summit circuit of about 3 hours. Foxy's Bar and Bistro sells lunch and drinks.

AFTERNOON: BACK TO CAIRNS

Be back on board by 3:45pm for the 4pm departure. The run home takes the same 45 minutes, so grab a seat on the sun deck for a last look at the island's forested slopes. You're back at Marlin Marina at about 4:45pm, with the evening free in Cairns.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: On board the boat, moored at A Finger, Marlin Marina, next to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal (1 Spence Street). Check in about 30 minutes before departure; directions are sent the day before.
Departure time: 8:30am or 10:45am from Cairns, set when you book. The guided snorkel time depends on the tide and is confirmed on the day.
Finishes: The boat leaves the island at 4pm (be on board by 3:45pm) and reaches Marlin Marina at about 4:45pm. Return times are confirmed when you book.
Fitness: The guided snorkel starts from the beach, so you don't need to jump off a boat. It is still open water, with tides and currents.
Suits: Families, first-time snorkellers and anyone who wants a guide to explain the reef. Children are welcome, and the beach shallows suit non-swimmers.
Please note: Scuba diving is not offered. Stingers are most likely from October to May.

What to bring

Towel, swimwear and a change of clothes
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Reef shoes or thongs for the coral beach
Cash or a card for food and drinks

What is included

Return boat transfers between Cairns and Fitzroy Island
35 minute guided snorkel from the beach with a marine biologist
Snorkel equipment for the guided snorkel

Not included

Lunch (a picnic lunch can be added, or buy food at Foxy's Bar and Bistro)
Glass bottom boat and snorkel safari
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

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

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.

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 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

5.0

Based on 2 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.

(5/5)

We booked the family on the beginner's snorkel experience with the island ferry, and John was amazing on the snorkel tour. We all had a fantastic day.

Brad Holt Verified· Travelled 9th August 2025

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(5/5)

Thanks to Gemma for her great help on our snorkel experience.

David Wang Verified· Travelled 21st August 2024

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