Sunlover Reef Cruises ADD-ON - Reef & Island - Turtle Talk

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Add a visit to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre to your Sunlover Reef and Island day: a short rainforest walk on Fitzroy Island, then about 35 minutes with the volunteers who nurse sick and injured sea turtles back to health. Every dollar of the ticket goes to the centre.

Days

About 35 minutes

Group size

Up to 10 guests a day

Start / finish

Fitzroy Island jetty / turtle centre / jetty

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

On foot from the Fitzroy Island jetty

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Sunlover Reef Cruises ADD-ON - Reef & Island - Turtle Talk

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Included experiences

Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre — meet sea turtles in care
Turtle talk — species of the area and the dangers they face
Rainforest path — 500 metre walk above the beach

Sunlover Reef Cruises ADD-ON - Reef & Island - Turtle Talk

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

AFTER LUNCH: INTO THE RAINFOREST

This is an add-on for the afternoon of Sunlover's Reef and Island day, after your morning at Moore Reef and lunch on Fitzroy Island. Almost all of the island is national park, and it is a granite continental island rather than a coral cay. At the set time you meet your guide near the jetty, at the spot marked on the island map, and walk about 500 metres through the rainforest to the turtle centre's island base, which sits among the trees above the beach. Places are capped at ten a day, so it is a small group.

THE TURTLE TALK

The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is a non-profit run by volunteers, and every dollar of your ticket goes to it. Your guide introduces the turtles currently in care and explains the species found in these waters: six of the world's seven sea turtle species live in Australian seas, and green turtles are the ones you are most likely to meet on the reef. You hear what brings them in, from boat strikes to swallowed plastic and fishing line, and how each one is nursed back to health until it is well enough to be released back to the sea. The session runs for about 35 minutes.

BACK TO THE BEACH

The walk back to the jetty leaves the rest of your island time free. Welcome Bay, right by the jetty, has coral just metres off the beach and green turtles of its own, so it's worth a look after meeting the patients. The boat back to Cairns leaves Fitzroy Island at 3:30pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Near the Fitzroy Island jetty, where Sunlover's guided tours meet; the island map marks it. The centre is about 500 metres away on foot.
Departure time: A set time during the afternoon on Fitzroy Island, given on the day.
Duration: About 35 minutes.
Suits: Families, and anyone who wants a dry activity on the island.
Please note: Only for guests on Sunlover's Reef and Island day. Places are limited to 10 a day, so add it when you book the day.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes for the rainforest path
Water and a hat

What is included

Turtle Talk at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on Fitzroy Island, about 35 minutes
Guided presentation by the tour leader

Not included

The Reef and Island day itself, which is booked separately
Other island extras such as the guided snorkel tour or guided rainforest walk

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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.