Paddleboarder above a green sea turtle in clear water off Fitzroy Island
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Fitzroy Island – Half Day Tour (+ Options)

from A$99
5 hours
Cairns
All Ages (0+)
Free Cancellation (48 hours prior)

Cross to Fitzroy Island on the 45 minute Fitzroy Flyer from Cairns and spend half a day on a rainforest island ringed by fringing reef. Choose a morning trip with a glass bottom boat tour, or an afternoon crossing with free time for Nudey Beach, rainforest walks and snorkelling. Two options are available, so pick the half that suits you.

  • Paddleboarder above a green sea turtle in clear water off Fitzroy Island
  • A snorkeller swims underwater near a large sea turtle resting on a coral reef, surrounded by clear blue water and vibrant marine life—an unforgettable experience often enjoyed on a Fitzroy Island Day Tour. | Aussie Loop
  • Two scuba divers observe and point at various corals on a vibrant reef underwater, surrounded by clear blue water and marine life—a breathtaking experience often enjoyed on a Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • A small boat travels across clear blue water near a lush, green island with a sandy shoreline under a clear sky—an idyllic scene reminiscent of a Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • Two people walk up a ramp from a sandy shore to a Fitzroy Island Resort boat moored in clear, shallow water under a partly cloudy sky, ready to begin their Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • A blue and white catamaran boat approaches a tropical island shore with clear water, distant mountains, and leafy plants in the foreground, capturing the essence of a Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • A woman sits on a rock whilst a man stands nearby on a beach with clear water, rocks, and mountains in the background under a blue sky—capturing the serene beauty of a Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • Two people paddleboard near a tropical beach with clear blue water, palm trees, and a bright sunny sky on a Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • A woman walks on a forest path past a sign reading “Welcome to Fitzroy Island National Park” in tropical greenery, capturing the serene beginning of her Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • A person reaches for chips on a plate with a burger, next to a tropical drink, set on a table overlooking a calm blue sea—capturing the perfect moment during their Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • Two drinks sit on a wooden railing overlooking a sunny beach, with a sailboat on the water and a hilly island in the background—perfectly capturing the relaxing atmosphere of a Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • Three plates of food, including fried calamari, tacos, and a burger with chips, are set on a wooden railing overlooking the sea on a sunny day—a perfect moment to savour during your Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • Paddleboarder above a green sea turtle in clear water off Fitzroy Island
  • A snorkeller swims underwater near a large sea turtle resting on a coral reef, surrounded by clear blue water and vibrant marine life—an unforgettable experience often enjoyed on a Fitzroy Island Day Tour. | Aussie Loop
  • Two scuba divers observe and point at various corals on a vibrant reef underwater, surrounded by clear blue water and marine life—a breathtaking experience often enjoyed on a Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • A small boat travels across clear blue water near a lush, green island with a sandy shoreline under a clear sky—an idyllic scene reminiscent of a Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • Two people walk up a ramp from a sandy shore to a Fitzroy Island Resort boat moored in clear, shallow water under a partly cloudy sky, ready to begin their Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • A blue and white catamaran boat approaches a tropical island shore with clear water, distant mountains, and leafy plants in the foreground, capturing the essence of a Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • A woman sits on a rock whilst a man stands nearby on a beach with clear water, rocks, and mountains in the background under a blue sky—capturing the serene beauty of a Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • Two people paddleboard near a tropical beach with clear blue water, palm trees, and a bright sunny sky on a Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • A woman walks on a forest path past a sign reading “Welcome to Fitzroy Island National Park” in tropical greenery, capturing the serene beginning of her Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • A person reaches for chips on a plate with a burger, next to a tropical drink, set on a table overlooking a calm blue sea—capturing the perfect moment during their Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • Two drinks sit on a wooden railing overlooking a sunny beach, with a sailboat on the water and a hilly island in the background—perfectly capturing the relaxing atmosphere of a Fitzroy Island Day Tour.
  • Three plates of food, including fried calamari, tacos, and a burger with chips, are set on a wooden railing overlooking the sea on a sunny day—a perfect moment to savour during your Fitzroy Island Day Tour.

Quick read before you book.

  • Spot wild sea turtles over the fringing reef through a glass bottom boat
  • Swim at Nudey Beach, the island's award winning beach
  • Rainforest tracks from the easy Secret Garden to the Summit climb
  • Snorkel straight off the beach, no boat needed
  • Back in Cairns around 1pm or 5:45pm, with the rest of your day free

What people say about this operator.

Google Reviews
3.9 Stars|65 reviews

What could be better?

Honestly, not much. If you're prone to seasickness, grab a seat upstairs in the fresh air for a comfier crossing.

Summarised by AI, verify on Google Business Profile before booking

Included in this tour.

  • Return Fitzroy Flyer ferry between Cairns and Fitzroy Island, about 45 minutes each way
  • Guided glass bottom boat tour of about 45 minutes, on the morning option
  • Free time on the island: about 3.5 hours on the morning option, a little under 3 hours in the afternoon
  • Access to the island's walking tracks and beaches

Commonly asked questions.

The Fitzroy Flyer departs from Berth 20 on the Marlin Marina Wharf, by the Reef Fleet Terminal at 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your 8:00am or 1:30pm departure with your booking name or QR code ready.

The morning trip leaves Cairns at 8:00am, includes a glass bottom boat tour, and returns from the island at 12:15pm. The afternoon trip leaves at 1:30pm and returns at 5:00pm, with your island time free to walk, swim or snorkel.

If the ferry or glass bottom boat cannot run, you will be offered another date or vessel arrangement, or a refund for the part that did not go ahead. Check your messages before you travel, as departure times can change at short notice.

Cancel at least 48 hours before your travel day for a refund, less any booking fees or surcharges.

Yes. Children 4 to 13 travel on a child fare, infants up to 3 travel free, and anyone under 18 must be with an adult. The glass bottom boat suits all ages, and our guide to the Great Barrier Reef for non swimmers has more ideas for little ones.

The Fitzroy Flyer has ramp access on and off the vessel. Island tracks vary from the easy Secret Garden walk to the more challenging Summit, so contact the resort ahead if you need help planning your visit.

Day visitors are asked not to bring their own food, and alcohol is not allowed on the island, but you can buy food and drinks at the resort's bars, restaurant and General Store. Pack swimwear, a towel and sun protection, and read up on stinger season in Cairns before you swim.
Day visitors can use council parking outside the Pier, undercover parking at the Pier or the casino, or all day outdoor parking near Trinity Wharf on Wharf Street, about two blocks away. Staying car free? Our guide to getting around Cairns without a car helps you reach the marina.

More about this tour.

Fitzroy Island sits about 45 minutes from Cairns on the Fitzroy Flyer, close enough that half a day gives you real time on a rainforest island with fringing reef right off the beach. This trip suits you if you want reef and rainforest without giving up a whole day, or if you are fitting the island around other plans.The morning option adds a glass bottom boat tour over the island's fringing reef: 45 minutes looking down on soft corals, reef fish and the wild sea turtles that live around Fitzroy, with a guide talking you through what passes underneath. It is an easy way for non swimmers and younger kids to see the reef without getting wet.Ashore, the island is yours. Take the easy Secret Garden walk, tackle the more challenging Summit track, or follow the trail to Nudey Beach for a swim. Snorkel gear, kayaks and stinger suits can be hired on the island, and food and drinks are sold at the resort's bars, restaurant and General Store.This tour has multiple options;
  • Morning: Fitzroy Flyer from Cairns at 8:00am, glass bottom boat tour on the island, return ferry at 12:15pm
  • Afternoon: Fitzroy Flyer from Cairns at 1:30pm, free time on the island, return ferry at 5:00pm
Want longer on the sand? The Fitzroy Island day tour gives you the full day, and the turtle rescue work you hear about on the island has a city counterpart on the Cairns Turtle Hospital tour at Cairns Aquarium. Explore the two options below, check availability for your date, then book the one that suits your day.

Additional info.

Check in at Berth 20 on the Marlin Marina Wharf, by the Reef Fleet Terminal at 1 Spence Street, Cairns, at least 30 minutes before departure. Give your booking name to the crew or have your QR code ready to scan. On the island, be at the jetty at least 15 minutes before your return ferry, or 20 minutes for the 5pm service.
  • Fares: adult 14 years and over, child 4 to 13, and infants 0 to 3 travel free. Anyone under 18 must travel with an adult.
  • The Fitzroy Flyer has ramp access on and off the vessel. Island tracks range from easy to challenging, so contact the resort ahead if you have limited mobility.
  • Day visitors are asked not to bring their own food. Alcohol cannot be brought to the island, and any found is held until you leave.
  • The ferry cannot carry items of 20kg or more, eskies, cooler boxes, beach trolleys, stand up paddleboards or kayaks.
  • Pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection and water. Stinger suits are available to hire on the island.
  • If weather or vessel issues stop the ferry or glass bottom boat running, you will be offered another date or vessel arrangement, or a refund for the affected part. Departure times can change at short notice, so watch for messages before you travel.
  • Cancel at least 48 hours before your travel day for a refund, less any booking fees or surcharges.
  • In February and March, the 12:15pm return service does not run Monday to Thursday.