About this tour
Spend six hours on Fitzroy Island, a short ferry ride from Cairns. This package combines return boat transfers with snorkelling gear, a guided glass-bottom boat tour to view coral and fish without getting wet, self-guided walking trails through the island's bushland, and a packed lunch. It's a straightforward way to experience the reef and island landscape in a single day, with minimal fuss and no early starts.
Highlights
- 55-minute ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island
- Glass-bottom boat tour of coral gardens
- Snorkel directly from the island's beaches
- Explore bush tracks at your own pace
- Picnic lunch included; all-day island access
- Reef views without diving certification needed
What to expect
You'll board a ferry in the morning and arrive at Fitzroy Island mid-morning. The glass-bottom boat departs at a set time, letting you watch reef life from a dry hull—useful if you want to scout snorkelling spots first. After returning to shore, grab your hired snorkel gear and enter the water from the beach or designated areas. Reef sits close to the island, so you won't swim far. Between water time, walk the island's gentle trails through rainforest, spot wildlife, and find quiet spots. Lunch is eaten on the island (bring water). You'll catch an afternoon ferry back to Cairns.
Good to know
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and water beyond what's packed. The island has limited shade; consider a rash vest for sun protection while snorkelling. There's a small general store for forgotten items, but prices are high. Book the mandatory reef tax ($4 adults, $2 children) when purchasing tickets.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.