Fitzroy Island Tours, Day Trips & Ferry Tickets

From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+

Luke

Australia

Jun 2024

I really like Fitzroy island beautiful water an very relaxing but due to a bad back I couldn't look around island walking treks so next time am there I be able to explore it better.

Sue

Australia

Oct 2023

Had an awesome day. The boat trip was beautiful the weather perfect and Fitzroy Island was fantastic. We snorkeled and relaxed under a shady tree looking and the beautiful water. The hot pasta and meatball lunch was ok although a little dry needed more sauce. It came with an apple and a nut and chocolate bar and water in a cute souvenir bottle. It was fun, I had an excellent day

Rhonda

United States

Sep 2023

The great tour guide/instructor. Perfect day. Only negative is when signing up for the trip headiut prints the total fee for Headiut!! They fail toention that there is a $30 fee for the park which is payable before bus may move. Very misleading thinking there are no additional fees!!

Helen

United Kingdom

Jul 2023

Very Professional .. good correspondence. Good level of equipment. Great course leader in Big Jayden who explained everything really clearly and in a measured way when we needed the info, Thrilling experience

Tracy

United Kingdom

Nov 2024

Loved the whole experience. The cable car over the rainforest with a very helpful forest guide Hamish. Enjoyed the butterflies at the sanctuary and the koala at the koala garden, loved that they were awake. The train ride back was brilliant too.

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Why choose a Fitzroy Island Great Barrier Reef Cruise

1/5

Easy and fast access from Cairns

Fitzroy Island is only 45 minutes from Cairns via a high-speed ferry, making it one of the most convenient Great Barrier Reef destinations. Unlike Outer Reef tours which take 90-120 minutes, Fitzroy offers a shorter journey with more time to explore the island.

Snorkeling right off the beach

Fitzroy Island gives you the option to snorkel directly from the shore. Known for their shallow, calm waters and fringing reefs, you can also find rich marine life like parrotfish, clownfish, and sea cucumbers.

Explore rainforest trails

Walk through lush rainforest and walking trails, and see historic landmarks. The Summit Track is a beautiful hike that takes around 45 minutes each way with the views of the Coral Sea and surrounding reefs. Other walks include the Lighthouse Road and the Secret Garden trail, each with different perspectives of the island.

Experience the reef on a short-day tour

If you’re short on time, Fitzroy Island allows you to experience the reef without committing to a full-day outer reef tour. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, or relax—all within minutes of stepping off the ferry.

Flexible options for day trips and overnight stays

Fitzroy Island is best for both day-trippers and overnight visitors. You can book a morning ferry and return in the afternoon, or stay the night at Fitzroy Island Resort and enjoy sunrise beach walks and late-night stargazing.

Everything you should know before booking a cruise to Fitzroy Island

Snorkeling vs scuba diving: Snorkeling requires no prior experience or training, making it suitable for nearly all ages and fitness levels. The tickets include gear rental and safety equipment like stinger suits during jellyfish season. Scuba diving, on the other hand, involves specialized equipment and basic training. Introductory dives are available for beginners but must be booked in advance and come at an additional cost.
Tour add-ons and experiences: The glass-bottom boat tour will give you a close-up view of coral and marine life without needing to swim. They are perfect for non-swimmers or young kids, starting at AU$97. A guided snorkel safari is perfect for those who want to explore deeper reef areas with a marine biologist. You can expect to pay AU$295 for the tour.
Ferry transfer vs tour package: Ferry-only tickets are great for independent travelers who want the flexibility to plan their own day—whether that’s hiking, snorkeling at their own pace, or simply relaxing on the beach. Day tours, on the other hand, are perfect for first-time visitors, families, or anyone who prefers a hassle-free experience. These packages often bundle in extras like snorkel gear, glass-bottom boat rides, or lunch—ideal if you want everything arranged in advance without worrying about add-ons.

Best Fitzroy Island ticket options

Group of tourists enjoying the Full Day Fitzroy Island Adventure Tour from Cairns, exploring the vibrant coral reefs and lush greenery of the island

Fitzroy Island day trips

Price range: From AU$97
Duration: 4–8 hours
Perfect for: Families, travelers who want to enjoy multiple activities, first-time visitors who prefer a guided, hassle-free experience

Optional upgrades:

Snorkel safari tours
Lunch packages
Equipment hire bundles (like kayaks and paddleboards)

Why choose this experience?

Half-day tours are great for a quick island getaway. They usually include snorkeling gear hire and beach access. Some tours may even add glass bottom boat experiences.
Full-day tours offer a complete island adventure. Expect snorkeling gear, access to stand-up paddleboards and glass bottom boat tours. Some tours include a delicious lunch or beach hire equipment.

Recommended experiences:

Full day Fitzroy Island tour

Half day Fitzroy Island tour

Fitzroy Island tour with snorkel safari

Tourists snorkeling at Fitzroy Island with Great Barrier Reef in view.

Fitzroy Island ferry transfers

Price range: From AU$105
Duration: 45 minutes ferry ride and time spent on the island
Perfect for: Solo travelers who want to hike, relax, or bring their own gear and budget-conscious visitors

Optional upgrades:

Snorkel equipment hire
Glass Bottom Boat tour
Snorkel and Glass Bottom Boat combo package

Why choose this experience:

Great for flexible plans: Spend the day hiking, snorkeling, or relaxing on the beach with a flexible schedule.
Simple and affordable: Includes return ferry travel, with optional upgrades for snorkel gear or reef tours.

Recommended experiences:

From Cairns: Fitzroy Island ferry transfers

From Cairns: Fitzroy Island with ferry, snorkel, glass bottom boat tour & lunch

Plan your cruise to Fitzroy Island

Snorkelers exploring coral reef near Fitzroy Island, glass-bottom boat tour, Cairns day trip experience.

Ferry departures from Cairns are usually scheduled for 8am, 11am, and 1:30pm.
Return ferries from Fitzroy Island usually depart at 12:15pm, 2:15pm, and 5pm.
Full-day tours usually operate on the 8am to 5pm timetable, offering about 5–6 hours on the island.
Arrive at the marina at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in.

Best time to visit

Winter (June to August): This is the best time to visit Fitzroy Island. The skies are sunny, the humidity is low, and the waters are calm and crystal-clear—perfect for snorkeling and exploring the reef. Plus, the marine life is super active, and the visibility underwater is in perfect condition.
Summer (December to February): Expect hot, humid weather and occasional heavy rainfall—this is the tropical wet season. While the island is lush and green, this period also overlaps with stinger season, so stinger suits are essential for snorkeling.

Ferries depart from the Cairns Marlin Marina, located centrally and easily accessible from most hotels within the CBD.
If you're arriving by car, allow time for parking, as the marina can get busy—paid parking is available at nearby lots.
Check-in generally starts 30 minutes prior to departure, and photo ID is required for all passengers.

Accessible restrooms with clear signage at a tourist attraction.

Fitzroy Island provides essential amenities including public restrooms, freshwater showers, and covered picnic tables near Welcome Bay.
A beach hire hut near the main beach offers snorkel gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and stinger suits for rent.
There is a dive centre for guests participating in scuba diving or snorkel safaris.
Wi-Fi access is limited, and mobile signals may be weak or unavailable in interior parts of the island, especially along the hiking trails.
First aid facilities are available at the resort and near the beach hire station.

Tourists snorkeling in clear blue waters at Fitzroy Island, Great Barrier Reef.

Fitzroy Island Resort is the only accommodation option on the island, with beachfront suites, self-contained apartments, and budget-style cabins.
It's a great choice for couples wanting a quiet escape, families looking to extend their time by the reef, or adventure-seekers who want to explore the island over multiple days.
Resort amenities include a swimming pool, beach bar, on-site restaurant, games room, and tour desk.
Advance bookings are highly recommended, especially during weekends and school holidays when availability is limited.

Snorkelers exploring coral reefs near Fitzroy Island on a Cairns day trip with glass bottom boat.

A café and licensed restaurant are located within Fitzroy Island Resort, serving breakfast, lunch, and light snacks throughout the day.
Some full-day tours include pre-packed lunch options or meal vouchers, which can help save time and money.
Guests on ferry-only trips can bring their own food, but keep in mind that alcohol and glass containers are not permitted on the island.
It’s advisable to carry your own drinking water, especially if you’re planning to bushwalk or snorkel extensively.

A signboard reading "Alcohol free zone" fixed onto a pole

Alcohol and glass bottles are prohibited in public areas and cannot be brought onto the island with your personal belongings.
Stinger suits are required during jellyfish season (typically November to May) for all in-water activities.
Touching or damaging coral is strictly prohibited, in accordance with Great Barrier Reef Marine Park regulations.
Smoking is not allowed on the beaches or within the national park areas, including walking trails.
Drones must not be flown without permission from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services—permits must be obtained in advance.
All waste should be disposed of properly to help protect the island's natural environment.

Frequently asked questions about Fitzroy Island

How much time do I need on Fitzroy Island?

For most visitors, a full-day trip (around 6 hours on the island) offers enough time to snorkel, walk the trails, and relax on the beach. Half-day trips are more limited and best suited for travelers who just want to swim or sunbathe. If you're into hiking or scuba diving, consider staying overnight to experience more at a relaxed pace.

What’s the difference between a ferry ticket and a full-day tour?

Ferry-only tickets are the most flexible and budget-friendly—they simply include return transfers to Fitzroy Island and give you free time to explore on your own. Day tours, on the other hand, often bundle extras like snorkel hire, glass-bottom boat tours, or guided island walks.

Is Fitzroy Island suitable for non-swimmers or young children?

Yes. The shallow, calm waters at Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach make it a good spot for young kids and non-swimmers. Glass-bottom boat tours offer a way to see coral without getting in the water. There are shaded picnic spots and short walking trails suitable for most ages. Just be aware that Nudey Beach, while beautiful, is a 15-minute walk over uneven terrain and not stroller-friendly.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear?

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own snorkel gear, including fins and stinger suits. Just make sure it’s clean to avoid bringing any contaminants onto the reef. If you don’t want to carry gear, you can rent it at the beach hire hut or include it in your tour package when booking.

What do I need to know about stinger season?

Stinger season typically runs from November to May, when box jellyfish and other marine stingers can be present. During this time, it’s strongly advised—sometimes required—to wear a full-length stinger suit while swimming or snorkeling.

How long is the hike to Nudey Beach, and is it difficult?

The walk to Nudey Beach takes about 15–20 minutes from the main jetty. It’s a scenic but uneven trail with some steps and rocky patches, so closed-toe shoes are recommended. While not overly strenuous, it's not suitable for prams or people with mobility issues. The beach itself is unpatrolled and has no amenities, so bring water and supplies.

Is there Wi-Fi or mobile reception on the island?

There is limited mobile reception, mainly around the resort area near Welcome Bay. Wi-Fi is available at the resort for guests but is not public or guaranteed to be reliable. Plan as if you’ll be mostly offline, especially if you’re going on walking trails or southern beaches.

Are lockers or storage available on the island?

There are no public lockers, so it’s best to pack light and leave valuables at your hotel or accommodation in Cairns. If you're staying at the resort, you can store belongings in your room.

Is Fitzroy Island wheelchair or mobility accessible?

Parts of the island, such as the resort and Welcome Bay beach area, are accessible, but many walking trails—including the path to Nudey Beach—have uneven terrain and are not suitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.

Is the island pet-friendly?

Pets are not allowed on Fitzroy Island as it is part of a protected National Park. Only certified service animals with proper documentation may be permitted under special conditions.

Is camping allowed on Fitzroy Island?

No, camping is not permitted on the island. The only accommodation option is Fitzroy Island Resort, which offers a range of rooms and apartments.

What happens if I miss the ferry?

Unfortunately, ferry departures are punctual and cannot be delayed. If you miss your scheduled ferry, you may need to pay a rebooking fee or forfeit the ticket, depending on the provider’s policy. We recommend arriving early to avoid missing your trip.