fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Phone (07) 4080 2600

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Fitzroy Island Day Trip

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Fitzroy Island is a tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches surrounded by a reef system that forms part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Idyllic coral and white sandy beaches lead into the safe, sheltered waters, which are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and exploring this World Heritage Listed coral reef system at your own pace.

At Fitzroy Island, it is all about rainforest, beaches and high reaches, with just as much to explore on land as in the sea. Explore the bush walking tracks throughout the island, like the Lighthouse and Summit walks, with views all the way to the Barrier Reef. Trek to magic spots like Secret Garden and Nudey Beach, one of Far North Queensland’s most iconic beaches.

Experience Inclusions

  • Fitzroy Flyer return ferry transfers

Day Trip option 1 – Departure: 8:00 am  Return:  12:15pm  Duration:  3 hrs approx

Day Trip option – 2 Departure: 11am  Return:  5:00pm  Duration:  5 hrs approx

From:  Cairns Marlin Wharf, Finger A – Berth 20. Transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.

Please contact our team for enquiries on pricing and bookings.

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Need help planning your Bespoke Relaxation Escape to Palm Cove?

Simply book an appointment and one of our Escape  Planning Specialists  will call you to assist with your holiday planning to Tropical North Queensland.  We look forward to speaking with you soon.

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Palm Cove AS 2:09 PM

24 ° C Mostly clear

Palm Cove Private Apartments Travel by Cairns Holiday Specialists

  • Accommodation
  • Region Guide

Other Destinations

Search for your holiday destination  , palm cove half day tours - palm cove queensland.

More information aboutHalf Day - Full Day Great Barrier Reef Tour | Upgrade Helicopter Package

Cairns Helicopter Flights 

Our most popular Great Barrier Reef tour is our helicopter and reef combo tours where guests take a scenic flight in a helicopter to see the reef from above and then land on a pontoon and snorkel and dive the reef below the waters surface.

More Info Book Now

More information aboutGreen Island - Great Adventures

Green Island HALF DAY Tour Ex Cairns | Snorkel & Dive Great Barrier Reef Australia

Just 45 minutes by fast catamaran from Cairns and you are a world away on Green Island — a beautiful 6000 year old coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef.

With its unique reef and rainforest environment, it's a nature lover's paradise. Choose from three Green Island tours or design your own with an exciting range of optional island activities.

Learn about Green Islands ecology with a guided walk and discover the wonders of the Great Barrrier Reef on a glass bottom boat tour.

Snorkel or just relax on the beach… Optional activities include scuba diving, snorkel trips, helmet diving, parasailing and scenic helicopter flights.

Green Island tours with Palm Cove coach transfers depart 3 times daily from Cairns. More Info Book Now

More information aboutKuranda | Skyrail | Kuranda Train | Hartley’s Crocodile Park | Combo Package Tour | VKHC

Best of Kuranda | Rainforestation Wildlife Park, Aboriginal Culture & Skyrail | TW | R1BS

A Kuranda tour on the skyrail is a must do must see day tour activity for all visitors to Palm Cove, Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.

The Kuranda village offers daily markets for you to forage around in and buy some souvenirs, handcraft shops, music and entertainment, artworks, cultural displays and a place where you can see Australia’s indigenous animals and even cuddle a koala .

The Kuranda Skyrail makes the journey even more exciting as this attraction in one of the main events of your Kuranda Village day’s highlight.

See the Crocodile Park to make it a full day of attractions to amuse the whole family with unique experiences. More Info Book Now

More information aboutFly and Cruise Half Day Great Barrier Reef Tour

Cairns Helicopters - Coral Cay - 30 Min Reef Scenic & 30 Min on Sand Cay | ZM

This is one of the most popular half day reef Great Barrier Reef tours in Cairns today!

Take a 30 minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef and spend 30 minutes on a pristine sand cay in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Your helicopter flies 500 feet above the water giving you amazing views for your camera to capture, so keep your eyes open for dolphins, whales, manta rays and more.

After landing on the sand cay, your pilot prepares your glass of bubbles to celebrate this unique helicopter flight experience. 

Sit back on the pure white sand with a glass in hand and just take in the mazing views all around you in this serene location.  

The perfect day in paradise on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. 

More information aboutFitzroy Island Half Day Tour | Thunderbolt | Great Barrier Reef Cairns | RT

Fitzroy Island - Half Day Tour

Take a trip out to Fitzroy Island from Cairns for half a day tour to snorkel and swim in the crystal clear blue waters to see the coral reef and marine life around the island.

Choose from the many options of activities on Fitzroy Island such as the picnic lunch, snorkel equipment, glass bottom boat tour or use of beach hire equipment for just relaxing on the beach.

More information aboutCairns Best Half Day Reef Tour | Fly/Cruise | 25 Minute Helicopter Flight | NT

Cairns Helicopter Flight & Great Barrier Reef Tour | NT-GA

Take the half day fly, snorkel and cruise Great Barrier Reef tour from Palm Cove for the ride of a lifetime.

The scenic helicopter flight is 25 minutes of low level flying over the Great Barrier Reef  just 500 metres below.

Add a ride around the reef in a semi-submersible submarine and snorkel around the coral gardens.

This is an exciting Great Barrier Reef tour. More Info Book Now

More information aboutPort Douglas Luxury Reef Trip | Afternoon Snorkel & Sunset Sail Adults Only | SAPM

Port Douglas Luxury Reef Trip | Afternoon Snorkel Low Isles & Sunset Sail | Adults Only | SAPM

An Adults Only half day snorkel tour and return to Port Douglas sunset sail on a beautiful Lagoon 500 catamaran with only adult guests on board makes for the perfect day out on the Great Barrier Reef.

This 2 in 1 half day reef trip includes 3 hours for you to explore the coral reef around Low Isles and see the turtles that call this island home.

Ride the glass bottom boat, take the island heritage tour walk or just relax on the beach and enjoy the tropical ambience. 

More information aboutDaintree Rainforest Tours | Mossman River Drift Snorkel Tour | Half Day

Daintree Rainforest Tours | Mossman River Drift Snorkel Tour | Half Day

Now this is a new and interesting Half Day tour in the Daintree Rainforest with a difference.

A snorkel drift tour in the mountain fresh rivers to see all the turtles fish and other animals that live in the rainforest rivers.

This is a fun Daintree Rainforest tour that woul suit families with children of all ages even if they cannot swim as we have flotation sleds for them to also enjoy the excitement.  

More information aboutBehana Gorge OR Mulgrave Aussie Drifterz River Tubing | Cairns Half Day Family Tour

Behana Gorge or Mulgrave River | River Tubing | Cairns Half Day Family Tour

Another new tour for Palm Cove is the Behana Gorge River Tubing, fun for the whole family to enjoy. Beautiful rainforest scenery and 2 hours of river tubing fun for the whole family. The river rapids are grade 1 and 2 in amongst some of the most beautiful rainforest scenery in the Mulgrave River and Behana Gorge areas.  More Info Book Now

More information aboutParonella Park, Josephine Falls, Mamu Skywalk | Half Day Tour | GTS

Cairns Rainforest Tours | Waterfalls & Paronella Park | NEXP

See the amazing and multi award winning Paronella Park, Josephine Falls, and Mamu Skywalk on a half day evening  tour from Palm Cove. The multi award winning Paronella Park tour is simply a must do half day tour from Palm Cove.

We will meet you in Cairns and head south on a scenic waterfall tour to Paronella Park. Take a swim at Josephine Falls and climb the Mamu Tropical Skywalk.   More Info Book Now

More information aboutHartleys Crocodile Adventures

Crocodile Tours From Cairns | Hartleys Crocodile Adventures (Afternoon) | DUT HCPM

Come and spend a good half day at Hartley's Crocodile park. Book the Zootastic package and hand feed a giant salt water crocodile or cuddle a koala and have a souvenir photo taken.

Ride around a crocodile infested lagoon and see how high crocodiles can jump for their dinner right alongside your rive boat. Just make sure you keep your hands inside the boat at all times or you may end up as lunch.   More Info Book Now

More information aboutHalf Day Afternoon Barron River Rafting | BR | RnR

Barron River Half Day Rafting

White Water Rafting is the perfect half day afternoon tour from Palm Cove to cool you down. Coach pick up is around 2.00pm and then you are taken to the Barron River and alloted an 8 man raft to begin your barrel of laughs afternoon. 

Your white water rafting guide will assist you thru the grade 2 and grade 3 white water rapids and even trick you into getting totally soaked head to foot so ensure you are wearing the correct attire and do not have watches or mobile phones in your possession whilst rafting on the Barron River for the afternoon. 

More information aboutCairns Canyoning | Crystal Cascades Half Day Tour | Abseiling, Ziplining & Cliff-Jumping | RT

Cairns Canyoning Tour Crystal Cascades | Abseiling, Ziplining & Cliff-jumping 

Another new half day tour from Palm Cove is the Crystal Cascades Abseiling, Ziplining and Cliff Jumping tour.

If your agile and keen, jump on board and join us for a half day of rock hopping in the surrounding World Heritage Rainforests of Cairns.

This is a refreshing way to keep cool and fit at the same time as enjoying the great outdoors of Tropical North Queensland Australia. 

More information aboutCairns Hot Air Balloon Scenic Flight

Cairns Hot Air Balloon Scenic Flight

Take an early morning hot air balloon ride with a coach pick up from Palm Cove to soar over the beautiful Atherton Tablelands behind Kuranda.

See the sun rise over the mountains and watch as the animals all wake up and begin bounding about in the grasslands below your hot air balloon More Info Book Now

More information aboutGreat Barrier Reef Tour | Half Day Morning-Afternoon Snorkel Only Tour | Low Isles | Port Douglas

Port Douglas Half Day Reef Tour | Morning-Afternoon Snorkel Tour | Low Isles

Half day Great Barrier Reef tour from Port Douglas to Low Isles, snorkel the coral reefs around the island and see the families of green sea turtles that call this island home.

With only 23 guests on board for the morning tour or the afternoon tour you will have a personable relaxing trip out to visit this popular tropical island that sits just off Port Douglas in the distance.   

More information aboutFly/Fly Half Day | Ultimate Scenic Helicopter Tour | Snorkel Great Barrier Reef | NT

Beach Horse Rides Cape Tribulation

Cairns Blazing Saddles and ATV Quad Bike Tours & Adventures take you on a fun ride thru canefields and native bushland for a horse ride at a leisurely pace OR with a heart rate of 120BPM while galloping at top speed for the more experienced. Feel connected with the beautiful Cairns area we call home by seeing the rainforest on a quicker less tiring trip, including an interpretive rainforest talk from your horse riding guide while covering more ground in this time. Our horses are suitable for beginners and intermediate horse riders. Four tour departures from Palm Cove daily with free transport. More Info Book Now

More information aboutHalf Day Estuary Fishing

Cairns Estuary Fishing Tour | Half & Full Day | Shared & Private Charters | GFISH

Spend half a day fishing the rivers and streams of the Cairns region with your kids or your mates to see if you can catch the highly prized Barramundi or a Giant Trevally for the barbeque plate back at your Palm Cove accommodation. These half day and full day fishing charters start at 7.30am and 1.00pm from the Marlin Marina in Cairns and all tackle and bait is supplied. Should you wish to bring along some drinks of your own you are welcome and there are soft drinks available on board. Main species of fish caught in these tropical waters are the Spanish Mackerel, Cobias, Fingermark, Grunter, Queenfish, Mangrove Jack and more. More Info Book Now

More information aboutKuranda Train | Skyrail | Cheapest Combo Deal In Cairns | A1/A2/A2OW

Kuranda Train | Skyrail | Cheapest Combo Deal In Cairns | A1/A2/A2OW

The cheapest Kuranda tour in town. Book early as only limited seats are available at this ticketed price. Free VIP skip the queue ticketing, free discount vouchers to Kuranda attractions More Info Book Now

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

  • Palm Cove Tours
  •   Back to region guide
  • Adrenaline Tours
  • Half Day Tours
  • Kuranda Tours
  • Rainforest Tours
  • Port Douglas
  • Cairns Beaches
  • Cairns Conferences
  • Mission Beach
  • Cairns Islands
  • Yorkey's Knob
  • Trinity Beach
  • Clifton Beach
  • Holloways Beach
  • Kewarra Beach
  • Cairns Tours

very helpful, friendly & only a phone call away. Acted promptly when driver was late to pick us up from venue (due to plane arriving late).

Reviews What Our Guests Say

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Gift Vouchers

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Connect on Facebook

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

We Gladly Support

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

A Fitzroy Island Day Trip and Kayaking

By Author Toni Broome

Posted on Published: September 23, 2017  - Last updated: August 28, 2021

Enjoy a Fitzroy Island day trip, kayak to Little Fitzroy, snorkel the fringing reef and relax on Nudey Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.

Kayaking at Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is a pristine coral island surrounded by a fringing reef just 29 km from Cairns.  It takes about 45 minutes to get out there and as soon as you arrive it’s clear you have found an island paradise.  The turquoise waters sparkle, the beach is impossibly white and the hill rising up behind the beach in the centre of the island is covered in pristine rainforest.

Fitzroy Island Day Trip Transfers

There are several boats that provide transfer services to Fitzroy Island.  We went with Raging Thunder on their sea kayaking and Fitzroy Island trip and had a fabulous time.

We drove down from Palm Cove to Cairns which takes about 30 minutes in the weekday traffic and parked at the Cruise Terminal Carpark right on the Esplanade.  We choose it as it’s very easy to find and is a pay and display car park that you can pay by the hour or for up to 10 days if needed.  We paid $10 which gave us the full day.  From here you follow the esplanade around to the Reef Fleet Terminal which you can’t miss with all the boats moored off the wharf opposite.

Even if you already have your pre-booked ticket confirmation you still need to head inside and pick out your cruise company from the dozen or so with offices here to exchange your voucher for the actual tickets.  There is also a small shop and restrooms if you’re looking for them in the terminal.  The Raging Thunder team gave us our wristbands to identify us as going on the kayak tour, tickets for the transfers and took us through a map of the island and key timings through the day and where to go.  It was all very organised, we then just needed to make our way out onto the wharf for boarding.

It’s a fairly large boat but not as big as some of the ones headed to the outer reef.  We went straight for the top deck and took seats at the edge in the fresh air.  Brendan, our kayak guide came and found us up there to sign the usual disclaimer and explain the process for the morning once we arrived.  The trip across on the day we went was calm waters and it takes less than an hour to get out there so before we knew it we were pulling into the Fitzroy Island wharf.

Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island Facilities

There aren’t a lot of facilities on Fitzroy Island but that’s a big part of its charm.  Near the wharf area, there are public toilets but no showers or dedicated changing rooms.  There are coin-operated lockers next to those which are very handy if you have any gear you want to secure or just not carry around for a portion of the day.  

Next to that is Foxy’s bar where you can get drinks, lunch and snacks throughout the day if lunch isn’t already included on your tour as ours was.  Then on the beach in sight of the wharf is the beach shack, this is where you go to hire snorkelling equipment, start your kayak tour, join a glass-bottom boat tour or hire a paddleboard.  There as many or few activities to keep you entertained on Fitzroy Island as you want.

Sea Kayak half day tour

We pre-booked onto the half-day sea kayaking tour with Raging Thunder which starts soon after you arrive.  If you don’t prebook you can arrange it on the way over or once on the island. We stowed our gear that we didn’t want to get wet in a locker and slipped on our reef shoes before headed to the beach shack near the wharf to join the group and get out paddling.

Kayaking on Fitzroy Island

A quick note on reef shoes.  Fitzroy Island is surrounded by a fringing reef that is part of the Great Barrier Reef, a coral reef system that has been around for 500,000 years.  

Coral are each made up of hundreds of thousands of tiny polyps and when old coral dies new young coral grows on top of it and inevitably bits of the dead coral with a hard exoskeleton break away.  The beaches of  Fitzroy island are covered in these bright white coral remnants that contribute to the water being so bright and clear but they are also large and sharp to walk on.  

There is sand in places on the island where the coral has broken down over an extended period but mostly it’s large pieces so you’re going to want something on your feet while walking on the beach and into the water to snorkel.

If you aren’t familiar with reef shoes or have tried them before and found them really uncomfortable, take a look at this new multi-purpose shoe by Tropicfeel . I am loving them, they function as a wet shoe for watersports like this but are equally comfortable for exploring the island trails or even stopping off for a casual dinner in the city at the end of the day.

So back to the beach hut and we collected our snorkelling gear from the hut before a quick briefing from the team on safety and paddle technique.  Then we are underway paddling into the stunning turquoise waters.  The course for the days paddling will depend on weather and tide conditions but today with low tide and little breeze we paddle off to the right and head in the direction of Little Fitzroy Island.  Our guide Brandon gets us to raft up several times along the way making sure everyone is doing OK and passing on information about Fitzroy Island the surrounding reef and marine life.

Kayaking on Fitzroy Island

Crossing the short straight to Little Fitzroy we are told is the hardest part with the cross-flow of water at low tide, you need to paddle into it not directly across it if you want to stay on your boat not take an early swim.  It’s not difficult in reality and our full group landed on the island and got their boat ashore with the help of the team without tipping out.

On the little island there is time for a climb up to the top and then snorkelling around the island and into the straight, it’s suggested we start at the top and let the current do the work rather than working against it to see the coral, small fish and huge clams.

Kayaking on Fitzroy Island

Our time out there went so quickly and it’s great snorkelling so really hard to tear yourself away when its time to leave. Reluctantly we headed are back on our boats launching ourselves back across towards the main island.  

Along the way you pass a turtle rehabilitation centre, rocky areas where the cliff meets the water and more beach before making it back to the beach hut.  We’ve kayaked quite a bit in the past but others who were out for the first time also found it relatively easy to stay upright and paddle the double sit on top boats that are fitted with a steering rudder.  

Kayakers off Fitzroy Island

If you are out as a couple, think about who gets to sit in the back, they will steer the boat. If you are on your own the guide will pair you up with someone else, it makes paddling so much easier with double the people power.

Discovering Nudey Beach

If you recognise the name Nudey Beach it’s because it makes regular appearances on lists of the top 10 beaches in Australia including the Australian Geographic list which is my go-to for pretty pictures of Australia to add to my bucket list.  

At the top of the hill when the beach first comes into view I just stood and stared, it was STUNNING!   The water is crystal clear darkening to a radiant turquoise as it gets deeper, the beach pure white a splattering of perfectly placed boulders at one end and segments of the reef clearly visible under the surface just offshore.  Add to that a clear blue sky and it was the picture I have in my head of the PERFECT beach.

A first glimpse of Nudey Beach

From the wharf and beach shack, it’s about a 15-minute walk along a walking path.  It’s an easy walk but it does have a number of steps and undulations, uphill and downhill sections.  It’s easy enough to carry in your snorkelling and other beach gear but not suitable for a stroller.  I’ve added a couple of photos here to give you an idea of what to expect.

Track to Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island

As you walk around the corner and down to the beach it takes your breath away for a second time.  It’s not a large beach and you won’t have it to yourself unless maybe you stay at the resort and walk out at dawn before the boats arrive for the day.  

Having said that though it didn’t feel crowded once you got down to the beach you could find plenty of space to spread yourself out before grabbing your snorkelling gear and running down to the water’s edge.

There is absolutely no doubt that Nudey beach has a place on my top 10 Australian beaches list and I feel it’s very well earned.  Without a doubt I’ll be heading back out here anytime I’m in Tropical North Queensland.

Nudey Beach

Accommodation on Fitzroy Island

The big question I had in the comments on my many Instagram photos was whether you can stay on the island.  I didn’t know when we planned to head out there but the answer is yes you can although there is only the one choice, The Fitzroy Island Resort that’s located right at the wharf surrounded by palm trees and rainforest.  The resort is private and it’s clearly signposted that there is no access to the facilities or restaurant etc for day guests to the island so if you stay here you do have exclusive use which isn’t always the case with island resorts.

There’s a range of room types available from cabins to suites and I wish I’d known about it before we booked our trip as I think the prices are really quite reasonable.  I would love to be out here for sunset and to visit the beaches really early in the morning, I do love a deserted stretch of sand so hope to find the opportunity to do that one day soon.

Check availability and accommodation options at Fitzroy Island Resort

Fitzroy Island Resort

All up we thoroughly enjoyed our day on Fitzroy Island and the only negative I could say is that it was over way too soon, we really weren’t ready to pack up and head back when it was time to board the boat for the ride back to Cairns.  We could certainly have spent much longer out here and it would be high on our list to return to and complete the other walks and spend more time on Nudey Beach and snorkelling next time we’re in Tropical North Queensland.

Get the info you need to plan your travels in Tropical North Queensland.

  • Things to do in and around Cairns and Palm Cove
  • Ride the Skyrail and spend the day exploring Kuranda

If you found this article useful please consider saving it to Pinterest. It makes it easy for you to find it again, it helps us, and it helps other travellers to find the information they are looking for.

A guide to Fitzroy Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Ryan Biddulph

Wednesday 4th of October 2017

Absolutely gorgeous. Loving these shots.

We too have a Nudey Beach here in New Jersey; this one involves dropping trow and walking around naked. Bada-bing; silly American humor here.

Seriously, Nudey Beach looks beyond beautiful.

I'd also enjoy paddling between the small islands, simply soaking up the peaceful, serene setting, getting in some cardio, and if that current really kicked up, getting in more cardio than I intended to get.

Thanks for sharing Toni.

Oasis at Palm Cove Resort

FITZROY ISLAND TOURS 

Fitzroy Island in the perfect Cairns tour for families and the kids can learn to snorkel right off the beach. Rather than being confined to a boat, there is room to explore with rainforest walks, the ocean trampoline and beach hire options. Unlike smaller coral cays or sandy islands on the Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy was once part of mainland Australia. The island is largely untouched and protected as Fitzroy Island National Park, with walking tracks through the rainforest, heathland and open forest to Nudey Beach and the Summit. 

 With   Full Day and Half Day   tour options, you can customise your Fitzroy Island holiday to suit your schedule!   Full Day tours   from $84 and   Half Day tours   start at $79. 

Palm Cove Tours

FITZROY ISLAND SUNLOVER Preferred Partner

Fitzroy island tours from cairns.

Explore Paradise – only  45 minutes from Cairns

Join us for Fitzroy Island  half or full day trips and immerse yourself in the incredible beauty of this tropical paradise.

TOUR TYPE:                   Snorkel Day Trip    /   introductory diving   /    certified  diving                            

DEPARTS:                        8:45am

LOCATION:                    Check In Reef Fleet Terminal     

DURATION:                    8 Hours 

MEAL PROVIDED:     No, available for purchase at Foxy’s Bar on the Island

ADD-ONS:                       Guided snorkel tour, SUPs & Kayak hire, Camera Hire

PICK UPS:                        None available 

Escape to a  Tropical Island Paradise

Accessible, Affordable, and Welcoming

Fitzroy Island offers an accessible, budget-friendly  destination for all. The island’s safe and sheltered waters, combined with its pristine natural environment, provide a perfect setting for exploration and enjoyment by all. Please note: most of the beach is a coral beach not a sandy beach.

Family-Friendly Island Adventure

For family travellers, please note that anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult while visiting Fitzroy Island. Safety and enjoyment are our top priorities.

Abundant Activities Awaiting You

At Fitzroy Island, you have the freedom to relax and unwind or embark on thrilling adventures—or why not do a bit of both? Discover the magic of the Great Barrier Reef, explore the island’s captivating walking trails, pay a visit to the Turtle Centre, and so much more.

Island Activities:

Snorkeling equipment and a glass bottom boat tour is included in your package. Explore the abundant marine life and sea turtles directly from the beach.

Beach Relaxation: Unwind and soak up the serenity while lounging on the sandy shores or taking scenic walks.

Foxy’s Bar: Indulge in lunch or refreshments at Foxy’s Bar, offering a delightful beachside experience.

Adventure Trails: Embark on bush walks to the island’s summit or lighthouse, easy stroll to Nudey Beach or visit the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Getting there: 

A 45-minute boat journey enables you to enjoy a full day of activities and relaxtion on your trip  to  Fitzroy Island.

Escape to Fitzroy Island for a day of island exploration and create lasting memories in this tropical paradise.

Explore Sunlover's Other Tours

Dive into the beauty of Moore Reef from Sunlover Cruises Outer Reef Pontoon.

Fully equipped for everyone’s needs – easy water access for snorkellers & kids, underwater observatory, glass bottom boat, semi submersible, introductory, helmet and certified diving. 

Sunlover Pontoon is the only Great Barrier Reef pontoon with waterslides!

Tusa Reef Tours

Tusa Reef Tours

[dsm_text_badges main_text="TUSA REEF TOURS " badges_text="Preferred Partner" _builder_version="4.24.0" _module_preset="default" header_level="h1" width="100%" custom_margin="34px|0px|0px|0px|false|false" custom_padding="0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false"...

Frankland Islands

Frankland Islands

[dsm_text_badges main_text="FRANKLAND ISLANDS CRUISES " badges_text="Preferred Partner" _builder_version="4.23.1" _module_preset="default" header_level="h1" width="100%" custom_margin="34px|0px|0px|0px|false|false" custom_padding="0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false"...

Divers Den AquaQuest

Divers Den AquaQuest

[dsm_text_badges main_text="DIVERS DEN AQUAQUEST" badges_text="Preferred Partner" _builder_version="4.23.1" _module_preset="default" header_level="h1" width="100%" custom_margin="34px|0px|0px|0px|false|false" custom_padding="0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false"...

  • Barrier Reef Australia
  • Things To Do

Fitzroy Island - Half Day Tour

Tour Code: 598

Departing: Cairns

Fitzroy Island Tours - Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island

Tour Highlights

  • Whilst on your half day tour of Fitzroy Island take the opportunity to experience the incredible Lighthouse Walk if you are feeling fit and take a triumphant selfie at the top with views beyond to the Great Barrier Reef.
  • The Secret Garden Walk is a simple track through the lush Fitzroy Island forest. Immerse yourself in nature and keep your ears and eyes peeled for local wildlife.
  • Be sure to upgrade to include snorkel gear for the day and head to Nudey Beach to snorkel straight off the beach.
  • On our half day Fitzroy Island tour you can hire snorkel gear, book a picnic lunch, try stand up paddl boarding, go on a glass bottom boat tour, book a guided snorkel tour, book a visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre 
  • Family Deal - Save $91 based on 2 adults & 2 children

Description & Tour Inclusions

Included in price.

  • 45 minute return boat transfers to/from Cairns to Fitzroy Island

The boat ride to Fitzroy Island offers the choice of an exhilarating open position on the top deck or inside the air conditioned cabin for guests visiting this World Heritage-listed gem on a half day tour. Explore the island walks, snorkel the reef or simply relax on the beach.

Adorned with lush rainforest, open woodland and coral beaches, Fitzroy Island is a part of the World Heritage-listed site of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is only a 45 minutes ferry ride away from the city of Cairns .

Join us for a half day tour to Fitzroy Island and explore the island walks, snorkel the reef or simply relax on the beach for a few hours of peace and serenity.

Boasting pristine, natural beauty, visitors can snorkel, stroll or go on a glass bottom boat tour or book a guided snorkel tour to see the outer coral reefs and marine life.

Alternatively, If you prefer hiking over snorkelling, there are a range of walking tracks through the national park, one of which leads up to the Fitzroy Island’s summit.

Take in the sweeping spectacle of the island and the mainland from here, then head back down to cool off at one of the beaches.

If you have time, squeeze in a visit to the island’s campus of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Places on the tours are limited though, so book as soon as you arrive on the island. 

Perfect Selfie

Share your selfie on our Facebook page and tag your best Instagram pics with #barrierreefaustralia for your chance to be featured.

Enjoy a Late Start Great Barrier Reef Tour

For those who like a sleep-in, our half day Great Barrier Reef tour package provides a more efficient way of exploring Fitzroy Island. With a later departure time of 11.00am our mode of transport will have you disembarking at the shores of Fitzroy Island only 45 minutes after pushing off from the Reef Fleet Terminal.

Check in at 10:30am for an 11.00am departure and prepare yourself for a lovely day on this tropical island!

What Can You Do On Fitzroy Island?

With so much to see and do on Fitzroy Island, make the most of your half day tour by pre-booking your preferred activities.

Choose to hire some snorkel equipment or join a glass bottom boat tour.

Activities on Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is a national park, boasting incredible, unspoilt natural beauty. The diverse landscape, of granite outcrops, rainforest, open woodlands, mangroves and coral beaches, means there are a number of unique exploratory walks you can do around the island.  

You might choose to climb the 269m to the summit (2.5 hours), with its breathtaking views of the island and mainland. Or the lighthouse trek (1.5 hours), Secret Garden or Nudey Beach tracks could be a more suitable option – these are graded moderate in their difficulty. 

Alternatively, relax on the beach and swim in the clear, calm waters. If you haven’t pre-ordered a packed picnic lunch, there is the option of Foxy’s Bar on the island for a meal and a cocktail.

Take a Trip to the Turtles

You can’t visit Fitzroy without visiting the Fitzroy Island campus of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Run completely by volunteers it’s a non-profit organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick and injured sea turtles.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles and several these are seriously threatened.

The educational tours run at 1.00pm and 2.00pm every day. As a Half Day guest, the 1.00pm tour option is for you so book as soon as you arrive at the General Store on the island as spots are limited to 15 people per tour.

Ferry Return to Cairns

Check-in for your return fast boat to Cairns is at 1.45pm sharp so all equipment must be returned by 1.30pm. Departing at 2.00pm, the ferry boat should have you back in Cairns within 45 minutes for you to return to your hotle or get ready to explore some of the city sights.

Book a full day tour to Fitzroy Island here.

Tour Details

Tour languages offered.

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Departs From

Departure time.

Depart Cairns at 10:45AM, depart Fitzroy at 2:15PM. Arrive in Cairns at approx. 3PM

Destinations

  • Fitzroy Island
  • Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Available for purchase / hire.

  • Glass Bottom Boat Tour | 30 minutes
  • Snorkel Equipment Hire
  • Picnic Lunch | Dietary Requirements must be advised prior to travel

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

  • Baggage, weather, medical and seating restrictions apply
  • Activities on the island include tracks which are graded as difficult, requiring a high level of fitness
  • Guests visiting the island are to use the public bathroom facilities at the camping ground at no further charge
  • Please note the beaches on Fitzroy Island are not patrolled by surf life savers

Additional Information

Guests can bring own snacks and bottled water

Eco Certifications

Ecotourism Certified

What to Bring

  • Cash or credit card for additional purchases
  • Sandals or walking shoes
  • Sun safe clothing
  • Water bottle

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Child Policy

  • Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive
  • Infants 3 and under travel free but must be booked
  • Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be in writing.

We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.

In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.

Please see our   terms and conditions  for details prior to booking.

Operators policy:

  • A cancellation fee of 100% will apply if less than 24 hours notice is given prior to departure.
  • Some services may be cancelled or modified as a result of weather/tidal conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
  • In the rare event that Fitzroy Island Adventures needs to cancel, the guest will be provided with an alternate day of travel, offered another Reef Unlimited product, or a full refund.

Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.

Child: au $57.00 Family: au $247.00

Choose Your Option

15 yrs & over

Ages of Children

(discounts may apply), 1300 231 118, +61 427 074 745, you may also like.

Kayaking Tours Whitsundays

Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour Airlie Beach | SALTY

Half Day Sea Kayaking tour suitable for experienced paddlers and beginners. Daily trips from Airlie Beach Shute Harbour.

Departing: Shute Harbour

Pickup: Airlie Beach

Full Day Sail - Magnetic Island

Full Day Sail Around Magnetic Island | From Townsville or Magnetic Island | RAG

Full day sail around Magnetic Island. Visit locations only accessible by boat. Small & personalised trip with 10 guests maximum. Departs from Townsville or Magnetic Island.

Departing: Townsville city

Whitsundays Dive & Snorkel Tours - Small group only 8 guests maximum

Whitsundays Scuba Diving Tours

Small group scuba diving tours Whitsundays. Departs Airlie Beach, maximum 8 guests on board, catering for experienced divers as well as beginners and snorkellers.

Departing: Airlie Beach

Charter Boat Port Douglas - 12 Guests - The Tour Specialists

Charter Boat Port Douglas - 12 Guests - Snorkelling

Enjoy a private charter dive and snorkel tour from Port Douglas on a boat with crew to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

Departing: Port Douglas

  • Search Barrier Reef Australia
  • Explore All Places To See
  • Explore  All Bundaberg North Burnett
  • Lady Elliot Island
  • Explore  All Cairns Tropical North Queensland
  • Green Island
  • Port Douglas
  • Mission Beach
  • Explore  All Capricorn Region
  • Great Keppel Island
  • Rockhampton
  • Explore  All Fraser Coast
  • K'gari (Fraser Island)
  • Explore  All Gladstone Region
  • Lady Musgrave Island
  • Agnes Water
  • Seventeen Seventy
  • Heron Island
  • Explore  All The Wild North
  • Cape York Peninsula
  • Lizard Island
  • Explore  All Townsville North Queensland
  • Townsville city
  • Magnetic Island
  • Explore  All Whitsundays
  • Airlie Beach
  • Hamilton Island
  • Whitehaven Beach
  • Daydream Island
  • Shute Harbour
  • Explore All Things To Do
  • Explore  All 4WD Tours
  • Explore  All Aboriginal Tours
  • Explore  All Adrenaline Experiences
  • Jet Boating
  • White Water Rafting
  • Explore  All Christmas Day
  • Explore  All Combo Package Tours
  • Explore  All Cruise Ship Tours
  • Explore  All Family Tours
  • Explore  All Great Barrier Reef Tours
  • Great Barrier Reef Cruises
  • Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling
  • Overnight Tours
  • Sailing Tours
  • Great Barrier Reef Pontoons
  • Island Tours
  • Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights
  • Helicopter & Reef Combo
  • Snorkelling and Diving
  • Non-Swimmer Reef Tours
  • Explore  All Half Day Tours
  • Half Day Island Tours
  • Half Day Adrenaline Experiences
  • Half Day Family Tours
  • Half Day Great Barrier Reef Tours
  • Half Day Whale Tours
  • Half Day Scenic Flights
  • Half Day Private Charter Tours
  • Explore  All Hot Deals
  • Explore  All Luxury Yacht Charters
  • Explore  All Nature & Wildlife
  • Explore  All Private Charter Tours
  • Charter Boats
  • Private Rainforest Tours
  • Explore  All Rainforest Tours
  • Daintree Rainforest Tours
  • Rainforest Tours
  • Explore  All Scenic Flights
  • Helicopter Rides
  • Hot Air Balloon
  • Airplane Flights
  • Explore  All Sunset Cruise
  • Explore  All Whale Tours
  • Whale Watching
  • Swim with Whales
  • Accommodation
  • Explore All Plan Your Trip Pages Explore Plan Your Trip Pages
  • About The Reef
  • Wet Tropics Rainforest
  • Popular Itineraries
  • Visitor Information
  • 0 My Favourites
  • Great Barrier Reef Blog
  • Explore All What's On

1300 231 118 Intl +61 7 4059 59 59

Office Hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm AEST

Barrier Reef Time: 14:09

Fitzroy Island Adventure

Fitzroy Island Ferry - Choose half or full day!

Full Day Fitzroy Island Adventures

  • Up to 6.5 hours to explore Fitzroy Island
  • 45 minute ferry to Fitzroy Island return
  • Depart Cairns 8:30am – Depart Fitzroy 4:00pm
  • More time to explore, relax and play!
  • Enjoy more optional extras
  • Walk through the rainforest
  • Picture perfect scenery

Peak Season Pricing

Adult 15 years + $99

Child 4 – 15 years $59

Family (2 Adults & 2 Kids U16) $257

Off Peak Season Pricing

Adult 15 years + $95

Child 4 – 15 years $57

Family (2 Adults & 2 Kids U16) $247

Infants 0-3 travel free on our Full Day Great Barrier Reef Tours but must be pre-booked. Prices and bonus March offer valid to 31st March 2025. Total price includes a levy of $5 per person for recovery of Fitzroy Island facilities licence fees, admin costs & charges.

Peak Season Dates include:

  • 1st April – 26th April
  • 22nd June – 11th October
  • 21st December – 17th January 2025

Off Peak Season Dates include:

  • 27th April – 21st June
  • 12th October – 20th December
  • 18th January – 31st March 2025

Fitzroy Island Adventures Half Day Tour

  • Over 2 hours to explore Fitzroy Island
  • Depart Cairns 10:45am – Depart Fitzroy 2:00pm
  • Great option if you wish to stay dry
  • Swim at various beaches

Brochure image

3-April-2023 to 31-March-2024

Visit gay australia

Fitzroy Island Departures

Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

1 Spence Street, Cairns, 4870

Fitzroy Island Ferry

Departs 8:30am

Check-in from 8:00am, final boarding at 8:25am

Fitzroy Island Half Day

Departs 10:45am

Check-in from 10:30am, final boarding at 10:40am

Fitzroy Island Adventures

  • Explore the 360 Virtual Tour
  • Locals Offer
  • Booking Terms and Conditions
  • Charter Enquiries
  • Community Support Requests
  • Collaboration Request

Our Company

  • Environmental Sustainability Policy
  • EXP Reconciliation Action Plan
  • Accessibility
  • Agent Booking Login
  • Agent Famil Request
  • Agent Credit Application

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

  • Tour Options
  • Explore our 360 Virtual Tour

BOOK DIRECT & SAVE 10% ON ALL BOOKINGS

(07) 4084 2400

Fitzroy Island Day Trip

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

From $85 per adult for Full Day Tour

Escape to Fitzroy Island, a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef located only 45 minutes by high-speed ferry from Cairns.

Spend your day doing as much or as little as you please; relax on the beach, swim, snorkel and dive the Great Barrier Reef, take a glass bottom boat tour – the choice is yours.

Activities include snorkeling and paddle boarding, with guided tours available, kayaking, glass bottom boat tours, PADI certified scuba diving and daily talks at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Explore, the islands 5 National Park walking trails ranging from an easy walk through the rainforest to the famous Nudey Beach or a challenging hike up to the Summit for a magnificent view! The island is home to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and the Reef Restoration Foundation Coral Nursery

Fitzroy Island where the rainforest meets the reef.

Find out more about Fitzroy Island .

Cape Tribulation, Daintree and Mossman Gorge

Lady Douglas River Cruise

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER

  • Firstname *

SUBSCRIBE TO our NEWSLETTER Subscribe Now

Luxury Boutique Apartments

surrounded by heated lagoon pool and set amongst tropical gardens

  • Check In * DD slash MM slash YYYY
  • Check Out * DD slash MM slash YYYY
  • Guests 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
  • Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Cairns & Palm Cove

The must-see tropical gateway to the great barrier reef and world heritage listed daintree rainforest.

Cairns and surrounding areas offer some of Queensland’s most unforgettable and iconic experiences. The gateway to Tropical North Queensland, a visit to Cairns offers world-class tours and experiences as well as easy access to Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Kuranda, The Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or with your family, you’ll find all the insta-worthy experiences and photo opportunities right here in the heart of Tropical North Queensland.

PICTURED: CAIRNS ESPLANADE LAGOON

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Attractions

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

REEF & ISLAND

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

THINGS TO DO

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

SOMETHING FOR

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

SIGHTSEEING

Most popular, cairns & palm cove experiences.

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Great Barrier Reef + Green Island 1 Day Tour Combo

Cairns, tropical north qld.

Experience the best of The Great Barrier Reef in this full day tour including 3 hours at Outer Reef Activity Platform + 2 hours on Green Island. Hot & cold buffet lunch and all equipment included.

 (4.7) 46 reviews

FROM AU$304 AU$274

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Fitzroy Island Adventures Full Day Trip with Optional Lunch

Departing Cairns, cruise stunning reef waters to Fitzroy Island. Then enjoy five hours of land and sea activities  including snorkelling, glass bottom boat tours, kayaking, island adventures + more.

 (4.6) 58 reviews

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Hartleys Crocodile Adventures Entry Tickets

One of the “must-do” experiences while in Tropical North Qld for wildlife lovers of all ages! Get up close with native crocodiles with our wildlife presentations and boat cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon.

 (4.8) 5 reviews

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Cairns Great Barrier Reef Scenic Plane Flight – 40 Minutes

What better way to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef than from above! Soar over Cairns, Green Island, Airlington Reef, Middle Cay, Michaelmas Cay, Upolu Reef and Palm Cove whilst complete with pilot commentary.

FROM AU$229

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Green Island Full Day Trip + Snorkelling OR Glass Bottom Boat

You’ll love this scenic cruise to Green Island with 5 hours to explore this stunning location, with your choice of free snorkelling gear or a glass bottom boat tour included in your ticket price.

 (4.8) 51 reviews

FROM AU$105

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Cairns Aquarium Entry Tickets

Experience the state-of-the-art Cairns Aquarium with over 72 different habitats and 11 amazing ecosystems to explore. Your entry tickets include all day admission and all shows and presentations.

 (4.7) 33 reviews

HIGHEST RATED

Experiences, cairns jet boat ride.

 (5.0) 12 reviews LEARN MORE »

Premium Great Barrier Reef Cruise to 3 Reef Locations

 (5.0) 10 reviews LEARN MORE »

Great Barrier Reef Cruise to Reef Magic Pontoon

 (5.0) 11 reviews LEARN MORE »

CHOOSE YOUR OWN

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

How to Have a Great Day Trip to Fitzroy Island from Cairns

Hayley sitting on rock overlooking Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island near Cairns.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here .

Here’s my guide on how to plan the best Fitzroy Island day trip. Believe me, it’s one of the best things to do while you’re in Cairns.

So, I grew up in Townsville, which is about a 5-hour drive south of Cairns. We went on a couple of trips to Cairns over the years, but I never got to have the quintessential Fitzroy Island experience. Thankfully, I finally ticked Fitzroy Island off my bucket list in June. It was as dreamy as I expected, so this blog post is basically an excuse for me to share my favourite Fitzroy Island photos. However, I’ll also share some Fitzroy Island day trip tips too, promise 😉.

Planning your Fitzroy Island day trip

How to get from cairns to fitzroy island.

First, to get to Fitzroy Island from Cairns, you need to book a Fitzroy Island day trip package. Fitzroy Island day tours only include return tickets with a tour company and start from $83 for a full day, so they’re not cheap. But I promise the experience is worthwhile. Anyway, there are half and full-day tour options, but for us, the half-day trip would have felt rushed. When we went to make a booking a few days in advance, there were, unfortunately, a lot of sold-out options. Thankfully, GetYourGuide came to the rescue, and we secured full-day tickets through the platform with Sunlover Reef Cruises đŸ™ŒđŸ». 

Sunlover Reef Cruises ferry docked at jetty on Fitzroy Island.

Here is the link , but I highly recommend GetYourGuide. I’ve used them around the world with no issues. Departing from Cairns’ Reef Fleet Terminal, it took just under an hour to reach Fitzroy Island. Then we were on the island for approximately six hours. Another option is the Fitzroy Flyer, which offers return ferry transfers to Cairns Marina as well. Their full-day option is similar in time and pricing.

What to bring to Fitzroy Island

There’s a small convenience store on the island, but you better believe it includes island pricing! So if you’re on a budget, I recommend bringing your own water and food, otherwise, you can purchase meals from Foxy’s Bar too. We also packed bathers, towels and all the necessary sun protection (hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc). If you’re keen to hike, don’t forget enclosed walking shoes like my fave Allbirds . I also brought my thongs (flip flops) to slip on as the beaches on Fitzroy Island aren’t pristine and sandy!

Things to do on Fitzroy Island

Now you’ve made it, here are the best things to do on Fitzroy Island:

1. Go on a hike

So, we did the hike to the summit, which is estimated to be 4 kilometres return. What we didn’t realise was how hard it would be and for me, the views weren’t that good or worth the effort. But if you’re a hiker, you’ll definitely enjoy the challenge. We followed the signposts from the jetty to the summit track and then headed down via the lighthouse track. 

View of green hills and blue ocean from Summit Lookout on Fitzroy Island.

If you go this way, expect lots of steps to the summit and a steep decline through the rainforest back to Fitzroy Island Resort. If you’re also carrying heavier bags, don’t take them with you like us. There are lockers available next to Foxy’s Bar. Be very careful doing this hike in the wet season as well, as I can see it being both extremely hot and difficult to navigate following heavy rain. For more hiking information, visit the Fitzroy Island National Park website .

2. Snorkel around the fringing coral reef

One of the most popular things to do on Fitzroy Island is to go snorkelling around its fringing reef. There’s a coral reef located metres from the island’s shoreline at Welcome Bay, so you don’t have to go far to see coral and a plethora of tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a friendly turtle. To hire equipment, head to the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub at the resort.

Clear blue sea and white sand shore of Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island.

3. Tour the island on a glass-bottomed boat

Another option the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub offers is glass-bottomed boat tours. The one-hour guided tour allows you to see the coral reefs and marine wildlife surrounding Fitzroy Island from the comfort of the boat. For more information about any of these services, visit their website .

4. Visit Nudey Beach

If there’s one thing you do on your Fitzroy Island day trip, it must be visiting Nudey Beach. Repeatedly winning the title of Australia’s Best Beach, this little slice of paradise is a brief walk from Foxy’s Bar. Yep, you’ll wrack up the steps in no time on Fitzroy Island! I don’t know if it’s the best beach, but the water was beautifully clear.

Green tree framing shot of white sandy beach with blue sea at Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island.

5. Lunch and a cocktail from Foxy’s Bar

For lunch on your Fitzroy Island day trip, you have limited options. Fortunately, Foxy’s Bar offers sweeping ocean views and a satisfying lunch menu of burgers, salads and other specialties. If you’re feeling fancy, why not indulge in a cocktail overlooking the water?

6. Go sea kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding

If you’d prefer to see the reef from above, you can hire a sea kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP). The Sports Hub has a staff member stationed at Welcome Bay for all your kayak and paddleboard needs.

Clear sparkling ocean at Welcome Bay on Fitzroy Island

7. Visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

Fitzroy Island’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is a non-profit organisation that rehabilitates sick and injured turtles. The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven marine turtle species and many are under threat. To learn more about the centre and to see what the team does, you can book a guided tour. The 30-minute tours operate every day at 1 pm. They recommend booking in advance, which you can do here .

8. Relax in the ocean

If you visit during the dry season like us, the water will be the definition of refreshing. We swam around Welcome Bay, but you can take your pick of locations as you explore Fitzroy Island. 

Palm trees beside ocean at Welcome Bay on Fitzroy Island.

9. Check out the Weekly Activity Schedule

This Weekly Activity Schedule updates every week and features absolutely everything happening on the island. The list is extensive and includes the Junior Marine Biologist Program and other kids’ activities, guided bush tucker and nature walks, and education talks. On the water, you can take part in a guided Fitzroy Island snorkelling tour for beginners or a guided stand-up paddleboarding lesson. There are also DIY workshops available. Basically, you can’t say you’re bored when you visit the island, with this many activities and Fitzroy Island tours available.

Want to stay longer on Fitzroy Island?

If you’d prefer your Fitzroy Island day trip become a weekend getaway, there’s only one place to stay on the island. Fitzroy Island Resort  has hotel rooms, cabins and camping facilities.

Other day trips from Cairns

I also have to mention a couple of other options if you’re looking for Cairns day trips . We stayed in Palm Cove, which is an option, as it’s only 30 minutes from the city. However, there isn’t a lot to do in the small town except for enjoying the palm-fringed beach. Other Cairns day tours include Port Douglas and Kuranda , which we visited on alternate days. In Port Douglas, don’t miss St Mary’s By The Sea, a.k.a one of the world’s most beautiful chapels. 

Sunset over Cairns from boat

The sunset that greeted us as we arrived back in Cairns.

Your day tour to Fitzroy Island, sorted

I hope this guide helps you plan your own day trip to Fitzroy Island. If you have questions about your Fitzroy Island trip, remember you can always reach out via the comments section or find me on Facebook and Instagram .

RELATED POSTS

Sunset views from Eureka Skydeck/Eureka Tower in Melbourne, Australia

25 Things To Do in Melbourne at Night

Picnic Bay, the best of Magnetic Island, Australia

17 Reasons I Love Australia And Being Australian

Cruise into Sydney Harbour

My Top Five Cruise Wishlist

Reader interactions.

' src=

September 28, 2022 at 9:13 pm

Hi Hayley, thanks for the great post! Can you pay for the storage lockers on card? I’ve read a few things about them being coin operated, but I’m assuming that’s been updated?!

' src=

September 29, 2022 at 3:55 pm

Hi Ashleigh, as we (unfortunately) didn’t use them, I can’t confirm whether you can pay on card, sorry!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • About Fitzroy Island
  • Getting Here
  • Reef Restoration
  • Sustainability
  • Membership Club
  • Gift Vouchers
  • Book Mooring
  • Accommodation
  • Packages & Specials
  • Resort Transfers
  • Facilities, Dining & Bars
  • Resort Activity Schedule
  • What to Pack
  • Activities & Tours
  • FISH Water Activities
  • Kids Activities
  • Snorkel Tours
  • Glass Bottom Boat Tours
  • Visit the Turtle Centre
  • Walking Trails
  • Marine Conservation Program
  • Junior Marine Biologist Kids Program
  • Educational School Groups
  • Functions & Events
  • Island Venues
  • Business Events
  • Off Site Business Events
  • Team Building
  • Social Events
  • Christmas Functions

Fitzroy Island

Reserve your stay

  • Check In * DD slash MM slash YYYY
  • Check Out * DD slash MM slash YYYY
  • Adults Adults 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • Kids Kids 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Resort Transfers | Day Trips | Water Activities | Resort Activities

Book your transfers & activities.

Whether you choose to come for the day or stay the night, there is so much to do and beauty to be explored on Fitzroy Island! A 45 minute Fitzroy Flyer will get you from Cairns to Fitzroy Island and back daily.

Save 45% on Day Trips – use promo code ‘HOTDEAL’ at checkout to save 45% until 30th June 2024.

Anyone travelling to Fitzroy Island under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Please note: The 11am and 12:15pm services do not run Monday to Thursday during February & March.

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Transfers & Day Tour Packages

Coming for the day or staying overnight at the resort? Book your transfers below.

  • Departing Cairns : 8:00am | 11:00am | 1:30pm
  • Departing Fitzroy Island : 9:30am | 12:15pm | 5:00pm
  • Day Tour Packages Get the most out of your visit with a snorkel or glass bottom boat package!

* Timetables are subject to change. Our vessel will run a reduced schedule during February & March.

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Snorkel & Water Activities

Experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef with our range of water-based activities & educational programs.

  • Guided Tours Snorkel & Glass Bottom Boat.
  • Educational Programs Junior Marine Biologist & Marine Conservation Programs.

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

Resort Activities

Enhance your stay on Fitzroy Island with our incredible range of activities for Resort guests.

  • Kids Activities Junior activities, arts & craft, clay design & more.
  • Workshops Jewellery making, Sip & Paint, Tie Dye, DIY Spa products & more!

fitzroy island day trip from palm cove

COMMENTS

  1. Fitzroy Island Adventures Palm Cove Tours

    Peak Price from $95.00 Adult / $58.00 Child. ADD-ONS: NIL. PICK UPS: No pick ups available. Escape to Paradise: Fitzroy Island Adventure. Discover the tropical oasis of Fitzroy Island, a mere 45-minute boat ride from the enchanting city of Cairns. Embrace the freedom to tailor your island experience with our Full or Half Day Tours, allowing you ...

  2. Fitzroy Island Day Trips

    A 45 minute Fitzroy Flyer ride will get you from Cairns to Fitzroy Island and back daily, perfect for day trips to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Full Day Trip: $99 per adult, $49.50 per child and $259 for a family. Book Day Trip.

  3. Fitzroy Island Day Trip

    Experience Inclusions. Fitzroy Flyer return ferry transfers. Day Trip option 1 - Departure: 8:00 am Return: 12:15pm Duration: 3 hrs approx. Day Trip option - 2 Departure: 11am Return: 5:00pm Duration: 5 hrs approx. From: Cairns Marlin Wharf, Finger A - Berth 20. Transfers can be arranged at an additional cost. Price Fitzroy Flyer Transfer ...

  4. Fitzroy Island Tours

    Book your Fitzroy Island Adventure today. Book Now. Prices valid. 3-April-2023 to 31-March-2024. Fitzroy Island tours departing Cairns from $89. Snorkel off the beach, try a glass bottom boat tour or relax and unwind. Departs twice daily.

  5. Half Day Tours

    Take the half day fly, snorkel and cruise Great Barrier Reef tour from Palm Cove for the ride of a lifetime. The scenic helicopter flight is 25 minutes of low level flying over the Great Barrier Reef just 500 metres below. Add a ride around the reef in a semi-submersible submarine and snorkel around the coral gardens.

  6. A Fitzroy Island Day Trip and Kayaking

    Please read the disclosure to find out more. Enjoy a Fitzroy Island day trip, kayak to Little Fitzroy, snorkel the fringing reef and relax on Nudey Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Fitzroy Island is a pristine coral island surrounded by a fringing reef just 29 km from Cairns. It takes about 45 minutes to get out there and ...

  7. Fitzroy Island Adventures

    Book your Fitzroy Island Adventure today. Book Now Explore the virtual tour! Prices valid. 3-April-2023 to 31-March-2024. Fitzroy Island only 45 minutes from Cairns. Half or Full day tours to the Great Barrier Reef daily. Snorkel in a Tropical Island paradise.

  8. Sunlover Fitzroy Island Palm Cove Tours

    Fitzroy Island full day package incl boat transfers, snorkel gear & glass bottom boat with Palm Cove Tours. Call Cathy 0473075205 To curate your once in a lifetime, Tropical North experience. Home; About Us; Info. Beach Info; Self Drive; Shopping; Cafes and Restaurants; Spa & Wellness;

  9. From Cairns: Fitzroy Island Full-Day Adventure Tour

    There are 5 main walking trails in the Fitzroy Island National Park that range from 30 minutes to 3 hours, each at varying fitness levels. Family packages are for 2 adults and 2 children. Child rate applies for those between 4 and 14 years old; under 4 years travel free of charge. Likely to sell out.

  10. Fitzroy Island tours Cairns

    from $99.00. Cairns. Fitzroy Island Full Day Package with Snorkelling Equipment and Glass Bottom Boat Tour. 4.7. from $135.00. Cairns. Fitzroy Island Adventures Half Day Trip with Optional Lunch. 4.4.

  11. THE 5 BEST Day Trips from Palm Cove

    Palm Cove is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Book the best day trips from Palm Cove, Australia directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 45,160 traveller reviews and view photos of different trips from Palm Cove to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming ...

  12. Fitzroy Island Half Day Tour

    Fitzroy Island - Half Day Tour. Family Deal Save $57. au. Fitzroy Islands tours and attractions. This 45 minute ferry trip to pristine Fitzroy Island offers snorkelling, stand up paddle boarding, walks through the lush rainforest and more. Fitzroy Island is the most popular Island on the Great Barrier Reef for locals and half day tours.

  13. Fitzroy Island Day Trip from Cairns

    Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, from Cairns. 108. from $222.59. Cairns & the Tropical North, Queensland. Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket. 56. from $18.70. Cairns & the Tropical North, Queensland. Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns.

  14. Fitzroy Island Day Tour from Cairns

    Full day Spillway Canyon Waterfall Adventure. 7. from $298.52. Cairns & the Tropical North, Queensland. 4-Day PADI Open Water Dive Course - Learn to Dive on the Great Barrier Reef. 16. from $628.28. Cairns & the Tropical North, Queensland. Cairns to Port Douglas (ONE WAY) Private Transfer 1 to 6 pax.

  15. Fitzroy Island Ferry

    4 - 15 years. $57. Family. (2 Adults & 2 Kids U16) $247. Book now. Infants 0-3 travel free on our Full Day Great Barrier Reef Tours but must be pre-booked. Prices and bonus March offer valid to 31st March 2025. Total price includes a levy of $5 per person for recovery of Fitzroy Island facilities licence fees, admin costs & charges.

  16. Fitzroy Island Day Trip from Cairns

    Explore the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour to Fitzroy Island. After arriving from Cairns on a fast ferry, have free time to do what you choose: snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, lounge on the white-sand beach or see the coral from a glass-bottom boat. Upgrade to add the Activity Pass Plus Lunch, which provides a picnic lunch, snorkeling gear, stinger suit, a ...

  17. Fitzroy Island Day Trip

    Fitzroy Island Day Trip. From $85 per adult for Full Day Tour. Escape to Fitzroy Island, a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef located only 45 minutes by high-speed ferry from Cairns. Spend your day doing as much or as little as you please; relax on the beach, swim, snorkel and dive the Great Barrier Reef, take a glass bottom boat tour ...

  18. Cairns / Palm Cove Tours & Experiences

    Fitzroy Island Adventures Full Day Trip with Optional Lunch CAIRNS, TROPICAL NORTH QLD. Departing Cairns, cruise stunning reef waters to Fitzroy Island. ... Middle Cay, Michaelmas Cay, Upolu Reef and Palm Cove whilst complete with pilot commentary. (4.3) 3 reviews. FROM AU$229. FIND OUT MORE. Green Island Full Day Trip + Snorkelling OR Glass ...

  19. How to Have a Great Fitzroy Island Day Trip From Cairns

    How to get from Cairns to Fitzroy Island. First, to get to Fitzroy Island from Cairns, you need to book a Fitzroy Island day trip package. Fitzroy Island day tours only include return tickets with a tour company and start from $83 for a full day, so they're not cheap. But I promise the experience is worthwhile.

  20. 17 Best Cairns Day Trips

    A day trip to Fitzroy Island can be as action packed or relaxed as you like. ... 🕒 Cairns to Palm Cove travel time - it takes 26 minutes to get from Cairns to Palm Cove. Follow the Bruce Highway to Mossman and signage will get you rest of the way.  Who will like this? Palm Cove is perfect for anyone who enjoys a day at the beach.

  21. 2024 Fitzroy Island Day Trip from Cairns

    Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more. Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns. 16. Private and Luxury. from. AU$93.00. per adult. Green Island Day Trip from Cairns with City Transfers. 3.

  22. Book Tour

    A 45 minute Fitzroy Flyer will get you from Cairns to Fitzroy Island and back daily. Save 45% on Day Trips - use promo code 'HOTDEAL' at checkout to save 45% until 30th June 2024. Anyone travelling to Fitzroy Island under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

  23. Fitzroy Island Half Day Tour

    Fitzroy Island - Half Day Tour. Family Deal Save $57. Fitzroy Island the fun island just 30 minutes from Cairns. Book a half day tour to visit Fitzroy Island for snorkeling, glass bottom boat, hiking and stand up paddle boarding. Over 2 hours to spend on this beautiful Great Barrier Reef island snorkelling and more.