Sunlover: Cairns to Fitzroy Island Full-Day Cruise with Snorkel, Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Lunch

A tropical reef escape just 45 minutes from Cairns

Board your high-speed ferry from Cairns and cruise across the Coral Sea to Fitzroy Island—one of the most accessible and unspoiled destinations on the Great Barrier Reef. This full-day tour blends marine adventure and island downtime, giving you a taste of reef life without venturing too far from shore.

What to expect

On arrival, pick up your snorkel gear (mask, fins, lycra suit, and flotation vest included) and hit the water straight off the beach. Fitzroy’s fringing reef is just steps from the shore, making it perfect for beginners and casual swimmers. Prefer to stay dry? Join a guided glass-bottom boat tour and glide above coral gardens as your guide points out reef fish, clams, and sea turtles.

Midday, take a break with a tropical lunch box packed with island-style flavours—easy to enjoy at a picnic spot, shaded table, or even barefoot on the beach.

After lunch, the rest of the island is yours to explore. Wander rainforest trails with panoramic lookouts, discover Australia’s #1 beach (Nudey Beach), or simply relax with a book beside the water.

Features

• Fitzroy Island ferry: Fast, scenic round-trip catamaran transfer from Cairns.

• Snorkel gear included: Mask, snorkel, fins, Lycra suit, and flotation vest.

• Glass-bottom boat tour: Glide over coral reefs with expert commentary.

• Tropical lunch box: Fresh, island-inspired meal included in your ticket.

• Free time: 4.5 hours to snorkel, hike, swim, or just unwind on your own schedule.

Schedule

• 8:45 to 9:45am: Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal at Sunlover's desk

• 10am: Boarding closes

• 10:15am: Depart Cairns Marina

• 4.5 hours to experience Fitzroy Island

• 3:30pm: Depart Fitzroy Island

• 4:30pm: Arrive at Cairns Marina

Know before you go

What to bring

• Have your ID or proof of local residency ready for a seamless experience.

• Bring a beach towel, sunscreen, and hat to beat the heat.

• Bring local currency or your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

• Pack your meds – better to be prepared, just in case they’re not available onsite.

• Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the island.

What’s not allowed

• It is recommended to leave jewelry and expensive items at your accommodation.

• Keep in mind that guests are not allowed to stand on live coral, touch any wildlife, on the island or in the water, litter, swim, kayak, or paddle board past the boat channel markers, or bring alcohol to the island.

Accessibility

• This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.

• Space is tight, so we recommend packing light or using a baby carrier. Be aware that most paths on the island aren't suitable for prams.

Additional information

• Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, especially for those guests who wish to hike and explore around the island.

• Please note that the buffet lunch will be at Fitzroy Island Resort.

• Guests should confirm the best snorkeling times with the crew before going for it as the island has low and high tides.

• Guests must wear a stinger suit available on board to protect themselves from stingers.

• If the trip is deemed unsafe to operate due to sea conditions, passengers will be offered travel on an alternate day or will receive a refund.