Fitzroy Island sits just off the coast from Cairns. It’s a good spot for families, solo travellers, and anyone keen to see the Great Barrier Reef without a long trip. Three main boat operators run regular day tours to Fitzroy Island, each with slightly different schedules and options for snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides, and more. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available, so you can pick what suits you best.

Fitzroy Island Flyer

Departs 8:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm | Returns 9:30am, 12:15pm, 5:00pm

The Fitzroy Island Flyer is the resort’s own catamaran, running three times daily between Cairns Marina and Welcome Bay on Fitzroy Island. The 45-minute cruise is air-conditioned and comfortable, which works well for families and groups.

1. Departure times from Cairns: 8:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm
2. Return times from Fitzroy Island: 9:30am, 12:15pm, 5:00pm
3. Travel time: 45 minutes each way
4. Check-in: On the vessel at Marlin Wharf 'A Finger', Berth 20. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure.
5. Fares:
6. Adult (14+ years)
7. Child (4–13 years)
8. Family (2 adults + 2 children)
9. Infants (0–3 years): Free

You can book transfer-only tickets or add snorkelling gear and glass-bottom boat tours. The Flyer is flexible, especially if you want to set your own pace on the island or are staying overnight at the resort. Early arrivals can use pool towels and change rooms before check-in, and late departures have bag storage and showers available.

New Vessel and Services

From 24 November 2026, the Fitzroy Flyer will introduce a brand-new vessel, enhancing the travel experience between Cairns and Fitzroy Island. This new vessel will offer additional transfer options, including afternoon and evening services, providing more flexibility for day visitors. New tour options, such as extended day visits and afternoon island experiences, will also be available.

Fitzroy Island Adventures

Full Day: Departs 8:30am or 10:45am | Returns 4:00pm

Half Day: Departs 10:45am | Returns 2:00pm or 3:00pm

Fitzroy Island Adventures runs both full and half day tours, so you can choose how much time you want on the island. All trips leave from Marlin Marina’s A Finger, with a 45-minute ferry ride to Fitzroy.

1. Full Day Option:
2. Departs Cairns: 8:30am or 10:45am
3. Departs Fitzroy Island: 4:00pm
4. Time on island: Up to 5 hours
5. Half Day Option:
6. Departs Cairns: 10:45am
7. Departs Fitzroy Island: 2:00pm or 3:00pm
8. Time on island: 2 hours (10:45am–2:00pm) or 4 hours (10:45am–3:00pm)
9. Check-in: 30 minutes before departure at Marlin Marina A Finger. Look for the Fitzroy Island Adventures logo. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure.
10. Snorkelling & Glass Bottom Boat: Pre-book gear and tours with your transfer.

This operator is handy if you want a shorter visit or want a package with snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat ride. You’ll get a text and email the afternoon before your trip with all the details you need.

Sunlover Fitzroy Island Day Trip

Departs 10:15am | Returns 4:30pm

Sunlover Reef Cruises runs a daily Fitzroy Island day trip, giving you over six hours on the island. The modern catamaran is air-conditioned and comfortable, with transfers included in the ticket price.

1. Check-in: 8:45am–9:45am at the Sunlover desk, Reef Fleet Terminal
2. Boarding: Starts at 9:30am, closes at 10:00am
3. Departs Cairns: 10:15am
4. Arrives Fitzroy Island: 11:00am
5. Departs Fitzroy Island: 3:30pm
6. Arrives Cairns: 4:30pm
7. Snorkelling & Glass Bottom Boat: Pre-book at the time of booking

The trip includes self-guided rainforest walks and access to day visitor facilities. You can spend your time snorkelling, hiking, or just relaxing by the water. Sunlover’s schedule works well if you want a full day out with a later return to Cairns.

What to Do on Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is popular with families and anyone wanting to see the Great Barrier Reef without a long boat ride. The island is surrounded by fringing coral reefs you can reach straight from the beach, so snorkelling is safe and simple for all ages. Here’s what you can do during your visit:

1. Snorkelling: Hire gear or bring your own. The best spots are just off Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach.
2. Glass Bottom Boat Tours: Good for those who prefer to stay dry but still want to see the reef.
3. Rainforest Walks: Several walking tracks wind through the National Park, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes with views over the Coral Sea.
4. Hiking: The Summit Track is a popular choice for those after a workout and a panoramic lookout.
5. Water Sports: Kayaks, paddleboards, and other gear can be hired on the island.
6. Relaxing: Plenty of spots to lay out a towel, swim, or just enjoy the view.

Facilities for day visitors include change rooms, toilets, and picnic areas. If you’re travelling with kids, the shallow waters near the main beach are especially good for safe swimming and snorkelling.

Getting to Cairns Marina

All Fitzroy Island tours leave from Cairns Marlin Marina, which is easy to reach from most city hotels and the airport. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan:

1. From Cairns Airport: About 15 minutes by car
2. From Cairns Esplanade hotels: Up to 25 minutes’ walk
3. From Cairns city hotels: Up to 15 minutes’ walk
4. From Palm Cove: 30 minutes’ drive
5. From Port Douglas: 60 minutes’ drive

Parking is available at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal Car Park for $10 per day, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the marina. Payment can be made by card or cash at the ticket machines.

Choosing the Right Tour

Each operator offers something a bit different, so your choice will depend on your schedule, budget, and what you want to do on the island. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

1. Fitzroy Island Flyer: Best for flexibility, multiple departure times, and families staying overnight at the resort.
2. Fitzroy Island Adventures: Good for half-day or full-day visits, with options to include snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours.
3. Sunlover Fitzroy Island Day Trip: Ideal for those wanting a full day with a set schedule and comfortable catamaran transfers.

All tours let you pre-book snorkelling gear and glass-bottom boat rides, so you can tailor your day to suit your interests. If you’re travelling with kids or prefer a relaxed pace, the Flyer’s multiple return times are handy. For those short on time, the half-day option with Fitzroy Island Adventures is worth considering.

Tips for Your Day Trip

1. Arrive at the marina at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.
2. Bring swimmers, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. There are places to fill up on the island.
3. If you’re planning to hike, pack sturdy shoes and a light jumper for the rainforest tracks.
4. There are food and drink options on the island, but you can also bring your own snacks and a picnic lunch.
5. Don’t forget your camera or phone for photos—Nudey Beach is often voted one of Australia’s best.

Fitzroy Island is a straightforward day trip from Cairns, with plenty of options to suit different travel styles. You can snorkel, hike, or just relax by the water, and there’s a tour to fit your plans.