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Sunlover: Fitzroy Island Day Trip from Cairns by Fast Catamaran

4.2(84)Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 84 reviews6 hFree cancellationBy Sunlover Reef Cruises
Sunlover: Fitzroy Island Day Trip from Cairns by Fast Catamaran

About this activity

Sunlover Reef Cruises runs two return ferries a day from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, about 45 minutes each way by fast catamaran. The 8:45am departure arrives at 9:30am and the 10:15am departure at 11:00am. Both leave the island at 3:30pm, back at Cairns Marina about 4:30pm.

Fitzroy Island is a rainforest-covered national park on the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel the fringing reef straight off the beach at Welcome Bay, walk 15 minutes to Nudey Beach, or take a national park walk, from the 700 m Secret Garden to the 4.2 km Summit Circuit and its granite lookout over the Coral Sea.

Book the ferry only, or upgrade to Island Essentials (snorkel hire or a glass bottom boat tour), Island Value (adds a lunch box) or Best of Island (full-day snorkel hire, glass bottom boat and lunch box). No fuel surcharge applies.

Sunlover Reef Cruises has operated from Cairns since 1991. In 2025 it was one of 11 Australian operators inducted into the Ecotourism Australia ECO Certification Hall of Fame.

What's included

  • ✓Self-guided access to Fitzroy Island National Park walks and beaches
  • ✓(Dependent on option booked) Picnic Lunch Box OR Snorkel equipment OR glass bottom boat tour
  • ✓Free downloadable island map and Nudey Beach self-guided walk
  • ✓Return fast catamaran between Cairns and Fitzroy Island (about 45 minutes each way)

Not included

  • ✕All island purchases (beach hire, food and beverage, general store)
  • ✕Fuel Surcharge payable on the day - $4 per Adult and $2 per Child

Meeting and pickup

  • Check in at the Sunlover Cruises counter inside the Reef Fleet terminal located at Cairns Marlin Marina. *Boarding will be denied without collection of tickets from Sunlover Cruises. Late check-in will result in the tour being missed with no refund.

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The return ferry leaves Fitzroy Island at 3:30pm. Guests who miss it must make their own way back at their own expense.
  • Fitzroy Island's beaches are white coral fragments and granite boulders, not sand. Bring water shoes or reef booties.
  • Bring swimwear, a towel, hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, and cash or card for Foxy's Bar and the island kiosk.
  • Lockers are available on the island.
  • Snorkelling conditions change with wind, tide and season. Ask the crew on arrival for the best spot on the day.
  • Nudey Beach is not a nude beach.
  • Smoking and vaping are not allowed on the vessel

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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