Day Tours from Cairns

Three boats offer day tours to Fitzroy Island, with options to book transfers only or include snorkelling and glass-bottom boat experiences. Multiple departure times are available, with the first boat leaving Cairns at 8am and the last boat returning from Fitzroy Island at 5pm.

Fitzroy Island is an ideal destination for families to experience the Great Barrier Reef, with safe and accessible snorkelling right off the beach for kids of all ages.

Spend your day exploring the fringing coral reefs, strolling through the National Park's rainforest walking tracks, or for the more adventurous, hiking to discover breathtaking views of the island and surrounding Coral Sea. Fitzroy Island offers hiking trails, guided walks, and numerous water sports options to suit all interests.

The Fitzroy Island Flyer is operated by the Resort and departs Cairns 3 times per day. The journey is a relaxing 45 minute cruise in the 190 seat air-conditioned catamaran from Cairns to the sheltered waters of Welcome Bay on Fitzroy Island.

Fitzroy Flyer Time Table

• Departs Cairns Marina at 8am, 11am, 1:30pm
• Departs Fitzroy at 9:30am, 12:15pm, 5pm.

Fitzroy Flyer Return Fares
We offer special rates for families. Please check the booking for form for up to date family pricing.

• Adult (14+ years)
• Child (4-13 years)
• Family (2 Adults + 2 Children)
• Infant Free (0-3 years)

Fitzroy Island Flyer Check-in Location
Check-in opens 1 hour prior to departure at the Fitzroy Island Resort Booking Centre Shop 2/1 Spence Street (Reef Fleet Terminal Building)

After you check-in the reservation team will direct you to the vessel on the Marlin Marina.

Boarding closes 15 mins prior to departure.

Transfers for Resort Guests Made Easy
Fitzroy Island Transfers for Resort Guests
Check availability and book return transfers for your stay on Fitzroy Island.
Our booking form shows last seat availability and the total number of seats left on all of the departure times and dates.

Fitzroy Island Resort Check In & Check Out times
Check-in: 02:00pm. Pool towels and changing facilities are made available for early ferry arrivals.
Check-out: 10:00am. Bag storage and change facilities are available for guests departing on the last ferry.

Fitzroy Island Adventures offers a full and half day option. The full day departs Cairns at 8:30am and returns at to Cairns at 5pm giving you 5 Hours to explore Fitzroy Island. The Half Day departs Cairns at 10:45am and returns at to Cairns at 3pm giving you 2 Hours to explore Fitzroy Island. Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat options are available.

Fitzroy Island Adventures Transfer Times
Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure at Marlin Marina A finger. The transfer takes 45 minutes.

Full Day Option

• Departs Cairns at 08:30am & 10:45am
• Departs Fitzroy Island at 4pm

Half Day Option

• Departs Cairns at 10:45am
• Departs Fitzroy Island at 2pm

Snorkelling & Glass Bottom Boat Options
You can pre-book Snorkelling Gear & Glass Bottom Boat with your Fitzroy Island transfers.

Check-in Procedure
Please be waiting for the ferry 30 minutes prior to departure and board the boat directly. The ferry departs from Marlin Marina A Finger. Look for small Fitzroy Island Adventures logo. Boarding closes 15 mins prior to departure. You will receive an email and SMS message the afternoon prior to their day of travel outlining everything they need to know.

Sunlover Fitzroy Island Day Trip departs Daily from Cairns Marina. Enjoy over 6 hours on Fitzroy Island, just a 45 minute cruise from Cairns on the modern Sunlover catamaran.

Fitzroy Island is surrounded by a beautiful fringing Reef system that forms part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The Sunlover Fitzroy Island Day Trip Includes:

• Modern air-conditioned catamaran transfers
• Self-guided rainforest walks
• Access to day visitor facilities​

Spend the day snorkelling the fringing coral reefs, strolling through the National Park rainforest walking tracks, or for the more adventurous hiker, discover breathtaking views of the island and surrounding reefs.

There are hiking trails and guided walks as well as numerous water sports options available.

Your Day on Fitzroy Island
Sunlover departs daily from Cairns Marina. Check-in at the Sunlover desk at the Reef Fleet Terminal.

7:30am - Check in starts
8:30am - Check in closes
8:45am - Depart Cairns Marina
9:30am - Arrive Fitzroy Island
4:00pm - Depart Fitzroy Island
4:45pm - Arrive back at Cairns Marina

Snorkeling & Activities
Snorkel Hire and Glass bottom boat tours can be pre-booked at the time of booking.

Marlin Marina & Reef Fleet Terminal Distances

• 15 Minutes by car from the Cairns airport
• Up to 25 minutes walk from Cairns esplanade hotels
• Up to 15 minutes walk from Cairns city hotels
• 30 Minutes' drive from Palm Cove
• 60 Minutes' drive from Port Douglas

Parking near the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns
The Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal Car Park offers all day parking for a cost of $10/day.
The ticket machines take payment via Credit Card or Cash. This car park is just 2 minutes' walk from the Cairns Marlin Marina.