
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 84 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns worth booking?
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns is a 6.3-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $78 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 84 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (84)
- Duration
- 6.3 hours
- From
- $78 per person
Enjoy the picturesque surrounds of Fitzroy Island and kick back in paradise! Book a transfer only, or opt for a package building your day by selecting from options of picnic lunch box, snorkelling equipment hire and / or glass bottom boat tour! Fitzroy Island is a favourite trip for Cairns' locals with 99% of its landscape covered in lush tropical rainforest as well as granite outcrops, open woodlands, mangroves and coral beaches. Enquire about further upgrading your day with optional activities such as snorkel safari, kayak tour, visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation centre or guided nature walks. Choose an 8.45am departure of a 10.15am departure from Cairns, according to your preference. The return ferry leaves Fitzroy Island at 3.30pm, arriving back in Cairns at approximately 4.30pm.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy the picturesque surrounds of Fitzroy Island and kick back in paradise! Book a transfer only, or opt for a package building your day by selecting from options of picnic lunch box, snorkelling equipment hire and / or glass bottom boat tour! Fitzroy Island is a favourite trip for Cairns' locals with 99% of its landscape covered in lush tropical rainforest as well as granite outcrops, open woodlands, mangroves and coral beaches. Enquire about further upgrading your day with optional activities such as snorkel safari, kayak tour, visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation centre or guided nature walks. Choose an 8.45am departure of a 10.15am departure from Cairns, according to your preference. The return ferry leaves Fitzroy Island at 3.30pm, arriving back in Cairns at approximately 4.30pm.
What's included
Included
- Return Ferry Transfers Ex / To Cairns Marina
- (Dependent on option booked) Picnic Lunch Box OR Snorkel equipment OR glass bottom boat tour
Not included
- All island purchases (beach hire, food and beverage, general store)
What you'll see and do
Fitzroy Island
Sunlover Reef Cruises provides transfers to the idyllic Fitzroy Island, which is only a 55 minute cruise from Cairns.
360 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cairns & the Tropical North
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Options you can book
10.15am Ferry+Lunch+Snorkel
4.5 hrs pn island Duration: 6 hours 15 minutes: 8.45am check in, 10.15am departure from Cairns. Arrive back in Cairns 4.30pm. Package inclusions: Includes return ferry transfer, snorkeling equipment and a picnic lunch
8.45am Ferry+Snorkel+Boat Tour
6 hrs on island Duration: 7 hours 45 minutes: 7.15am-8.30am check in for a 8.45am departure. Arrive back to Cairns 4.30pm. Package inclusions: Includes return ferry transfers, snorkelling equipment and a glass bottom boat tour
10.15am Ferry+Lunch+Boat Tour
4.5 hrs on island Duration: 6 hours 15 minutes: 8.45-9.30am check in for 10.15am departure. Arrive back in Cairns 4.30pm. Package inclusions: Includes return ferry transfers, a glass bottom boat & a picnic lunch
10.15am, Return Ferry Only
4.5 hrs on Island Duration: 6 hours 15 minutes: 8.45-9.30am Check In for 10.15am departure. Return to Cairns 4.30pm. Includes return ferry transfer
10.15am Ferry+Snorkel+BoatTour
4.5 hrs on island Duration: 6 hours 15 minutes: 8.45-9.30am check in for 10.15am departure. Arrive back in Cairns 4.30pm. Package inclusions: Includes return ferry transfers, snorkelling equipment and a glass bottom boat tour
8.45am Ferry+Lunch+Boat Tour
6 hrs on island Duration: 7 hours 45 minutes: 7.30-8.15am check in for a 8.45am departure. Arrive back to Cairns 4.30pm. Package inclusions: Includes return ferry transfers, a glass bottom boat tour & a picnic lunch
8.45am Ferry+Lunch+Snorkel
6 hrs on island Duration: 7 hours 45 minutes: 7.30-8.15am check in for a 8.45am departure. Arrive back to Cairns 4.30pm. Package inclusions: Includes return ferry transfers, snorkelling equipment and a picnic lunch
8.45am, Return Ferry Only
6 hrs On Island Duration: 7 hours 45 minutes: 7.30-8.15am check in for a 8.45am departure. Arrive back to Cairns 4.30pm. Includes return ferry transfer
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Sunlover Reef Cruises
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 84 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
84 verified traveler reviews for Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fitzroy Island & Sunlover Cruises are amazing!
Highly recommend the half day trip to Fitzroy on the Sunlover catamaran. The staff were all super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable . It's 45 mins to the island and the cat stops on the jetty, So if you have mobility problems or kids I'd recommend this one. (Smaller boats just roll up to the shore and people had to walk down narrow metal steps onto the beach). The picnic lunch was LOVELY with lots of variety and plenty of food - you pick these up from Foxy's cafe if you've ordered one. Foxy's is quite big and has a full bar and serves hot food, which looked good. They also have toilets there. Nudey Beach is 1.2km walk BUT involves high steep stone steps (no rails), and a hill. If you aren't young or very mobile it will be difficult! Fitzroy is beautiful unspoilt island and you need to take it as it comes. To make it "accessible" for all would require infrastructure that they don't have. The beaches are pieces of broken dead coral so painful to walk on in bare feet. We saw several older people with walking sticks and they had to stick to the main path alongside the mangroves. There's a beautiful hotel there, a small campsite with a shower and toilets and a small general store. Snorkelling is WELL WORTH a try as it's shallow, calm and very few boats. Crystal clear and tons of amazing fish just off the shoreline. We saw a few turtles too but obviously there's no guarantee you'll see one. They hang out more near the White rock on the left side of the island as you approach on the boat. Also please check the Turtle Rehab Centre is open and donate! They help injured and sick turtles. Such amazing gentle creatures.
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a thoughtful and helpful review! It sounds like you really made the most of your Fitzroy Island visit. We’re especially pleased you found the Sunlover crew friendly and helpful, enjoyed the picnic lunch and had such a great time snorkelling from the island — turtles are always a wonderful bonus when they decide to make an appearance. Your comments about footwear and the walking tracks are also great advice for future visitors. Fitzroy is a beautiful, naturally rugged island, so being prepared makes a big difference, particularly for the walk to Nudey Beach. And thank you for giving the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre a mention too. We really appreciate the fantastic recommendation and hope we can welcome you back to Fitzroy Island again. 🐢🧡
via Tripadvisor
Not worth the ride!
The glass bottom boat ride is a hoax! Nothing really worth the view and the guide didn’t speak loud enough hear whatever education she was providing!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry the glass bottom boat tour didn’t meet your expectations. The experience is a genuine guided viewing tour over Fitzroy Island’s fringing reef, but what can be seen varies with tide, sunlight, water clarity and marine conditions on the day. We do take your point about the commentary though — if guests can’t clearly hear the guide, they miss an important part of the experience. We’ll pass that feedback on to the island team.
via Viator
Bring strong soled shoes
Beautiful place - just make sure you bring sturdy reef shoes or some such as the coral makes the beach there and it’s a bit like walking on nature’s Lego !
Response from the operator: Thank you, Lucy. “Nature’s Lego” is probably one of the best descriptions we’ve heard for Fitzroy Island’s coral beaches! Reef shoes or sturdy footwear are definitely a great idea for exploring the shoreline comfortably. We’re so glad you enjoyed the island and appreciate the helpful tip for future visitors. 🐠🧡
via Viator
Fun
Highly recommended for families with children. During our visit (July), the river was knee- to hip-deep. The water temperature was pleasant and the current wasn't dangerous, so the focus was on having fun. The guides were all incredibly friendly and helpful. Excellent value for money.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re glad you had such a fun family experience, however it sounds like this may have been intended for a different tour operator, as Sunlover Reef Cruises provides ferry transfers and tours to Fitzroy Island and does not operate a river activity. We hope you’re able to share your review with the correct operator so their team receives the recognition.
via Tripadvisor
Gorgeous island and perfect intro to snorkelling for kids
We loved our day trip to Fitzroy Island with two families and kids aged 4-10. The boat was big and comfortable, crew super-friendly and helpful. The island itself is beautiful with short walks, clear water and lots of coral and fish close to shore - much more than I’d expected from a touristy island. Plenty of shade available under trees along the shore. There’s lots of coral washed up on the beach so a good idea to bring reef shoes or waterproof sandals. An awesome day trip.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, Juliet. We’re so pleased Fitzroy Island was such a hit with both families. It’s a brilliant place for children to build confidence in the water, with plenty to discover close to shore as well as easy walks and shady spots when everyone needs a break. Great tip about reef shoes too — the coral beaches are beautiful, but sturdy footwear definitely makes exploring more comfortable. Thank you for recognising our crew as well. We’re glad we could help make your family day trip from Cairns such an enjoyable one. 🐠
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $78 to $175
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 29
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Sunlover Reef Cruises, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.1.
See everything Sunlover Reef Cruises runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.
How much does Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns cost?
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Prices start at $78 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cairns & the Tropical North usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns take?
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Plan for about 6.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cairns & the Tropical North is not rushed.
Is Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 84 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cairns & the Tropical North, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns?
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Around 29 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cairns & the Tropical North can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cairns & the Tropical North and add a light layer if any part of the 6.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cairns & the Tropical North within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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On Outty we rank every Cairns & the Tropical North experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Fun, Falls and Forest Day Trip from Cairns, Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran, Tully River Full-Day Rafting: Cairns, Mission Beach or Self-Drive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns?
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Included: Return Ferry Transfers Ex / To Cairns Marina; and (Dependent on option booked) Picnic Lunch Box OR Snorkel equipment OR glass bottom boat to. Not included: All island purchases (beach hire, food and beverage, general store). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns?
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Across 84 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, good for families, value for money. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
What booking options are available for Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns?
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There are 8 options to choose from, including 10.15am Ferry+Lunch+Snorkel, 8.45am Ferry+Snorkel+Boat Tour, 10.15am Ferry+Lunch+Boat Tour, 10.15am, Return Ferry Only. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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