Best Of Fitzroy: Lunch, Snorkel, Boat

Sunlover Reef Cruises packs this day trip with the return ferry, a picnic lunch box, snorkel gear hire and a glass-bottom boat ride. The tour runs 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 45 minutes and rates 3.9 from 17 reviews. Free cancellation applies.

Overview

This day trip from Cairns packs the main ways to see Fitzroy Island into one outing: a return boat ride across to the island, a picnic lunch box, snorkel gear hire, a glass bottom boat tour, and self guided nature walks once you are ashore. Sunlover Reef Cruises runs it, checking passengers in at their counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal at Cairns Marlin Marina before boarding. The whole thing runs between 6 hours 15 minutes and 7 hours 45 minutes, with roughly 4 hours of that spent on Fitzroy Island itself.

On the island, the day is yours to shape. One reviewer reported snorkelling with turtles as a bonus, and another described many beautiful fish around the island. Some travellers walk across to Nudey Beach, which one reviewer described as a favourite from their time in Australia. The glass bottom boat gives a dry option for anyone who prefers not to get in the water, and the nature walks cover the island's tracks at your own pace.

It suits anyone wanting a fixed itinerary that bundles transport, food and gear. It suits determined hikers less well. One reviewer noted the island time is limited if you plan to hike to the summit and also reach the best beach, so set expectations accordingly. Optional upgrade activities, such as the snorkel safari one traveller praised, cost extra.

What's Included

Included

Return boat transfers
Picnic Lunch Box
Snorkelling Equipment Hire
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Self guided nature walks

Not Included

Beverages & on island purchases
Optional upgrade activities
Hotel transfers
Hotel pickup

Itinerary

Check in at Reef Fleet TerminalCollect tickets at the Sunlover Cruises counter on the bottom floor of the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns. Boarding is denied without collecting tickets first, and late check in means missing the tour with no refund.
Boat transfer to Fitzroy IslandReturn boat transfers to the island are included. Reviews mention the crossing can be busy, since the boat also carries other passengers.
Fitzroy Island (4 hours)Admission is free. Use the included snorkel equipment off the beach, join the glass bottom boat tour, eat the included picnic lunch box, and follow the self guided nature walks.
Optional upgrade activitiesExtra activities on the island, such as a snorkel safari mentioned by one traveller, are available at an additional cost and are not part of the base price.
Return boat to CairnsThe trip ends back at the Reef Fleet Terminal meeting point. Total duration runs from 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 45 minutes.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the listing and from what multiple reviewers reported will help the day run smoothly.

Bring your own drinks. Beverages and on island purchases are not included, so bring water and anything else you want beyond the picnic lunch box.
Check gear at the dock. One reviewer advised checking that your wetsuit fits before leaving the dock, and another flagged worn snorkel equipment. Inspect your mask, snorkel and suit when it is handed out rather than after arriving.
Snorkelling here. One reviewer said you can snorkel straight off the beach. One reported seeing turtles, and another described many beautiful fish around the island. If you wear prescription glasses, one traveller noted the crew could accommodate that.
Plan your island time. With 4 hours on the island and gear to carry, you cannot do everything. One reviewer said lugging flippers, suit and life jacket stopped them reaching a beach they wanted to walk to, so decide your priorities before you land.
Stinger season realities. One reviewer was stung by a blue bottle despite wearing a full stinger suit, though staff provided first aid quickly. Full stinger suits are available, but they do not rule out every encounter.
Busy shared boat. The vessel carries day trippers alongside other passengers, and one reviewer found the crossings crowded. The tour also runs with up to 100 travellers, so expect a group rather than a quiet outing.

Common issues. Hotel transfers are not included, so travellers make their own way to the Reef Fleet Terminal. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are. Two reviewers reported organisational problems, including cancellations and rescheduling, shifting boarding times, and a buffet lunch being swapped or shortened. One reviewer said the operator shortened their trip by two hours shortly before the date. The experience also requires good weather, and the listing states that weather cancellations come with an offer of a different date or a full refund. Some reviewers also complained about worn snorkel gear and unsmiling staff, while others praised the crew, so experiences vary considerably between departures.

Choosing A Trip

What is included in the Best of Fitzroy tour?

Return boat transfers, a picnic lunch box, snorkelling equipment hire, a glass bottom boat tour, and self guided nature walks are all included. Island admission is free. Beverages, on island purchases, optional upgrade activities, and hotel transfers are not included.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No. Hotel pickup and transfers are not included. You check in at the Sunlover Cruises counter on the bottom floor of the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns, inside Cairns Marlin Marina. Tickets must be collected there before boarding or boarding will be denied.

How long is the tour?

The full experience runs between 6 hours 15 minutes and 7 hours 45 minutes. Of that, about 4 hours is spent on Fitzroy Island. The day starts and ends at the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns.

Can I bring kids or a pram?

Pushchairs are accessible and most travellers can participate, according to the listing. The maximum group size is 100 travellers. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancel or request changes inside 24 hours and no refund or changes are accepted, with cut off times based on local time. If the operator cancels for poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What should I bring?

Bring water and any drinks you want, since beverages are not included. Anything you buy on the island is at your own cost, and optional activities such as the snorkel safari also cost extra. One reviewer also suggested checking your wetsuit fits before the boat leaves.