About this tour
Catch the ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island for a seven-hour day on the reef. You'll have the afternoon to snorkel above coral gardens, laze on Nudey Beach, or walk the island trails. Snorkelling gear is supplied, and the ferry has air-con and onboard facilities. It's a straightforward way to see what the Great Barrier Reef actually looks like without committing to a full-day boat tour.
Highlights
- Snorkel directly above coral gardens from the beach
- Nudey Beach—clothing optional, mostly deserted
- Return ferry departs 5pm from island jetty
- Snorkelling equipment and air-conditioned vessel included
- Wheelchair accessible ferry and facilities
What to expect
You'll board at Cairns and arrive mid-morning with the whole afternoon ahead. Walk off the jetty straight into the water to find fish and coral immediately—no boat ride needed. The beach itself is quiet; most day-trippers stick to the water. Bring your own lunch and water; the island has limited supplies. You can explore the walking tracks, read under a palm, or stay in the water most of the day. The ferry back leaves at 5pm sharp.
Good to know
Pack lunch and plenty of water—there's nowhere substantial to buy either on the island. Sunscreen is essential. The ferry is wheelchair accessible, but pregnant travellers should avoid. Casual fitness levels are fine; snorkelling happens from the beach with no swimming required.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.