7 Cairns Ferry Trips Worth Boarding

1.Fitzroy Island Ferry with Optional Lunch & Activity

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 796 reviews · 8 hours · from $59Our pick

Take Sunlover Reef Cruises from Cairns to Fitzroy Island for four-plus hours of swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and rainforest walks. Choose a basic ferry day or add lunch, snorkel gear, and a glass-bottom boat ride. Guides such as Georgina and Carmen explain the reef and its fish during the glass-bottom cruise.

“Brilliant snorkelling - saw turtles and many Fish Great vegetarian boxed lunch”

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2.Fitzroy Island Ferry, optional lunch, tours, snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 216 reviews · from $69

Take Sunlover Reef Cruises from Cairns to Fitzroy Island for about 4.5 hours of free time. Swim from the beach, snorkel, walk to Nudey Beach, or follow rainforest trails. Choose a simple ferry ticket or add lunch, a glass-bottom boat ride, and snorkel gear. This is a self-guided island day, not a guided tour.

“Snorkeling with a turtle! Lunch not available. No tour.”

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3.Fitzroy Island Day Trip by Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 47 reviews · 10 hours · from $74

Take the Fitzroy Flyer from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, then set your own pace for about eight hours. Swim or snorkel at Welcome Bay, walk rainforest trails, tackle the summit walk, relax on the beach, or eat at the Bar and Cafe. The $74 fare includes return ferry transport, with snorkeling gear available if you select that option.

“The crew was so incredible. My partner and I spent a good chunk of the day unwell from sea sickness and they all took such good care of us - including fellow guests. The enthusiasm from the team as highlighted in many of the reviews with wavelength really made the experience so much better.”

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4.Fitzroy Island: Full-Day Ferry & Snorkel Safari Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 37 reviews · 10 hours · from $118

Take the 8:00 AM Fitzroy Flyer from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, then join the 10:00 AM guided snorkel safari with English-speaking staff. You get all-day snorkel hire, about eight hours on the island, time for beaches and rainforest trails, and a 5:00 PM ferry back. Guide Elisa has earned special praise for her help in the water.

“Enjoyed the snorkeling tour, staff were really helpful & pointed me in the right direction. The ferry could do with a bit of TLC but all good”

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5.Half Day Morning Adventure – Fitzroy Island Return Ferry Included

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 14 reviews · from $63

Take the air-conditioned Fitzroy Flyer from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, then spend roughly three hours exploring rainforest, coral beaches, and clear water. Snorkel gear is not included, so bring your own or arrange a rental. The ferry leaves the island at 12:15 pm.

“We enjoyed ourself the ferry departed on time and Also arrived on time.The sight-seeing was magnificent .”

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6.Afternoon Fitzroy Island Escape – Return Ferry Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $63Top rated

Take the 1:30 pm ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, then choose your pace: snorkel, walk island trails, or follow the 20-minute path to coral-covered Nudey Beach. Your air-conditioned ferry returns from the island jetty at 5:00 pm, with restrooms onboard and island information provided.

“Fitzroy island was a totally different experience with the “coral sand “ nudy beach and rainforest treck , a must go for anyone going to cairns”

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7.Fitzroy Island Day Trip 11am to 5pm Ferry INC Snorkel Equipment

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2 reviews · from $92

Take the 11am Fitzroy Flyer from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, then spend about five hours among rainforest, coral reefs, and Nudey Beach. Snorkel equipment and your 5pm return ferry are included. You get free time rather than a guided tour, so bring lunch, water, and sturdy water shoes.

“It was pouring rain in the morning, but it didn't worry us at all. Saw turtles and loads of fish. No change room after 4pm.”

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