Tour Options:
Prefer to stay dry while exploring the reef? This full-day tour includes a glass bottom boat experience alongside generous island free time.
Other Fitzroy Island tour options:
- Fitzroy Island Half Day – Transfers Only
- Fitzroy Island Full Day – Transfers Only
- Fitzroy Island Full Day Tour + Snorkel Experience
Tour Overview
The Fitzroy Island Day Tour + Glass Bottom Boat is a relaxed, full-day island experience that lets you explore both above and below the water—without needing to snorkel. With return ferry transfers from Cairns and a guided glass bottom boat tour included, this option is perfect for travellers who want to see the reef while staying dry.
After an early departure from Cairns, you’ll arrive at Fitzroy Island with up to six hours to enjoy its beaches, rainforest walking tracks, and coastal scenery. The island offers a mix of easy walks, swimming spots, and shaded areas to relax, making it suitable for a wide range of ages and activity levels.
The included glass bottom boat tour provides a unique perspective of the reef, allowing you to view coral formations and colourful marine life from the comfort of the boat. Combined with generous free time on the island, this tour offers a well-balanced day for visitors seeking a gentle, informative Great Barrier Reef island experience.
Tour Highlights
- Full-day return ferry transfers from Cairns
- Early departure maximising island time
- Up to 6 hours to explore Fitzroy Island
- Guided glass bottom boat tour included
- View coral reefs and marine life without swimming
- Relax on sheltered tropical beaches
- Walk rainforest and coastal hiking trails
- Spot fish such as parrotfish and clownfish
- Suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities
Perfect For
- Non-swimmers or nervous swimmers
- Families with children aged 4+
- Older travellers
- Visitors wanting reef views without snorkelling
- Nature and wildlife enthusiasts
- Travellers seeking a relaxed full-day island experience
- First-time visitors to the Great Barrier Reef
Inclusions
Minimum Age
- Suitable for ages 4–99 years
Included:
- Return ferry transfers between Cairns and Fitzroy Island
- Full day access to Fitzroy Island
- Guided Glass Bottom Boat Tour
- Free time to swim, relax, or explore the island
Optional Add-Ons:
- Snorkelling, equipment hire, or other island activities may be available separately
Itinerary
- Check-in: Onboard the vessel
- Check-in opens 30 minutes prior to departure
- No need to visit the Reef Fleet Terminal
- Check-in opens 30 minutes prior to departure
- 8:30am: Depart Cairns
- Ferry Transfer: Approximately 45 minutes to Fitzroy Island
- On Fitzroy Island:
- Up to 6 hours free time
- Scheduled glass bottom boat tour during the day
- Up to 6 hours free time
- 4:00pm: Depart Fitzroy Island
- Return to Cairns: Late afternoon
- Total Duration: Approximately 7 hours 30 minutes
What To Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Hat and sunglasses
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Swimwear and towel (if swimming)
- Light jacket or cover-up for ferry travel
- Water bottle
- Camera or phone for reef viewing
- Cash or card for optional island purchases
Safety Information
Ferry transfers and the glass bottom boat tour are operated by experienced crew using stable, well-maintained vessels. The glass bottom boat allows guests to observe the reef in a seated and secure environment, making it suitable for a wide range of mobility levels.
The tour is largely self-guided while on the island. Guests should take care when swimming or walking on rainforest and coastal tracks, particularly in wet or uneven areas. Children must be supervised at all times.
Weather and sea conditions may affect ferry schedules or the glass bottom boat operation. Tours may be adjusted or cancelled if conditions are unsuitable for safe operation.