Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns
4.5
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns
By Sunlover Reef Cruises
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About
Enjoy the picturesque surrounds of Fitzroy Island and kick back in paradise!
On board our dedicated island-bound boat, the Fitzroy Island Sundancer Departs Cairns at 10:00am, Returns to Cairns at approximately 5:55pm (*Seasonal or operational time changes may apply).
Book a transfer only, or opt for a package building your day by selecting from options of buffet lunch at Zephyrs restaurant overlooking welcome bay, 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.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 180 per group
Duration: 8h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Restroom on board
- WiFi on board
- Buffet Lunch OR Snorkeling equipment OR glass bottom boat tour (if booking Package option)
What's not included- All island purchases (beach hire, food and beverage, general store)
- Start:
- Sunlover Reef Cruises, Reef Fleet Terminal (Bottom floor, 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, AustraliaCheck in 08:30 -09:30 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. CHECK-IN CLOSES 09:30. (Late check-in will result in the tour being missed with no refund).
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5851P4- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 180 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5851P4
From
AU$99.00
per adult
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Itinerary
- Reef Fleet Terminal (Bottom floor, 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, AustraliaCheck in 08:30 -09:30 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. CHECK-IN CLOSES 09:30. (Late check-in will result in the tour being missed with no refund).
- 1Sunlover Reef Cruises provides transfers to the idyllic Fitzroy Island, which is only a 55 minute cruise from Cairns.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Culture253163616460 contributionsexcellent trip1月份来的,摩尔礁一日游,来回的行程大概都是1.5个小时。船没有quicksliver号新,也比较颠簸,船上许多人去的时候都吐了,不知道是双体船的缘故还是当天海浪比较大的原因。强烈建议乘坐10分钟直升机绕岛礁的附加项目,值得每一分钱。水滑梯是个加分点,大堡礁本身不用多说,美不胜收。 Visited in January for a one-day tour of Moore Reef. The round trip took about 1.5 hours each way. The boat wasn’t as new as the Quicksilver vessel and was quite bumpy—many people got seasick on the way there. It’s hard to tell whether it was due to the catamaran design or the rough sea conditions that day. Highly recommend the 10-minute helicopter ride around the reef as an add-on; it’s worth every penny. The water slide is a bonus feature, and the Great Barrier Reef itself needs no further praise—absolutely stunning.Written 14 January 2025
- E6534LMninah0 contributionsGreat experience, good for the whole familyThis was great for a family group. The water was very clear and the stairs to enter the water made it easy to get in and out of the water and even to rest. I did the guided drift snorkel experience and it was great. I wish I'd done the scuba diving since the water was so clear and the location had a nice drop off area where I saw divers swimming from my snorkelling vantage point. I even saw what was probably a big reef shark cruising around further away in the more open water (it didn't come near us). Overall, it was a nice day. The boat to and fro was comfortable and the staff safety instructions were clear and easy to follow. There were also photos available at the end from the photographer who was scuba diving around the whole time taking snaps of people. Great experience, would definitely go again to do the scuba diving.Written 8 January 2025
- tamarah6320 contributionsSunlover cruises was great, Fitzroy island could be missedWe did the reef and Fitzroy island in a day tour. First up the staff were amazing, along with the facilities on the catamaran and also the pontoon. We loved the pontoon and our small kids thought the slide was amazing and loved snorkelling. It felt safe and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The Fitzroy island part was a bit of a let down, which was due to bad and slow service by the lunch crew at Fitzroy Island resort which meant we were stuck without enough time to complete the walk to.nudey beach as planned. I have left a review of the treatment by the resort on their page as there was a few issues that came up. I have dropped to a 4 star review only as I feel Sunlover needs to address the service and food offerings by their partner at Fitzroy island.Written 4 January 2025
- marktuthdr0 contributions“captain” Morgan staff “leader” buzzkillI would give it a C- overall. Would have been an A+ but one of their (female) staff told me I could go back to the boat after lunch to access my gear (sunscreen, sun hat, water), up unril about 2, and when I went there at 1:15, I had to take a long step to reach the boat. It was not normal for them to have such ooor access to the boat imo, yet none of them were in sight so I did what I was promised I could do, access my things on the boat. Some guy who was the biggest talker of the crew, by name of Morgan, made a big scene to me in front of the crew inside the ship, saying how dangerous it was for me to get on the ship w/o a proper gangway. Well, him/them making it less safe than ideal was their negligence, not mine. That was a huge blemish in the experience. He/they should have known better. He seemed over his head, and was trying to blame someone else for his/their negligence.quite gauche and unprofessional. All the other staff were pleasant, professional, and safe w their clients all day, in my observations anyway.Written 3 January 2025
- paulakT7823XN0 contributionsOk but wouldn’t do it againNot enough time at the pontoon. As soon as you get there and do the glass bottom boat and underwater scuba experience you have half an hour left to snorkel. Then onto Fitzroy island and lunch. Very busy and not the best buffet. Three salads, some rice, lamb and pork. Then the Fitzroy Island staff kick you out of the dining area and you have to go and sit in the sun because the bar they direct you to is full. Nudey beach is worth the walk. Stunning! Do the full day reef experience. It would be much better.Written 3 January 2025
- Odyssey8060 contributionsFantastic experienceThis is an absolute must do if you go to Cairns. Sunlover has their own pontoon(which is like an exclusive platform in the ocean above the reefs). So they take you there and all your activities are done there. You could snorkel ofcourse. But you must also do the scuba diving (if you are not afraid of water in your face) or the sea walk(this is if you are afraid of getting water in your face). The helicopter ride is good (mostly for people who have never been in a helicopter before) although you get a good ariel view of the reef. I did the scuba diving and I am 52. Make sure you are fully confident of the techniques of breathing under water before you proceed. It can be a little scary. I absolutely loved Iris and I had a RayLu (?) as my guide who was very patient. You have to be quick with whatever you want to do coz you easily run out of time. I could not snorkel Vegetarians.......you will survive.Written 25 December 2024
- Getaway5383800 contributionsSun lover cruise with the familyThe cruise was very well organized with lots of food and activities. I felt that the pontoon idea in the middle of the ocean was a very good idea. I could take a dip in warm waters for the first time in a long time as the waters of the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, California are always too cold for me.Written 22 December 2024
- kavf20230 contributionsTotal rip off experienceAvoid Sunlover River Cruise – Total Rip-off Our November 26th trip was a nightmare. The cruise ended abruptly due to a medical emergency, which we could understand, but the staff’s and managers (Cora Ling) behavior was shocking—rude, dismissive, and unapologetic. They refused any refunds or compensation, leaving everyone frustrated. This company is untrustworthy and only cares about taking your money. Avoid them!Written 1 December 2024
- monicaa2500 contributionsDisappointed overallI booked based on the timeframe of the tour but immediately received a message the tour was pushed by an hour. Instructions were to bring confirmation email, however, at check-in they required photo ID at the request of Viator. I had not brought my passport so with less than 15min for check-in I was required to go back to my hotel and get additional documents. That should have been provided in the initial instructions. Barely made it. And then on the return we were delayed waiting on other boats to load passengers so we were even later getting back causing additional scheduling conflicts. Not much to do overall at the island, was too long.Written 30 November 2024
- paulhR9224VJ0 contributionsGreat day out.Excellent trip , the boat was a little old and tatty and the safety briefing inadequate , the tanoy/ P.A. system is inaudible over the noise of the engines and people chatting,. The buffet was ok but the stampede of Chinese spoilt the mealtime experience , that’s not your fault.Written 20 November 2024
- Maps311436159100 contributionsGreat Barrier Reef with Sunlovers Reef cruiseGreat Barrier 🪸 Reef tour with Sunlovers cruise was top class with super friendly crew..Food was great alongwith other activities like snorkelling, Submarine ride and Glass bottom boat ride Namaste from India Debraj/ Sudeshna/ ShreesWritten 5 November 2024
- Global339069666810 contributionsSnorkelling on Fitzroy IslandIt was a great experience. Absolutely beautiful location and good organization. Definitely recommend snorkelling on the island.Written 27 October 2024
- Paula-Rosa L0 contributionsIf you love snorkelling & diving this is for you!Action packed day especially if you love snorkelling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Glass bottom boat. FunWritten 7 October 2024
- A7072NBkatherineb0 contributionsA special three generation family holiday.We had an amazing trip. The staff were outstanding, the food was delicious, considering we were out in the middle of the ocean. The Reef itself did not disappoint.Written 26 September 2024
- jess_fair20 contributionsFun Day Out!We spent a lovely day at Fitzroy Island, with the glass bottom boat being an absolute highlight! Hannah, our guide, was brilliant and so knowledgeable. We opted for the package that included lunch, which was nice enough for a buffet offering! I was tempted to knock off a star because the weather wasn't great so it was a but cold and the snorkeling views weren't the best, but still we saw some coral and it's not like Sunlover control the weather! I would just say that if the weather's not looking the best, bring a jumper for after you've been snorkeling because we really could have done with one.Written 25 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
22 reviews
Excellent
16
Very good
2
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Adriana S
Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates112 contributions
Dec 2019
It was a smooth transfer. The ferry has plenty of seats for everyone, they also sell drinks and some snacks. We were drop at fitzroy Island and then pick up on time at the same spot. I thought the ferry is bit pricey, but all ferries have about the same price, so not much to about it. I was there is high season and was lucky to get a spot the night before but I suggested you book ahead of time. Everyone at the boat were super friendly.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily
Cairns, Australia194 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
I wasn't really expecting to see a lot on Fitzroy Island compared to the outer reef but was pleasantly surprised! The weather was pretty bad when we went so we went over on a bigger boat which was nice and my friends got their snorkel hire from there. We left at 9:30 and got to Fitzroy around 10:15. The crew were really friendly and even told us where the best snorkelling spots are (Bird Rock on the far left). I didn't expect to see so much coral or lots of sea life when snorkelling but actually saw lots and I was really impressed considering it's the inner reef and not the outer. Visibility isn't the best, especially because we went on such a bad day, but that's to be expected from an island and didn't stop us from seeing loads anyway! We had a late lunch at the restaurant which has pretty views and was decently priced. We got the ferry back at around 16:30 and was back in Cairns before 17:30. There are lots of other good places to snorkel and some nice hiking trails that I didn't get to do this time so I definitely would like to go back again!
Written 12 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angebrown0508
Sydney, Australia12 contributions
July 2022 • Family
Thank you to the wonderful crew on board the boat. Each and every one of you were fantastic. Highly recommend this tour group. Alas my daughter got sea sick, but each and every crew member who assist did so with compassion and kindness. The crew were so informative of the island and what to do and clearly loved their jobs.
Written 6 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariana
Melbourne, Australia38 contributions
Other companies run transfers in much smaller boats, more personal, at the same price (or just $2 more). A "45 min transfer" only covers the time in the sea, but you have to be at the boat at 9am and only get to the island at 11am... may be because there's a lot of people and because while getting in you're waiting for every single person to take a picture in front of the boat (which they will later try to sell to you). All in all, would not advise this one if all you want is to go to Fitzroy Island.
Written 16 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good morning and thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us.
I am sorry if there was confusion about the time that it takes to get to Fitzroy Island. The transfer itself is indeed 45 minutes, departing Cairns 9.30am and arriving at the island at approximately 10.15am. Allowing additional time for boarding and disembarking is all part of the process, as we need to ensure that we are safely boarding and accounting for all of our guests.
Most of our guests really love the photo upon arrival at the boat, some see it as a great souvenir to purchase as a momento of their day on the reef. Purchase is totally optional.
I hope you enjoyed your time at Fitzroy Island!
Best wishes and safe travels,
Amy
Written 3 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gayle W
3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
My husband and I took a day trip from Cairns to Fitzroy Island. Professional, helpful staff on the Fitzroy Island boat, and everything ran to schedule. Beautiful scenery as we walked/hiked to Nudey Beach, which was well worth the trek. The trip included the option of a glass bottom boat trip or snorkelling experience, and we chose the glass bottom boat. The 30 minute boat trip was very underwhelming, the boat hovered for a few minutes over some bleached out looking coral, with a spiel delivered by the driver,and then raced back for the next tour group. It very much felt like a money making exercise that I would not recommend. There was also no advance notice that the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on the Island was closed. We ended up coming back 2 hours early and were a bit disappointed overall.
Written 23 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate M
7 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
We did a half day trip as we had already done a Great Barrier Reef tour with Ocean Freedom a couple of days ago. Plus we were didn’t want to get up early again!
Anyway, wow! The reef we snorkeled at Fitzroy Was amazing, much more impressive then the day we went to the more distant reef space (Uplolo Reef). What a perfect surprise.
We walked over the Nudie’s beach - a bit of a trek, but so worth it. We hired snorkelling gear on the boat, DONT WORRY about flippers, you don’t need them, they are just a pain to carry. Such a shame you need stinger suits (although most people weren’t wearing them). We had time for two hours snorkelling and a quick drink after. Could have done with an extra hour, but the full day would have been too big for what we were after (the full day of carrying equipment and wet towels etc was not what we wanted). With stinger suits, one snorkel session is enough, would be such a pain getting in and out of them over and over again.
BUT if I had to choose to go full day snorkelling at Fitzroy and going on an outer reef day trip, I’d actually go to Fitzroy (family of 4, 2 kids 13 and 11).
Anyway, wow! The reef we snorkeled at Fitzroy Was amazing, much more impressive then the day we went to the more distant reef space (Uplolo Reef). What a perfect surprise.
We walked over the Nudie’s beach - a bit of a trek, but so worth it. We hired snorkelling gear on the boat, DONT WORRY about flippers, you don’t need them, they are just a pain to carry. Such a shame you need stinger suits (although most people weren’t wearing them). We had time for two hours snorkelling and a quick drink after. Could have done with an extra hour, but the full day would have been too big for what we were after (the full day of carrying equipment and wet towels etc was not what we wanted). With stinger suits, one snorkel session is enough, would be such a pain getting in and out of them over and over again.
BUT if I had to choose to go full day snorkelling at Fitzroy and going on an outer reef day trip, I’d actually go to Fitzroy (family of 4, 2 kids 13 and 11).
Written 2 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rose E
4 contributions
July 2023
My partner and I booked with this company last minute but it did not disappoint. Whilst on the way to Fitzroy Island, we booked onto the beginners snorkelling tour with Morgan (our guide) who was fantastic and a credit to the company. He was extremely knowledgeable about the reefs, corals and environment of the island and gave us lots of good tips for snorkelling. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip with this company and if we are ever to return to Cairns, we would definitely book again. Thank you!
Written 28 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela L
4 contributions
May 2022 • Family
The staff on this trip made it great. They gave a funny little safety talk that even had the kids interested. The staff were very attentive and accommodating. Just wished we had of chosen to go out to reef instead of the island as it was a wet rainy day with poor visibility in the water. Apparently the outer reef was clear as a bell, only hard part was getting out there in the rough seas!
Written 12 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JH
17 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The Sunlover Reef transfer from Cairns to Fitzroy Island was spacious and quick. The boat drops off passengers to Fitzroy Island first before moving on to the other activities. On the way back, we got confused and queued up for the Fitzroy Island Adventure boat. Just keep an eye out lol
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joloho1
10 contributions
Expensive for boat trip, website misleading. Thought sun lover provided glass bottom boat and semi sun but this was only available for Moore reef. Even when I asked desk staff at check in they told me it will be weather dependent if it runs, not that it isn’t at Fitzroy at all. We had a great day snorkling but the cruise company was a let down.
Written 20 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there! Thank you for your review, it seems there was a bit of miscommunication going on.
Previously, our Moore Reef boat was also supplying Fitzroy transfers. As of yesterday, we now have a separate boat for this service.
While we currently do not offer activities through Sunlover at Fitzroy Island, there are operators on the island who do offer glass bottom boat tours, amongst many other activities. We will talk with reception staff about being clearer in this communication. Wishing you Happy Holidays!
Written 22 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.