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6.5Hr Cairns Whale Watching + Fitzroy Island Tour

From $159

Start Time 08:30

Duration 6hr 45min

  • 1.5-hour whale watching tour guided by a Marine Biologist
  • See the Humpback whales in action along the Great Barrier Reef
  • Marine Biologist commentary during the whale watching tour
  • Up to 2.5 hours on Fitzroy Island to swim, snorkel, explore the rainforest
  • 45-minute return catamaran ferry between Cairns and Fitzroy Island
  • Water bottle refill available on board
  • Time on Fitzroy island is extendable to 4 hours; contact Reservations in advance
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About This Experience

Experience two of Tropical North Queensland's highlights in one unforgettable day. Available between July and September, this tour combines the excitement of Humpback Whale watching with free time on the beautiful Fitzroy Island. Guided by a marine biologist, you'll head into the whale migration corridor off Cairns for the chance to witness these magnificent creatures as they breach, tail-slap and surface in the wild.

Your day also includes return catamaran transfers to Fitzroy Island, where you'll have up to 2.5 hours to swim, snorkel, explore rainforest walking trails or simply relax by the water. Depending on your selected departure, you'll either visit the island before or after your whale watching cruise, giving you the perfect mix of adventure, wildlife and island relaxation in a single day.

The Whale Watching + Fitzroy Island Experience
Start the day out on the water with a marine biologist as you head into the path of the annual Humpback Whale migration. There's nothing quite like the excitement of spotting a whale breach or slap its tail against the ocean, and with expert commentary throughout the cruise, you'll gain a fascinating insight into these incredible creatures and their journey along the coast.

After the thrill of whale watching, it's time to unwind on Fitzroy Island. Spend a few hours however you like — snorkelling over the fringing reef, swimming in clear tropical waters, exploring rainforest walking trails or simply relaxing on the beach. It's the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, giving you the chance to experience both the marine wildlife and island beauty that make Tropical North Queensland so special.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For  
This tour is ideal for families, couples and wildlife enthusiasts visiting Cairns between mid-July and early September. The flexible departure structure, with two morning options and the option to extend island time, makes it easy to build the day around your group. First-time snorkellers are well-catered for with equipment hire available, and the marine biologist's commentary adds educational value for guests of all ages.

Cruise Details

Location Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns Marlin Jetty

Departure Boards Departs Returns Duration
1 08:15 08:30 15:00 6hr 45min
 

  • 1.5-hour whale watching tour guided by a Marine Biologist
  • See the Humpback whales in action along the Great Barrier Reef
  • Marine Biologist commentary during the whale watching tour
  • Up to 2.5 hours on Fitzroy Island to swim, snorkel, explore the rainforest
  • 45-minute return catamaran ferry between Cairns and Fitzroy Island
  • Water bottle refill available on board
  • Time on Fitzroy island is extendable to 4 hours; contact Reservations in advance

  • Combined day tour; whale watching at sea plus Fitzroy Island reef, rainforest and beach exploration in a single trip
  • Two flexible departure options to suit your schedule; explore the island first and then see the whales or vice versa
  • Explore Fitzroy Island's fringing coral reef from the beach, one of the most accessible reef sites from Cairns
  • Small, seasonal tour operating only during the Humpback migration window, a time-limited wildlife experience

Picnic Lunch (Upgrade — $24 per person)
Fresh wrap and sandwich
Piece of seasonal fruit
Muesli fruit bar
Juice
Bottle of water

Hot lunch options and dietary requirements available; contact Reservations prior to your travel date.

Complimentary coffee and/or tea available on board
Additional beverages and snacks available for purchase on board

  • Adult Price

    from $159

  • Child (4 - 14 years)

    from $89

  • Family (2 adults + 2 children)

    from $407

Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns Marlin Jetty

Google Map - CLICK HERE

Departure 1 (8:30am departure): Check-in by 8:15am
Departure 2 (10:45am departure): Check-in by 10:30am

Passengers who fail to check in on time may miss final boarding; the ferry departs promptly and cannot wait for late guests

  • Departure 1 - Island first, then whale watching
  • 8:15am: Check-in at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St.
  • 8:30am: Depart Cairns on a 45-minute catamaran transfer to Fitzroy Island
  • 9:15am: Arrive Fitzroy Island. Approx. 2.5 hours of free time 
  • 11:45am: Meet back at the Fitzroy Island dock. Join the marine biologist for the 1.5-hour Humpback Whale Watching Tour 
  • 1:15pm: Return to Fitzroy Island
  • 2:00pm: Depart Fitzroy Island
  • 2:50pm: Arrive back at Cairns Marlin Jetty
     
Optional: Stay on for the 4:00pm ferry to extend island time (subject to availability contact Reservations in advance). Return to Cairns at 4:50pm.
 
  • Departure 2: Whale watching first, then island visit
  • 10:30am: Check-in at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St.
  • 10:45am: Depart Cairns on a 45-minute catamaran transfer to Fitzroy Island
  • 11:45am: Join the Marine Biologist for the 1.5-hour Humpback Whale Watching Tour 
  • 1:15pm: Return to Fitzroy Island. Approx. 2.5 hours of free time 
  • 4:00pm: Depart Fitzroy Island
  • 4:45pm: Arrive back at Cairns Marlin Jetty
     
Optional: Guests not wanting island time may be able to return on the earlier 2:00pm service (subject to availability; ask crew on the day).

  • Snorkel Equipment Hire (available as upgrade)
  • Glass-bottom boat ride around Fitzroy Island (available as upgrade; 8:30am departure only)
  • Fitzroy Island Picnic Lunch (available as upgrade)
  • Personal expenses and onboard purchases beyond complimentary inclusions

 

  • Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to help@australiancruisegroup.com.au
  • Refunds, where applicable, will be processed to the original payment method.
  • No correspondence will be entertained for cancellations made after the free-cancellation period.
  • A ‘no-show’ refers to any confirmed passenger who fails to board the vessel prior to scheduled departure. Please note, we make every effort to ensure our cruises depart on time. It is highly recommended that all passengers are ready for boarding 15 minutes prior to the stated time.
  • An individual booking is defined as all bookings having less than 10 passengers on a single E-ticket. Individual bookings require full payment at time of booking.
  • Up to 4 days prior: Full refund
  • Within 3 days: 100% cancellation fee
  • Group bookings are defined as all bookings for 10 or more passengers on a single E-ticket. Group bookings can be made with a partial payment of 20% as deposit. The balance amount must be paid 7 days before the cruise date. 
  • Up to 7 days prior: Full refund
  • Within 6 days: 100% cancellation fee

  • Pram-friendly vessels; crew will store prams on board on request (subject to vessel being stationed at the island)
  • Island walking trails are rocky and include steps; prams are not recommended for use on the island
  • Infants must sit on a parent or guardian's lap during the ferry transfer
  • Not wheelchair accessible

When does the Cairns whale watching season run?
The Cairns whale watching season operates from mid-July to early September each year, coinciding with the Humpback whale northward migration along the outer Great Barrier Reef. This is the best window to spot breaching, tail-slapping and spy-hopping behaviour in the waters off Cairns.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?
While whale sightings cannot be guaranteed as these are wild animal encounters in open ocean, sightings are highly likely during peak season. Every tour is guided by a marine biologist who navigates to the active Humpback migration corridor along the Great Barrier Reef, significantly improving the chances of a sighting.

What is included in the tour?
The base package includes a 45-minute return catamaran ferry between Cairns and Fitzroy Island, a 1.5-hour marine biologist-guided whale watching tour, and up to 2.5 hours of free time on Fitzroy Island. Optional upgrades include snorkel equipment hire, a glass-bottom boat tour and a picnic lunch.

What are the two departure options?
The 8:30am departure goes to Fitzroy Island first, giving guests approximately 2.5 hours of island time before joining the 11:45am whale watching tour. Guests return to Cairns at 2:50pm, with an optional extension to the 4:00pm ferry available. The 10:45am departure goes straight to the whale watching tour first, then guests enjoy approximately 2.5 hours on Fitzroy Island before returning to Cairns at 4:45pm.

Can I extend my time on Fitzroy Island?
Yes. Island time can be extended from the standard 2.5 hours to 4 hours. You can request this with the crew on the day or by contacting Reservations in advance. Note that extended island time is subject to ferry availability.

Can I take a pram on board?
Yes, all vessels are pram-friendly. Crew will store your pram on board on request, subject to the vessel being stationed at the island. Please note that island walking trails are rocky and include steps, making them unsuitable for pram use on land. Infants must sit on a parent or guardian's lap during the ferry transfer.

Where do I park near the Reef Fleet Terminal?
Parking is available at the Pier Shopping Complex and Shangri-La Hotel, located directly opposite the Reef Fleet Terminal. Indoor and outdoor parking is available from approximately $2.00 per hour. All-day parking is also available near Trinity Wharf for approximately $4.20 per day. Prices are a guide and subject to change.

Is snorkelling equipment included?
Snorkel equipment is not included in the base package, but is available to hire as an upgrade for $34 per person. The hire kit includes a snorkel, mask, fins, lycra suit and flotation vest if required. Fitzroy Island's fringing coral reef is snorkellable directly from the beach.

  • This is a seasonal tour operating between mid-July & early September, during the Humpback whale migration window
  • Whale sightings are not guaranteed but are highly likely during peak season; the Marine Biologist navigates to the active migration corridor
  • The glass-bottom boat upgrade is available on the 8:30am departure only
  • Island time can be extended from 2.5 hours to 4 hours; arrange with crew on the day or contact Reservations in advance
  • The early return option (Option B guests wishing to skip island time) cannot be booked online; ask crew on the day, subject to availability
What to Bring
  • Swimmers and beach towel
  • Hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen
  • Change of clothes
  • Water bottle (refill available on board)
  • Cash or card for onboard purchases

Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link;

https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services

From $159

Start Time 08:30

Duration 6hr 45min

  • 1.5-hour whale watching tour guided by a Marine Biologist
  • See the Humpback whales in action along the Great Barrier Reef
  • Marine Biologist commentary during the whale watching tour
  • Up to 2.5 hours on Fitzroy Island to swim, snorkel, explore the rainforest
  • 45-minute return catamaran ferry between Cairns and Fitzroy Island
  • Water bottle refill available on board
  • Time on Fitzroy island is extendable to 4 hours; contact Reservations in advance
Send Enquiry Book Now