The snorkeling equipment provided was very poor quality and worn out. The staff was uninviting and didn't crack a single smile the entire trip, and the lunch was merely average at best. While the boats for all the other companies were packed, ours was practically empty. Looking back, there was clearly a reason for that. Given the service and gear provided, it is definitely not worth the price.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Snorkelling Equipment Hire
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour
- Return boat transfers
- Self guided nature walks
- Picnic Lunch Box
Excludes
- Beverages & on island purchases
- Optional upgrade activities
- Hotel transfers
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Check in 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. Late check-in will result in the tour being missed with no refund.
Return
- Check in 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. Late check-in will result in the tour being missed with no refund.
Itinerary
A Day in Paradise + all the Essential Inclusions. Snorkel directly from one of the beaches or experience the impressive underwater world from a different perspective on the glass-bottom boat. Take a break in the middle of the day and relax at your favourite spot to enjoy your picnic lunch box. There's plenty of time for a self-guided walk along the diverse National Park trails. Optional activities to enhance your experience include a kayak tour, a visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, or guided nature walks.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
We had the best time! Journey to Fitzroy was only 45 min by boat (still, some people might need seasick meds, which can be purchased on the boat, but should ideally be taken before). Island was gorgeous with a restaurant. Lunch was great. The glass boat was a nice way for family members who were less mobile to still see ocean and reef life. The rest of us went snorkeling and saw many fish and sea turtles. We even saw whales from the coast! Wish we could have stayed even longer, it was fantastic. One thing to improve overall is sunscreen awareness - there is no information or communication on how regular sunscreen can damage the reef. Reef-safe sunscreen is widely available, but most people are unaware. It would be cool if tour operators and the government could communicate on that more so we can all do our best to help the beautiful ocean life.
Great day out on Fitzroy island. If there was one complaint the day went past so quickly!! Great lunch and snorkeling with the turtles was a bonus!
It was a great experience with Sunlover Reef Cruises. The team was amazing and friendly. If you are up for snorkeling and wear prescriptive glasses, they have got you covered for that also.
Fitzroy Island is so beautiful! I had the best time snorkelling here but I could not find any turtles by myself. I approached this crew, I think his name is Joelle, and he pointed out the likeliest spot where I could find them. I took his advise and bam. saw 3 turtles, a reef shark and two stingrays. Joelle if you're seeing this, you are an absolute legend. The downside though, the lunch box is a disappointment. Anyway, I would recommend coming here for snorkelling and bringing your own lunch.
We did the snorkelling, lunch, glass bottom boat and turtle visit. The water was rather choppy so be careful when snorkelling as there are no lifeguards present, as we are not brilliant swimmers this made us cut our snorkelling time much shorter. The glass bottom boat was disappointing as we are over the reef for just a few minutes. By the time you travel to and from the reef in your 30min slot, the time there is very limited. Plus it started to rain, this immediately caused the staff to return straight back to the main boat. Lunch was very nice and plentiful. Turtle rehabilitation visit was nice, only one turtle there during our visit. It all was a bit rushed to fit all 3 options in. Enjoyed the day.
Our family trip to Fitzroy Island with Sunlover Reef Cruises turned into a distressing experience. After a minor safety concern with our child (which we addressed immediately), the captain continued to make unnecessary remarks and later denied us boarding for the return trip—leaving us stranded on the island with no phone service or transport. Despite our efforts to resolve the situation calmly, we were treated with hostility. The company later responded with a dismissive email blaming us and offering no apology or resolution. I do not recommend this company to families or anyone expecting respectful service.
Fitzroy island is absolutely worth visiting, but I do NOT recommend this excursion if you are interested in also exploring the island (hiking to the summit and walking to prettiest beach). I’ve done many similar experiences here in Australia and this is the only one I found lacking. The two stars come from providing transportation and snorkeling equipment. The negative review was earned by poor communication, shortened hours on the island, and a poor lunch. -One month prior to the booking date, the company sent out a notification that the trip was shortened by two hours (with no reduced cost to compensate for the loss). Initially we didn’t think this would be a problem, but we only had time to hike to the summit, have a snack and drink at the bar, and spend a few minutes putting toes on the water at Nudey Beach (the pretty beach). We did not have time to do the glass bottom boat, snorkel in the water, or even swim at the beach). -<24 hours prior to the booking date, the company sent out a notification that there would no longer be a sit down buffet but a large boxed lunch given when you get off the boat (with no reduced cost to compensate for the loss). The box lunch included a ham and lettuce wrap with mayonnaise. This particular condiment is not meant to be left out in the sun, so we ended up eating earlier than we would have liked to avoid food poisoning. Additionally there were chicken wings, cup of melons, cup of something that looked like a potato salad, and a muffin. (We ended up paying to eat on the island.) Something to note: For those requiring prescription goggles, this was the only boat in my experience that charged for them. Additionally you are in charge of carrying EVERYTHING the whole time: snorkels, fins, life jackets, wetsuits, and lunch. After hiking we discovered the island has lockers you can pay for between the general store and restaurant, which wasn’t advertised.
Do not use this tour company. They are not organized at all. Our tour was canceled, rescheduled, canceled again and then rescheduled for the original day we booked, and an hour later they canceled our buffet lunch on Fitzroy Island. We were welcome to arrange our on lunch, they said. We were given three different boarding times, none were correct. All the snorkel mouthpieces had a brown ring around it. Yuk! There was a snorkel mouthpiece on the deck, that was stepped on several times and when I commented that was probably why there was a brown ring around the mouthpiece, she thought that was funny and laughed. They obviously don’t sanitize them. The swim fins looked like they got caught up in the boats propeller. There are a dozen other tour companies to choose from, use any one but this one…
Check that your wet suit will fit before leaving the dock! You can snorkel straight off the beach 🐟🪸
Fitzroy Island was well worth a visit. Our tour included a return boat ride to the island. Glass bottom bottom ride, use of snorkeling equipment and buffet lunch. My highlight was snorkeling as it was something I had wanted to try. My wife and I made sure to walk through to Nudey beach which was one of my favourite beaches from our time in Australia. The beach is made up of the coral and the sea beautiful. The buffet lunch was very nice. We saw a monitor lizard and many beautiful fish on the island. I gave the tour 4 stars because the boat over and back was very busy because it also includes those that are going on a diving tour to the reef so we didn't feel too comfortable in the busy seating area - we found a quieter spot on the return ride.
Good trip over to Fitzroy Island with friendly staff who ensure you know all the ins and outs before you arrive. Opted to try out snorkelling (first time), unfortunately was stung by a blue bottle on my face, even though I had the full stinger suit on. The staff were quick to ensure I received first aid but it certainly put a damper on the day. We were then stuck lugging our snorkel gear around (flippers, suit, life jacket, goggles and snorkel) which stopped us from going on a walk to one of the rated beaches around. I definitely wasn’t going back into the water. The lunch at the resort was fantastic! Buffet style with plenty of fresh options. Fabulous views as well. Had a couple of drinks at the bar nearby and enjoyed the short glass bottom boat tour. It was a good day overall.
I 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.
It was a great experience. Absolutely beautiful location and good organization. Definitely recommend snorkelling on the island.
Seeing the Great Barrier Reef was a bucket list item! Hannah and Max went above and beyond to make our experience incredible! The optional snorkel safari was amazing! We enjoyed the buffet on Fitzroy Island, as well as the glass bottom boat tour, and exploring the island.
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.
Todo perfecto. Lo único que no nos gustó es que al ser el día de Navidad no daban la comida buffet en el restaurante y nos dieron la opción de una fiambrera, nosotros aceptamos y la verdad es que fue una tomadura de pelo.
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