Fitzroy Island & Whale Watching | 15th Jul - 6th Sep 2026
Cairns Whale watching is back in 2026.
Whale Watching Tours will run between the 15th of July – 6 September . Combine 2 hours on Fitzroy Island and a 90 minute whale watching tour. Morning and afternoon departures available.See Humpback Whales on the Great Barrier Reef, then spend 2.5 hours at Fitzroy Island for swimming, snorkelling, or beach time. Two Cairns departure times are available.
The Cairns Whale Watching tour travels from Cairns to Fitzroy Island and the Humpback Whale migration corridor along the Great Barrier Reef. A Marine Biologist provides commentary during the whale watching cruise. The tour also includes 2.5 hours of free time at Fitzroy Island, where guests can swim, snorkel, walk, or spend time on the beach. Two departure times are available.
Features
- Whale watching tour with Marine Biologist commentary
- 2.5 hours free time at Fitzroy Island
- Catamaran transfers from Cairns
- Optional snorkel equipment hire
- Optional glass bottom boat tour
- Hotel transfers for 8:30am departure only
Itinerary
8:30am Departure
Check in at Cairns Marina, Berth 3 before boarding the catamaran. Travel by catamaran from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, with the crossing taking around 45 minutes.
Fitzroy Island Free Time
After arriving at Fitzroy Island, guests have around 2.5 hours to spend on the island. This time can be used for swimming, snorkelling, walking, or relaxing on the beach. Optional snorkel equipment hire and glass bottom boat tours may be available.
Whale Watching Cruise
At 11:45am, join the whale watching cruise with Marine Biologist commentary. The vessel travels to the Humpback Whale migration corridor along the Great Barrier Reef. The cruise gives guests the chance to see Humpback Whales during their seasonal migration.
Return to Fitzroy Island and Cairns
The whale watching cruise returns to Fitzroy Island at around 2:00pm. Guests can return to Cairns at around 2:50pm or stay longer on Fitzroy Island and take the later return, arriving back in Cairns at around 4:50pm.
10:45am Departure
Check in at Cairns Marina, Berth 3 before boarding the catamaran. Depart Cairns at 10:45am for the transfer to Fitzroy Island.
Whale Watching Cruise
At 11:45am, join the 90-minute whale watching cruise with Marine Biologist commentary. The cruise travels to the Humpback Whale migration corridor along the Great Barrier Reef before returning to Fitzroy Island at around 2:00pm.
Fitzroy Island Free Time
After the whale watching cruise, guests have around 2.5 hours to spend on Fitzroy Island. Activities may include swimming, snorkelling, walking, beach time, optional snorkel equipment hire, or an optional glass bottom boat tour.
Return to Cairns
The final departure from Fitzroy Island is at 4:00pm, arriving back in Cairns at around 4:45pm.
Meeting Point & Times
- Check-in location: Cairns Marina, Berth 3
- Hotel pick-up: available for 8:30am departures only
- Tour days: daily
- 8:30am departure: return at around 2:50pm or 4:50pm
- 10:45am departure: return at around 4:45pm
What To Bring
- Extra cash or credit card
- Towel
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Dry change of clothes
- Protective shoes or flip-flops
Additional Information
This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Hotel transfers are available for the 8:30am departure only.
Instant Booking & Mobile-Friendly Tickets
Check availability & book here to secure your Cairns Whale Watching Cruise
Pre-booking is essential. Please do not turn up on the day without a booking.
If you require hotel transfers, please have your hotel name ready when booking so we can send you a pick-up time with your confirmation.
Special Child & Family Rates
We offer special rates for families. Please check the booking for form for up-to-date family pricing.
Reviews
We were very lucky. Weather was great and we have seen the wales from up close.
Tip - guys should use some kind of sonar so they would always know exactly where the wales are rather than look up for them.
i was very happy with all the tours well organised
Better than we could have hoped for. Amazing. The whales showed off next to the boat for 90 minutes.
Wow, these guys, like Silverswift reef cruise really cared. In not the best weather they managed to not only find whales but impart some of their passion. The boat was late back as they spent extra time making sure we got what we paid for. I noticed particulary the discreet watch kept on everyone to make sure nothing went wrong. Well done. Keep on keeping on.
everything as promised, very nice and long whale watching tour can highly recommend it.
The Fitzroy Island & Whale Watching Tour departs at 9am from the Cairns Marina. Please check in at 8.30am at the Reef Fleet Terminal, Fitzroy Island Adventures desk. Travel on a 45 minute catamaran transfer to Fitzroy Island and enjoy two hours free time on the island before the Whale Watching Tour
