7.30am -8.30am Check in
8.00am Commence boarding
8.45am Depart Cairns Marina
9.45am Arrive Fitzroy Island
4.00pm Depart Fitzroy Island
5.00pm Arrive Cairns Marina

A 100% cancellation fee will be charged for independent passengers cancelling within 24 hours of departure. A 100% cancellation fee will be charged for groups* cancelling within 72 hours of departure.

Outside this period bookings can be amended or cancelled without penalty.

No cancellation charges will apply for passengers failing to travel due to:
a) Ill health (medical certificate may be required);
b) Minor changes to group numbers;
c) Group or FIT passengers re-scheduling.

Should a cruise or package tour not operate for any reason, then an alternative date will be offered to the passenger. If an alternative date cannot be arranged then a full refund of monies paid to Sunlover Reef Cruises will be authorised. On the rare occasion where inclement weather prohibits a tour from operating the scheduled itinerary, an alternate itinerary will be offered to the passenger. If the passenger accepts this alternate itinerary then no further refunds will be authorised.

Seawalker and SCUBA Diving are subject to medical checklist. If medical is failed on-board no refund will be given for Seawalker or SCUBA dive options. Guests are advised to review medical checklists/requirements with their booking agent prior to booking. Minimum age for Seawalker and SCUBA diving is 12 years. Divers under 18 years of age must have a consenting parent or legal guardian with them in order to complete a Certified or Introductory SCUBA dive or a Seawalker Helmet dive.

Some package tours operate in conjunction with other tour operators and Sunlover acts as an agent for these companies. Conditions and cancellation policies for these tours are subject to operating conditions of these companies.

* A group means 10 or more passengers in one booking.

Please bring a valid ID that matches the credit card used for booking. If you’ve booked a local’s rate, you’ll also need to provide proof of residency, such as an ID with your address or a utility bill in the same name as your reservation.

The Great Barrier Reef is breathtaking year-round, and guests always have an unforgettable experience. Cairns enjoys a tropical climate with warm, humid summers and cooler, dry winters. Even if it’s cloudy or rainy in Cairns, conditions at the outer reef are often quite different.

Sea conditions can vary, but Sunlover’s catamarans and pontoons are stable and secure. On rare occasions when conditions are deemed unsafe, there’ll be an alternate travel date offered or a full refund. If you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking precautions like motion sickness medication before boarding.

The tropical waters of Cairns are warm and inviting year-round. Here’s a guide to average water temperatures:

December-February: 29°C / 83°F
March-May: 25°C / 76°F
June-August: 22°C / 72°F
September-November: 25°C / 76°F

At Fitzroy Island, there are two snorkelling spots. Nudey Beach can be explored at high and low tide, with beach access. The dock area is tide-dependent, and at low tide, it’s often inaccessible without damaging coral, which is strictly prohibited. Check tide times before you snorkel.

Sunlover Reef Cruises is proudly Australian-owned and operated.

There’s no minimum age to visit the Great Barrier Reef or Fitzroy Island, but please note that certain optional activities have minimum age requirements.

Onboard an international team speaks several languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, Spanish, and French. Key safety and medical forms, along with brochures, are available in select languages. If you’re concerned about language assistance, contact our Reservations team when booking.

The ferry departs from the Cairns Marlin Marina. Check in at the Sunlover desk inside the Reef Terminal (corner of Spence St & Pier Point Rd) to collect your boarding passes. Look for the catamaran with orange Sunlover branding and Fitzroy Island signage.

Check-in is open from 7:30 AM to 8:15 AM at the Sunlover Cruises desk in the Reef Terminal. Boarding passes must be collected during this time. Late check-ins after 8:15 AM may miss final boarding.

Yes, prams are welcome onboard, and the team can assist with boarding. However, space is limited, so we recommend packing light or using a baby carrier. Please note that most pathways on the island are not sealed or pram-friendly.

No, seats aren’t pre-assigned, but there’s ample space on the large, air-conditioned catamaran with both indoor and outdoor seating options.

The journey to Fitzroy Island takes approximately 45 – 55 minutes from Cairns.

Yes, GoPros are available for hire onboard.

Day visitors can access most of the island, except for certain areas reserved for guests staying at Fitzroy Island Resort.

Optional extras include snorkel gear hire, GoPro rentals, paddleboards, kayak tours, guided rainforest walks, turtle talks, buffet lunches, and glass-bottom boat tours. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase. You’re welcome to bring your own snorkel gear and food, but alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the island.