Fitzroy Island Sup/Snorkel Tour

Fitzroy Island’s stunning natural beauty and diverse marine life have long captivated visitors to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The island’s SUP/Snorkel Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in this remarkable ecosystem, blending exhilarating stand-up paddleboarding with the chance to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and sea turtles. Led by experienced guides, this full-day adventure caters to all skill levels, promising an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. And for those seeking further exploration, the island’s hiking trails and secluded beaches await, rounding out a day of unparalleled discovery in this stunning corner of the world.

Key Points

• A full-day adventure combining stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and snorkeling activities on the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, with boat transfers included.
• 3-hour paddleboarding session around Fitzroy Island’s landscapes, suitable for all skill levels and without prior experience required.
• Snorkeling in the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef, with the opportunity to observe diverse marine life and vibrant coral formations.
• Free time for hiking, glass-bottom boat tours, or beach relaxation on Fitzroy Island.
• Snacks and refreshments provided after the paddleboarding activity, and a $5 marine park levy for reef protection included in the tour.

Tour Overview

The Fitzroy Island SUP/Snorkel tour offers visitors a full-day adventure exploring the stunning natural wonders of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef from the vibrant coastal town of Cairns.

This tour combines two exciting activities – stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and snorkeling – allowing you to learn about the breathtaking marine environment.

You’ll glide around the picturesque Fitzroy Island on a 3-hour paddleboard tour, taking in the island’s lush landscapes and turquoise waters.

After, you’ll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the reef, marveling at the vibrant corals and diverse marine life.

With no prior experience necessary and full instruction provided, this tour is perfect for adventurers of all skill levels.

Activities Included

On this full-day tour, visitors typically begin by gliding around the picturesque Fitzroy Island on a 3-hour stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) session, taking in the island’s lush landscapes and turquoise waters. After the paddleboarding, guests can enjoy snacks and refreshments before heading into the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef to snorkel and explore the vibrant marine life. Visitors also have free time to further explore the island, with options to hike, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or relax on the beach.

Activity	Duration
Stand-up Paddleboarding	3 hours
Snorkeling	Included
Free Time (hiking, glass-bottom boat, beach)	Variable

Getting to Fitzroy Island

Visitors typically begin the Fitzroy Island SUP/Snorkel Tour with a 45-minute boat cruise from central Cairns to the island. The tour includes round-trip boat transfers, ensuring a seamless journey to and from the picturesque Fitzroy Island.

Once on the island, guests can look forward to:

1. Gliding across the crystal-clear waters on a 3-hour paddleboarding session.

2. Snorkeling in the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef, teeming with vibrant marine life.

3. Exploring the island’s hiking trails and discovering its natural wonders.

4. Relaxing on the beach or enjoying a refreshing snack or lunch (at own expense).

The tour’s logistics are designed to provide a hassle-free and immersive experience on this stunning island destination.

Paddleboarding Excursion

After arriving on Fitzroy Island, participants embark on a captivating 3-hour stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) excursion, gliding across the island’s turquoise waters and taking in the breathtaking coastal scenery.

Led by experienced guides, the group learns the basics of SUP, from paddling techniques to safety.

As they navigate the calm, sheltered bays, they’ll have the chance to spot vibrant marine life and admire the island’s lush, verdant landscapes.

The SUP tour offers a unique perspective on the natural wonders of Fitzroy Island, allowing participants to enjoy the stunning environment.

No prior experience is necessary, making this activity accessible to adventurers of all skill levels.

Snorkeling Experience

Following the 3-hour paddleboarding adventure, participants trade their boards for snorkeling gear and enjoy the vibrant underwater world of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef surrounding Fitzroy Island.

The snorkeling experience allows guests to:

1. Encounter an array of colorful marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral formations.

2. Witness the reef’s incredible biodiversity and natural beauty up close.

3. Learn about the fragile ecosystem from the knowledgeable guide, who shares insights into the reef’s importance and conservation efforts.

4. Relax and float effortlessly while taking in the serene, underwater panorama.

With the perfect combination of adventure and exploration, the Fitzroy Island SUP/Snorkel Tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Optional Island Explorations

With the underwater exploration complete, guests can now turn their attention to the many other activities and attractions available on Fitzroy Island.

The island offers a variety of optional adventures for those seeking to further enjoy the natural wonders of this tropical paradise. Visitors can embark on a guided hike through the island’s lush rainforest trails, spotting native wildlife along the way.

For a different perspective, guests can board a glass-bottom boat tour and marvel at the vibrant coral and marine life beneath the surface.

Those in search of pure relaxation can simply unwind on the island’s pristine beaches or indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the local eateries.

What’s Included in the Tour

The Fitzroy Island SUP/Snorkel Tour offers great value, with hotel pickup, round-trip boat transfers, GST, a professional SUP guide, and snorkeling equipment all covered.

Plus, a $5 marine park levy, which supports reef protection and research, is paid upon boarding.

The tour includes:

1. 3-hour paddleboarding session around Fitzroy Island

2. Opportunity to swim and snorkel in the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef

3. Free time to explore the island or relax on the beach

4. Post-paddleboarding snacks, refreshments, and optional activities like hiking or a glass-bottom boat tour

The tour is designed to provide a comprehensive and enjoyable experience, with all the necessary equipment and support included in the cost.

Practical Information

The Fitzroy Island SUP/Snorkel Tour offers a straightforward meeting point for participants, with the activity beginning and ending at the Fitzroy Island Resort in Queensland.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller-friendly. Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the minimum age for the paddleboarding portion is 14 years old.

The tour includes hotel pickup in central Cairns and a 45-minute boat cruise to the island. After the 3-hour paddleboarding session, guests can enjoy snacks, refreshments, and optional activities like hiking or a glass-bottom boat tour before the return transfer to Cairns at 3:30 PM.

A $5 marine park levy is paid upon boarding to support reef protection and research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, participants can bring their own snorkeling gear. However, the tour provides high-quality snorkeling equipment, so using the provided gear is recommended to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Is There a Weight Limit for the Paddleboard?

There is typically a weight limit for paddleboards, usually around 300 lbs. The tour company will provide guidance on any specific weight restrictions for their equipment. Guests should check with the operator before booking to ensure the paddleboard can accommodate their weight.

Can I Purchase Lunch on the Island?

Yes, lunch can be purchased on the island during the tour. The itinerary includes free time after the paddleboarding session, allowing participants to explore the island and purchase their own lunch from the island’s cafes or restaurants.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour provider offers no discounts for children or seniors. Pricing is the same for all participants, with no special rates available. Additional costs like the marine park levy apply to all guests regardless of age.

Can I Extend My Time on the Island After the Tour?

Yes, visitors can extend their time on the island after the tour. The tour operator allows for free time to explore the island or relax on the beach at the end of the planned activities.

Recap

The Fitzroy Island SUP/Snorkel Tour offers an exhilarating full-day adventure, combining stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling in the stunning Great Barrier Reef.

Experienced instructors guide visitors through calm, crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

With options for hiking, beach relaxation, and a delicious post-activity snack, this tour caters to nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, providing a comprehensive and unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experience.