• Visit both the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island on separate full-day tours, with up to 5–6 hours at each destination and the option to choose non-consecutive dates.
• All-Inclusive Reef Magic Experience: Enjoy snorkelling gear, glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours, marine biologist talks, and underwater observatory access—all from a premium pontoon on the Outer Reef.
• Tropical Island Escape on Fitzroy: Swim, snorkel, and explore at your own pace on a lush island surrounded by fringing reef and rainforest, just 45 minutes from Cairns.

Discover the best of Tropical North Queensland with a 2-day adventure to the Reef Magic Pontoon and Fitzroy Island. Enjoy full days at each location with snorkelling, reef tours, and island time—at your own pace.

What to Expect

Explore two of Tropical North Queensland’s most iconic destinations with a 2-day reef and island adventure that offers the best of both worlds. This flexible package combines a full-day tour to the Reef Magic Pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef with a full-day trip to Fitzroy Island, giving you the freedom to experience each location without the pressure of cramming it all into one day.

Start with a full day at the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll spend up to five hours at a purpose-built pontoon moored on the edge of a thriving reef system. Enjoy guided snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides, and semi-submersible reef tours, all included in your ticket. Marine biologist presentations and an underwater observatory offer insight into the reef’s unique ecosystem.

On your second day, take a high-speed ferry to Fitzroy Island, just 45 minutes from Cairns. Surrounded by fringing coral reefs and rainforest walking trails, Fitzroy Island offers a more relaxed, nature-rich experience. Swim straight off the beach with your included snorkelling gear, join a glass-bottom boat tour, or simply unwind on Nudey Beach—one of Australia’s most picturesque shores.

Your travel days don’t need to be back-to-back. When booking online, select your preferred date for the Reef Magic tour, and your Fitzroy Island trip will default to the following day. If you need to adjust the island date to better suit your itinerary, just contact our reservations team and we’ll make it happen.

Features and Highlights

Reef Magic Pontoon – Outer Great Barrier Reef

• Spend up to 5 hours at a premium all-weather pontoon on the reef
• Included Experiences:
  • Snorkelling equipment (fins, mask, snorkel, lycra suits)
  • Glass-bottom boat tour
  • Semi-submersible reef tour
  • Marine biologist presentations
  • Underwater observatory access
  • Cultural presentations
  • Fish feeding sessions
  • Shallow snorkelling lagoon and kids' pool
  • Buffet-style tropical lunch
• Optional Upgrades:
  • Certified or introductory scuba diving
  • Helmet diving (SeaTREK)
  • Scenic helicopter flights over the reef

Fitzroy Island Day Trip

• Up to 6 hours on the island, just 45 minutes from Cairns
• Included Experiences:
  • Return ferry transfers
  • Use of snorkelling gear
  • Glass-bottom boat tour
  • Picnic-style lunch
• Optional Extras:
  • Guided snorkel safaris

This 2-day Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island tour package is ideal for travellers seeking a deeper connection with Queensland’s World Heritage-listed marine and island environments. Whether you’re a snorkelling enthusiast, a family with kids, or a visitor who simply wants to experience the Great Barrier Reef, this package delivers unforgettable highlights.

Reef Magic Pontoon

Travel direct from Cairns to the Outer Great Barrier Reef aboard a high-speed, stable catamaran and spend five hours at one of the newest activity pontoons on the reef. Designed for all ages and experience levels, the Reef Magic Pontoon offers a sheltered coral lagoon for snorkelling, semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours, marine biologist presentations, and a dedicated underwater observatory.

Upon arrival, guests can join scheduled activities or simply relax on the spacious sundeck, soaking up the sunshine and ocean views. For those seeking more adventure, optional upgrades include introductory or certified scuba diving, SeaTREK helmet diving, and guided snorkel safaris led by marine biologists.

All experiences are supported by a Cairns-based crew with in-depth local knowledge, delivering a safe, friendly, and inclusive atmosphere throughout the day.

Itinerary – Sample Day Schedule

08:15–08:45
Boarding at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal (final boarding 8:45am)

09:00 -Depart Cairns on a high-speed catamaran (approx. 90 mins travel time)

10:30 - Arrive at Reef Magic Pontoon – Outer Great Barrier Reef

10:45 - Join a glass-bottom boat tour (included; check onboard screens for departure times)

12:00 - Enjoy a gourmet buffet lunch on the pontoon

13:00 - Explore the underwater observatory and learn about the reef’s history

13:30 - onwards Optional activities: diving, helmet walk, guided snorkel tours

15:30 - Depart pontoon and return to Cairns

17:00 - Arrive back at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

Fitzroy Island Adventures

Located just 45 minutes by fast ferry from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is a pristine Great Barrier Reef destination where tropical rainforest meets calm coral beaches. Choose between a full-day or half-day tour, depending on your schedule, and enjoy the flexibility to discover the island at your own pace.

Spend your time snorkelling straight off the beach, relaxing on the white sands of Nudey Beach—one of Australia’s most photographed coastal spots—or following the island’s network of scenic walking trails through lush rainforest and coastal headlands.

Full Day Tour

• Return ferry transfers from Cairns (45 minutes each way)
• Choose from 8:30am or 10:45am departures
• Return from Fitzroy Island at 4:00pm
• Up to 6 hours of island time to swim, snorkel, hike, or relax
• Access to optional activities including guided snorkel tours 
• Explore self-guided rainforest walks and lookouts

Half Day Tour

• Return ferry transfers from Cairns (45 minutes each way)
• Choose from 8:30am or 10:45am departures
• Return from Fitzroy Island at 2:00pm
• Over 2 hours to enjoy a swim, walk, or island picnic
• Perfect for those short on time or preferring a shorter visit
• Ideal for dry activities, including beach relaxation and scenic walks

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Fitzroy Island Full Day: Departs 8:30am or 10:45am Returns Cairns 16:45pm | Half Day: Departs 8.30am or 10:45am - Returns Cairns 2.45pm
• Reef Magic : Departs 9:00am - Returns Cairns 5:00pm

Destinations

• Fitzroy Island
• Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Fitzroy Island - 8 Hours (Half day options available if preferred)
Reef Magic - 8 Hours

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Reef Magic Pontoon: Scuba diving, Helmet Diving & Scenic Helicopter flights
• Fitzroy Island : Guided snorkel tour

Fitness Level Required

Low

Restrictions

Scuba Diving – minimum age 12

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
• Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
• Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

• Swimming costume
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera (charged)
• Cash or credit card

• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children
• Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive
• Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times