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It wouldn’t be a trip to the Great Barrier Reef without taking the time to snorkel amongst the coral reef and colourful and abundant sea life. But with so many options to choose from it can be hard to decide where to go.

Fitzroy Island really is a snorkellers paradise and here we will look at some of the main benefits of snorkelling the calm blue waters of this tropical island paradise.

Easy To Get There

Fitzroy Island is just a short 45 minute ferry ride from Cairns harbour making it the closets Great Barrier Reef snorkelling destination for people staying and holidaying in and around Cairns. It is also very affordable, with return day trips starting from around $70 per person. You can also get package deals that include a delicious picnic lunch for around $90 per person.

Find out more at Getting to Fitzroy Island.

Amazing Snorkelling

The calm tropical waters that surround Fitzroy Island are just perfect for snorkelling. There are a number of beaches you can snorkel from including Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach (both are just minutes from the main arrival area), with hard and soft corals only meters from the shore.

As you descend into the amazing underwater world you be greeted by an abundance of sea life including Clown Fish (like Nemo), gropers, cods and many Sea Turtles. In fact Fitzroy Island has it’s very own Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre that you can visit whilst on the island.

These fringing reefs that surround Fitzroy Island are all part of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef so the colours and variety of corals is absolutely world class.

It’s Warm All Year Round

Throughout the year average daily temperatures range from around 30 degrees Celsius in summer to 19 degrees and the water temperature is always remains a warm tropical 24 degrees in winter to a maximum of 30 degrees in summer. This makes for some of the best snorkelling conditions in the world. No wet-suit required.

Find out other Facts about the Great Barrier Reef

It’s Safe

Because the reefs are right on the shore at Fitzroy Island there is no need to venture out into deep and potentially unsafe waters. Within just a few metres from the beach you can see everything you need making it perfect for children, beginner snorkelers and people who are not confident around water. The sheltered beach areas are also very calm and clear making for a safe, enjoyable snorkeling experience at all times of the year.

For more experienced snorkelers there are many other places to explore and you can even go on a sea kayak tour, with a skilled guide, which is the best way to access some of the more remote and beautiful fringing reefs systems.

Full Equipment Hire

The Fitzroy Island Resort has full hire for many different activities on the island, including snorkelling. You can hire a mask and snorkel for the day for only $10 for the day.  You can also hire fins and floatation vests as well!

The Fitzroy Island Sports Hub also has lots of other equipment available for hire such as:

• Single or double kayaks
• Stinger suit hire (stinger season is November to late May)
• Stand up paddleboards
• Wetsuits

For more information about the equipment and activities available to you, click here.

Great Facilities

When you’re ready to relax resort caters to your every need. Bars, restaurants, cafes and a large lagoon style swimming pool are available to all island guest. There are toilets, change rooms and lockers to store your belongings.

The food and drinks available from Zephyrs Restaurant and Foxy’s Bar will be sure to impress everyone in your party.

There is also a general store that stocks  pies, sandwiches, ice-creams, BBQ packs, soft drinks and sunblock.  You can also purchase take away beer and wine from the store.

Accommodation

Ready to stay a little longer, improve your snorkelling skills and relax into the tropical island lifestyle a little longer? Fitzroy Island offer numerous accommodation options from luxury 5 star hotel rooms, to quaint little beach bungalows as well as camping options.

Camping is just $35 per tent per night for up to 4 people making it a great bargain.

Bungalows are just $150 per night for up to 5 people.

And the resort rooms start from $165 for two people.

Plenty Of Other Activities

If you’re all snorkeled out don’t worry. Unlike some of the other island around Cairns Fitzroy Island has plenty of other activities, both on dry land and in the ocean, including:

• A number of great hiking tracks that cater for ages, abilities and fitness levels
• The Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
• Sea Kayaking
• Scuba Diving (Fitzroy Island Resort offers PADI certified dive courses)
• Glass bottom boat tours give great view of the underwater worlds whilst staying dry
• Fishing
• Relaxing in the resort pool
• And even a giant ocean trampoline

Find out other amazing activities and things to do on Fitzroy Island.

So as you can see Fitzroy Island really is a snorkelers paradise. You can be immersed in this new world of colour and life for hours as the palms trees sway on the beach. Click these links for more information about Fitzroy Island ferries and accommodation.