04 Mar
Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef - Why You Can't Beat Fitzroy Island
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Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef – Why You Can’t Beat Fitzroy Island

Snorkelling is a fabulously fun, easy and cheap way to explore the magic that lies beneath the surface of the ocean. When it comes to spectacular snorkelling sites, it’s hard to beat Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Famous the world over for its warm tropical waters, stunning coral reefs and exquisite tropical fish and sea life, the Great Barrier Reef is a snorkelling mecca. And when it comes to deciding where to explore the Reef, you can’t go past the remarkable Fitzroy Island.

Let’s take a look now at why the tropical paradise of Fitzroy Island is one of the most outstanding snorkelling locations on the Great Barrier Reef.

Easy to Access and Affordable

Fitzroy Island is located a mere 45 minutes via Fast Cat from the coastal city of Cairns in Tropical Far North Queensland, making it an incredibly convenient and hassle-free way to experience the Great Barrier Reef for people visiting Cairns. Fitzroy Island is a tropical island paradise, covered 97% by National Park and situated right in the heart of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef. Think warm aqua tropical waters and beaches with a rainforest backdrop and lined by coconut palms – heaven!

The island’s Fast Cat leaves Cairns for Fitzroy Island three times per day and costs just $79 per adult, return. When compared to many day tours to the outer reef (of which many cost upwards of $200 per adult), a day trip to Fitzroy Island is a very affordable option. You can elect to bring your own snorkelling gear or hire some from the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub. For more information on how to get to Fitzroy Island, please click here.

School Holiday Activities for Kids Near Cairns – You Can’t Beat Fitzroy Island Snorkel Straight Off the Beautiful Beaches of Fitzroy Island

Incredible Snorkelling

The tropical waters surrounding Fitzroy Island are gentle and calm and make the perfect conditions for your next snorkelling adventure. With an array of hard and soft corals to explore, as well as numerous species of amazing sea life, you can snorkel straight from the shore of the island’s breathtaking beaches out onto the magic of the Great Barrier Reef, including from the picture-perfect Nudey Beach, as well as from Welcome Bay.

As you venture beneath the water’s surface, you may be fortunate enough to encounter a number of species of tropical fish, including Clown Fish (Nemo), and one of the region’s most famous marine animals, Sea Turtles. (If you are an animal lover, be sure to also pay a visit to the island’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, via means of a tour).

Enjoy Warm Weather All Year Round

Due to its tropical location (i.e. Tropical Far North Queensland), visitors to Fitzroy Island can expect to enjoy warm weather, regardless of the time of year they visit. This also means the temperature of the ocean water is also balmy year-round – approximately 24 degrees Celsius in winter and as warm as 30 degrees Celsius in the summer months. In this case, you shall not require a wetsuit to keep you warm.

Safe for Swimming and Snorkelling

With the reef surrounding the island, Fitzroy Island is the perfect place for safe swimming and snorkelling, and a visit to the island does not require you to explore deep and potentially unsafe waters (which can be encountered on the outer reef, depending on the day’s conditions). Snorkelling straight from the shore at Fitzroy Island is perfect for anyone lacking confidence in the water, those new to the activity of snorkelling and children. The island’s waters are both calm and clear, perfect for relaxed snorkelling and swimming.

Snorkelling-Fitzroy-Island-Shore

Equipment Available for Hire

Fitzroy Island has its very own Activities Centre, situated right in the heart of the island’s resort, and is home to everything you shall require in order to get your snorkelling adventure underway. Available for hire is masks, snorkels and fin sets. Stinger suits are also available for hire (stinger season occurs from November through to May). Check out the rest of the gear you can hire from the Sports Hub here.

Great Facilities

When you are in need of a break from snorkelling, it’s time to enjoy the island’s numerous facilities, including the island’s very own restaurant (Zephyr’s) and beachside café and bar (Pacific Islands-style Foxy’s Bar). On the hunt for a snack that can be enjoyed on the beach? You can’t beat the island’s general store.

Accommodation

In love with the idea of the paradise that is Fitzroy Island and want to spend more than just the day snorkelling, exploring and relaxing? Then consider a stay at the island’s very own resort, Fitzroy Island Resort, with budget-friendly options such as camping or beach bungalows, all the way up to luxurious apartments or perhaps even the penthouse suite.

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Plenty of Other Activities

If you have had a blast snorkelling the waters surrounding Fitzroy Island and are ready for your next activity, you can’t beat the island’s array of awesome activities on offer, including sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, scuba diving, a Glass Bottom Boat Tour, bouncing on the Giant Ocean Trampoline, hiking tracks and visiting the island’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

As you can see, Fitzroy Island is the perfect location for snorkelling and exploring the magical Great Barrier Reef. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

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