Fitzroy Island is a little piece of tropical heaven just off the coast of Cairns in Far North Queensland. The Island is surrounded by an abundance of amazing coral systems that form part of the Great Barrier Reef.
97% of Fitzroy Island is National Park, covered in lush tropical rainforest, making it one of the few places where the rainforest meets the reef. It’s no wonder that Fitzroy Island is just as popular with the locals as it is with tourists.
If you’re visiting Cairns and looking for a unique and memorable reef experience then you can’t go past sea kayaking at Fitzroy Island.
Sea kayaking at Fitzroy Island offers you the opportunity to explore private beaches and snorkelling locations on the reef that can’t be accessed by boat or foot.
There are two sea kayaking options available at Fitzroy Island, as follows.
Option One – Sea Kayaking Adventure Day Tour
This tour is a day full of fun, adventure and relaxation. It starts with a 45 minute fast cat transfer departing from the Marlin Marina in Cairns and arriving at the Fitzroy Island jetty. Upon arrival at Fitzroy Island you will be in awe of the unique natural beauty of this tropical getaway.
Your day on the Island starts with a briefing by the tour guide on some basic training and safety procedures of sea kayaking. The tour includes the hire of all snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) and the use of the glass bottom sea kayaks which give you a great view of the reef and it’s magical sea life below.
No previous sea kayaking experience is needed to take part in the tour but the minimum age for participation in the tour is 14 years and sea kayaking is not suitable for pregnant women.
The sea kayaking tour goes for approximately 3 hours and will take you kayaking around Fitzroy Island and then over to Little Fitzroy Island, which is a small Island just to the side of the main Island. Here you will get the chance to get out of the kayaks, stretch your legs and have a look around this little Island which allows for some amazing views.
From here, it’s time to kayak over to Shark Fin Bay for some snorkelling, and despite what the name suggests, it is completely safe. Snorkelling the reefs around Fitzroy Island on this sea kayaking tour will give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some amazing marine animals including the majestic sea turtle and the much loved clown fish (nemo), not to mention some of the most breathtaking coral reefs in the world.
Your Sea Kayaking Adventure Day Tour includes a picnic lunch which can be enjoyed anywhere on the Island and includes your choice of a hot or cold pre-packed lunch. Hot option: Curry & rice, piece of fruit, energy muesli bar and a bottle of water. Cold option: ham & salad roll, chicken & salad wrap, piece of fruit, energy muesli bar, and a bottle of water. There are also vegetarian, halal, gluten and pork free options. Just let the tour operator know your dietary requirements when booking. Please contact us here if you would like to experience this tour.
Option Two – Sea Kayak Hire from the Fitzroy Island Activities Centre
Alternatively, if you don’t want to book in with a guided tour, you have the option to hire sea kayaks directly from the Fitzroy Island Activities Centre located at the resort. Although you won’t get the benefit of being guided by an experienced tour leader, this option is great if you want the freedom and flexibility to explore the Island and reef at your own pace.
You can hire single or double sea kayaks from the centre, as well as lots of other watersports equipment. Find out more here.
If you choose to go with this option be sure to take some snorkelling equipment with you as well, which you can either bring your own, or hire from the Activities Centre.
How To Enjoy The Remainder Of Your Day On Fitzroy Island
Once you have finished your sea kayaking adventures, you can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the rest of what Fitzroy Island has to offer.
If you have any energy left after all that kayaking, there are numerous walking tracks on the Island catering to various fitness levels that weave through the lush rainforest and give you great views of the surrounding area.
For some more fun in the sun, there is a giant ocean trampoline just 25 metres offshore. This is a whole lot of fun for both kids and adults and use of the trampoline is included free as part of the Sea Kayaking Adventure Day Tour.
Fitzroy Island is also home to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, which is a volunteer operated, non-profit organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick and injured turtles. The Centre run 45 minute tours, giving you a rare opportunity to see these amazing animals up close. It is well worth the visit.
If you find that you just want some time to chill out and relax for the afternoon, then you can either pull up under a palm tree on one of the beautiful, pristine beaches or head over to the bar for a well deserved cocktail.
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