Fitzroy Island is a lush continental island 45 minutes off the coast of Cairns, encircled by the fringing coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel directly from the main beach at Welcome Bay, where rocky headlands such as Turtle Rock host green sea turtles, parrotfish, coral trout, and giant trevally. Explore under the jetty to spot lionfish, blue-spotted stingrays, and schools of fusiliers, or join a guided Snorkel Safari to Shark Fin Bay for a boat-accessible reef maze of hard and soft corals and giant clams. The award-winning Nudey Beach offers a more secluded, scenic shoreline with calm waters perfect for beginners.
Fitzroy Island (snorkeling and diving spots)
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 4.2 sWind Speed 12 knPrecipitation 11 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
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Moderate risk: Jetty boat traffic
Boat traffic at the jetty — boats arrive and depart throughout the day. Snorkelers must stay clear of the vessel approach channel.
Moderate risk: Stinging jellyfish
Stinging jellyfish (including box jellyfish) may be present in tropical waters, particularly during the warmer months.
Moderate risk: Stinging jellyfish (seasonal)
Stinging jellyfish (including box jellyfish) may be present in warmer months (November to May). Wear protective clothing.
Low risk: Tidal currents and changing visibility
Visibility and currents vary with incoming and outgoing tides. Low tide means shallower water closer to shore; high tide may require swimming further to reach the rocky headlands.
Low risk: Sharp coral and rocky terrain
The rocky headlands at either end of Welcome Bay have sharp coral fragments and rocks. Wear reef shoes or fins and avoid touching the reef.
Low risk: Variable visibility (low tide)
Visibility can drop to 2-5 m at low tide, making navigation and spotting marine life more challenging.
Low risk: Tidal currents at headlands
Tidal currents around the rocky headlands can shift quickly, especially at Turtle Rock. Swim within comfort levels.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Fitzroy Island is located 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns, North QLD. Ferries depart from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. Once on the island, snorkeling spots are a short walk from the jetty.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking available at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal area. Approx. $10/day or $1/hour.
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Return ferry: Adult ~$99, Child ~$55. Snorkel gear hire ~$30/day. Snorkel Safari tour ~$79/adult. Parking in Cairns ~$10/day.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports