Whale Watch Cruises from Cairns
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August 2026
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Highlighted reviews
Would recommend rain or shine!
My partner and I went whale watching in early August and saw many whales. We received an online boarding card so we didn’t have to wait inside to check in and could head straight to the boat. The tour wasn’t too crowded but had a nice mix of people. We arrived at Fitzroy Island without any delays and it was a cloudy day with scattered showers. We had about two hours on the island, just enough time to visit Nudey Beach, swim and grab a quick coffee at Foxy’s. From there we boarded another boat for the whale watching. Initially, we didn’t see many whales and the waves were quite large, making me feel a bit sick. However, the whales eventually came out and even swam right up to the boat, showing off. Once we returned, we jumped back on the 2pm ferry home. The crew was very knowledgeable and friendly and the organisation was top-notch. I would definitely recommend this trip, just make sure to bring dry warm waterproof clothing as it can get chilly and wet on the sea.
Great marine biologist review of humpback whales' migration and traits. Lots of room on boat. Be prepared with warm clothes on
It was a dreary day. No fault of the crew. We looked and looked but finally saw a cow humpback whale and her calf. This was exciting and, of course, the highlight of the day. The marine biologist was excellent at explaining the migration of the humpback whales and how they lived. Shr couldn't have been better. Fitzroy Island was a bit of a disappointment - partially due to the weather - but also because there really was not that much to do on a drizzly day. The hike would have taken too long and it really would not have been easy to get to Nudey beach for snorkeling. I did snorkel just a tad around some boulders and saw quite a few fish, but I was not properly prepared to get dried off and was damp the rest if the day. A few extra towels, maybe some warm air blowing and some warm tea would have helped tremendously. I would have liked to give it a 4.6. They can't control the weather or what the whales will do.
What you can expect
Witness the spectacular migration of the majestic Humpback Whales off the coast of Cairns and enjoy time on Australia's number one white sand beach, Nudey Beach, at the picturesque Fitzroy Island. From mid July to the end of August, Humpback Whales take a holiday of their own leaving the cold waters of Antarctica to frolic in the Great Barrier Reef and give birth to their young calves. You can enjoy a front row seat to this natural spectacle on this Cairns adventure which includes a 90 minute whale watching tour and a choice of 2 hours or 4 hours free time on Fitzroy Island.
Choose the 8:30 am ferry from Cairns and enjoy up to 4 hours free time on Fitzroy Island plus a midday Cairns whale watching cruise. However, if you prefer a sleep in, the 10:45am ferry departure from Cairns gives you the option to join the midday Cairns whale watching cruise with 2 hours free time on Fitzroy Island. Get in quick and book your Cairns Whale Watching and Fitzroy Island adventure right here before the Humpback Whales leave for another year.
Location
What you need to know
- 45 minute catamaran transfer to Fitzroy Island
- 90 minute whale watching tour
- Up to 4 hours (8:30am departure) OR up to 2 hours (10:45am departure) on Fitzroy Island
- Witness the spectacular migration of the majestic Humpback Whales off the coast of Cairns
- Enjoy time on one of Australia’s top ten beaches, Nudey Beach, at the picturesque Fitzroy Island
- Australian owned and operated, spotting whales since 2009
- Activities for all ages and experience levels
- Tours operates on weather permitting days
- Tours depart Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at 8:30am (returns 2.45pm) and 10:45am (returns 4.45pm)
- Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure inside the Cairns Reef Fleet terminal
- If you do not check-in at the date and time specified in your booking, then you will forfeit 100% of the total price paid.
- A cancellation fee of 100% will apply if less than 24 hours notice is given prior to departure.
- Some services may be cancelled or modified as a result of weather/tidal conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. In the rare event that Fitzroy Island Adventures needs to cancel, the guest will be provided with an alternate day or travel, offered another Reef Unlimited product, or a full refund will be provided.
- Fitzroy Island Adventures also has the right to cancel a booking if the pricing is not accurately represented.
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements Witnessing whales is subject to their presence and cannot be guaranteed
Recent reviews
Photo gallery
Would recommend rain or shine!
My partner and I went whale watching in early August and saw many whales. We received an online boarding card so we didn’t have to wait inside to check in and could head straight to the boat. The tour wasn’t too crowded but had a nice mix of people. We arrived at Fitzroy Island without any delays and it was a cloudy day with scattered showers. We had about two hours on the island, just enough time to visit Nudey Beach, swim and grab a quick coffee at Foxy’s. From there we boarded another boat for the whale watching. Initially, we didn’t see many whales and the waves were quite large, making me feel a bit sick. However, the whales eventually came out and even swam right up to the boat, showing off. Once we returned, we jumped back on the 2pm ferry home. The crew was very knowledgeable and friendly and the organisation was top-notch. I would definitely recommend this trip, just make sure to bring dry warm waterproof clothing as it can get chilly and wet on the sea.
Reply from Campermate AU Customer Support
Great marine biologist review of humpback whales' migration and traits. Lots of room on boat. Be prepared with warm clothes on
It was a dreary day. No fault of the crew. We looked and looked but finally saw a cow humpback whale and her calf. This was exciting and, of course, the highlight of the day. The marine biologist was excellent at explaining the migration of the humpback whales and how they lived. Shr couldn't have been better. Fitzroy Island was a bit of a disappointment - partially due to the weather - but also because there really was not that much to do on a drizzly day. The hike would have taken too long and it really would not have been easy to get to Nudey beach for snorkeling. I did snorkel just a tad around some boulders and saw quite a few fish, but I was not properly prepared to get dried off and was damp the rest if the day. A few extra towels, maybe some warm air blowing and some warm tea would have helped tremendously. I would have liked to give it a 4.6. They can't control the weather or what the whales will do.
Beautiful Great Barrier Reef
We had an up close whale experience with breaching. There was plenty of room on the boat and the water was calm. Plus we had an enjoyable island visit. Perfect day.
