Whale Watch Cruises from Cairns
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June 2026
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Highlighted reviews
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.
Wonderful Whale Watching trip from Fitzroy Island.
We recently had the most amazing luck to see a double whale breach on our whale watching tour. Two whales breaching one after another. We had the best weather conditions and the entire trip was fantastic. Phil the Marine Biologist gave an interesting commentary and we really were privileged to see these amazing mammals in the wild. Fitzroy Island was just as pictured on the brochures. We had a wonderful day snorkalling and also booked a snorkalling experience with Phil. He gave us an incredible time showing us the beauty and wonder of the coral wonderland below the surface. As a novice snorkeller, all I had to do was hang onto the lifesaver ring, as I was towed around. We learnt so much about the marine environment, and had a fantastic time. I was so glad to have had this day of snorkalling off the beach here because it made me confident enough to be able to tackle snorkalling off the Outer Barrier Reef tour we did the following day. Fitzroy Island has basic facilities for day trippers.We enjoyed swimmimng in the beautiful clear water so much, and remember to wear beach shoes as the coral beach is slippery & can be sharp underfoot.. We had perfect weather and so were able to experience the ultimate tropical island experience. The crew are all friendly, and it is definately more about immersing yourself and participating in the water activities to really understand how amazing this environment is. My husband even saw a turtle from the pier.
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
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.
Wonderful Whale Watching trip from Fitzroy Island.
We recently had the most amazing luck to see a double whale breach on our whale watching tour. Two whales breaching one after another. We had the best weather conditions and the entire trip was fantastic. Phil the Marine Biologist gave an interesting commentary and we really were privileged to see these amazing mammals in the wild. Fitzroy Island was just as pictured on the brochures. We had a wonderful day snorkalling and also booked a snorkalling experience with Phil. He gave us an incredible time showing us the beauty and wonder of the coral wonderland below the surface. As a novice snorkeller, all I had to do was hang onto the lifesaver ring, as I was towed around. We learnt so much about the marine environment, and had a fantastic time. I was so glad to have had this day of snorkalling off the beach here because it made me confident enough to be able to tackle snorkalling off the Outer Barrier Reef tour we did the following day. Fitzroy Island has basic facilities for day trippers.We enjoyed swimmimng in the beautiful clear water so much, and remember to wear beach shoes as the coral beach is slippery & can be sharp underfoot.. We had perfect weather and so were able to experience the ultimate tropical island experience. The crew are all friendly, and it is definately more about immersing yourself and participating in the water activities to really understand how amazing this environment is. My husband even saw a turtle from the pier.