Whale Watching & Fitzroy Island Cruise

5 hours 30 mins

Fitzroy Island & Great Barrier Reef

All Ages

Cruise from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef for a whale watching tour to see the Humpback Whale migration, plus free time to enjoy Fitzroy Island. Choice of morning or late morning departures during the July to September 2026 season.

THIS TOUR IS SEASONAL - 2026 dates 15 July to 6 September 2026

Key Highlights

Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef aboard a premium, stable catamaran
Witness the Humpback Whale migration from July to September
Enjoy free time to relax and explore Fitzroy Island
Choose between two departure times for a flexible experience

What’s included

Cruise from Cairns to Fitzroy Island and the Great Barrier Reef
Humpback Whale watching tour
Free time on Fitzroy Island

Overview

Experience the thrill of whale watching in Cairns as you embark on a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, aboard a premium and stable catamaran. This adventure allows you to witness the captivating Humpback Whale migration, an awe-inspiring natural event taking place from 15 July to 6 September 2026.

After your whale watching tour, enjoy time on Fitzroy Island, where you can relax and explore the island's beautiful scenery. The experience combines the excitement of marine wildlife viewing with the serenity of island leisure.

Choose the 08:30 departure if you prefer to visit Fitzroy Island before your whale watching tour, with a return to Cairns at approximately 14:50. For a later start, select the 10:45 departure and explore Fitzroy Island after the tour, returning to Cairns by around 17:00.

All itineraries, schedules, and timings are subject to change and are based on the official whale watching season in 2026. Don't forget your camera to capture unforgettable moments on the water.

Commonly asked questions.

The Cairns Whale Watching season generally runs from July into September, with the 2026 season scheduled from 15 July to 6 September, subject to whale activity and operating conditions.

The main species encountered is the Humpback Whale, which migrates through the waters along the Great Barrier Reef. Dolphins, turtles and seabirds may also be spotted during the cruise.

Whale sightings are never guaranteed because the tour involves wild animals. The experienced Marine Biologists work to locate whales along the migration corridor, and the included Fitzroy Island visit provides another major highlight if sightings are limited.

The dedicated whale watching experience lasts approximately 90 minutes and is accompanied by commentary from a Marine Biologist.

Yes. Every whale watching option includes approximately 2.5 hours of free time on Fitzroy Island, giving you time to swim, snorkel, walk, relax or explore the island.

There are two main options. The 8:30am departure visits Fitzroy Island first, followed by whale watching, while the 10:45am departure goes whale watching first and then provides free time on Fitzroy Island.

You can swim, snorkel, walk to beaches such as Nudey Beach, explore the island's walking trails, relax on the beach or visit the café and bar. Optional snorkelling equipment and glass-bottom boat tours are also available.

No. Fitzroy Island has plenty of activities for non-swimmers, including walking trails, beach relaxation, a glass-bottom boat tour and simply exploring the island.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, comfortable footwear and a dry change of clothes. You should also bring a camera and money or a card for optional activities, food and drinks.

No, lunch is not included. You can purchase food and drinks at Fitzroy Island, and snacks can also be brought with you.

Additional info by the operator.

8.30am Departure

8:30am - Depart Cairns
9:15am - Arrive at Fitzroy Island
9:15am-11:45am - Free time on Fitzroy Island - swim, snorkel, walk, take a glass bottom boat ride,relax or explore
12:00pm - Depart Fitzroy Island for the 90-minute whale watching cruise
12:00-1:30pm - Whale watching with Marine Biologist commentary
2:00pm - Depart Fitzroy Island for Cairns
2:50pm - Arrive back in Cairns

10.45am Departure

10:45am - Depart Cairns for Fitzroy Island
11:30am - Arrive at Fitzroy Island
12:00-1:30pm - Whale watching with Marine Biologist commentary
2:00-4:00pm - Free time on Fitzroy Island - swim, snorkel, walk or relax
4:00pm - Depart Fitzroy Island
4:45pm - Arrive back in Cairns

All schedules and return times are subject to change. Please select your preferred departure time when booking to tailor your Fitzroy Island experience.