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6 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
There are few more engaging experiences in nature than witnessing the spectacular surface behaviour of majestic Humpback Whales.
Activity in Cairns peaks between mid July and the end of August and forms part of an annual 10,000km migration from the freezing, food-rich waters of Antarctica to the warm breeding grounds of Australia's east coast.
Lead by our qualified Marine Biologist, this informative 1.5hr tour provides captivating insights into whale anatomy, communication, diet, migratory patterns and population status.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Witness the spectacular migration of the majestic Humpback Whales off the coast of Cairns and enjoy time on one of Australia’s top ten beaches, Nudey Beach, at the picturesque Fitzroy Island. With up to 4hrs free time on Fitzroy Island, you can experience both the beauty of the Island and witness whales in their natural habitat. Whale watching tour commences at 11:45am **Note; Witnessing whales is subject to their presence and cannot be guaranteed**
Return catamaran transfers to Fitzroy Island
90 minute Whale Watching Tour
4 hours free time on Fitzroy Island
Coffee and/or Tea
Transfers from Cairns or Northern Beaches accommodation
Fitzroy Island activities, such as snorkelling gear
4 hrs free time at Fitzroy Is.: The Whale Watching Tour starts at 11:45am
2.5hr free time on Fitzroy Is.: Whale Watching tour commences at 11:45am
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
cindyeJ7325YL,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
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.
Denise C,Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
This was an amazing experience. We saw whales on the journey to Frazer island and on the actual whale watching trip.
HARSH P,Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
Great experience, we got to see the whales up close. Luckily for us the whales were in the vicinity of the island.
NATALIE C,Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
Was advertised as 4 hrs free time on Fitzroy Island but that wasn’t the case. I booked well in advance and was booked on the 2pm boat back and the 4pm was fully booked. Feel robbed of two hours. Didn’t get boarding passes until later the night before.
susannewF8011JR,Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
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.
Peter P,Aug 22, 2020
- Review from Viator
The staff were great and the cruise was very relaxing. Even though we did not see whale as it was end on the season we still enjoyed the trip.
Rayblack99gmail,Sep 3, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
Just wonderful. Adult whales with calf, inquisitive, came right up to boat. The calf leapt whole body lengths out of the water. Was a most amazing time
suthys2005,Sep 1, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
We loved this adventure. The staff were amazing . Island is just beautiful. We saw two whales, mummy and baby lots of activity. Highly recommend.
Sue C,Aug 21, 2019
- Review from Viator
Trip over to Fitzroy island was great, a bit of a wait to get in on arrival but then straight to boat. Had a couple of hours free on island before whale watching trip started at 12 noon. Very windy and sea cold when snorkeling but one interesting sea life seen. Went to book in for whale trip to be told boat had broken down and we would not be able to do this and would be refunded for trip. As this was the only reason to do this particular trip wanted a full refund as could not reschedule due to other commitments, before I even had time to contact Viator they refunded only 29% of the trip price, not sure how they worked out this. Got impression from company we would get full refund. It was not the fault of company , Raging Thunder that boat broke down as these things happen, refund could have been handled better by Viator as trip is titled whale watching tour...
sheilaAustralia,Aug 18, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
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.
Operated by Fitzroy Island Adventures