If you love the water and are looking for a holiday destination where you can spend your time swimming, splashing and soaking up a multitude of water activities, then you can’t go past Fitzroy Island.
This beautiful Island paradise is located in Tropical North Queensland and is a short 45 minute Fitzroy Flyer ride from Cairns. It is covered in lush tropical rainforest and situated amongst the world renowned Great Barrier Reef.
The weather is warm enough to swim all year round, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some serious water time. Here we will share with you some of the best water experiences you’ll find on offer when visiting Fitzroy Island.
Diving
A must-do for every water lover is diving in the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef and is teeming with amazing marine life including turtles, dolphins, rays and over a thousand species of fish.
The Fitzroy Island Sports Hub is PADI-accredited. For those who have never gone diving before, the Centre offers free introductory SCUBA diving in the training pool with qualified and highly experienced instructors, where you can get comfortable underwater and familiar with your scuba gear before heading out to the sheltered reefs just offshore.
Most first time divers are left so awestruck by the overwhelming beauty of the reef and the up close encounters they experience with the amazing sea life that they want to go back for more. Fitzroy Island offers a range of PADI-certified dive courses for people wanting to get certified, which is a great way to pack in as much dive time as you can while on the Island.
For certified divers, there are a number of Island reefs that you can explore either close to shore or if you want to go further afield, you can do a boat drop from the resort tender where you have the unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the outer barrier reef.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is a favourite past time in Fitzroy Island. That’s because you can access the breathtaking coral and sea animals straight off the shore. The great thing about snorkelling at Fitzroy Island is the fact that you don’t need a dive certificate or any heavy equipment to experience the immense beauty that lies just below the ocean’s surface. You just need to grab some fins, and mask and snorkel and off you go.
The feeling of gliding through the warm, clear water and getting up close and personal with some amazing sea life is truly breathtaking. This is perfect for families with young kids and those wanting to take things at their own pace. All snorkelling equipment can be hired on the Island from the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub.
Sea Kayaking
Another great way to explore the waters surrounding Fitzroy Island is by sea kayak. Sea kayaking gives you the opportunity to explore private beaches and snorkelling locations on the reef that can’t be accessed by boat or foot.
Fitzroy Island offers 3-hour guided sea kayaking tours where your experienced guide will firstly brief you on some basic training and safety procedures of sea kayaking, before taking you on an informative and fun kayaking adventure.
The tour takes you kayaking around Fitzroy Island and allows for plenty of snorkelling time. It includes a picnic lunch, the hire of all snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) and the use of the glass bottom sea kayaks which give you a great view of the reef and it’s magical sea life below.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to book in with a guided tour, you have the option to hire sea kayaks directly from the Dive and Adventure Centre. This option is great if you want the freedom and flexibility to explore the Island and reef at your own pace.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Try your hand at a watersport that is fast becoming popular in Australia – stand up paddle boarding. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself able to explore the beauty of the crystal blue waters and the stunning reef below, by floating above it.
Now, stand up paddle boarding is a bit of a workout, but definitely worth it. A whole heap of fun, it can be a great activity whether you’re by yourself or with a group.
The Fitzroy Island Activities Centre has all the equipment you need to give SUP boarding a go, and you can chat with the staff about tours on offer as well.
Resort Pool
Of course no island resort would be complete without a luxurious resort pool and spa. The pool is the perfect place to refresh yourself in the heat of the day or to unwind in the afternoon with a cocktail at the swim-up bar. The pool is also beautifully lit at night if you fancy a swim or spa under the stars before bed.
So whether you’re planning an extended stay and want to try it all, or just popping over for a day trip to relax in the pool, Fitzroy Island has a diverse range of water experiences to indulge every visitor.
