Fitzroy Island:

Only a 45 minute ferry ride from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is a lovely
 retreat. Its coral beaches provide a great place to explore and snorkel straight from the beach, and snorkel we did!
It was one of the best days weather wise since we have been here and both Lynn and I have a touch of the sun. The reef isn't as spectacular as the outer reef, but there was still plenty to see snorkeling over it.
After lunch we had a ride over the coral in a glass bottom boat, then time for more snorkeling before heading back to Cairns.


The Island has a large hotel and campground and is a popular overnight stop for many of the yachts that sail the area. The day we were there, it was not at all crowded, and the ferry was less than half full, quite a contrast to our trip to the reef. Most of the schools are back now so there are not so many people around.
There are lots of other activities including walks, sea kayaking and diving, but there is just so much you can do and Lynn is pretty focused on snorkeling!

It was lovely to sit on a barstool at the end of the day with a cocktail in hand looking over the beautiful water just before we headed back.

A large Manta Ray greeted the ferry as we arrived at the dock at Fitzroy Island.