We are planning on staying one week in Cairns area. We are trying to decide which island is good for a day trip. Or are they all similar?

C'mon Nack...get yourseld a map of queensland!

John - what a completely rude response to a question. How can one tell by looking at a map whether islands are similar? Nack - it really depends in what you are interested. I seem to recall that Heron does not have trips but might be mistaken. If you are interested in snorkeling or diving definitely go to Lizard. Dunk is a bit of a day-tripper island and you will still have to take a boat to snorkel. Fraser is an interesting visit but it is recommended not to swim in the ocean - there are nice fresh water lakes. So, it depends in what interests you.

Louise, I think Johhn said what he did because of the vast distances from Cairns some of the islands are i.e. abut 1,600 Klms in one instance and Nack did say he was staying in Cairns so the only 2 you could do a day trip to is Lizard and Dunk and then even Dunk is a flight from Cairns practically. So perhaps the suggestion of checking out a map was a good one.

Yes, Liz, you could be right. I just focused on the word "similar".

Nack, Listen up. From Cairnes, contact Daintree Air. (www.daintreeair.com.au) Speak directly to Greg. He will get you over to Lizard Island for the time of your life. It only takes about 40 minutes. We just got back, and are still on a "high" from the most memorable time of our lives. Tell him I sent you. He is soooooo much fun. And you have a one on one guide of the reef. PERFECT!
Have fun, wish we could join you. Deb

i have to agree with deb. i can't stop thinking or talking about lizard island. we're going to fiji this year but as soon as i can get back to lizard, the better! i don't hesitate in recommending the daintree air day tour (we went in october 2002 - i had found the web page online and i included it on this forum when i returned wiht my trip report. a lot of people have gone from fodors since then and have had an unforgettable time there!) you can't go wrong and greg is GREAT! tell him julie & dasa said hi! also, if you're looking for a place to stay near cairns, i'd recommend palm cove - both the angsana spa and resort or the sebel reef house are excellent. (and to answer your question about the other "day-trip islands"...many are very touristy and overrun with people. we didn't see one other soul the entire day we were on lizard. pure bliss!)