Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns
Description
Explore the tropical paradise of Green Island on a half day trip from Cairns. Enjoy around two hours exploring the Great Barrier Reef island with plenty of time to snorkel. You can even take an optional semi-submersible submarine tour to get close to the reef without getting wet.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This is where guests start their tour, at the Reef Fleet Terminal.
Spend time at Green Island either snorkelling or join a glass bottom boat tour
A picturesque coral cay situated only an hours boat ride from Cairns. Perfect place for a half day reef/island experience.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessibility is available but limited. Passengers must have some mobility and/or the presence of a carer who can assist them.
Reviews(225)
Not much assistance was given on where to meet for specific activities; every other person we asked provided a different answer. Fewer activities were offered for this time of year. The resort area was very tourist-y and it made me want to leave the island immediately.
Came when it was raining and there is barely any cover when you’re waiting for your glass bottom boat tour. We all got soaked The island itself is small, limited shops and food options. Nice beach area.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had an amazing experience on the half-day tour! From the moment we boarded, the staff were friendly, professional, and incredibly attentive. I was especially impressed with how they cared for passengers who were feeling seasick, checking on them and offering support throughout the trip. The glass-bottom boat tour was a definite highlight. The commentary was informative and engaging, and everyone on board shared in the excitement when we spotted turtles. It was such a special experience to see the reef and marine life up close. The half-day tour was the perfect length for our three-year-old and for us as a family. We never felt rushed, but it also wasn’t too long for little ones. Everything was well organised, enjoyable, and family-friendly.
Beautiful day. Good facilities on the island.
We booked the half-day Green Island excursion because all we really wanted was the transportation to/from the island; while there, we wanted to do our own thing. That’s exactly what this was. Notably: due to a mutual miscommunication that was really no one’s fault outright, we figured we would try to be compensated to some degree. We spoke to the representative and explained the situation. She handled it very professionally, she asked a few questions, gently explained her side of things, we spoke like human beings should speak to each other. Without significant delay they decided to make things right. We were very pleased with the way the situation was handled.
Was well worth it saw a lot of coral and pretty coloured fish and turtles also small reef sharks. The guides were very informative and friendly. We chose not to snorkel but we easily could have they supply everything for snorkelling if you dont have your own gear.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you had a great day exploring Green Island and were able to see such an amazing variety of marine life, including colourful fish, turtles and even reef sharks. It's also fantastic to know that our crew helped make your experience enjoyable with their friendly service and informative commentary. We're pleased that you found there were plenty of ways to enjoy the reef, even without snorkelling, and that you appreciated the convenience of the snorkel equipment provided for guests who wish to get in the water. Thank you for choosing to travel with us. We hope to welcome you back for another Great Barrier Reef adventure soon! 🐢🐠🦈🌴☀️
This is a great way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. We loved going to Green Island. The boat trip over was bumping but fine. Recommendation for those who may get seasick - eat the ginger tablets they provide on board the ship. Once we arrived at Green Island, we had a fun time snorkeling in the "protected area." This is the area that has the lifeguard. The island is full of things to do, including nice changing facilities and food options. We also did the glass bottom boat. We saw so many beautiful fish and sea turtles. We highly recommend this tour.
Thank you for your wonderful review, Lorri! We're thrilled to hear you had such a fantastic experience at Green Island. It's great to know you enjoyed the snorkelling, glass bottom boat tour, and were able to spot beautiful fish and sea turtles during your visit. We also appreciate your helpful tip regarding the complimentary ginger tablets available onboard for guests who may be prone to seasickness. While conditions can vary, they can certainly help make the journey more comfortable. Thank you for recommending our Green Island Half-Day Trip. We're delighted that you enjoyed the island's facilities, food options, and range of activities, and we hope to welcome you back for another Great Barrier Reef adventure soon! 🐢🐠🌴☀️
crossing can be rough. if visibility poor only see a small number of fish in the glass bottom boat. Can see more at the Cairns aquarium. Fish and coral not that exciting.
Thank you for your feedback, Jack and Robyn. We're sorry to hear that visibility on the day of your tour wasn't ideal. Weather and sea conditions in Tropical North Queensland can be unpredictable, and water clarity can vary from day to day, which can affect what is visible from the glass bottom boat. We also appreciate your comments regarding the sea crossing and marine life sightings. For guests seeking clearer water and a wider variety of coral and marine life, we do offer trips to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where visibility is often better and the reef environment is quite different from the fringing reef surrounding Green Island. Thank you for choosing to travel with us. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope to welcome you back again in the future.
Just go… we did n we loved it the staff from big cat are awesome!! Half day was great even though the weather wasn’t perfect the entire experience was to our comfort.
Thank you for your fantastic review, Ashley! We're so pleased to hear that you loved your Green Island Half-Day Trip and that our Big Cat crew helped make the experience such an enjoyable one. Even when the weather isn't perfect, it's wonderful to know that you still had a comfortable and memorable day on the reef. We're especially glad you enjoyed the glass bottom boat tour. It's one of the best ways to experience the vibrant coral gardens and marine life around Green Island, regardless of the weather conditions. If you're planning another visit to Cairns, we'd love to welcome you aboard one of our outer reef experiences with Reef Unlimited. For guests who enjoy reef viewing, our Reef Magic pontoon offers additional glass bottom boat tours, a semi-submersible coral viewing experience, and access to some of the most spectacular sections of the Great Barrier Reef. Thank you again for choosing to travel with us and for taking the time to share your feedback. We hope to see you back on the reef again soon! 🐠🌴🚤
As a non-swimmer, this half day tour was perfect! 900-945 catamaran from Marina Wharf to Green Island, 945-1115 free time, 1115-1145 glass bottom boat, 1200-1245 catamaran back to Cairns. Thanks to beautiful weather, it was a pleasant journey with lots of sea life visible on the glass bottom boat. Also had enough time to grab a snack, dip my toes in the water and take a short stroll. Some people managed to squeeze in snorkeling which seems a bit rushed to be honest (but, you do you). Getting there and back can be a choppy ride so bring your seasick pills.
Thank you for your lovely review, Kim! We’re so pleased to hear the half day experience suited you so well and that you enjoyed the glass bottom boat tour and beautiful weather. Green Island is a fantastic option for non-swimmers, with plenty to enjoy both on and off the water, including the rainforest walks and beach areas. We also appreciate your helpful tip about sea sickness for future travellers. For guests wanting a little more relaxed time on the island, we do also offer full day options with up to 5.5 hours on Green Island, which allows extra time for activities, lunch and exploring at a slower pace. Thanks again for travelling with us!
