Green Island Tours from Cairns | Great Barrier Reef

Why choose a Green Island tour from Cairns

1/5

Fastest reef access

Reach Green Island in just 45 minutes with a high-speed Green Island ferry from Cairns. Spend less time traveling and more time exploring.

Rainforest meets reef

Green Island is the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with a thriving rainforest, giving you two incredible ecosystems in one place.

Family-friendly fun

The island’s shallow beaches, calm waters, and lifeguard-patrolled swimming areas are ideal for kids and first-time snorkelers.

Something for everyone

Snorkelers, swimmers, and non-swimmers can all enjoy glass-bottom boat tours, rainforest walks, or just relaxing on the beach.

Flexible tour options

Choose from half-day or full-day Green Island tours to fit your schedule, whether you want a quick escape or a full day of adventure.

How to pick the right Green Island tour

Half day vs full day: The half-day tour is just 4 hours, perfect for cruise ship passengers who are short on time. A full-day tour gives you more time to snorkel, relax, and explore the rainforest boardwalks. Prices start from AU$120.
Snorkeling vs non-swimming: All Green Island tours include snorkeling equipment. If you prefer to stay dry, glass-bottom boats offer clear reef views without getting in the water. The inclusive tours start from AU$279.
Customize your adventures: Choose from guided snorkel tours, helmet diving, scuba dives (introductory or certified), or scenic helicopter flights when booking your tour.
Optional scenic flights: See the reef from above with a scenic helicopter flight—the full scale of its intricate structure and delicate balance within the marine ecosystem.

Your Green Island trip options explained

Tourists enjoying a Half Day Green Island Reef Catamaran Cruise in the clear blue waters of Cairns, Australia

Scenic flight tours

40-minute Great Barrier Reef scenic flight

Take off from Cairns Airport and soar above Green Island, Arlington Reef, and Vlasoff Cay.

The experience is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Ideal for those short on time or wanting a dry reef experience.
Incredible photo opportunities from above, including panoramic views of coral formations.
High chances of spotting whales, rays, sharks, and turtles during peak sighting seasons.
No water activities included—purely aerial experience.

Great Barrier Reef scenic flight

Tourists enjoying a Full Day Green Island Reef Catamaran Cruise in the clear blue waters of Cairns, Australia

Boat-only ferry tours

Green Island ferry transfer: half-day or full-day

Perfect for those who want the freedom to explore Green Island at their own pace. Enjoy a fast catamaran ride from Cairns and choose how long you’d like to stay.

Great for families, non-swimmers, and anyone seeking flexibility.
Return ferry transfers included.
No activities included—spend your time swimming, walking, or relaxing. Add on snorkel gear or boat rides at check-out.
The glass-bottom boat tour includes reef commentary from marine guides.

Cairns to Green Island: Half-day cruise

Tourists enjoying a Green Island cruise with a view of the lush coastline and clear blue waters.

Boat and island experience tours

Ferry and snorkelling tour with snorkel gear

Upgrade your reef experience with a guided offshore snorkelling adventure. This tour includes a boat trip to deeper reef areas near Green Island.

Includes return ferry, snorkel gear, and a boat snorkelling tour to vibrant coral gardens away from the crowds.
Great balance of guided and self-paced activities.
Ideal for adventurous snorkelers and confident swimmers.

Cairns to Green Island: Outer Reef cruise and guided snorkel tour

Plan your visit

Tourists enjoying a Full Day Green Island Reef Catamaran Cruise in Cairns, Australia, with a view of the clear blue ocean and lush green island

Ferries depart Cairns to Green Island at 8:30am, 10:30am, and 1:00pm.
Return ferries from Green Island usually depart at 12:00pm, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm.
Full-day cruises generally operate on the 8:30am to 4:30pm schedule, giving you up to 5 hours to enjoy Green Island’s beaches, reef, and activities.
Half-day tours have flexible morning or afternoon options depending on your choice.

Best time to visit

Winter (June to August): Clear skies, calm seas, and lower humidity make for excellent reef conditions, perfect for snorkeling, diving, or relaxing on the beach.
Summer (December to February): While the island looks especially lush during this time, summer brings hot, humid weather. It's also stinger season, so you will have to wear a stinger suit while swimming or snorkeling.

You’ll board your cruise at the Reef Fleet Terminal, located on the Cairns waterfront near the Esplanade Lagoon.
Plan to arrive at least 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.
If you're driving, paid parking is available nearby, but spaces can fill quickly during peak season.

Florence skyline with the Duomo and snow-capped mountains in February.

Swimming essentials including swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes.
Sun protection: Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Bring layers: A light jacket or cover-up is handy for windy conditions or air-conditioned ferry cabins.
Waterproofing: A waterproof phone pouch or dry bag to keep your electronics safe during reef activities.

Modern washroom facilities with sinks and mirrors in a tourist attraction.

Green Island has cafes, a bar, takeaway outlets, and ships where you can purchase food, drinks, and souvenirs during your visit.
Public restrooms, freshwater showers, and change rooms are located near the main beach and visitor areas.
Lockers are available to store your belongings securely for a small fee.
If you haven’t brought your gear, you can hire snorkeling equipment, fins, or stinger suits on the island.

Wheelchair accessibility facilities at a tourist attraction.

The island has paved, level pathways that make it easy to navigate with wheelchairs and strollers.
Baby changing facilities are available in the main restrooms.
Activities like glass-bottom boat tours and visits to Marineland Melanesia are great for travelers of all ages.

Frequently asked questions about Green Island

How long is the ferry ride from Cairns to Green Island?

It takes approximately 45 minutes by high-speed catamaran.

Can I snorkel directly from the beach?

Yes, Green Island offers easy beach access to coral reefs, making it ideal for beginners.

What’s included in the Green Island tour packages?

Most include return ferry transfers, snorkeling gear, and access to island facilities. Upgrades like scuba diving or glass-bottom boat rides are available.

Is there an island fee I need to pay?

Some Green Island tours include an Environmental Management Charge (EMC) as part of the ticket price to support reef conservation. You can confirm whether this is included in your ticket while booking.

Are there food and drinks available on the island?

Yes, you’ll find cafes, bars, and takeaway outlets serving a variety of meals and snacks.

Can I stay overnight on Green Island?

Yes, Green Island Resort offers luxury accommodation, though most tours are for day visits. Bookings should be made separately if you plan to stay overnight.

Are there any age restrictions for the cruise or activities?

Generally, there are no age restrictions for the cruise itself. However, certain activities like scuba diving may require participants to meet minimum age requirements, usually 12 years or older.

Can I cancel or reschedule my cruise?

Most cruises offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. To reschedule your cruise, you may need to contact the cruise operator.

Are there souvenir shops on Green Island?

Yes, you can shop for gifts, clothing, and local crafts at the island’s souvenir stores.

Sightseeing Cruises

4.5(0)

Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades

Full-day freedom and flexible Green Island reef experiences from Cairns.

Great for independent travelers seeking a flexible Great Barrier Reef day trip that focuses on activities rather than fixed schedules.
Everything you get: Return catamaran cruise, up to 5 hours island time, rainforest access, your choice of activities, and onboard amenities including a bar.
Why choose this: Enjoy maximum island time with the freedom to choose activities that suit your style, budget, and comfort level.
Upgrades: Add a freshly-prepared buffet lunch, a guided snorkel tour for immersive exploration, or choose a glass-bottom boat or semi-sub tour to see the reef's wonders while staying completely dry.

Full-day freedom and flexible Green Island reef experiences from Cairns.

Great for independent travelers seeking a flexible Great Barrier Reef day trip that focuses on activities rather than fixed schedules.
Everything you get: Return catamaran cruise, up to 5 hours island time, rainforest access, your choice of activities, and onboard amenities including a bar.
Why choose this: Enjoy maximum island time with the freedom to choose activities that suit your style, budget, and comfort level.
Upgrades: Add a freshly-prepared buffet lunch, a guided snorkel tour for immersive exploration, or choose a glass-bottom boat or semi-sub tour to see the reef's wonders while staying completely dry.

Inclusions

Full-day cruise to Green Island
Stay on Green Island for 5 hours with a self-guided walk on island trails
Buffet lunch (menu here) (if option selected)
30-minute semi-submarine tour for up to 27 guests (if option selected)
30-minute glass-bottom boat tour (if option selected)
Snorkeling gear including mask, snorkel, fins, Lycra suits, and flotation vest (if option selected)
Guided snorkel safari tour with marine biologist (if option selected)
Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route to Green Island

Tip: Snorkeling off the beach is often best during the mid-to-high tide phase, as it provides more depth over the reef flats closer to shore. Low tide can be good for seeing exposed corals but might make swimming access trickier in some spots.
Guests over 16 years of age can travel without adult supervision. However, photo identification will be required at check-in.
Guests over 18 years of age must be with guests under 16 years of age at all times.
This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
This experience is pram/stroller accessible.
Service animals are allowed on this experience.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

‌

Check availability

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

5 hr. - 8 hr.

Meals included

Sightseeing Cruises

3.5(0)

Cairns to Green Island Half Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades

Quick reef getaway with snorkeling or glass bottom boat ride on a modern catamaran.

Great for time-conscious travelers, cruise passengers, and budget adventurers who want a high-impact, half-day reef escape without the full-day commitment.
Everything you get: Round-trip cruise aboard an air-conditioned catamaran, 2 hours and 15 minutes on Green Island with choice of snorkeling gear or glass-bottom boat tour, plus access to beaches and rainforest walks.
Why choose this: A time-efficient and budget-friendly way with a streamlined itinerary that delivers essential marine Great Barrier Reef highlights.
Upgrades: Opt to include a semi-submarine ride for a closer underwater reef perspective without getting wet.

Quick reef getaway with snorkeling or glass bottom boat ride on a modern catamaran.

Great for time-conscious travelers, cruise passengers, and budget adventurers who want a high-impact, half-day reef escape without the full-day commitment.
Everything you get: Round-trip cruise aboard an air-conditioned catamaran, 2 hours and 15 minutes on Green Island with choice of snorkeling gear or glass-bottom boat tour, plus access to beaches and rainforest walks.
Why choose this: A time-efficient and budget-friendly way with a streamlined itinerary that delivers essential marine Great Barrier Reef highlights.
Upgrades: Opt to include a semi-submarine ride for a closer underwater reef perspective without getting wet.

Inclusions

Half-day cruise to Green Island from Cairns
Stay on Green Island for 2 hours
Self-guided walk on the island
Semi-submarine tour (if option selected)
Snorkelling gear, Lycra suits, and flotation vest (if option selected)
Glass-bottom boat tour (if option selected)
Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route to Green Island

Tip: Don't just use the jetty to arrive and depart. Take a few minutes to walk along it and look down into the water. You can often spot schools of fish, sometimes rays, reef sharks, and even turtles.
This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
This experience is pram/stroller accessible.
Service animals are allowed on this experience.
Guests over 16 years of age can travel without adult supervision. However, photo identification will be required at check in.
Guests over 18 years of age must be with guests under 16 years of age at all times.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

4 hr.

Sightseeing Cruises

NEW

Cairns to Green Island and Outer Reef Sailing Cruise with Guided Snorkel and Lunch

Arrive early for exclusive reef access, expert-led snorkeling, and small group comfort.

Great for adventurous couples, families, and explorers seeking intimate reef experiences with personalized service.
Everything you get: A 6-hour cruise aboard a schooner or catamaran with shaded decks, air-conditioned cabins, buffet lunch, morning tea, guided drift snorkel with a marine naturalist, optional diving, glass-bottom boat tour, fish feeding, and all gear provided.
Why choose this: Enjoy an intimate group experience with a high crew-to-guest ratio that ensures safety, 2:1 intro dive sessions, expert insights, and a smorgasbord spread to top it off.

Arrive early for exclusive reef access, expert-led snorkeling, and small group comfort.

Great for adventurous couples, families, and explorers seeking intimate reef experiences with personalized service.
Everything you get: A 6-hour cruise aboard a schooner or catamaran with shaded decks, air-conditioned cabins, buffet lunch, morning tea, guided drift snorkel with a marine naturalist, optional diving, glass-bottom boat tour, fish feeding, and all gear provided.
Why choose this: Enjoy an intimate group experience with a high crew-to-guest ratio that ensures safety, 2:1 intro dive sessions, expert insights, and a smorgasbord spread to top it off.

Inclusions

Full-day cruise to Great Barrier Reef and Green Island cruise
Small group cruise
Round-trip transfers from Green Island
6 hours of reef time (Upolu Cay & Outer Edge Upolu Reef)
Adventure drift snorkel tour with marine naturalist
Glass-bottom boat tour
Coffee/tea, Danish pastries, and fresh fruit on boarding
Buffet lunch with salmon, prawns, meats, salads, breads
Tropical afternoon tea – cheese platter / fresh fruit platter/cake platter
Reef talk by a marine interpreter, fish feeding session
Scuba diving demonstration, 2 guests per instructor
Snorkeling fee and equipment
All reef levies and fees

Exclusions

Recreational area and environmental management charges

Certified and non-certified diving experiences
Round-trip bus transfers

Tip: Keep an eye out for blue-spotted stingrays and turtles in the shallow waters of Green Island when you take a stroll around the remote beaches.
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
Guests with asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, and epilepsy are restricted from participating in the scuba diving experience.
Children must be supervised by their parents at all times.
Guests can convey their dietary preferences or allergy concerns to the operator 24 hours prior to the trip.
Guests must be at least 12 years old to do an introductory dive.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

9 hr.

Transfers included

Meals included

Sightseeing Cruises

NEW

[Family Package] Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise

Family-friendly pricing for a flexible day on Green Island.

Great for families and parents looking for a simple, flexible, full-day reef escape with onboard comfort and light snorkelling options.
Everything you get: Return cruise on a modern catamaran with air-conditioned lounges, sundecks, restrooms, and change rooms. Includes 5 hours to spend on Green Island with access to beaches and rainforest.
Why choose this: Give your family the freedom to explore the reef and island without overloading your day—plus the comfort of an air-conditioned base.
Upgrades: Add a buffet lunch served onboard to keep the whole family fueled and happy.

Family-friendly pricing for a flexible day on Green Island.

Great for families and parents looking for a simple, flexible, full-day reef escape with onboard comfort and light snorkelling options.
Everything you get: Return cruise on a modern catamaran with air-conditioned lounges, sundecks, restrooms, and change rooms. Includes 5 hours to spend on Green Island with access to beaches and rainforest.
Why choose this: Give your family the freedom to explore the reef and island without overloading your day—plus the comfort of an air-conditioned base.
Upgrades: Add a buffet lunch served onboard to keep the whole family fueled and happy.

Inclusions

Full-day cruise to Green Island from Cairns
Stay on Green Island for 5 hours
Island rainforest walks
Snorkeling gear
Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route to Green Island
Use of Big Cat vessel during time at the island as an air-conditioned base
Buffet lunch (if option selected)

Tip: Explore the entire Rainforest Boardwalk (20-30 min loop, often missed). Take your time to appreciate the unique bird sounds (like the Buff-banded Rail), the canopy, and interpretive signs for a distinct experience from the beach.
Guests over 16 years of age can travel without adult supervision. However, photo identification will be required at check-in.
Guests over 18 years of age must be with guests under 16 years of age at all times.
This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
This experience is pram/stroller accessible.
Service animals are allowed on this experience.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Mobile ticket

6 hr.

Meals included

Airplane Tours

NEW

From Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef 40‑Minute Scenic Flight

Scenic 40‑minute flight over the Great Barrier Reef with guaranteed window seats.

Great for: Nature lovers and families eager to experience unparalleled aerial views of vibrant reefs, pristine islands, and unique marine life.
Everything you get: 40‑minute flight in a high‑wing aircraft with guaranteed window seats, expert in‑flight commentary, and exceptional photo opportunities.
Why choose this: See the vastness of the 2300-km-long Great Barrier Reef —flying over Green Island, coral gardens, and sand cays.

Scenic 40‑minute flight over the Great Barrier Reef with guaranteed window seats.

Great for: Nature lovers and families eager to experience unparalleled aerial views of vibrant reefs, pristine islands, and unique marine life.
Everything you get: 40‑minute flight in a high‑wing aircraft with guaranteed window seats, expert in‑flight commentary, and exceptional photo opportunities.
Why choose this: See the vastness of the 2300-km-long Great Barrier Reef —flying over Green Island, coral gardens, and sand cays.

Inclusions

40-minute flight over Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
Expert pilot/guide
Headsets
Window seats

Tip: Keep an eye out for marine life during your flight; this is one of the few places where you can spot dugongs, manta rays, and green turtles from above!
The experience is restricted for guests weighing more than 115kg.
This tour can accommodate a maximum of 7 people on the flight.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

40 min.

Book Green Island Cruises and Tours

Top things to do in Cairns

Great Barrier Reef: Green Island cruise tickets from Cairns

Why choose a Green Island tour from Cairns

Fastest reef access

Rainforest meets reef

Family-friendly fun

Something for everyone

Flexible tour options

How to pick the right Green Island tour

Your Green Island trip options explained

Scenic flight tours

Boat-only ferry tours

Boat and island experience tours

Things to do on Green Island

Snorkel off the beach

Plan your visit

Frequently asked questions about Green Island

Get Help 24/7

Headout

Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades

Cairns to Green Island Half Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades

Cairns to Green Island and Outer Reef Sailing Cruise with Guided Snorkel and Lunch

[Family Package] Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise

From Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef 40‑Minute Scenic Flight