Fitzroy & Green Island Snorkeling Tour Cairns Glass-Bottom Boat

A glass-bottom boat lets you watch the reef without entering the water.

A full-day tour from Cairns to Fitzroy Island and Green Island includes over 6 hours on the Great Barrier Reef, with snorkeling at both islands and a glass-bottom boat tour at Fitzroy. You choose whether to snorkel or stay dry, pick your lunch option (boxed at Fitzroy or buffet on the boat at Green Island), and walk the rainforest trails that cover most of Fitzroy Island. An English-speaking guide leads the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Fitzroy and Green Islands

• Take scenic ferry to Fitzroy Island
• Hike trails and explore rainforest
• Snorkel or glass-bottom boat tour
• Ferry from Fitzroy to Green Island
• Buffet lunch on board Big Cat
• Stroll beaches and relax at Green Island
• Swim in ocean at Green Island

The Experience

The tour leaves Cairns by ferry and arrives at Fitzroy Island, where 339 hectares of rainforest and walking trails suited to all fitness levels fill the island. You spend time snorkeling in the coral reef or riding the glass-bottom boat — a way to see the marine life without suiting up — and can relax on the beach between activities. A boxed lunch is available here if you choose it.

A short ferry then takes you from Fitzroy to Green Island, another National Park stop in the reef. The ocean views open up during the crossing, and once you arrive, the island's tranquil beaches and coral reefs are yours to explore. Snorkeling gear is available again if you want it, or you can wade and float in the shallows. A buffet lunch on board the Big Cat is the alternative to the Fitzroy boxed option — you pick one at checkout.

The full day runs 8.5 hours from Cairns, giving you over 6 hours actually on the reef between the two islands. Walking trails on Fitzroy let you move at your own pace through the rainforest, and both islands have stretches of sand and shallow water where you can simply sit and watch. Service animals are welcome, and infants ride on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Ferry transport from Cairns to Fitzroy Island and then to Green Island.
• glass-bottom boat tour at Fitzroy Island.
• snorkel equipment at both islands (optional).
• access to walking trails on Fitzroy Island.
• beach time at both islands.
• boxed lunch at Fitzroy Island or buffet lunch on the Big Cat ferry (choose one at checkout).
• English-speaking guide for the day.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

Is this one for you?Choose this two-island route if you want over 6 hours exploring the reef across multiple stops—the glass-bottom boat at Fitzroy lets you see marine life without entering the water, while Green Island offers snorkeling and beach time, all in one coordinated day.

Traveler reviews

3.87★★★★★★★★★★

15 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the difference between snorkeling and the glass-bottom boat tour?

Snorkeling puts you in the water with a mask and fins to swim among the coral and fish; the glass-bottom boat keeps you dry while you look down through a transparent hull at the marine life below. Both happen at Fitzroy Island, and you choose one or both when you book.

Do I have to snorkel, or can I just stay on the beach?

You don't have to snorkel. Fitzroy Island and Green Island both have beaches where you can relax, wade, and swim without gear. The snorkel equipment is optional at both stops.

Which lunch option should I pick?

A boxed lunch waits at Fitzroy Island if you choose it; a buffet lunch is served on board the Big Cat ferry between Fitzroy and Green Island. Pick whichever fits your timing and appetite — one comes with your ticket depending on which option you select at checkout.

How much time do I actually spend in the water or on the islands?

You have over 6 hours combined on the reef at Fitzroy and Green Island, split between snorkeling, the glass-bottom boat, beach time, and walking the rainforest trails. The full tour is 8.5 hours from Cairns, with ferry rides and transitions built in.

Are the walking trails on Fitzroy Island difficult?

The trails suit all fitness levels and let you explore at your own pace. Fitzroy Island is 94 percent rainforest protected as a National Park, so there's plenty to see without pushing yourself.

What happens if I arrive late or need to leave early?

The tour departs from Cairns on a fixed schedule and returns the same way. Confirm your pickup time when you book, as the ferry timing is set to keep the day's stops and return aligned.