Green Island Day Trip from Cairns: Snorkel & Glass-Bottom Boat

45 Minutes to the Reef: What Green Island Actually Offers

You get hotel pickup, a 45-minute catamaran cruise to Green Island, your choice of snorkeling or glass-bottom boat reef viewing, time to walk the rainforest boardwalks or relax on the beach, a buffet lunch, and the return transfer to Cairns: all in one day without arranging transport or reef entry yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Green Island5h
2. Great Barrier Reef5h · entry included

Full day trip to Green Island

• Travel from Cairns to Green Island
• Explore reef by glass bottom boat or snorkel
• Walk along beach and rainforest boardwalks
• View marine life including turtles and reef sharks
• Return to Cairns from Green Island

The experience

You're probably wondering if a day trip to Green Island is worth the ferry ride, or if you'd be better off staying in Cairns. The answer depends on whether you want to see the reef without the commitment of a liveaboard dive boat, and whether four or five hours on an island feels like enough. It is, if you know what to do with it. The catamaran leaves Cairns in the morning and gets you there in 45 minutes, which means you're in the water or on the glass-bottom boat by mid-morning, not mid-afternoon. That matters.

The island itself is small (you can walk the boardwalks through the rainforest in under an hour, or just sit on the beach), but the reef work is what you came for. You can snorkel straight off the sand if the conditions are right, or book the glass-bottom boat if you'd rather stay dry and still see the turtles, reef sharks, stingrays and the coral itself. There's also a semi-submersible option if you want to go a step deeper without getting wet. Your guide will tell you which one makes sense depending on the swell and visibility that day. The buffet lunch is included if you choose it, and the morning tea and coffee come with everyone, so you're not hunting for a cafe between activities.

The catamaran is air-conditioned, which matters more than it sounds when you're sitting on the water in tropical sun. Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Cairns accommodation is included, so you don't have to figure out how to get to the port or time a taxi around the boat schedule. The reef tax is built in, so there are no surprise fees when you arrive. If you have dietary needs or you're traveling with small children, let them know at booking. They have infant seats and can work around most restrictions.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Cairns accommodation.
• catamaran transfer to and from Green Island (modern, air-conditioned).
• choice of snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tour, or semi-submersible reef viewing.
• time to walk the rainforest boardwalks or relax on the beach.
• buffet lunch (if selected).
• morning tea and coffee.
• Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax).

Options for this experience

7 options

Transfers + GBBGuide in English · 09:00Includes a glass bottom boat. Pickup is included.

Transfers and snorkel gearGuide in English · 09:00Snorkel equipment included. Pickup is included.

Transfers, lunch and glass bottom boatGuide in English · 09:00Buffet lunch served on the Big Cat vessel, including a glass bottom boat. Pickup is included.

See 4 more options

Transfers, lunch and snorkellingGuide in English · 09:00Buffet lunch aboard the Big Cat, snorkel equipment included. Pickup is included.

Transfer, semi-submarine and glass bottom boatGuide in English · 09:00Semi-submarine tour: observe the coral and marine life from below the water's surface while staying dry on this 30-minute tour. Includes a glass bottom boat. Pickup is included.

Transfer, semi-submarine and snorkellingGuide in English · 09:00Semi-submarine tour: see the coral and marine life from below the water's surface while staying dry on this 30-minute tour, including snorkel equipment. Pickup is included.

Transfers, lunch, semi-submarine and glass bottom boatGuide in English · 09:00Semi-submarine tour: watch the coral and marine life from beneath the surface while staying dry on this 30-minute tour. Buffet lunch served on board the Big Cat vessel, including a glass bottom boat. Pickup is included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 2

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see the Great Barrier Reef in a day without arranging your own transport, reef entry or timing: the catamaran schedule and hotel pickup handle all of that, which is what makes a full reef day possible without a car or early morning logistics.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long do you actually spend at Green Island?

Either four or five hours, depending on which option you book. The catamaran gets you there in 45 minutes, so you're on the island by mid-morning.

Can you snorkel if you've never done it before?

Yes. The glass-bottom boat is an alternative if you'd rather not get in the water, and the semi-submersible lets you see the reef without snorkeling or diving.

Is lunch included?

Buffet lunch is included if you select that option at booking. Morning tea and coffee come with all bookings.

What's the semi-submersible submarine?

It's a vessel that goes partially underwater so you can view the coral and marine life through windows without getting wet or needing to snorkel.

Do you need to be a strong swimmer?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. If you're not confident in the water, the glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible are good alternatives to snorkeling.

Is hotel pickup really included?

Yes, from Cairns city accommodation. You'll need to provide your hotel details at booking.

What if you have dietary restrictions?

Let the operator know at time of booking and they'll work with you on the buffet lunch options.