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

A catamaran pulls away from Cairns toward turquoise water and coral gardens

You cruise from Cairns to Green Island on a modern catamaran, then spend four to five hours choosing between snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat tour, or a semi-submersible submarine ride to see turtles, sharks and coral. Lunch and morning tea are included, as are hotel transfers from the Northern Beaches and the reef tax. The boat departs in the morning and returns in the afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Green Island6h
2. Great Barrier Reef6h · entry included

Explore Green Island and Great Barrier Reef

• Cruise from Cairns to Green Island
• Walk through the rainforest and beach
• Snorkel or take glass bottom boat tour
• View marine life including turtles and sharks

The experience

The boat leaves the pier in the morning, and within 45 minutes you're anchored at Green Island, a patch of sand and rainforest sitting right on the Great Barrier Reef. The water is so clear you can see down before you even get in. You get to choose how you spend the next four or five hours: snorkel with gear provided, take a glass-bottom boat tour to watch turtles and sharks without getting wet, or ride the semi-submersible submarine down to see the coral and fish from a cabin window. Most people do more than one.

The snorkeling is straightforward: the reef starts at the edge of the beach, and the guide points out where the turtles usually hang. If you go the glass-bottom route instead, you sit in a boat with a hull of windows and watch the marine life move past: stingrays, groupers, the occasional reef shark. The semi-submersible goes deeper and moves slower, so you see more detail. Between water time, there's a rainforest walk on the island itself, or you can just sit on the beach and let the day happen. Lunch is a buffet served on the island, and the boat crew keeps the coffee and tea coming all morning.

The catamaran back to Cairns leaves in the afternoon, and the whole day includes hotel pickup from the Northern Beaches area and the environmental reef tax. Nothing else to arrange or pay on the day. The boat is air-conditioned, which matters because the sun out there is direct. If you're traveling with small kids, there are prams available and infant seats on the boat, and the crew is used to families. Wheelchairs can board, though the pontoon and the reef itself have limits, so let the operator know when you book if you'll need assistance.

What’s included

• Return cruise to Green Island on a modern air-conditioned catamaran.
• choice of snorkeling gear for the day or glass-bottom boat tour (or both).
• semi-submersible submarine tour if selected.
• buffet lunch if selected.
• morning tea and coffee.
• hotel transfers from Northern Beaches accommodation.
• Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax).

Options for this experience

4 options

9am Cruise OnlyGuide in English · 09:00Round-trip cruise to Green Island with 5 hours on the island, where you can choose between a glass-bottom boat tour or using snorkel gear. Pickup is included.

9am with LunchGuide in English · 09:00Buffet lunch: Dine on a buffet lunch served aboard the Big Cat vessel. Pickup is included.

9am departure with a semi-submarine tourGuide in English · 09:00Semi-submarine tour: See coral and marine life below the water's surface without getting wet on this 30-minute tour. Includes pickup.

9am departure with lunch and a semi-submarine tourGuide in English · 09:00Semi-submarine tour: Watch coral and marine life beneath the water's surface while staying dry during this 30-minute tour. Buffet lunch: Savor a buffet lunch served on board the Big Cat vessel. Includes pickup.

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 9

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

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 without arranging your own boat, gear or transport from Cairns: the catamaran, the reef tax, lunch and hotel pickup are all locked in, leaving you to decide only whether you'd rather snorkel or stay dry.

Traveler reviews

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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 is the ferry ride to Green Island?

Around 45 minutes each way on the air-conditioned catamaran.

Can I snorkel and also do the glass-bottom boat tour?

Yes. You choose one activity as your main option when you book, but most visitors do both during the day: snorkel in the morning and take the glass-bottom boat in the afternoon, or vice versa.

Is lunch included?

A buffet lunch is included if you select that option when booking. Morning tea and coffee are included for all guests.

What if I don't want to snorkel or go underwater?

You can walk the rainforest trail on Green Island, relax on the beach, or take the glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible tour to see the reef without entering the water.

Are hotel transfers included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from Northern Beaches accommodation. Confirm your hotel address when you book.

Is the reef tax included in the price?

Yes, the Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax) is included.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear?

Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour. Check with the operator if you prefer to use your own.