Green Island Snorkeling Tour from Cairns with Glass Bottom Boat

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/7

Duration5h–9h

GroupUp to 300

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Snorkel the reef, then watch it drift past from below the waterline

Snorkeling at Green Island combines reef diving from the beach with a glass bottom boat tour of the same waters, 45 minutes by catamaran from Cairns. The island itself is a 6,000-year-old coral cay ringed by rainforest—the only one on the Great Barrier Reef with one—so your day splits between the water and the lush canopy. Equipment, pool access and a self-guided island walk are included; you choose between a morning or mid-morning departure and a half-day or full-day stay.

5h–9h

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Green Island reef and rainforest

Travel 45 minutes by catamaran from Cairns
Snorkel from white sandy beaches
See reef from glass bottom boat
Walk through lush rainforest
Enjoy island swimming pool and eco walk
Purchase lunch or snacks at island outlets

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Cairns in the early morning or mid-morning, depending on which option you pick, and covers the 45 minutes to Green Island. Once you step onto the white sand, the reef is right there—snorkel straight from the beach into water where the coral and fish are already visible. The glass bottom boat tour happens later, letting you see the same reef from below the hull without getting wet, a different angle on what you've already explored. Between the two, you walk the rainforest on a self-guided path through over 120 native plant species and the bird life the island is known for.

Your day stretches or compresses depending on the option: a half-day keeps you on the island for three hours, while the full-day options run five or seven hours, giving you time to use the swimming pool, grab lunch from the island's restaurant and retail outlets, or simply sit on the beach. Morning tea and coffee are served onboard before departure from Cairns. The island's day visitor facilities—pool bar, restaurant, retail—are all open to you, and the snorkeling equipment is provided, along with a free beach bag to carry it.

Snorkeling can be strenuous, so let the crew know about any medical conditions when you board. The catamaran is wheelchair accessible, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available if you need one. The return journey to Cairns is included, and a live guide in English is with you throughout.

What’s included

Return fast catamaran transfers from Cairns.
snorkeling equipment and free beach bag.
glass bottom boat tour.
use of the island swimming pool.
self-guided rainforest walk.
access to island day visitor facilities including pool bar, restaurant and retail outlets.
morning tea and coffee onboard before departure.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by The Quicksilver Group

Is this one for you?Pick the half-day if you want to snorkel and see the reef without leaving most of your day; choose the full-day option to add the rainforest walk and pool time between water activities.