Green Island Snorkeling Tour from Cairns with Glass Bottom Boat

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.

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.

Options for this experience

4 options

5 hours on the island, departing at 10:30 AMGuide in English · 10:30From 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM: round-trip cruise with snorkelling gear and a glass bottom boat. Leaves Cairns at 10:30 am and returns at 4:30 pm (arrives back in Cairns at 5:15 pm).

5 hours on the island, departing at 8:30 AMGuide in English · 08:30From 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM: round-trip cruise with snorkelling gear and a glass bottom boat. Leaves Cairns at 8:30 am and returns at 2:30 pm (arrives back in Cairns at 3:15 pm).

7 hours on the island, departing at 8:30 AMGuide in English · 08:30From 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM: round-trip cruise with snorkelling gear and a glass bottom boat. Leaves Cairns at 8:30 am and returns at 4:30 pm (arrives back in Cairns at 5:15 pm).

3 hours on the island, departing at 10:30 AMGuide in English · 10:30From 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM: round-trip cruise with snorkelling gear and a glass bottom boat. Leaves Cairns at 10:30 am and returns at 2:30 pm (arrives back in Cairns at 3:15 pm).

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 10:30

Book up to2h before

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

GroupUp to 300 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair 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.

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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 far is Green Island from Cairns, and how do I get there?

Green Island sits 45 minutes from Cairns by fast catamaran. The return transfer is included in your booking, with departure from Cairns at either 8:30 AM or 10:30 AM depending on which option you choose.

What exactly is the glass bottom boat, and how does it differ from snorkeling?

The glass bottom boat is a tour vessel with a transparent hull that lets you see the reef and marine life from below the waterline without entering the water yourself. You snorkel from the beach first, then view the same reef from the boat: two ways of seeing the same waters.

What's included in the snorkeling equipment, and do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is provided with your booking, along with a free beach bag. You don't need to bring your own gear.

Can I choose how long to spend on the island?

Yes. You can book either a half-day option (3 hours on the island) or a full-day option (5 or 7 hours on the island), with departures from Cairns at 8:30 AM or 10:30 AM. The longer stays give you more time for the rainforest walk, the pool and meals.

What is there to do on Green Island besides snorkeling?

Green Island has a self-guided rainforest walk through over 120 native plant species, a swimming pool exclusive to Great Adventures guests, a pool bar, restaurant and retail outlets. The island is a 6,000-year-old coral cay and the only one on the Great Barrier Reef with rainforest, so the walk is part of the experience.

Is this snorkeling suitable for beginners or people who aren't strong swimmers?

Snorkeling can be strenuous, so inform the crew of any medical conditions or concerns when you board. The product is suitable for all physical fitness levels, but let the crew know your comfort level so they can advise you on the best approach.