Green Island Full-Day and Half-Day Cruise from Cairns
Overview
This Green Island day trip takes you from Cairns by fast catamaran to a coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef, wrapped in rainforest and ringed by white sand. Choose a nine, seven or five-hour stay, with snorkelling gear or a glass-bottom boat ride, or a cruise-only ticket. The default option includes the return crossing of about 45 minutes each way, a marine biologist reef talk and walk, national park trails and use of the island swimming pool. It suits families, couples and easy-going travellers.
Highlights
- Return fast catamaran cruise from Cairns, about 45 minutes each way
- Snorkelling equipment or a glass-bottom boat ride on the default option
- Marine biologist reef talk and island walk
- Rainforest boardwalks and national park walking tracks
- Use of the island swimming pool and beaches
- Choose a five, seven or nine-hour stay, with or without snorkelling
Full Description
Green Island, a coral cay on the reef
Green Island is a true coral cay, formed from sand and coral rubble on top of a living reef, and it sits about 27 kilometres off Cairns inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The whole island and its surrounding reef are protected as a national park, which is why the beaches are clean and the coral close to shore is so easy to reach.
A Green Island day trip from Cairns is the simplest way to combine an island with the reef, because you need no long sailing and no experience. The fast catamaran takes about 45 minutes each way, with the choice of morning departures depending on your option.
Snorkelling and the glass-bottom boat
On the default option you choose on the day between snorkelling gear and a glass-bottom boat ride. Snorkellers can swim straight from the beach over coral gardens, where green sea turtles, colourful reef fish and rays are regularly seen in the shallows.
The glass-bottom boat is an excellent choice for anyone who prefers to stay dry, including young children and those less confident in water. Guests on the cruise-only option can still add snorkelling equipment or the boat tour on the island. Optional activities such as scuba diving and helicopter flights are booked separately on the island.
Rainforest walks and the marine biologist talk
Green Island is covered by dense tropical rainforest with more than a hundred native plant species and plenty of birdlife, and boardwalks and self-guided eco trails wind through it. The walks are short and flat, so the island works well for families and older visitors.
A marine biologist gives a reef talk and leads an island walk, explaining how the cay formed, why the reef matters and what lives beneath the surface. It is one of the best value extras of any Green Island tour, and it adds context to whatever you do next.
Facilities, timing and choosing your option
Day visitors have use of showers, toilets, shaded areas and the swimming pool, and there are food outlets on the island for lunch and refreshments, which are not included in the default option. Departures are in the morning, with the longer stays leaving first.
Nine and seven-hour options give you a full day on the island, while the five-hour option suits those short on time or travelling with small children. Choose a cruise-only ticket if you prefer to plan your own snorkelling and activities on the island, and check the booking panel for the details of each option.
Itinerary
- Meet at the Cairns departure terminalCheck in at the meeting point confirmed in your booking voucher in the morning.
- Fast catamaran to Green IslandCruise for about 45 minutes in an air-conditioned catamaran.
- Marine biologist reef talk and walkLearn about the island and reef, then explore the boardwalks.
- Snorkelling or glass-bottom boatDepending on your option, snorkel off the beach or join a glass-bottom boat tour.
- Free time on the islandSwim, relax on the beach, use the pool or walk the rainforest trails.
- Return to CairnsBoard the afternoon catamaran back, about 45 minutes to the city.
What's included
- Return air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise from Cairns (about 45 minutes each way)
- Free time on Green Island to swim, relax on the beach or explore the rainforest boardwalks
- Access to the national park walking tracks and self-guided eco trails
- Marine biologist reef talk and island walk
- Use of the island swimming pool and day facilities (showers, toilets, shaded areas)
- Morning tea and coffee on board before departure
Not included
- Snorkelling equipment and glass-bottom boat tour (can be added on the island)
- Optional activities on the island (scuba diving, offshore boat snorkelling, Seawalker helmet diving, canoe, windsurf and volleyball hire, scenic helicopter flights)
- Food and drinks at the island outlets
Not suitable for
- Guests who are unwell or unable to board a boat
- Wheelchair users may find some beach and boardwalk areas challenging
- Drones are not allowed on the island
- Guests prone to seasickness should take precautions before sailing
Meeting point
Meet at the Cairns departure terminal, with the exact location and check-in time confirmed in your booking voucher. Departures are in the morning, and the nine-hour and seven-hour options leave at 08:30 while the five-hour option leaves at 10:30. Hotel transfers are not included.
Important information
- Bring swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunscreen and a camera
- Drones are not allowed on the island
- Food and drinks are not included on the default option and can be bought at island outlets
- Departure and return times depend on your chosen option
- Activities may be adjusted for sea state or visibility
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen and sturdy shoes for the walking tracks
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Green Island cruise cost?
The price depends on the option (five, seven or nine hours, with or without snorkelling) and on the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
How long does it take to get to Green Island from Cairns?
The fast catamaran takes about 45 minutes each way, leaving you most of the day on the island.
Is snorkelling equipment included?
On the default option you choose between snorkelling equipment and a glass-bottom boat ride on the day. On cruise-only options snorkelling gear can be added on the island.
Is lunch included?
No, food and drinks are not included on the default option. The cruise-only options include morning tea and coffee, and there are food outlets on the island.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, you meet at the Cairns departure terminal, so arrange your own transport.
What is the difference between the options?
The nine, seven and five-hour options differ in time on the island. The snorkelling and glass-bottom options include gear or a boat ride, while cruise-only tickets include the crossing, island access and the talk.
Is Green Island good for children?
Yes, the beach, pool, short walks and glass-bottom boat make it a popular family trip. Child prices are shown in the booking panel.
What should I bring to Green Island?
Bring swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunscreen and a camera. Drones are not allowed.
What is the best time to visit Green Island?
The drier months from June to October usually bring the clearest water and calmest crossings, though the island is a good day trip all year.
Can I book a Green Island trip for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, subject to availability. The booking panel shows the next available dates and departure times.
