Cruise to Green Island from Cairns and find a tropical paradise on the Great Barrier Reef. You'll spend either four or five hours at Green Island, with plenty of time to snorkel or scuba dive, tour the reef on a glass-bottom boat or view coral from a semi-submersible submarine.
The beautiful coral cay of Green Island is a protected Marine National Park, topped with emerald rainforest and surrounded by white sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs. The marine life includes endless varieties of colorful fish, turtles, giant clams, shells, starfish and sea anemones.
Green Island is 15 nautical miles (27 kilometers) from Cairns, and you'll cruise there aboard an air-conditioned catamaran with spacious, luxurious cabins and decks to enjoy Queensland's warm, tropical climate.
En route to Green Island you'll see a snorkeling demonstration and an informative presentation on how you can make the most of your day on Green Island. There are so many activities to choose from: glass-bottom boat tours, semi-submarine coral viewing tours, scuba diving and supervised snorkeling trips. A buffet lunch is served aboard the catamaran for those who have chosen this option and a licensed bar offers refreshments throughout the day.
You can also visit Green Island Resort to browse through the shops and use the facilities, including showers, change rooms and restrooms. canoes, surf skis, sailboards, shade umbrellas and beach lounge chairs are available for hire. The island also has short walking tracks through the national park.
There are two departure times to choose from, 9am or 11am and different package options to select from. You have the flexibility to mix and match the inclusions to make this Green Island experience suit your needs. From a cruise only package that includes a glass bottom boat tour or the use of snorkeling equipment to the ultimate Green Island experience which is also inclusive of transfers from your Cairns hotel, a buffet lunch and semi-submarine tour, the choice is yours.
A good tour. I chose May to visit because there'd be fewer tourists and no stingers, and I'm glad because neither the boat nor island were crowded. The ride was short and not rough by my standards, but the only time I've gotten seasick was on a 35-foot fishing boat in 20-plus-foot swells. The island was beautiful, and I was able to walk around it almost entirely except for the part just right of the pier. The sand wasn't fine and soft, so if you don't have hardy feet, you might want your sandals. I liked exploring the tide pools and saw a lot of crabs and sea cucumbers if you know what to look for, and more varieties of seaweed and new corals than I could count. I enjoyed the snorkeling and was face-down in the water for almost two hours straight--dozens of different kinds of fish, including a few flounder who blended into the sand perfectly, a couple of sea snakes, including one I watched catch and eat a fish, and a couple of rays. The shallows, grasses, and reef around the island is not as densely populated as the outer reef, but if you move slowly and stay still once in awhile, things will go your way. Also, don't just stare down--several times, schools of fish were swimming right by my head, just under the water, and I would've missed them if I hadn't looked forward. Walking the forest trail was nice, and I loved seeing all the butterflies. I didn't eat the boat's buffet because I knew there were restaurants on the island at the resort, and I had yummy green mussels that came in a very garlicky cream broth, then ice cream at the little shop nearby--mango was delicious. My biggest complaints were the company seemed to nickel and dime--I had to rent a float vest, then there was a deposit for snorkel gear that was included in the tour price. The snorkel was basic, too--no purge valve or dry valve, which would've been nice in big waves. You had to pay to use the boat's lockers, so bring a bag to tote your gear if you don't want to haul it around while exploring the island or bring it back to the boat. So the overall buy stuff vibe was distracting and a little off putting compared to other tours I did. And while the beginners beach is nice for new/anxious snorkelers, and the crew member who helped me was good about helping me fit my mask, you're on your own once you leave the boat, so ask all your questions while you're there. Crew interaction is minimal in that respect, though they were friendly enough when you engaged them and good about walking around during the trip to check on people, especially if they seemed seasick.
Review by: Andrea H, April 2018
A decent tour. I saw quite a few fish while snorkeling but should have done the Great Barrier Reef tour instead. Luckily I didn't do the buffet package. My friends that did said the food was not good. Save your money and eat at one of the small shops on the island. I got burger and fries for much less than what the buffet cost and it was very feeling.
Review by: Harinder H, April 2018
The booking staff made assured us of pickup from our location, but it subsequently was changed to a pickup at a hotel nearest to our location while this was not terrible, it was certainly inconvenient. Moreover, if the booking staff had not misinformed me, I would not have opted for and paid for the pickup, as I had my own car and would have driven up. Then, when we arrived at the terminal, they put us in a high speed boat, which was fine, but the beverage service was in the bigger slower boat again that had to be forfeited.
Review by: Jan 2014, April 2018
so, so. too big crowd, not enough seats to sit, less bathrooms to use.
Review by: Dolly, April 2018
Great barrier reef !! one of the worlds wonders ... sea walker is a given ..
Review by: eileenjturner, April 2018
A pleasant enough boat trip over to Green Island but could have done with it leaving Cairns earlier as when we got there_br/_ it was a mad scramble to get lunch and then difficult to find anywhere to sit and eat it. The organisation was not brilliant. It was a rush to get to the glass bottom boat and when we did, saw very little fish. We paid extra to go on the semi-submersible but still saw hardly any fish. A very disappointing trip.
Review by: Marika L, March 2018
I had a great day, even it rained stories to tell are different than on sunny day, but still great. Snorkelling for the first time, and will do it again! Saw plenty of colorful fishes and a big turtle. I expected more tour like things, like actually snorkelling lesson it is easy when you get hang of it, so don't be afraid, but make sure you can swim, or someone from the staff to be on the beach there was a lifeguard tho or more stories about Reef, not just video on a boat. Staff was nice and friendly, and told the basics when I asked, thanks! Lunch opition was good, so you didn't need to worry about that during a day. Note: If you get easily motion sick, please be prepared if it is windy day you will be okey, and when you are on Green Island it is not bad at all.
Review by: Peter S, March 2018
Went to Green Island on a day trip on a big cat, but had to return early due to the cruise line leaving. Would have liked to stay the full day as this was an enjoyable Island with plenty to do. The snorkelling was very good and well worth the trip.
Review by: Judy H, March 2018
We were quite disappointed and not sure why our experience was so different from other reviewers. The boat trip to the Island was VERY crowded. Once we got to the Island we were surprised at the number of people there. We saw very few fish while snorkeling and the number of people splashing around in the water must have contributed to that. The underwater boat ride did provide much greater viewing of sea life but the water was murky which limited visibility. It was also a rather short trip. If I could redo this day I would look for another option that was less crowded and less commercial.
Review by: John S, March 2018
Ok, but wish I'd chosen deep water reef tour.
Review by: lorna.kate, March 2018
A great day which just got better as the day went on, the cruise out to the island, followed by glass bottom boat and mini sub, then the highlight snorkelling over the reef, Highly recommend the buoyancy jackets for first time snorkelers for extra confidence.
Review by: johnandsharonmacd, March 2018
This tour was absolutely wonderful! I would highly recommend the semi submersible tour over the glass bottom boat, especially if you are a non-snorkelling person. We saw giant clams, sea turtles sharks, coral and masses of fish. Take the time to walk around this tiny island as we saw more turtles swimming in the surf along the beaches....enjoy! Wish I was there with you!
Review by: Leslie K, February 2018
The glass bottom boat was ok, expected more commentary about the reef which we did not get. We did not understand the trip was a full day with 5 hours on the island. We had expected a half day tour. Take note when planning. It was hot and humid on the island, bear in mind when coming from the northern hemisphere.
Review by: Carol A, February 2018
Lovely boat trip out to the island and we did the glass bottomed boat option rather than snorkelling, although we might have seen more on the semi-submersible instead. Lunch on the boat was a bit of a free-for-all, and Brits were in the minority so the staff also had to speak several oriental languages to help everyone, which you could see was quite hard work. It was possible to swim in the afternoon and there were good facilities on Green Island for getting any refreshments. A really lovely day out.
Review by: BERNARDO Y, February 2018
Green Island is for family with small kids. As for the the reef, for me there might be a better location. Between the semi sub and glass bottom boat, just take one to save you money. For food and drinks you might want to bring your own.
Review by: Marie F, February 2018
I took the shorter trip and was glad I did. There was a lot of down time. The island we visited had nothing to do. You could swim but there were signs posted everywhere that basically said you were swimming at your own risk. If you chose the snorkeling option you snorkeled where the beaches were and there really was nothing to see. To truly view the reef you needed to scuba dive. The best part of the trip was the glass bottom boat tour you could actually see the coral and the fish. This had nothing to do with the tour itself, but I had higher expectations as to what I would see at the Reef. It was explained that the coral was too deep in the water to see color because light was needed from above, therefore everything was a dull beige color.
Review by: John O, February 2018
Generally good value for your money but a bit of a slight of hand to suggest your snorkelling is at the reef since the snorkelling that was part of the package was only from the beach
Review by: Daniel, February 2018
After a 50 minute ferry ride to Green Island, snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef was a pleasure. Also did semisubmersible boat ride, well worthwhile for excellent marine life viewing.
Review by: Robert L, February 2018
Amazing island. Snorkeling was decent. Ferry was a little old. Good value.
Review by: Stephen M, February 2018
Awful. Don't go to Green Island if you want to see the reef. You need to go to outer reef.
Review by: batgrl2010, January 2018
Absolutely amazing! :
Review by: Emanuel S, January 2018
was raining so it was not that enjoyable
Review by: scott c, January 2018
its green and a island.
Review by: Lamindu N G, December 2017
A wonderful fun experience. All basic facilities were provided. Safety measures were adequate.
Review by: Timothy V, December 2017
Really dissappointed with this tour. The reef that we were taken over to view from the glass bottom boat was dead. We have seen enough documentary films to know what an alive and what a dead reef look like despite the guide trying to make out it was otherwise. Saw some fish who were attracted to the boat by bait being thrown overboard. Green Island is a tourist destination complete with hotel and pool, not what we were expecting.Buffet on the mother ship was the best part of the trip.
Review by: Holly, December 2017
Great day trip out to the reef. Buffet lunch on board was good, you had a choice of hot or cold food or both, you could go up for seconds if you wanted to queue again. You can also purchase food and beverages at the bar. We choose the glass bottom boat which was a good way to see the coral sea life. The beaches are lovely just needed to be aware that jelly fish were about. You are advised of this before you get to the Island by the safety briefing. The crew on board work hard you can hire wetsuits, snorkelling gear and book extra activities with them.
Review by: R Y, December 2017
Great Island visit.
Review by: Holly S, November 2017
Beautiful island. We preferred the larger boat to the catamaran which was quite bumpy. Friendly helpful staff. The birds on the island are worse than pigeons grabbing your food and pecking at fingers, dont sit down and get a picnic out! There were suddenly millions of wetsuit and snorkel wearing people on the beach. The fish were amazing, we saw a parrot fish, stingrays and a turtle just on the concrete walkway from the island to the boat. We felt there were not enough toilets on the island for the number of people that are taken out there for the day, they were very soon filthy and smelly.
Review by: Philip H, November 2017
Great day out.
Review by: Gillian M, November 2017
Wish we would have had more time and better advice on where to find good reef snorkeling
Review by: Anne K, November 2017
Tour company was very nice and helpful. Lunch on the Big Cat is a bit of a mess, too many people in a small space with no queue control and little seating. Snorkeling is awesome, but unfortunately the views aren't the wild and colorful vistas that stereotypical on the Internet. Semi-sub trip is fun and they do a good job of baiting the fish. During season, might recommend the suits - we were there in late October, and still encountered a few stingers.
Review by: Cleo, November 2017
LOOVEED._br/_ Exactly how you imagine a tropical island. Glass bottom boat amazing and even saw rays and turtles. _br/_ Just beautiful
Review by: liambomck, November 2017
Best tour I've done on the reef. _br/_ We saw turtles while on the semi-submersible boat, saw Clownfish while snorkelling, and saw the largest crocodile in captivity at the small wildlife centre on the island._br/_ You can walk through the forest to find hidden beaches on the island._br/_ Highly recommend!
Review by: Veronica v, November 2017
Lovely Island offers snorkeling, rain forrest walk, see crocodiles!! and have a lovely coffee and lunch!!
Review by: elkmannsfamily, October 2017
Loved snorkeling on this trip. There was a nature walk and beautiful beaches. We swam away from the beach to see the coral, and a lot of fish near the pier. We got to swim with a sea turtle. Truly beautiful.
Review by: Lydia W, October 2017
Lovely day out got to see the island and got to see the crocodile show and have my picture taken with a baby crocodile.
Review by: Debby, October 2017
Lovely day out_br/_ Beautiful island_br/_ Friendly helpful crew_br/_ Snorkelling not quite so good here as in other places as water very shallow for a long long way out
Review by: Allen R, October 2017
A really lovely day out. Well worth doing.
Review by: drmaithriperera, October 2017
very well organised. The cruse was excellent with no sea sickness. At green island snookering was fun. we want to go again. Glass bottom boat and submarine was great. saw many corals and fish and sea turtles. wonderful experience. Return was tough as inside seats were reserved by few passengers for their friends. Over all a good family trip which every one must not miss.
Review by: Vince L, October 2017
Snorkelling near Green Island was easy but there isn't much to see. The island has great facilities. Good toilets and showers.
Review by: Catherine W, October 2017
Great Day! Well organised and highly enjoyable.
Review by: Bert, October 2017
I've had better reef trips, but must admit: those trips were more expensive. I booked this half day 11:00 - 18:00 tour rather late. The boat was fast and pleasant. The snorkeling trip wasn't very good. Aside from a big fish really close and a bright purple starfish there wasnt much to see. The minisub was much better, especially when the fish were fed I think they know it. NOT included, but if you have the chance: do the parasailing. Easy peasy, but very great views. Taking photo's is not allowed and the photo's they take... well, not worth the high price. But make a mental picture :-
Review by: Sharon W, October 2017
Great day out, a little touristy but a nice location.
Review by: susan d, September 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Relaxed buffet lunch, walk around the island, jumped on the glass bottom boat and enjoyed the perfect weather.
Review by: jlpk806, September 2017
We thought the glass bottom boat tour would go a little farther out instead of circling back. We wanted to see more.
Review by: Austin, September 2017
Check in at Ferry Terminal: 8/10_br/_ - Quick and professional
Review by: Sue M, August 2017
Green Island really lived up to our expectations. We snorkelled and found ourselves swimming with turtles, this was an amazing experience. There was also an abundance of fish life and the day was fantastic. The lunch was good on the boat and staff on the catamaran were all very helpful. An amazing day we won't forget.
Review by: Eric B, August 2017
The island was lovely except for all the noise around the food court and gift area. A lot of the overseas tourists were rude intrusive and obnoxious. My husband and I took flight to the boardwalk to escape. Someone should educate the ladies on how to line up to use the toilet facilities and also how to use said facilities. Rude rude rude._br/_ KB
Review by: Mary S, July 2017
This was a very nice easy day trip. The boat journey was not too long, I feel I would have got sea sick if I went to the outer reef. The day was really well organised. We picked the 11.00 a.m. Departure from Cairns, and our lunch was scheduled for just when we arrived at Green Island. This suited us well and the food was good. We then went to our chosen activities, and enjoyed the semi submersible, the snorkelling and the glass bottomed boat trip. It was nice and relaxing lying on the beach and getting coffee in one of the cafes. We had nice weather, not too hot or too cold. Overall this was a really worthwhile taster of the reef for someone not too adventurous like me. The pick up and return to our hotel was a good idea also.
Review by: marie d, April 2017
Amazing day trip, Great boat ride across to Island. Green Island was amazing for snorkeling or relaxing on beach, plenty of restaurants and snack. Super day day had by all family.
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