• This is the best Great Barrier Reef combo package tour in Cairns. Spend 2 hours in the morning on Green Island and 3 hours on an interactive floating pontoon on the outer Great Barrier Reef. This is  the best value for money you can buy. 
• Snorkel with turtles and explore the colourful coral gardens at Green Island. Take a self-guided eco walk on the only island with a rainforest in the Great Barrier Reef
• Glide through the reef on an underwater semi-submersible submarine tour. See the largest crocodile in captivity in Australia, 112-year-old Cassius, who resides at Marineland Melanesia on Green Island
• Book the optional extra scenic helicopter flights and see the Great Barrier Reef from above and below the water
• Whilst on the outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon try scuba diving or a ride on the underwater scooters with Scuba Doo (optional extras)
• Family Deal - Save $164 based on 2 adults & 2 children

The ultimate Great Barrier Reef island and reef combo package tour deal. See the best of both worlds from Cairns. Visit 2 stunning, distinctly different locations, Green Island and the outer Great Barrier Reef.

What to Expect

The best island and Outer Barrier Reef tour in Cairns is our exclusive 2 in 1 Great Barrier Reef Combo Package Tour. This day-long adventure offers the chance to experience the splendour of Green Island followed by an immersive visit to an outer reef activity pontoon, catering to all—from the adventurous at heart to those preferring leisurely pursuits, families, elderly folks and non-swimmers.

Features and Highlights

Tour 1: Green Island Tour

Boat Ride to Green Island:

• Green Island is located just 27km (17 miles) from Cairns a short 45-minute boat cruise brings you to the enchanting waters of Green Island, a unique coral cay renowned for its tropical rainforest and white sandy beaches. Its here you spend 2 hours exploring the island.

Diverse Activities:

•  Spend your time swimming or snorkelling in the turquoise waters, relaxing on the beach, or exploring the island's lush rainforest on a self-guided eco-walk. Visit Marineland Melanesia to see the largest crocodile in captivity called Cassius.

Optional Activities:

•  Enhance your Green Island tour experience with activities like Seawalker helmet walking, parasailing, or scenic helicopter flights from the beach for breathtaking aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef.

Tour 2: Outer Great Barrier Reef Pontoon

Activity Platform Experience:

• After your Green Island visit, travel to a spacious floating pontoon activity platform at the outer reef where you can enjoy snorkelling among vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life.

Underwater Observatory and Submarine Tour:

•  Don't miss the underwater observatory for a fish-eye view of the reef or take a ride on the semi-submersible submarine for a close-up look at the underwater world without getting wet. Two underwater activities that are perfect for non-swimmers.

Full-Day Immersion:

• With 3 hours at the outer Great Barrier Reef, there’s plenty of time to dive, snorkel, or simply soak up the sun on the platform’s sundeck.

Culinary Delights

Gourmet Dining:

•  Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on the pontoon, perfect for refuelling after your underwater adventures.

Beverages:

• Once you have completed all your in-water activities you may wish to buy a few beverages from the pontoon bar.  

Educational Encounters

Marine Presentations:

•  Engage with informative presentations by marine experts who provide insight into the complex ecosystems of the reef.

Exclusive Enhancements

Optional Upgrades:

• Personalise Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Combo tour deal with optional add-ons like introductory scuba diving or a thrilling ride on the unique Scuba Doo underwater scooters. How about a scenic helicopter ride from the pontoon over the reef?

Additional Tour Details

Family-Friendly:

•  This Cairns tour is designed to cater to guests of all ages, including families with young children and elderly visitors.

Equipment Provided:

•  All snorkelling gear, including safety flotation devices, is provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the water.

Photography Opportunities:

 Don’t forget your camera to capture the vivid marine life and scenic landscapes that make the Great Barrier Reef a photographer’s paradise.

Safety Measures:

• Comprehensive safety briefings and the presence of lifeguards ensure a secure environment for all water-based activities.

This Cairns combo package tour is not just a trip; it’s a comprehensive introduction to the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, offering both the tranquillity of an island escape and the excitement of an outer reef adventure. Whether you’re snorkelling among the coral, soaring above the reef, or relaxing on the deck, this tour promises a memorable day packed with activities and awe-inspiring sights.

View all Great Barrier Reef tours in Cairns and helicopter and reef combo deal.

Green Island Tour

Jump on board with your family and enjoy a trip aboard our air-conditioned reef tour boat at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal for a fast 45-minute ride to Green Island.

A stunning 6000-year-old coral cay, Green Island is situated like a jewel in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

What makes the island so unique is it is the only coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef to have a rainforest and is home to over 120 species of plants and over 55 species of birds

You'll enjoy a range of amazing island adventures and fun activities during your two-hour visit.

Snorkel On Green Island

Ready to snorkel? Make your way to the Island Dive Shop where you will be fitted with your snorkel, mask and fins.

Prescription masks, flotation vests and full-length lycra suits are available at an extra cost.

You're then ready to snorkel straight off the beach to explore this magical underwater world. 

Green Island attracts many turtles so there is a high chance you'll find your snorkel companion has a hard shell! 

Self-Guided Green Island Eco Walk

Enjoy a nature-packed self-guided eco walk through the island's unique mixture of coastal and rainforest plants. 

The walkway is boarded and you'll learn fascinating facts about the island's flora and fauna from information signs along the way. 

Keep your eye out for some rare native Australian birdlife, including:

• Silvereye
• Ruddy Turnstone
• Reef Heron
• Torres Strait Pigeon
• Bull Branded Rail
• Osprey

Marineland Melanesia (optional activity)

Head to Marineland Melanesai to see the world's largest crocodile in captivity!

The colossal Cassius boasts a weight of over one ton, is 5.48 metres long and over 112 years old. 

He resides at Marineland Melanesia along with 50 of his smaller crocodile friends. 

Don't let the family miss the feeding of the crocs daily at 10.30am and 1.30pm. 

While you're there, visit Marineland's aquarium, and view the collection of primitive tribal artefacts and other fascinating historic exhibits. 

Parasailing the Great Barrier Reef (optional activity)

This is the closest you will get to parachuting without jumping out of a plane!

Experience a rush of pure adrenaline as you're pulled behind a speedboat on a specially designed seat for two, and soar above the crystal blue shimmering waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

You’ll have a bird’s eye view over the tops of the rainforest trees and across to stunning Green Island and be able to peer down into the coral gardens below. 

Seawalker Helmet walking (optional activity)

If you would like to explore the reef but don't want to get your hair wet, smudge your makeup, or mist up your glasses, then Seawalker helmet diving is the perfect underwater activity.

It's quick and easy, all you have to do is pop a Seawalker helmet on your head and shoulders and then be lowered into the coral gardens below. 

Seawalker helmet walking is great for non-swimmers who want to still see and experience the Great Barrier Reef just like everyone else.

They too can immerse themselves in this amazing underwater environment to interact with the cheeky local marine residents and the well known Parrot fish Gavin who simply cannot resist a selfie.

Gavin is very famous he is on facebook and has his own youtube page!

The Seawalker tour is an unforgettable experience that  lasts from 45 to 60 minutes from the beginning of your briefing to when you arrive back to dry land.

This activity is ultra safe and throughout your experience, trained guides will be beside you all the way to give you extra support. 

As you walk along the smooth sandy sea floor through this amazing underwater world, you will see vibrant coloured reef fish, intricate shapes of hard and soft corals and you might even walk past a grazing sea turtle!

Ensure you pre-book your Seawalker Green Island tour as spaces are limited.

Great Barrier Reef Tour - Interactive Pontoon Platform

After two hours on Green Island, you'll head to the outer reef interactive activity pontoon.

This stable platform offers the perfect base for swimmers and non-swimmers to explore the Great Barrier Reef from both above the water and below the water.

Choose to snorkel, visit the underwater observatory or cruise the reef on a semi-submersible submarine tour.

Or choose from a range of optional extra activities including scuba diving and low level scenic helicopter flights over the coral reef. Please note: infant age 3 must pay child price

Snorkelling

Experience the wonder of the coral reef and encounter colourful marine life such as clownfish, parrot fish, Maori Wrasse and sea turtles as you snorkel the outer reef coral gardens.

All snorkel equipment (fins, masks, snorkel and flotation devices) is included with your Great Barrier Reef tour.

The friendly staff will help fit your equipment and assist first-time snorkellers. 

Semi - Submersible Submarine Tour

Imagine exploring the vibrant reef and marine life from the comfort of an air-conditioned semi-submersible submarine.

You will meander slowly through the stunning coral gardens of the outer reef and as you look out of your viewing window what you see will be accompanied by a running commentary.

This is a wonderful way to view the Great Barrier Reef for people of all ages and abilities and again perfect for families with young children and for non-swimmers.

The tour takes 25 minutes and one leaves every 30 minutes.

Underwater Marine Observatory

View the Great Barrier Reef activity from the comfort of the underwater observatory.

You'll be amazed by the array of incredible marine life that passes by the glass perspex windows.

Snap some piccies of your family as they snorkel and dive in front of you. 

Stay for the Eco Reef talk by a marine biologist to learn lots of fascinating facts about the Reef. 

Guided Snorkel Tour (optional activity)

If you'd like more of an immersive and informative underwater experience you can choose to join a guided snorkel tour. 

Your knowledgeable guide will swim with you and provide lots of fascinating information on the marine life that you encounter. 

Scuba Doo (optional activity)

Imagine riding an underwater scooter around the reef!

Scuba Doo is a truly unique experience and not available anywhere else in Australia.

No previous experience is necessary and it’s ideal for non-swimmers, people who don’t want to get their hair wet or wear glasses, or for anyone wanting a one-of-a-kind reef experience. 

Pre-book your Scuba Doo tour as spaces are limited. 

Introduction to Scuba Diving (optional activity)

First-time divers, here's your chance to dive the world famous Great Barrier Reef!  

You will be given a briefing and carry out some basic skills before you dive.

Your dive will be in shallow water, within a small group (maximum four people) and you will be close to your diving instructor throughout. 

We guarantee you won’t want to come up!

Certified Scuba Divers (optional activity)

This is one to tick off your bucket list. As any diver will know, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most iconic reefs in the world. 

With crystal clear waters and visibility, low currents and one of the most diverse underwater environments in the world, this is the ultimate scuba divers' playground.

If you have forgotten your certification card, no problems if you are PADI certified this can be checked online.

Scenic Helicopter Flight (optional activity)

Enjoy spectacular views from the seat of of your scenic helicopter flight over the world’s largest coral reef on a 10 minute scenic flight from the outer reef pontoon.  Please note: infant age 3 must pay child price

Or Choose:

• Cruise to Green Island & Outer Barrier Reef - Fly Back to Cairns on 25 minute scenic flight 
• Fly to Green Island - Cruise to outer Barrier Reef and cruise back to Cairns

Seeing the beauty of this World Heritage-listed site from above in the seat of a helicopter is a memory that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Please note: infant age 3 must pay child price

During July – August, you might even see the dark shadows of migrating humpback whales and Dwarf Minke whales or a pod of playful dolphins. 

You can also choose to book a fly cruise or cruise fly from Cairns to and from the pontoon for an extra special way to see the Great Barrier Reef from another perspective.

See more Cairns and Great Barrier Reef tour options. 

Accommodation Return Transfers

Please note: All return transfers will depart Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal 17.30pm. Ocean Sprit and Silverswift
passengers will need to wait for up to 1 hour for their return bus.
Reservations staff will be contacting all passengers with transfers the day prior to travel to update them
on locations and times if it will be a Taxi etc and also advise the OS and SWS pax of the delay with the return
time.

Please see below timetables:

Pick up time@ 06:40
MANTRA AMPHORA (49-63 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove)
PARADISE ON THE BEACH RESORT (119-121 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove)
PEPPER'S BEACH CLUB & SPA PALM COVE (123 Williams Esplanade)
PULLMAN PALM COVE SEA TEMPLE RESORT & SPA
REEF HOUSE (99 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove)
REEF RETREAT (10-14 Harpa Street Palm Cove)
SANCTUARY PALM COVE (6 Cedar Road)

Pick up time @ 06:45
MANGO LAGOON (81-85 Cedar Road Palm Cove)

Pick up time @ 07:00
CNR Moore & Trinity St Bus Stop

Pick up time @ 07:30
CAIRNS SHERIDAN (295 Sheridan Street)
THE LAKES CAIRNS RESORT & SPA (2 Greenslopes Street)
PALM ROYALE HOTEL (7-11 Chester Court)
CAIRNS COCONUT HOLIDAY RESORT (23-51 Anderson Road)
HOLIDAY INN CAIRNS HARBOURSIDE (209-217 The Esplanade)
CAIRNS COLONIAL CLUB (18-26 Cannon Street)
QUEEN'S COURT (167-171 Sheridan Street)
RYDGES ESPLANADE RESORT (Bus Area - Esplanade Side)

Pick up time @ 07:35
181 ESPLANADE P/Up Lake Street Side (181 Esplanade)
BAY VILLAGE (Cnr Lake & Gatton Streets)
CORAL TREE INN (162-172 Grafton Street)
TROPICAL HERITAGE CAIRNS (8 Minnie Street)
CAIRNS PLAZA HOTEL (145 Esplanade)

Pick up time @ 07:40
RILEY (p/u from DOUBLETREE BY HILTON - Abbott St side)
WYNDHAM RAMADA( (p/u from DOUBLETREE BY HILTON - Abbott St side)
IBIS STYLES CAIRNS (p/u DOUBLETREE BY HILTON)
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON (121-123 Esplanade)

Pick up time @ 07:45
BAILEY CRYSTALBROOK COLLECTION (163 Abbott St)
FLYNN BY CRYSTALBROOK (p/u Abbott Street entrance near Night Markets)
MANTRA TRILOGY (p/u Abbott Street entrance near Night Markets)
NOVOTEL CAIRNS OASIS RESORT (122 Lake Street)
THE BENSON HOTEL (Cnr Grafton & Spence)
GILLIGANS - P/up The Benson (50 Grafton St)

Pick up time @ 07:50
PARK REGIS CITY QUAYS APARTMENTS (2-4 Lake Street)

Pick up time @ 08:00
SOUTHERN CROSS ATRIUM APARTMENTS (3-11 Water Street)
YHA CAIRNS CENTRAL (20-26 McLeod Street)

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Cruise/Cruise: departs Cairns 8.30am
• Cruise/Cruise/Fly: departs Cairns 8:30pm - departs Green Island 11:30am - departs Pontoon/platform 3:15pm
• Fly/Cruise/Cruise: departs Cairns 10:00am - departs Green Island 11:30am - departs Pontoon/platform 3:15pm

Departure Instructions

Check-in at Great Adventures Reservations Counter inside the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal PRIOR TO DEPARTURE to obtain your boarding pass at 07:45 ready for a 08:30 departure. Vessel returns to Cairns Marina at 17:30.

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove

• Please note: All return transfers will depart Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal 17.30pm.

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Green Island
•  Green Island & Outer Great Barrier Reef: Moore Reef or Norman Reef depending on weather conditions.

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

For Christmas and New Year there is a high demand so advance booking is advised.
All activities are subject to weather conditions.

Duration

7 hours (approx)

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Introductory scuba diving (no experience necessary, subject to medical questionnaire) - minimum age 12
• Certified scuba diving - minimum age 12
• Guided Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour
• Scuba-Doo Underwater Scooter
• Note: Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total

Fitness Level Required

Low

Restrictions

• Helicopter Weight Restrictions
• Scuba Diving – minimum age 12

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving, Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo.
• Participation is subject to medical questionnaires completed on board with the tour operator.
• Minimum age for scuba diving and helmet diving/scuba doo is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

Additional Information

• For scuba diving and helmet diving, medical, height and age restrictions apply; must be 12 to 70 years.
• All schedules, activities and prices may be varied without notice.
• All prices are in Australian dollars and include GST

Eco Certifications

Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimming costume, towel, cash or credit card, camera. Souvenirs available for sale on board the boat.

• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)
• Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive
• Infants age 3 will be charged the child price for any helicopter component booked, this charge will be added to your booking total