• Be rewarded with spectacular views of the Great Barrier Reef on a 20 minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns to Green Island where you can snorkel the fringing reefs
• Discover the colourful corals, unique reef formations and abundance of marine life on a guided coral viewing Glass Bottom Boat Tour
• Snorkel the many fringing soft coral reef sites surrounding Green Island and hire an underwater camera and snap a selfie with a friendly Maori Wrasse whilst snorkeling 
• Explore Green Island for 7 hours - 20 minute scenic helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef

Fly to Green Island on a 20 minute scenic helicopter flight over the majestic Great Barrier Reef and then snorkel, dive and take a glass bottom boat ride around the Barrier Reef.

Green Island is a stunning 6,000 year old coral cay nestled upon the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This popular day tour destination is located just 27km from the coast of Cairns, boasting white sandy beaches, pristine snorkel sites, an abundance of on island activities and facilities and lush rainforest walking trails.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to 300 coral cays and Green Island is the only of its kind that has its very own Rainforest, making for a truly unique tropical island experience.

Compliment your journey to paradise with a 20 minute scenic helicopter flight above the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns direct to the heli pad moored at Green Island.

Your 20 minute scenic flight from Cairns will have you soaring above the surrounding coastlines, sand island cays, sparkling blue waters and unique reef formations of the Great Barrier Reef.

There’s no better way to really experience the vast size and beauty of the world’s largest living organism.

With two return times to Cairns available, either 2.30pm or 4.30pm you may choose to spend just a few short hours on Green Island and enjoy all the extra activity options or return to Cairns in the early afternoon.

Great Barrier Reef Tour Inclusions:-

1. Spectacular scenic helicopter flight to Green Island
2. A glass bottom boat tour
3. Snorkeling equipment
4. Use of island swimming pool
5. Boat cruise back to Cairns
6. Pick up and drop off from Cairns & Northern Beaches Accommodation 

There are also a range of optional activities available including scuba diving, paragliding, helmet diving, massages and more, but please note you will only be able to fit in a few of these extra activities subject to the amount of time on Green Island.

Please note: Scenic helicopter flying time may vary between 15-20 minutes, weather and traffic dependant 

This is a very good Great Barrier Reef tour option for non-swimmers

If you are a cruise ship passenger looking for the best shore tours in Cairns read more on our cruise ship shore tours page.

Helicopter Flight to Green Island and Cruise Return To Cairns

This is a super combination of a Great Barrier Reef island tour and helicopter scenic flight day tour that also gives guests the option to combine so many exciting extra optional activities in the one day!

Departing from Cairns, we collect our guests from their accommodation in Cairns and the Northern Beaches by coach and take them to the Cairns Heli Port to be prepared for the helicopter flight.

Guests will be weighed and then taken thru a safety briefing before boarding the helicopter.

As you are seated in the helicopter you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Great Barrier Reef on our 20 minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns to Green Island.

Enjoy 4 to 6 hours on Green Island before enjoying a scenic boat cruise upon a high speed catamaran back to Cairns. 

You can choose your return boat trip time back to Cairns on the booking menu.

Your Coach Awaits

Upon arrival you will meet your friendly and experienced Pilot and Guide for a pre departure briefing.

Each guest will be provided with headsets to enjoy in flight commentary throughout the helicopter scenic flight.

Whilst safely strapped into the luxury of your helicopter, prepare for a once in a lifetime experience! 

20 Minute Scenic Reef Helicopter Flight

Departing from the Cairns heli pad at 10:00am, you will be greeted with stunning views of Cairns city, the northern beaches, mangroves and swirling estuaries.

Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles basking on the banks! As you cruise above Trinity Inlet and over Cape Flattery, you will soon watch as the golden sands of the surrounding coastline transcend into the azure blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

As you continue north east to your tropical island destination, you helicopter pilot will provide information about the reef’s eco system and the many landmarks and marine life that call this natural wonder home.

Soon you will find yourself flying above the mighty Arlington Reef System. Home to many reefs and sand island cays, this reef system and its shallow waters are a great location to spot for marine life.

Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, rays, reef sharks and large tropical fish. If in the winter months, you may also be lucky enough to spot Humpback Whales throughout your scenic flight.

Soon your pilot will veer you above Upolu Cay. This natural spectacle is a small white sand island that majestically sits upon the reef. Depending on the tide, the cay can either be seen above or below the water. You may also be able to spot tourist walking along the sand bank!

As you continue your journey to Green Island, you will then fly past the Middle Cay, Michaelmas Cay and Vlassof Cay as you begin your descent to the heli pad at Green Island at approximately 10.20am.

From the sky you will gain a true understanding of just how large the Great Barrier Reef and why this vast eco system is referred to as one of the seven natural wonders of the world! 

Green Island

Arriving at Green Island at approximately 10:20am, you will then have 4 to 6 hours to explore this tropical island paradise or if you are after a very short fly and cruise deal then  return to Cairns on the 12.00 midday boat.

There are two other departure time  from Green Island to Cairns to choose from a 2:30pm or 4:30pm boat ride.

Upon arrival onto Green island you will be blown away by its white sandy beaches, fringing coral reefs and lush rainforest peaks.

Have your camera ready as you will be greeted with plenty of photo opportunities.

Entry onto Green island includes use of all of the island’s facilities, including the island’s very own tropical swimming pool, access to the array of shops, cafes and restaurants and the opportunity to indulge in plentiful optional activities.

Lunch can be purchased on the island.

Green Island is well known for its pristine snorkeling conditions. Head to the Dive Shop and collect your snorkel, mask and fins to explore the many coral gardens and friendly tropical fish that call the island home.

Green Island is an ideal snorkeling destination for families and beginners, with many of the reefs located just a short walk from the beach.

The beaches are patrolled by lifeguards and flotation devices and lycra suits are available for hire.

Keep your eyes peeled for Sea Turtles, Maori Wrasse, Nemo and an abundance of colourful and friendly tropical fish that can be found swimming on the shores of the main beach.

For those not too keen or getting wet or those seeking to learn more about the marine life and corals in the reef, there is also a guided Glass Bottom Boat tour available in your tour.

For the adventurous, a self guided island eco walk is also available. The rainforest of Green Island is home to over 120 species of plant and 55 species of birds. The 1.6km return walking trail will lead you through lush rainforest greenery and coastal vegetation.

Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, the tropical paradise of Green Island has a little something for everyone!

Upgrade to an Introductory or Certified Scuba Dive

Green Island is the ideal destination to explore the wonders of the Great Barrirer Reef marine world. Swim through stunning coral gardens and spot for giant clams, turtles, large tropical fish, reef sharks, large rays and colourful reef formations.

With calm water conditions and fantastic visibility, Green Island is the perfect location for first time and beginner scuba divers.

Introductory divers will be provided with a 30 minute briefing before learning their skills in the on island training pool.

Once ready, you will be led by your experienced PADI instructor to the beach before boarding a specialised diving boat. Your first dive site will be located around 7 minutes from the shore and the best site will be chosen based on weather conditions on the day.

For certified divers, Green Island is home to four spectacular dive sites that will have you getting up close and personal with the many marine animals and colourful corals surrounding the island.

Choose from a shallow canyon dive or an ocean drift dive. Keep your eyes peeled for Coral Trout, Barramundi, Sharks, Turtles and Rabbitfish as you discover the plentiful deep coral formations and soft coral gardens.

When visiting Green Island, guests can choose to upgrade to a guided boat snorkel trip that will give you the opportunity to experience more of Green Island’s marine life.

After enjoying a short 5 to 7 minute boat trip from the beach, you will arrive at one of four pristine snorkel sites. Snorkel sites are chosen on the day dependent on experience and weather conditions.

Discover the unique wonders of Green Island’s under water marine world. 

Please note: Extra optional activities are based on the time spent on Green Island

Upgrade to a Seawalker Tour

Discover the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef without even getting your hair wet! The Seawalker Tour is a fun, unique and memorable way to experience the Green Island from below the surface.

You will be equipped with your very own helmet that allows you to breathe normally without having to worry about operating any equipment.

You will be guided on the ocean’s floor by experienced staff as you spot for large tropical fish, turtles, rays, reef sharks and colourful corals.

This underwater tour takes around 45 to 50 minutes inclusive of a pre departure briefing. Ideal for non- swimmers or those a little too nervous to snorkel or scuba dive. 

Upgrade to a Parasailing Tour

Parasailing is both a relaxing and scenic experience and ideal for those wanting to experience the beauty of Green Island from above.

After being safely strapped into your para seat, your boat will lead you along the white sandy coastline of Green Island, allowing you to gain a whole new perspective on the island’s rich rainforest greenery and tropical island beaches.

Marvel at the marine life, vibrant corals and swirling reef formations below whilst enjoying a truly thrilling and unique experience. 

Upgrade to Marineland Melanesia

Did you know that Green Island is home to the world’s oldest living crocodile in captivity? At 110 years old and 5.45 metres in length, Cassius the crocodile can be spotted when visiting one of Green Island’s most unique attractions, Marineland Melanesia. Marineland is home to one of the largest private collections of Melanesian exotic tribal artifacts and is also a habitat for large crocodiles.

Here you can take part in a Crocodile Show which will have you witnessing a crocodile feeding or if you’re brave enough, the opportunity to hold a baby crocodile. 

Pay your entrance fee on Green Island.

Upgrade to Beach Hire Activities

For those feeling a little adventurous, there a number of beach activities available for hire on Green Island such as Canoeing, Glass Bottom Kayaking, Windsurfing, Beach Umbrellas and Sun Lounge Chairs. 

Upgrade to an Oiled Massage

The tropical rainforest and pristine beaches of Green Island provide the perfect sanctuary to relax, unwind and treat yourself to an Oiled Massage.

With a range of relaxations on offer including a variety of oils, Shiatsu and Reflexology.

Head to the Oiled Massage Salon on Green Island to arrange the ultimate rejuvenation experience. 

Your Boat Awaits

After a memorable and relaxing few hours at Green Island, you will board your high speed catamaran to return to Cairns.

The boat trip will take approximately 45 minutes and there are two departures to choose from: 2:30pm or 4:30pm.

Take a seat inside or on the top deck and enjoy the stunning views as you cruise past the aqua blue waters, reef formations and sand cays of the Great Barrier Reef.

Browse the photos that were taking throughout the day by the onboard photographers and take in the sights before returning to Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns at either 3:15pm or 5:15pm.

See more Great Barrier Reef tour options with helicopter scenic flights and cruise ship tour options. 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Fly to Green Island & Cruise Return
• 20 minutes flying & 6.5 hours on Green Island
• Depart Cairns: 09:50
• Arrive Cairns: 17:30

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches

• Transfers are additional cost

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Green Island

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

20 minute Scenic Helicopter flight to Green Island & 45 minute Cruise back to Cairns
Times are approximate

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Upgrade to Seawalker Green Island
• Upgrade to Parasailing
• Upgrade to include Boat Snorkel tour
• Introductory diving
• Certified diving
• Return accommodation transfers
• Lunch can be purchased on the island

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

• Certified Divers must produce their certification card
• Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
• Seawalker Tour - minimum age is 12 years
• Certain medical conditions (i.e. asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure or certain medications) may exclude individuals from diving

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
• Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
• Minimum age for scuba diving 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.

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

All product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed

• Camera (charged)
• Towel
• Swimming costume
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Cash for drinks and snacks
• Cash or credit card
• Comfortable walking shoes

• Children 3 years and older are legally required to occupy their own seat and therefore must pay the per seat price
• Children 0-2 years travel FOC on the lap of a parent / guardian (max 1 per flight).