Explore the world's largest coral reef on this unforgettable day trip to stunning Green Island. Located only 27km (17 miles) from Cairns, Green Island is the only coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest and is home to a vast array of unique plant and bird species.
Explore the world's largest coral reef on this unforgettable day trip to stunning Green Island. Located only 27 km (17 miles) from Cairns, Green Island is the only coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest and is home to a vast array of unique plant and bird species.
Whether you're after an eco-experience, an adrenaline rush, a Great Barrier Reef tour with adventure, or some relaxation and indulgence, this Green Island tour from Cairns offers activities and experiences to suit everyone. This is a good option for cruise ship passengers in Cairns and Yorkeys Knob and also for non-swimmers.
Enjoy a range of island adventures and fun activities:
See more Green Island tours, half day tours, non-swimmer Great Barrier Reef tours and cruise ship passenger tours from Cairns.
Learn more about the Great Barrier Reef from our blog.
Enjoy an incredible day exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island, a 6000-year-old coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
You will board a spacious, luxury air-conditioned catamaran at Cairns for a 45-minute journey to Green Island.
Complimentary tea and coffee are served on board until the vessel leaves.
Enjoy a range of island adventures and fun activities:
Snorkelling
Ready to snorkel? Make your way to the 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.
Self-Guided Green Island Eco Walk
What makes Green 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.
Enjoy a nature-packed self-guided eco walk through the unique mixture of coastal and rainforest plants and spot some rare native birdlife, including:
The boardwalk has information signs posted along the route.
Glass bottom boat tour
Stay dry and view the stunning coral gardens and colourful marine life of the reef in our modern glass bottom boat.
Not a confident swimmer? No worries! You can still get under the water and up close to the amazing marine life of the Great Barrier Reef – dressed like an astronaut!
You won’t even get your hair wet and you can wear your glasses!
Your 45-minute walk along the sea floor is literally as easy as walking.
You will be strolling in a unique marine world as brightly coloured fish swim around you and you might even get to hang out with a passing turtle and spend some time with Nemo.
Enjoy spectacular views as you soar like a bird over the world’s largest coral reef on a scenic helicopter flight.
Seeing the beauty of this World Heritage-listed site from above is a memory that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
During May – November, you might even see the dark shadows of migrating humpback whales and minke whales or a pod of playful dolphins.
Imagine flying like a bird with the tropical blue sky above and crystal clear blue waters beneath you.
Parasailing is the best bit of parachuting without the aeroplane! You'll be pulled behind a speedboat on a specially designed seat for two, which means you can share the experience with a friend or loved one – what a selfie that would be!
If you ever fancied seeing what it was like to feel like a fish, this is your chance to get under the water and blow bubbles.
You don’t need to be an experienced diver or have certification as all training will be given to you on the day by experienced diving instructors.
You will dive at a specially selected dive site, just a short boat trip offshore from Green Island.
Swim through amazing coral formations, view 50-year-old giant clams, hang out with a turtle, and encounter rays, reef sharks, brightly coloured butterfly fish, angel fish and reef fish.
The Great Barrier Reef is home to some of the world's best dive spots, and a must-do for divers.
Certified divers will be provided with all scuba gear and an experienced dive guide to ensure maximum enjoyment, safety and to guide you to the best sites.
You will take a short boat trip offshore from Green Island where you will dive amongst amazing coral gardens and view passing sharks, angelfish, butterfly fish, giant clams and you might even be able to hang out with a turtle.
If you don't have your certification card with you, no worries, if you have a PADI certification it can be found online.
If you're in need of a bit of pampering why not book in for a heavenly oil massage with an expert masseur at the Green Island Resort.
It's the ultimate in relaxation! Choose from a range of massage options using Australian Jojoba oil mixed with your choice of aromatic oils.
This is where the largest crocodile in captivity, Cassius resides along with 50 of his mates.
Cassius is approximately 116 years old, weighs over one ton and is 5.48 metres long.
Catch 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 exhibits.
Your ticket to Marineland is valid for the whole day so you can make multiple visits.
Enjoy activities such as canoeing, glass bottom kayaking and windsurfing or relax with a cold drink on your personal sun lounge chair and umbrella on the beach.
See more Green Island tours and cruise ship passenger tours.
Cairns
Departure from Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St Cairns. It is recommended to check-in forty-five minutes prior to departure.
January - December
Daily
For Christmas and New Year there is a high demand so advance booking is advised.
All days subject to weather conditions.
7 or 5 hours on Green Island - boat ride 45 minutes each way
Times are approximate
Low, Medium
Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
Scuba Diving, Scuba Doo and Helmet Diving Restrictions
Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.
Hat, Sunglasses, Towel, Sunscreen, Swim wear, Money for snacks & drinks
Reviewed on May 23, 2019
Very good service. Given that the day did not accompany and the sea was moved, the crew of the ship took care at all times of people who got dizzy. The boat with the glass bottom was impressive, nols were showing every detail of the coral bottom and the fish that were in the area
Reviewed on July 10, 2018
Easy access and very clear instruction.
Alighting from vessel to Green Island – if the gangway is at high tide then this will make it difficult to navigate with a wheelchair. Speak to our Tour Specialists about the most suitable days to travel to avoid this.
Green Island has a boardwalk which is wheelchair friendly for self-guided eco walk tours.
The self-guided eco walk tour is well signposted and has informative displays throughout so you can self-guide and read the information throughout your tour.
All instructional videos have subtitles for hearing impaired guests.
Alighting from vessel to Green Island – if the gangway is at high tide then this will make it difficult to navigate with a wheelchair. Speak to our Tour Specialists about the most suitable days to travel to avoid this.
The doorways are normal size, so will fit regular size wheelchair width.
3 steps onto boat.
No wheelchair access on vessel – only for collapsible wheelchairs.
Some vessels have extra wide toilets for wheelchair access. Please advise our Tour Specialists if you require this facility as it is only available on some vessels. The journey is 45 minutes.
All instructional videos have subtitles for hearing impaired guets.
Some vessels have extra wide toilets for wheelchair access. Please advise our Tour Specialists if you require this facility as it is only available on some vessels.
Alighting from vessel to Green Island – if the gangway is at high tide then this will make it difficult to navigate with a wheelchair. Speak to our Tour Specialists about the most suitable days to travel to avoid this.
For snorkelling, access is from the sandy beach which is not suitable for wheelchairs. The beach is approximately 3m wide (depending on tides) so if there is a certain amount of mobility then this can be managed.
All instructional videos have subtitles for hearing impaired guests.
Buoyancy vests and noodles are available for extra support in the water for your snorkelling.
Marineland is on one level.
Alighting from vessel to Green Island – if the gangway is at high tide then this will make it difficult to navigate with a wheelchair. Speak to our Tour Specialists about the most suitable days to travel to avoid this.
Exhibits display signs with written information and notices.
Transfers from Cairns/Northern Beaches accommodation to be organised separately. Please speak to our Tour Specialists if you have any special transfer requirements.
You must arrange your own local transport in advance.
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Operators policy:
au$116.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$62.00
Family: au$298.00
Tour Code: 117