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Green Island is one of the most popular islands in the Great Barrier Reef. This coral cay is just 27km offshore from Cairns and is surrounded by fringing reef. It has sandy beaches and is home to rainforest and a diverse array of bird and marine life. As a guest of Great Adventures, there’s lots of activities you can enjoy at Green Island, including exploring the rainforest boardwalks, snorkelling from the beach, glass bottom boat tours and making use of the resort facilities and swimming pool. The tour includes morning tea and coffee on the Great Adventures catamaran, and you are welcome to either take your own lunch, snacks and drinks, or purchase these (additional cost) at the island’s bar and bistro.
Great Adventures has 2 daily departures from Cairns to Green Island [8.30am and 10.30am] and 2 return times from Green Island to Cairns [2.30pm and 4.30pm], which allows you to customise your Cairns Green Island day tour to suit your interests and itinerary.
What We Love About This Tour. Green Island is an idyllic Great Barrier Reef coral cay. You can snorkel off the beach, over the surrounding fringing reefs, with the chance to see sea turtles, anemone, starfish, parrotfish and more. Wander through the rainforest, swim in the pool and grab an ice-cream. It’s very scenic and very relaxing and just a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns. A great family friendly destination and day tour. Bonus of having the choice to self-cater or not.
Get a free underwater camera rental when you book tours through us valued at over $750, we’ll lend you a GoPro underwater camera to use for the duration of your tours. Numbers are limited and allocated on a first-come basis. Get in touch with us to claim this deal today.
The transfer time between Cairns and Green Island on the Great Adventures catamaran is just 45-minutes. So, if you choose the earliest departure and latest return time, you’ll have up to 7 hours to enjoy the island – or if you choose the latest departure and earliest return time, you’ll have 3 hours on Green Island. There’s lots to do here, so if your itinerary allows it, we recommend making a day of it.
Snorkeling on Green Island is right off the beach, which means you can do as much or little as you like. There are two main snorkelling places, the first is adjacent to the jetty. Water depth here varies greatly from low to high tide. Immediately off the beach there is seagrass with starfish, as you get further out there’s fringing reef with hard and soft corals, clams and a diverse array of fish. Lots of fish under the jetty too and it’s not unusual to see a sea turtle. The second snorkel location is from the beach ‘round the corner’ (to your left as you walk down the jetty towards the island). This beach has a life guard and beach hire where you can rent beach lounge chairs and umbrellas or a kayak (additional cost). You can bring your own snorkelling equipment, or rent it from Green Island’s Dive Centre (or choose the tour option that includes the rental).
You can also book a Boat Snorkel Tour, which is in addition to the tour price. It takes you about 1.5km from the island to some beautiful snorkel sites.
Great Adventures provides their Cairns to Green Island day tour guests with the opportunity to try scuba diving. There’s no prior experience necessary to participate in an Introductory Dive, but the minimum age to participate is 12 years old. Introductory Diving is in addition to the tour price and includes your equipment, dive guide and instruction, including a 30 minute briefing and practice session in the island’s pool, before diving at an offshore reef. These dives generally last around 20-30 minutes and go no deeper than 10m. 3 dive times daily: 10.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm.
Please note certain health conditions can prevent you from trying scuba diving, this includes but is not limited to: asthma, epilepsy, chronic sinus conditions and ear problems, heart disease and sugar diabetes. It is not advised to try scuba diving if you are pregnant.
Certified scuba divers can go diving on a Great Adventures Cairns to Green Island day tour. There are 3 dive times scheduled daily – 10.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm – and the diving takes place at an offshore reef. Access to this is by boat transfer from Green Island to the reef. Certified divers will be required to show proof of certification and the dive price is in addition to the tour price, but includes all dive equipment, a dive guide and the transfer from the island to the reef. The dive will generally last around 40 minutes and go no deeper than 15m. All scuba diving on a Great Adventures Cairns to Green Island day tour is guided.
Glass bottom boat tours operate throughout the day and depart from the bend in the jetty. These tours are a great way to learn more about the reef and marine life you are seeing. For non-swimmers, they provide you with the opportunity see the reef while remaining comfortable and dry. Fun fact, the world’s first ever glass bottom boat tour started on Green Island, right here in North Queensland. If you are unsure on times for the glass bottom boat tours, visit the Green Island Information Centre.
Green Island glass bottom boat tours are included in some of the Great Adventures Cairns to Green Island day tour prices – see the pricing structure on this page – they can also be purchased in addition to your tour.
You can enjoy a 10 minute scenic helicopter flight, taking off from Green Island and showcasing the surrounding reef. This visually spectacular trip allows you to appreciate the size and scale of the Great Barrier Reef. Please note the scenic heli flights are not operated by Great Adventures, but by Nautilus Aviation, a respected Cairns aviation company. They run from a helipad, which is a short stroll from the jetty. The Green Island Great Barrier Reef scenic helicopter flights are an additional cost to the Great Adventures Green Island day tour price. They require a minimum of 2 passengers to operate.
Green Island is home to rainforest and tropical vine forest. You can explore these on a 1.3km return, self-guided Eco Walk. The boardwalk is shaded and there is lots of interpretive signage along the way, covering the history, cultural heritage and plant and animal life of Green Island. During your exploration you will see and hear lots of different birds and there are side paths, taking you to some of Green Island’s beaches.
Marineland Melanesia is a family owned and operated business on Green Island, which runs daily presentations and wildlife shows. Open daily between 9am and 4pm, Marineland Melanesia is home to the largest saltwater crocodile in captivity in the world – Cassius – and several other crocodiles, a hawksbill sea turtle, aquariums with a wide array of clownfish, extensive selection of tribal art and Green Island’s coral nursery. The admission ticket allows you to view the exhibits and animals at any time during your visit to Green Island and includes the wildlife presentations, which start at 10.20am and 1.20pm.
The Great Adventures Green Island day tour itinerary provides flexibility for guests, allowing them to shape their own day. There are 2 departure times from Cairns to Green Island [8.30am and 10.30am – which get you to Green Island at 9.15am and 11.15am respectively] and there are 2 return times, departing Green Island for Cairns [2.30pm and 4.30pm – which get you to Cairns at 3.15pm and 5.15pm respectively.] There’s also a 3 tier pricing structure, with 2 of the packages including the option for a glass bottom boat tour. Morning tea and coffee is provided on the boat and you have the option to self-cater your drinks and snacks, or purchase these on the island. You should take a towel, sunglasses, hat, change of clothes and sunblock for the day, as well as cash or credit cards to make any additional tour or food and beverage purchases.
Check in at the Great Adventures Desk, inside the Reef Fleet Terminal. Once you have your tickets, make your way to the Great Adventures catamaran, which is moored at the Cairns Marlin Marina. Tea and coffee is available and provided for your enjoyment.
Depart Cairns for Green Island. During the 45 minute transfer, you will complete any necessary snorkelling and/or scuba diving paperwork and be advised of the timing of these activities. You will also be provided with a map of Green Island.
Arrive at Green Island. If you have pre-booked a glass bottom boat tour and are unsure of the timing, visit the Information Centre. If your tour package included snorkelling equipment, this can be collected from the Green Island Dive Centre. This is also the place to present for introductory or certified scuba diving. All equipment must be returned to the Dive Centre prior to leaving the island.
Island Time – During your time on Green Island, you are free to participate in unlimited snorkelling, relaxing on the beach, swimming in the resort pool, or exploring the rainforest boardwalks. You may also choose to participate in one of the optional extras, such as a boat snorkel tour, scuba diving, scenic heli or visit to Marineland Melanesia.
Board the Great Adventures catamaran on the Green Island jetty for your return trip to Cairns. The travel time is 45 minutes and you can sit in the air-conditioned interior or on exterior sun decks.
Arrive back into Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
Check in at the Great Adventures Desk, inside the Reef Fleet Terminal. Once you have your tickets, make your way to the Great Adventures catamaran, which is moored at the Cairns Marlin Marina. Tea and coffee is available and provided for your enjoyment.
Depart Cairns for Green Island. During the 45 minute transfer, you will complete any necessary snorkelling and/or scuba diving paperwork and be advised of the timing of these activities. You will also be provided with a map of Green Island.
Arrive at Green Island. If you have pre-booked a glass bottom boat tour and are unsure of the timing, visit the Information Centre. If your tour package included snorkelling equipment, this can be collected from the Green Island Dive Centre. This is also the place to present for introductory or certified scuba diving. All equipment must be returned to the Dive Centre prior to leaving the island.
Island Time – During your time on Green Island, you are free to participate in unlimited snorkelling, relaxing on the beach, swimming in the resort pool, or exploring the rainforest boardwalks. You may also choose to participate in one of the optional extras, such as a boat snorkel tour, scuba diving, scenic heli or visit to Marineland Melanesia.
Board the Great Adventures catamaran on the Green Island jetty for your return trip to Cairns. The travel time is 45 minutes and you can sit in the air-conditioned interior or on exterior sun decks.
Arrive back into Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
Check in at the Great Adventures Desk, inside the Reef Fleet Terminal. Once you have your tickets, make your way to the Great Adventures catamaran, which is moored at the Cairns Marlin Marina. Tea and coffee is available and provided for your enjoyment.
Depart Cairns for Green Island. During the 45 minute transfer, you will complete any necessary snorkelling and/or scuba diving paperwork and be advised of the timing of these activities. You will also be provided with a map of Green Island.
Arrive at Green Island. If you have pre-booked a glass bottom boat tour and are unsure of the timing, visit the Information Centre. If your tour package included snorkelling equipment, this can be collected from the Green Island Dive Centre. This is also the place to present for introductory or certified scuba diving. All equipment must be returned to the Dive Centre prior to leaving the island.
Island Time – During your time on Green Island, you are free to participate in unlimited snorkelling, relaxing on the beach, swimming in the resort pool, or exploring the rainforest boardwalks. You may also choose to participate in one of the optional extras, such as a boat snorkel tour, scuba diving, scenic heli or visit to Marineland Melanesia.
Board the Great Adventures catamaran on the Green Island jetty for your return trip to Cairns. The travel time is 45 minutes and you can sit in the air-conditioned interior or on exterior sun decks.
Arrive back into Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
Check in at the Great Adventures Desk, inside the Reef Fleet Terminal. Once you have your tickets, make your way to the Great Adventures catamaran, which is moored at the Cairns Marlin Marina. Tea and coffee is available and provided for your enjoyment.
Depart Cairns for Green Island. During the 45 minute transfer, you will complete any necessary snorkelling and/or scuba diving paperwork and be advised of the timing of these activities. You will also be provided with a map of Green Island.
Arrive at Green Island. If you have pre-booked a glass bottom boat tour and are unsure of the timing, visit the Information Centre. If your tour package included snorkelling equipment, this can be collected from the Green Island Dive Centre. This is also the place to present for introductory or certified scuba diving. All equipment must be returned to the Dive Centre prior to leaving the island.
Island Time – During your time on Green Island, you are free to participate in unlimited snorkelling, relaxing on the beach, swimming in the resort pool, or exploring the rainforest boardwalks. You may also choose to participate in one of the optional extras, such as a boat snorkel tour, scuba diving, scenic heli or visit to Marineland Melanesia.
Board the Great Adventures catamaran on the Green Island jetty for your return trip to Cairns. The travel time is 45 minutes and you can sit in the air-conditioned interior or on exterior sun decks.
Arrive back into Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
The Great Adventures – Green Island Day Tour has a 3 tier pricing structure, with different inclusions. There are some constants across all 3, which are the return transfers to and from Cairns, the self guided eco walk and use of the resort day facilities, including the swimming pool. Tier 2 includes all this plus snorkel equipment hire or a glass bottom boat ride. Tier 3 includes all this plus snorkel equipment hire and a glass bottom boat ride.
Yes – Green Island is an excellent day tour destination from Cairns. The island itself is beautiful, with its sandy beaches, rainforest interior and fringing reef. It’s a short boat ride from Cairns and there are lots of activities available, so you can do a lot or a little, depending on your interests. Green Island is one of the most popular on the Great Barrier Reef and is definitely worth going to.
You can do as much or as little as you like. There’s lots of free stuff: unlimited snorkelling during your day tour, which is right off the beach. You can explore the island’s rainforest interior on boardwalks. Relax on the beach. Swim in the resort pool. Stroll the jetty and take in the amazing views. Lots of optional extras too: boat ride snorkel tour, scuba diving, scenic heli, glass bottom boat tours, Marineland Melanesia, kayaking.
Great Adventures’ catamarans provide a quick and easy 45-minute transfer from Cairns to Green Island.
Yes, you can snorkel at Green Island. The free snorkelling is right off the beach – read our snorkelling at Green Island review – for locations and ideas of what you might see.
Yes, you can scuba dive at Green Island. Scuba diving is arranged through the island’s Dive Centre. There are 3 dive times scheduled daily – 10.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm – and the diving takes place at an offshore reef. Access to this is by boat transfer from Green Island to the reef.
The Great Adventures Cairns Green Island day tour provides flexibility in how long you will be on Green Island, ranging from 3 hours to 7 hours. We recommend the full day tour for maximum experience, enjoyment and relaxation.
Yes, the Great Adventures Cairns Green Island day tour is suitable for non-swimmers. You can explore the jetty, rainforest boardwalk and beach walks. Take a glass bottom boat tour. Enjoy sitting in the shallow waters from the beach, or in the resort swimming pool. Relax on the golden sandy beaches or up the ante with a scenic heli flight over the island and surrounding reef.
Yes the Great Adventures Cairns Green Island day tour is definitely suitable for families. This is one of the first places we took our son when he was a baby and it was perfect. He could crawl on the sand, splash in the shallows and do all the land-based activities with us. You can take prams on Great Adventures, with reasonable access to the island’s boardwalks. There are always lots of families on Green Island.
As guests on a Great Adventures Cairns Green Island day tour you can make use of the island’s resort facilities, including the bar and bistro. The food and snacks available on Green Island range from pre-made sandwiches, to burgers, fish and chips, pies, kids nuggets, ice-creams and more. There is also the option to self-cater and take your own food and drinks.
If you have any question regarding this tour, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can help you find the perfect tour for you, we understand it can be overwhelming trying to decide. Our advice and booking service is free.
Ever wanted to snorkel with a turtle? We did that and discovered so much more when we went snorkelling on Green Island. Highlights included colourful clams, parrotfish, rabbitfish, fringing reef, a Moorish Idol, Eagle Ray, sunset fish feeding and sunrise jetty jumping.
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If you can’t decide between a Cairns reef or island day tour – no problem – do them both in one action packed day with Great Adventures. This full day itinerary includes 2 hours at Green Island and 3 hours at the Outer Great Barrier Reef, with buffet lunch and semi-submersible tours. It ticks all the boxes. Cruise. Snorkel. Dive. Explore.
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