Green Island Tour — Full Day or Half Day from Cairns
A Green Island tour takes you to a tropical coral cay ringed with white sandy beaches, lush rainforest and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. With a choice of half-day or full-day tours with multiple daily departures.
Choose a glass-bottom boat tour, snorkel, dive to see the spectacular reefs. Or relax on the pristine white sandy beach.
Green Island Cairns offers various activities to suit all abilities and is ideal for non-swimmers.
Relax On a Beautiful Tropical Island
While you are on Green Island, you can relax on a deck chair or enjoy some watersports. Stroll through the lush rainforest, laze on pristine beaches, swim, dive, or snorkel during your visit.
There is a wide range of optional activities to experience on Green Island. Scuba dive, join a snorkel excursion and even walk underwater with Seawalker helmet diving.
Take to the skies Paragliding or a scenic helicopter flight for a birdseye view of the reef. Or package this tour with a Great Barrier Reef Pontoon and make the most of your time.
During your stay on Green Island, there are several options for delicious treats.
Highlights
Tour Highlights
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- Return ferry transfer from Cairns to Green Island included
- Easy day trip to a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef
- Snorkel straight off the beach in calm, shallow waters
- Relax on white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise water
- Explore shaded rainforest boardwalks and walking trails
- Family-friendly experience suitable for all ages
- Flexible free time to enjoy the island at your own pace
Itinerary
Itinerary – Green Island Day Trip
Departure options
Choose your departure and return times when you book:
- Depart Cairns 8:30 am, depart Green Island 2:30 pm – approximately 5 hours island time
- Depart Cairns 8:30 am, depart Green Island 4:30 pm – approximately 7 hours island time
- Depart Cairns 10:30 am, depart Green Island 2:30 pm – approximately 3 hours island time
- Depart Cairns 10:30 am, depart Green Island 4:30 pm – approximately 5 hours island time
While times may vary slightly depending on your selected departure, a typical Green Island day trip follows this relaxed and flexible itinerary:
- Morning: Check in at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal and board the ferry
- Ferry Transfer: Enjoy a scenic cruise across the Coral Sea to Green Island
- Arrival at Green Island: Disembark at the island jetty and begin exploring
- Island Time:
- Swim and snorkel from the beach
- Walk the rainforest boardwalks
- Relax on the sand or enjoy optional activities
Afternoon: Board the ferry for your return journey to Cairns
This itinerary allows plenty of free time to enjoy Green Island at your own pace.
Included
Return transfers on board Great Adventures
Up to 7 hours on Green Island
Tea and coffee served until departure from Cairns
Self Guided Eco Island Walk
Use of day facilities (toilets, showers, pool etc)
Optional Extras
Optional Activities on Green Island
Additional activities are available on the island for those wanting to enhance their day trip experience. These can be arranged on arrival and may include:
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- Glass bottom boat tours
- Guided snorkelling experiences
- Scenic helicopter flights
- Marine education presentations
Availability may vary on the day.
What to bring
What to Bring
To make the most of your Green Island day trip, we recommend bringing:
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- Swimwear and a towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable footwear for walking trails
- Light clothing and a change of clothes
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or phone for photos
- Spending money for optional activities and refreshments
- Snorkelling equipment can be hired on the island if required.
How to get there
How to Get There
Green Island is located just off the coast of Cairns and is easily accessed by ferry.
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- Departures operate from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
- The ferry journey takes approximately 45 minutes each way
- Return ferry transfers are included in your day trip
- Check-in details will be provided after booking
The comfortable ferry transfer makes Green Island one of the most accessible island experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.
Important Information
Important Information
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- All ferry transfers are subject to weather and sea conditions
- Snorkelling conditions vary depending on tides and visibility
- Children must be supervised at all times while on the island
- Optional activities are subject to availability on the day
- Prices, schedules, and inclusions may change without notice
- This tour is suitable for non-swimmers, families, and first-time reef visitors
We recommend arriving at the terminal early and listening carefully to all safety briefings provided by staff.
