• Visit Green Island, a tropical island paradise and experience the Great Barrier Reef on a half day tour.
• Meet playful rays, rainbow coloured fish and sea turtles as you snorkel straight off the beach on Green Island
• Stay dry and view the reef from the comfort of a semi-submarine or glass bottom boat on Green Island
• Take a stroll around Green Island’s unique rainforest walkways or relax and soak up the sun on pure white sand beaches 
• Family-friendly tour offering loads of optional extra activities and some fun, complimentary items for the kids on Green Island
• Family Deal - Save $58 based on 2 adults & 2 children

Green Island half day snorkelling tours depart Cairns in the morning or afternoon, spend two hours snorkelling the reef or joining a glass bottom boat tour. Families Save $58.00 on our family package deal.

What to Expect

There is no better half-day tour from Cairns than an adventurous trip to Green Island, a jewel of the Great Barrier Reef, easily accessible on a fast catamaran ride from Cairns. This half day Great Barrier Reef tour is perfect for those who want to experience a taste of the reef without spending a whole day on an outer reef pontoon or a boat that visits several snorkelling locations in the one day. Whether you prefer snorkelling or simply enjoying a scenic glass-bottom boat tour, Green Island offers a compact, enriching experience that fits into a morning or afternoon and it’s a perfect option for non-swimmers and cruise ship passengers.

Features and Highlights

Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat Tours

• Spend two immersive hours exploring the vibrant underwater world of Green Island. Each package allows you to choose between donning snorkelling gear to swim amongst colourful marine life or staying dry and embarking on a glass bottom boat tour to observe the coral reefs from above. See the inclusions in each package and if you wish to try it all make your selections on the booking form.

Relaxation and Exploration

• Green Island is not just about marine activities. The island invites you to relax on its pristine sandy beaches, stroll through lush rainforest boardwalks and observe the wildlife, or enjoy a drink by the poolside, making it a versatile destination for all ages, interests and abilities. You can even bring along a fold up pram so it’s a great family reef tour.

Marineland Melanesia

• A unique attraction on the island is Marineland Melanesia, home to Cassius, the largest crocodile in captivity. This adds an adventurous twist to your visit, blending marine beauty with thrilling wildlife encounters.

Accessibility and Comfort

• The tour caters to all fitness levels and ages, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or solo travellers. The ferry ride from Cairns is a quick 45-minute trip aboard a comfortable fast catamaran, offering a smooth and scenic journey to the island.

Optional Upgrades

• For an enhanced experience, consider adding a semi-submersible submarine tour to your half day Green Island tour itinerary. This allows you to dive deeper into the underwater beauty of the coral gardens without getting wet so again its perfect for the non-swimmers and little children.

Additional Information

Departure Times:

• Green Island half day tours depart in the morning or afternoon, providing flexibility to fit into your holiday schedule.

Duration on Green Island:

• Approximately 2 hours, giving you ample time to explore underwater wonders and island attractions.

Pick-up Points:

• Conveniently located check-in at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.

Facilities on Board:

• Includes lockers, a fully stocked bar, and snacks available for purchase, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

This half day Green Island tour is an excellent way to discover the Great Barrier Reef's enchanting underwater ecosystem and the natural beauty of Green Island, all within half a day. Ideal for those with limited time, ensuring a memorable and efficient exploration of one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders.

Snorkelling tips & hints Green Island.

See all Green Island tours, Low Isles tours, Fitzroy Island tours and Frankland Island tours.

Learn about all the things you need to know before you go on The Tour Specialists Blog.

Snorkelling Green Island

If you have selected snorkelling as your activity option the helpful crew will assist you with the equipment.

Mask, snorkel and fins are available in all sizes, a deposit is required or any item of value for example a room key or driving license can be used and is returned when equipment is handed back.

Floatation vests and lycra suits are available for hire if required.

Snorkel in the shallow clear waters directly off the beach; explore the fringing reef where you’ll find strikingly colourful fish life darting in and around the corals.

Follow sections of sea grass where you may swim with the docile turtles that inhabit the island’s waters.

The shallow waters just off the beach are perfect for beginner snorkelers to practise and gain confidence before heading out over the beautiful coral reefs.

Glass Bottom Boat Tours (30 minutes)

If you have opted to stay dry and experience the reef by the Glass Bottom Boat tour the crew will inform you of your departure time so you can plan your island visit accordingly.

This tour departs from the main Big Cat vessel at the end of the jetty, you will experience the reef from a snorkelers perspective as you float gently over the corals.

Your skipper/guide will provide interesting commentary about the beautiful corals and variety of marine life that you view through the glass panels; you may spot colourful burrowing lip-like clams in the hard boulder corals, giant sea cucumbers on the sandy ocean floor and vibrant parrot fish scraping the reef with their beak like teeth.

Semi Submersible Submarine Tour (30 minutes)

Upgrade to include the semi-submersible submarine tour in your half day Green Island package deal.

This vessel allows you to sit below the surface of the clear blue waters and view the incredible underwater world through windows on either side of the seating area.

The semi-submersible submarine will glide slowly past an array of hard and soft corals with an abundance of fish life darting in and out of their coral shelter, a perfect opportunity to capture memories on your camera whilst listening to a live explanation of the amazing life surrounding the boat.

Experience an underwater feeding frenzy as crew feed the schools of larger greedy pelagic fish.

On Green Island

There is so much to see and do on the island itself. Explore the rainforest boardwalks with interpretive signage through the inner island, the resident Buff Banded Rails will dart between your feet as you wander amidst their home.

Visit Marineland Melanesia’s nautical museum, also where Cassius the crocodile resides and rescued turtles swim relaxingly in their specially designed pool.

Visit the island’s central hub complete with shops and eateries or head out to the beach and hire a sun lounge to kick back in or some beach equipment like canoes or paddle boards.

This is a fantastic half day tour for families or those that just wish to spend a half day enjoying the sights of the Great Barrier Reef and her islands.

See more Great Barrier Reef Island tours from Cairns and Port Douglas.

Visit the Whitsundays and her islands.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

9.00am & 1.00pm

Departure Instructions

Check in 30 minutes prior to departure time

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Green Island

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Option 1 (2 hours on Green Island): Check in 8.30am – Departs 9.00am – Arrives Green Island 9.45am – Departs Green Island 12.00pm – Arrives back at Cairns 12.45pm
Option 2 (2 hours on Green Island): Check in 12.30pm – Departs 1.00pm – Arrives Green Island 2.00pm – Departs Green Island 4.00pm – Arrives back at Cairns 5.00pm

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Glass bottom boat
• Snorkel hire

Fitness Level Required

Low

Eco Certifications

Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, towel, shirt to swim in (slip, slop, slap) cash or credit card for snorkel deposit, cash for drinks and snacks and souvenirs are available for sale on board. SNORKELLING DEPOSIT $20 "Refundable Deposit" is required for the hire of snorkelling gear - cash or credit card imprint

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• Child Fare 4 - 14 years inclusive
• Infants 3 and under travel free
• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)