• Experience both Fitzroy Island’s rainforest trails and beaches, plus Green Island’s coral reef and marine activities.
• Snorkel, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or upgrade with guided snorkel safaris and a semi-submarine experience.

Discover the Fitzroy and Green Island tour from Cairns. Enjoy snorkelling, beaches, rainforest walks, and optional extras with two Great Barrier Reef islands in one day.

What to Expect

Your day begins at 8:30 am from Cairns, setting out across the Great Barrier Reef to explore two of its most celebrated islands in a single day.

The first stop is Fitzroy Island, where you’ll have 2.5 hours of free time. Choose from rainforest walks along marked trails, snorkelling straight off the beach, or swimming in the island’s clear waters. Snorkelling equipment is included in your ticket, or if you prefer, you can exchange it for a glass bottom boat tour.

At 11:45 am, the vessel continues to Green Island, with live commentary sharing insights about the reef and surrounding islands during the transfer. On arrival, you’ll enjoy 3.5 hours to explore. Relax on sandy beaches, wander the island’s boardwalks, or browse the shops. Optional activities include a semi-submarine coral viewing tour, a guided snorkel safari with a marine biologist, or upgrading your lunch choice. Guests can pre-book a freshly packed picnic box or upgrade to the Big Cat buffet lunch served aboard the vessel.

This two-island experience blends leisure and adventure, making it one of the most popular Great Barrier Reef day tours from Cairns.

Features and Highlights

• Visit two reef islands in one day – Fitzroy Island and Green Island
• 2.5 hours on Fitzroy Island to walk, snorkel, or swim
• 3.5 hours on Green Island to relax or join activities
• Snorkelling gear included for both islands
• Option to swap snorkelling gear for a glass bottom boat tour with English commentary
• Access to island walking trails and beaches
• Marine biology presentation on board

Optional Extras

• Guided snorkel safari at Fitzroy Island or Green Island
• Semi-submarine coral viewing tour at Green Island
• Pre-booked picnic boxed lunch on Fitzroy or Big Cat Green Island buffet lunch upgrade

Read The Tour Specialists Blog on all the things you need to know before you go:-

• Green Island or Fitzroy Island  
• What is the snorkelling like on Fitzroy Island?
• Snorkelling Green Island Tips & Hints
• Green Island Tours & Attractions

Looking for more Great Barrier Reef adventures? Explore our full range of Cairns reef tours including snorkelling, diving, and island day trips or perhaps a Scenic Flight to see the reef from above.

Itinerary

Full Day 

• 8:30am - 9:15am:  Cruise Cairns to Fitzroy
• 9:15am - 11:45am:  Explore Fitzroy Island
• 11:45am - 12:15pm: Cruise to Green Island
• 12:15pm - 3:45pm: Explore Green Island 
• 3:45pm - 5pm: Cruise Green Island to Cairns

 

Lunch Options

Picnic Lunch – Fitzroy Island

Prepared by Ochre Restaurant & Tropic Spirit Catering, the picnic lunch features your choice of a baguette or wrap, served with seasonal fruit, a muesli fruit bar, and bottled water. Guests can also request hot individual dishes or special dietary meals (vegetarian, gluten-free, celiac, and pork-free) by arranging in advance. Please note, infant meals are not available.

Buffet Lunch – Green Island

During your visit to Green Island, a buffet lunch is available on board the Big Cat. Freshly prepared by Ochre Restaurant & Tropic Spirit Catering, the buffet offers a variety of hot and cold dishes. A licensed bar is also open throughout the day for refreshments. Guests can enjoy their meal in the comfort of the fully air-conditioned vessel.

Optional Activities

Snorkel Safari – Fitzroy Island & Green Island

Confident swimmers and snorkellers can join a guided Snorkel Safari to explore reef areas not accessible to other visitors. Accompanied by a Marine Biologist, guests travel by boat to secluded coral gardens rich in marine life. This 50-minute tour includes snorkelling equipment, lycra suits, flotation vests, and expert commentary to enhance the experience.

Semi-Submarine Tour – Green Island

The semi-submarine tour provides a diver’s-eye view of Green Island’s coral reefs without entering the water. Passengers are seated in air-conditioned comfort below sea level, where wide viewing windows showcase vibrant corals and tropical fish. The 30-minute cruise includes crew commentary, fish feeding displays, and space for up to 27 guests.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

08:30am

Departure Instructions

Check in at directly on the vessel at Cairns Marlin Marina

Destinations

• Fitzroy Island
• Green Island

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

Full Day - 08:30 to 17:00

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Tropical buffet lunch (Green Island)
• Boxed lunch
• Guided snorkel safari (either island)
• Semi-submersible tour (Green Island only)

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

Please note the beaches on Fitzroy Island are not patrolled by surf life savers

• Swimmers
• Towel
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Swimming costume
• Cash for drinks and snacks
• Bottled Water

• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children
• Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive