
Cairns Reef Tour | Green Island HALF DAY Day Tour
Cairns Reef Tour | Green Island HALF DAY Day Tour
Save $48.50 on our Great Barrier Reef Family Tour Deal on our Cairns reef tour. 2nd Child Travels Free. Green Island half day snorkel tours depart Cairns in the morning or afternoon, spend two hours snorkelling the reef, or riding in the glass bottom boat or semi-submersible submarine. Book Instant On line or Call 1300 761 612 Relax on the pristine sandy beaches, meander through the island’s forests by boardwalk or grab a drink and snack by the islands pool. Green Island is also home to the largest crocodile in captivity, visit Cassius in his Marineland Melanesia home. A fantastic Great Barrier Reef tour suited to all ages and fitness levels from Cairns.
Tour Code: 2
TODAY'S RATES FROM
$99.00
Instant Availability
Price is per adult
and includes all levies, fees & taxes
Child $49.50
Family $247.50 Check My Price Now
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Cairns Reef Tour | Green Island HALF DAY Day Tour
Save $48.50 on our Great Barrier Reef Family Package Tour Deal. 2nd Child Travels Free.
This Cairns reef tour is the perfect half day reef tour that will have you spending 2 hours on Green Island and give you the choice of using just snorkelling gear or joining a glass bottom boat tour around the islands lagoon to see all the coral reef and marine life.
You may actually wish to do both so you can tick those boxes when you book your Cairns reef tour on line. There are also Island rainforest boardwalks that you can explore, shops and restaurants and other attractions to keep you busy on Green Island.
On Board the Green Island Ferry Boat
Check in half an hour before departure at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
Friendly crew will issue your boat transfer passes and detailed information regarding your morning/afternoon on Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef.
The cruise takes only 45 minutes by fast catamaran before arriving into the clear blue lagoon waters of the Green Island marina.
Keep your eyes peeled for turtle surfacing or small reef shark fins as you walk the jetty, large bait balls often look like one large fish as they move in unison in the island’s shallow waters.
There are lockers available on our big boat that stays alongside the jetty throughout the day.
You will also find a fully stocked bar on board boasting a wide selection of drinks, snack and souvenirs; this is also where the semi-submersible submarine and glass bottom boat tours depart from.
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.
Included in Price
Cruise to Green Island aboard “Reef Rocket” a modern catamaran
2 hours on Green Island
Snorkelling demonstration & reef presentation en route to Green Island
Use of Big Cat vessel during time at island as an air-conditioned base
For Bookings Call Now!
1300 761 612
Optional Extras
Semi-submarine coral view tour
Glass bottom boat
Marineland Melanesia
Helicopter Scenic Flights (subject to availability on the day)
Duration
2 Hours
Departure
9am Daily
1pm Daily
Days of Operation
Daily
Surcharge applies on Christmas Day
Departs From
Cairns
Departure Instructions
If making own way to cruise, please ensure you check in at Reef Fleet Terminal 30 minutes prior to departure time.
Pickup From
- Cairns
- Palm Cove
- Cairns Beaches
What To Bring
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
Child Policies
Child Fare 4-14 years inclusive - Infants 3 and under travel free - Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy:
All cancellations must be in writing. Please note that all cancellations will incur an administration fee. Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Operator’s Cancellation Policy:
Subject to availability, changing of travel date is possible and permitted at no extra charge. Please provide as much notice as possible. Subject to circumstances, tour operator reserves the right to apply a cancellation fee for bookings cancelled within 24 hours of travel. Please note – cancellation fees apply to group bookings.
Eco Certification
Christina
This is the perfect half day reef tour if you are constricted by time or would like to do a rainforest and reef tour all in the one day. Green Island is a lovely introduction to the Great Barrier Reef and a great spot to have your first snorkelling experience with ease. This tour is suitable for everyone from bubs to grandparents with all levels of fitness.
Read more about this tour operator
Want to know more?2020 - 2022
1 Apr 20 - 31 Mar 22Half Day Green Island | AM Morning Departure 9:00am | ||||||||
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HDAM Pak 5 | Standard Inclusions: Cruise + Your CHOICE Glass Bottom Boat OR Snorkel Gear | 9:00am Check My Price | Check My Price |
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HDAM Pak 6 | Standard Inclusions: Cruise + Your CHOICE Glass Bottom Boat OR Snorkel Gear + Semi-Sub | 9:00am Check My Price | Check My Price |
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Half Day Green Island | PM Afternoon Departure 1:00pm | ||||||||
HDPM Pak 5 | Standard Inclusions: Cruise + Your CHOICE Glass Bottom Boat OR Snorkel Gear | 1:00pm Check My Price | Check My Price |
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HDPM Pak 6 | Standard Inclusions: Cruise + Your CHOICE Glass Bottom Boat OR Snorkel Gear + Semi-Sub | 1:00pm Check My Price | Check My Price |
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Optional Extras for 2020 - 2022
The following optional extras can be purchased at time of booking.
Flotation Vest Hire |
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Lycra Suit Hire |
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Marineland Melanesia |
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Return Coach Transfers Cairns |
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Return Coach Transfers Northern Beaches (Startford to Ellis Beach) |
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Wet Suit Hire |
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Information for Disabled Travellers
Big Cat Green Island Great Barrier Reef Cruises Disability Summary – Big Cat & Reef Rocket Transfer Vessels to Green Island
Location: Marlin Marina, Cairns.
Wheelchair Accessibility: Low (manual/collapsible)
Facilities
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Toilets on-board both vessels are not purpose built for wheelchairs access.
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Wheelchair accessible toilets available on Green Island.
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Boardwalks throughout island (no wheelchair access on beach).
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Wheelchair car park located adjacent to the Reef Fleet Terminal check in location.
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Unable to accommodate electric wheelchairs.
Boarding Access to Vessels
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Depending on tides as to the gangways utilised and the amount of stairs required to navigate on board both vessels, at Green Island and Cairns piers. (Photos available)
On-Board Vessels
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Big Cat has a wide flight of 12 stairs from lower to upper deck.
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Reef Rocket has seating space on the front deck and a small raised step to access to main cabin.
Activities on the Island
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Marineland Melanesia is wheelchair accessible.
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Glass Bottom Boat – 3 steps to negotiate, unable to accommodate wheelchair and must be able to sit unassisted. Departs from the lower back deck of Big Cat.
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Semi-submersible – 6 narrow steps to negotiate, unable to accommodate wheelchair and must be able to sit unassisted. Departs from the lower back deck of Big Cat.
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Snorkelling - beaches are not wheelchair accessible. Passenger must be able to swim and buoyancy jackets available.
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Walkways throughout island with access to eateries.
Transfers
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No wheelchair access available must have collapsible wheelchair and negotiate 3 steps.
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Wheelchair accessible taxi is available at own cost.
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Disabled parking available at car park adjacent to Reef Fleet Terminal check in area.
Hearing Impaired Information
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Visual information can be tailored made on request.
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Maps of Green island available.
Visually Impaired Information
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No specific aids available; travel with carer preferable.
Companion Card Information
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Holders of current ‘Companion Cards’ are eligible for complimentary return travel to Green Island on basic packages. The Companion Card must be presented at check-in. Carers wishing to add optional extras such as lunch and/or semi-submarine tour will be charged the applicable retail rate. This discount is not applicable in conjunction with other discounts.
Wheelchair Access
Low
Caters for Visually Impaired
Yes - see information
Caters for Hearing Impaired
Yes - see information
Guest Reviews
- 1-10 of 10 reviews
Average Rating

REVIEWED
05 March 2019
Green Island is just a cash machine great publicity but not enough time to do the things booked
Cairns Reef Tour | Green Island HALF DAY Day Tour Guest Review
Response from The Tour Specialists
Thank you for your feedback, We are sorry to hear you did not enjoy your time on Green Island. We do have various tours available offering 2, 4 or 5 hours on the Island. If you are wanting to do more than 1 activity on Green Island it is better to choose one of the longer tours.

REVIEWED
23 June 2018
Nothing to do with the way the tour was run - just needed less wind and cloud!
Cairns Reef Tour | Green Island HALF DAY Day Tour Guest Review

REVIEWED
11 July 2017
Overall good, but two event spaced so closely together, thus rushed through.
Cairns Reef Tour | Green Island HALF DAY Day Tour Guest Review
Response from The Tour Specialists
Hi Ravinder, thanks for your feedback. We are pleased you had a nice day at Green Island, it certainly is a must-do Cairns attraction. The Tour Specialists team look forward to welcoming you back soon and we can perhaps entice you to extend your time on the island so it is not so rushed.

REVIEWED
05 October 2016
The trip to Green Island was absolutely beautiful. The company (Big Cat) was friendly and provided great service. The island itself was just incredible - such beautiful views and great snorkeling. I highly recommend.
Cairns Reef Tour | Green Island HALF DAY Day Tour Guest Review
Response from The Tour Specialists
Dear Thomas,
It is great to hear that you loved the trip to Green Island! It is only a short ferry ride away and very accessible. Maybe next time you will choose to discover Fitzroy, Frankland or Low Isles!

REVIEWED
29 September 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed my half day trip and would enjoy visiting the island again, should I ever return to Cairns.
Cairns Reef Tour | Green Island HALF DAY Day Tour Guest Review
Response from The Tour Specialists
Thank you Sharon, we look forward to have you back snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef soon!

REVIEWED
01 August 2016
Enjoyed the tour, but not able to see much of the reef because of the weather conditions (windy and reef covered with sand in places) Half a day is enough time on Green Island if you're not interested in sitting on the beach/snorkelling
Cairns Reef Tour | Green Island HALF DAY Day Tour Guest Review
Response from The Tour Specialists
Hi Andrew, thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately if there is one thing we cannot control it is the weather. We are pleased you enjoyed your tour regardless and hopefully we can see you again in Cairns and on the Great Barrier Reef with the perfect conditions we are used to.

REVIEWED
31 July 2016
Yes, very good.
Cairns Reef Tour | Green Island HALF DAY Day Tour Guest Review
Response from The Tour Specialists
Hi John, thanks for your feedback. The Tour Specialists are pleased you had a great time on Green Island. We look forward to seeing you back in Cairns and out on the Great Barrier Reef again soon!

REVIEWED
07 July 2016
Was great with activities for the whole family. Kids loved the mini submarine
Cairns Reef Tour | Green Island HALF DAY Day Tour Guest Review

REVIEWED
27 April 2016
Tremendous value - if you only have a few hours to spare this will give you an unforgettable taster and will make you want to go back for more!
Cairns Reef Tour | Green Island HALF DAY Day Tour Guest Review
- 1-10 of 10 reviews
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REVIEWED
03 July 2019
My husband & I had a wonderful time on your Green Island Half Day Tour. Particularly the Crocodile Zoo. Trip over & back on the "Reef Rocket" was most enjoyable. Would recommend your company to family & friends without any hesitation.
Cheers,
Kim
Cairns Reef Tour | Green Island HALF DAY Day Tour Guest Review
Response from The Tour Specialists
Kim thank you so very much for your kind review. All of our team do our best to make the right recommendations of tours for our guests who visit Cairns. Green Island is a fun trip and for your next one we highly recommend you visit the outer Great Barrier Reef.
We look forward to seeing you again.