Great Barrier Reef Tours | 2 In 1 Deal | Cairns Island and Reef | GIGBRA

Great Barrier Reef Tours | 2 In 1 Deal | Cairns Island and Reef | GIGBRA

Great Barrier Reef Tour - Cairns 2 in 1 Reef and Island Tour

Save $135.00 on our Family Great Barrier Reef Trip Deal

This Outer Great Barrier Reef Interactive Pontoon and Green Island Combo Package Deal is our most popular reef tour from Cairns as you get to experience a tropical island for 2 hours and then spend 3 hours out on the edges of the Great Barrier Reef on an Interactive Activity Platform.

By combining these two Cairns reef tours into one day, you will see nothing but the best that the Great Barrier Reef has to offer and also enjoy the full range of extra options available like scenic helicopter flights, Scuba-doo, guided snorkel tours, scuba diving and more.

This 2 in 1 Great Barrier Reef tour is great for all age groups, and great for those that do not swim but still wish to see the reef without getting wet.

The non-swimmers can ride around the coral reef on a semi-submersible submarine tour, watch all the underwater activity from the interactive pontoons underwater observatory, or take a low level scenic helicopter flight over the reef.   

Be quick to book this Green Island and Outer Barrier Reef Combo Package Deal experience as it is so popular not only for the great price but for the full adventure and experiences it offers in a one day Great Barrier Reef tour.

Leaving from Cairns you spend 2 hours exploring a tropical island and then 3 hours snorkelling the mesmerizing Great Barrier Reef.

This Cairns reef tour departs at 8.30am and returns to Cairns at 5.30pm.

Green Island Cairns

2 Hour Green Island Stop Over Adventure. Green Island is a short 45 minute reef boat ride from the City of Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal in Spence Street.

Green Island is a 6000 year old Coral Cay that has built up naturally over the years into a quaint tropical island with fringing reef that has now become a tourist mecca for half day tours, full day tours and overnight accommodation in a five star island resort.

Green Island is very popular with families and the elderly folks as you can take your prams on walks around the islands well laid pathways and browse thru the shopping village that is located under the canopy of the trees.

Please note: Your stop on Green Island includes the snorkel equipment only.

Green Island Facts

Green Island was declared a National Park in 1936 because of the unique plant and animal life on the island and the abundant marine life all around it.

A favourite place for giant Green turtles to lay their eggs, migrating whales to play in the azure clear waters that surround Green Island along with a vast array of exotic tropical fish that call the fringing reefs their home.

Green Island itself is located amidst one of the Seven Wonders of the World; The Great Barrier Reef, and is approximately 30 acres of protected coastal rainforest.

Green Island Activities – Things  To Do, Things To See

Beyond snorkelling the waters of Green Island, there are plenty of other optional activities for you to do also.

While on Green Island join an interpretive rainforest walk to learn about the islands ecology, laze in the white sandy beaches or sip on a cocktail at the islands resort style swimming pool.

Bring your wallets as there are several restaurants and souvenir shops on the island for you take home some memorabilia. 

Seawalker is a great underwater experience where you pop on a helmut and walk on the ocean floor as fresh air is pumped up from above. This is where you will meet the famous Parrot fish Gavin who simply loves being in every single selfie shot possible.   

Parasailing is another optional extra activity the whole family can enjoy on Green Island.

Marineland Melanesia* (entrance fees apply) on Green Island houses the largest crocodile in the world called Cassius, and when you are up beside him it is scary to think what he could do to you if he gets out of there.

Here you will see crocodile feeding displays and learn about these pre-historic predators along with seeing rescued sea turtles in rehab and also see old pictures of days gone by when crocodile hunting was permitted. 

GREAT BARRIER REEF TOUR 

Outer Barrier Reef Pontoon

After spending two hours exploring Green Island it is time to board the catamaran and head to Norman Reef on the outer Barrier Reef where you will be snorkelling and scuba diving amongst some of the most beautiful corals and a huge array of tropical fish and other marine life for 3 hours of fun.

You will cruise in air conditioned comfort on the catamaran to the secure spacious interactive platform moored at the magnificent Norman reef on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns. 

This is the only Great Barrier Reef tour where you can do an island and ocean hop by adding a visit to Green Island to the itinerary first thing in the morning.

Spend two hours exploring the islands sites and then continue on to the outer Barrier Reef to the platform on Norman Reef.

You will be dropped off and picked up from the Green Island jetty. This day tour departs at 8.30am and returns to Cairns at 5.30pm  

Why Go Out To A Great Barrier Reef Pontoon from Cairns?

A pontoon platform that sits out on the reef permanently is just perfect for those guests that want to see the Great Barrier Reef but do not fancy spending the whole day in the water snorkelling or scuba diving.

It is also perfect for families with children as they have plenty of room and plenty of activities for them to participate in and you can even bring a fold up pram on-board the boat.

The multi-level deck ensures plenty of room for everyone to move about or even relax on a sun lounger.

A pontoon is also a great option for those days when the weather may be a little blowy and also a bit rough as it offers you some protection from the wind.

Whether you are a total non-swimmer and do not wish to swim or a scuba diver the team at Great Barrier Reef adventures will help you every step of the way.

What can you do and see on a Great Barrier Reef Pontoon?

A floating pontoon on the reef offers all the in water toys and the complimentary activities on board the pontoon include a Semi-Submersible Submarine Boat ride that has glass windows all around for you to see the reef and marine life from your comfortable seat, an underwater observatory which is located on the platform where you can take photographs of your friends and family snorkelling and or scuba diving*, snorkelling gear with instruction and supervision provided.

If you are not a very strong swimmer or you have children with you just ask the crew for a pool noodle and or a floatation vest so you can float around in the water for as long as you like.

Optional extras are guided snorkelling tours with a marine biologist or marine naturalist, scuba diving, Scuba Doo and helicopter scenic flights over the reef.

We strongly suggest you pre-book these extra activities to ensure you do not miss out on these experiences as there are only so many slots available per tour. (*Optional Activities attract additional fees).

Interactive Activities on the Pontoon

Once arriving at the platform the boat crew encourages you to actively participate in the day’s activities.

The floating pontoon, situated on picturesque Norman Reef is without a doubt the most comfortable pontoon on offer in this area.

Once you have decided which activities you would like to enjoy for the day it’s time to begin your Great Adventure! Whether you are a non-swimmer or a scuba diver the team will help you every step of the way. 

The platform also has an underwater observatory where you can spot the divers and snorkellers and view the colourful array of reef fish swimming around and listen to a reef eco talk with one of our experienced marine naturalists.

Semi-Submersible Submarine Tours (included)

The semi-submersible submarine tours operate from the stable platform on a regular basis and this is a great activity for families and for the non-swimmer as the semi-submersible submarine travels around the huge coral bommies and give you a similar perspective of a scuba diver while staying dry! 

From the semi-submersible submarine tour the amount of marine life and coral that you have the chance to see is endless. 

Make sure you keep an eye out for the elegant green sea turtles, the giant clams and the ever popular Nemo and his friends hiding in his anemone.

Guided snorkel safaris*

We cater for a range of people and different levels and abilities.  The boats crew are very patient with beginner snorkelers and offer full instructional guidelines to help you in the water.

Guided snorkelling trips are available at an additional charge and the crew take you away from the pontoon to some of the most beautiful coral you will ever see.

They take you to the coral reef bommies that hide spectacular marine life such as green sea turtles, giant Maori Wrasse and all types of tropical fish in brilliant colours.

Scuba diving (Introductory & certified)*

If you have ever wanted to try scuba diving for the first time or it has always been your dream to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef the crew will be more than happy to make that dream a reality as you see that their passion for underwater is second to none and they appreciate the smiles on the divers faces as they resurface and get told that was the best experience they have ever done. 

It’s a lot of fun and no scuba diving experience is necessary to try an introductory scuba dive (medical questionnaire to be filled out on board) as all dives are fully escorted and guided by the experienced crew. 

For the certified scuba divers the dive instructors will guide you on an underwater adventure to see the spectacular Great Barrier Reef and marine life in all its wonder.

Please note: You will need to be fit and have no medical conditions at all so please ensure you fill in the medical questionnaire correctly and honestly as it could save your life.

Children must be 12 years and older to scuba dive.

Scuba Doo*

If scuba diving isn’t your thing why not try the Scuba Doo, the only place in Australia where you can ride a scooter (underwater motor bike) underwater! 

Cruise the Great Barrier Reef from the platform where your professional guide will take you on an underwater scooter journey to remember. 

No experience is necessary and non-swimmers are welcomed to join this activity. (Medical questionnaire to be filled out on board)

Please note: You will need to be fit and have no medical conditions at all so please ensure you fill in the medical questionnaire correctly and honestly as it could save your life.

Children must be 12 years and older and a certain height.

10 Minute Scenic Helicopter Flights*

See the Great Barrier Reef From Above and Below

We offer spectacular scenic helicopter flights around Norman Reef and the option of flying out to the pontoon or returning to Cairns in a helicopter. 

As you fly around 500 feet over this remarkable decorative reef system you may be lucky enough to spot turtles, manta rays and sharks. 

The scenic helicopter flights must be pre booked as this is an extremely popular way to see the reef and you would not want to miss the opportunity to see this natural wonder from above.

Fly/Cruise and Cruise Fly Helicopter Tour Options

1.) Cruise by boat to Green Island, then cruise to the outer reef pontoon and return to Cairns by helicopter on a 25 minute scenic flight.  

2.) Take a 15 minute helicopter flight from Cairns to Green Island, then cruise to the outer reef pontoon, and cruise back to Cairns by boat

Oh and you will be pleasantly surprised on the cost of this activity it will definitely not break the bank.

Lunch on Board Great Barrier Reef Platform

After a busy morning snorkelling, scuba diving or enjoying your trip on the semi- submersible submarine then there’s no better way than to head back to the platform and enjoy the sumptuous lunch the crew have been waiting to serve for you. 

With a full hot and cold tropical buffet lunch there is no nicer setting then to sit under the shaded platform and view the Great Barrier Reef while having a glass of wine or beer and enjoying a full buffet lunch that includes some fresh prawns and various hot and cold meats and meat dishes or a warm vegetarian curry.

The buffet caters for all sorts of special dietary requirements you may have.

As your day at the Great Barrier Reef starts to wind up the pontoon offers fresh water showers and change rooms to wash all that salt off you.  On the return journey to Cairns you are offered afternoon tea with cheese and biscuits.

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