Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour

Great Barrier Reef and Green Island Sailing Tour from Cairns

This half-day sailing tour suits snorkelers and divers looking to explore an exclusive Great Barrier Reef site and relax on Green Island.

Highlights

• Snorkel or dive with a maximum of 25 guests at a private Great Barrier Reef site
• Complimentary snorkeling tours led by a knowledgeable marine naturalist
• Optional personalised scuba diving experience for beginners and certified divers
• Relax or join activities on Green Island’s tropical beach
• Spend 4.5 hours dividing time between the reef and Green Island

Description

Board a classic schooner with an attentive crew for a sailing tour to the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island. Start the experience with a complimentary coffee, tea, fresh fruit, and Danish pastry while finding your preferred spot on board. Passengers can assist with hoisting sails or simply enjoy the breeze on the way to an exclusive reef site within a Green zone permitted only to this operator.

After a snorkeling briefing, the reef is open to explore. Guests encounter vibrant coral, reef fish, stingrays, turtles, and black-tipped reef sharks, which are shy and harmless. For less confident snorkelers, personalised small-group snorkeling tours are offered throughout the day.

Divers can choose between introductory dives with a 2:1 diver-to-instructor ratio or certified dive options guided in small groups. This reef supports conservative dives at depths of 10-12 meters, perfect for seeing reef life without deep or drift diving.

Following morning activities, enjoy a large lunch aboard featuring fresh Tasmanian salmon, prawns, mixed meats, chicken, salads, and assorted breads. Vegan and vegetarian options can be pre-ordered.

After lunch, transfer by tender to Green Island for up to two hours. Options include beach relaxation, walking the island, visiting Marine Land Melanesia to see crocodiles, or enjoying optional activities (paid directly on the island). Ensure timely return for the last tender back to the main vessel if you wish to snorkel again.

The return sail switches off engines to rely on wind power, offering a quiet cruise back to Cairns. Afternoon tea includes fresh fruit, cheese, crackers, cake, and a glass of wine served by the friendly crew.

Includes

• Snorkeling instruction and in-water assistance as needed
• Top-quality snorkeling gear including wetsuits, lycra suits, and buoyancy vests
• Diving equipment for included scuba dive options
• Snorkeling tours with marine naturalist
• One or two scuba dives based on chosen option
• Coffee, tea, fresh fruit, and Danish pastries on boarding
• Coffee and tea throughout the day while moored
• Fish feeding experience
• Large lunch smorgasbord with seafood, meats, salads, and breads (vegan/vegetarian on request)
• Transfers via tender to and from Green Island beach
• 4.5 hours to explore the reef and tropical island
• True sailing experience on the return trip
• Afternoon tea with fruit, cheese, crackers, cake
• Glass of wine on the sail home
• Small group experience for sailing, snorkeling, reef, and island exploration

Excludes

• $20 environmental management charge/port/administration fees per person, payable at check-in
• Optional island activities (glass-bottom boat, semi-submarine tours), payable directly on the island
• Underwater cameras
• Merchandise purchases

Important Information

• All divers must complete a medical questionnaire onboard; minimum diving age is 12 years
• Disclose any medical conditions or medications before booking as medical clearance may be required
• Introductory dives require no previous scuba experience
• Certified dives available for certified divers
• Guests should be mobile and stable enough to move around a moving vessel and use a step ladder to enter and exit the water

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and motion sickness medication if needed. Morning departures are ideal for calmer seas and better reef visibility.