Cairns: Green Island, Snorkelling and Glass-Bottom Boat

Great Barrier Reef, Cairns



Experience a snorkel and hop on the glass bottom boat tour at tropical Green Island on the Barrier Reef. Take a walk through the rainforest, and sip a drink by the pool, the day is yours to explore.

Experience a full-day eco-adventure on Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef, accessible from Cairns. Suitable for nature lovers and marine life enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Relax on a tropical island surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef
  • Explore a 6,000-year-old coral cay with native plants and wildlife
  • Discover coral reefs and marine life from a glass bottom boat
  • Snorkel among coral gardens, turtles, stingrays, and clownfish
  • Enjoy beach relaxation and refreshments at the island's pool bar

Description

Depart from Cairns on an air-conditioned fast catamaran and travel approximately 45 minutes to Green Island. Explore the island's tropical rainforest featuring over 120 native plant species and diverse birdlife. Choose between an informative glass bottom boat coral reef viewing tour or snorkeling directly from the sandy beaches using provided equipment.

Spend up to seven hours on the island with options to self-guidedly explore its rainforest walking tracks, swim in the coral reef, or relax by the swimming pool exclusive to guests. Additional activities available at extra cost include scuba diving, offshore snorkel excursions, Seawalker helmet diving, kayaking, and scenic helicopter flights.

Facilities on Green Island include a pool bar, dive shop, restaurant, and various food outlets offering lunch and refreshments. Morning tea and coffee are served on board before departure.

Includes

  • Return air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise from Cairns (approx. 45 minutes each way)
  • Up to 7 hours leisure time on Green Island (Half Day or Full Day options)
  • Snorkelling equipment hire and glass bottom boat coral viewing tour
  • Access to Green Island National Park walking tracks and eco trails
  • Marine Biologist reef talk and island walk (exclusive to Great Adventures guests)
  • Use of island swimming pool (exclusive to Great Adventures guests)
  • Access to island day facilities including showers, toilets, and shaded areas
  • Morning tea and coffee served on board prior to Cairns departure
  • Flexible free time to swim, snorkel, relax on the beach, or explore rainforest boardwalks

Excludes

  • Optional extras available at additional cost: introductory and certified scuba diving, offshore boat snorkel trips, Seawalker helmet diving, canoe hire, windsurfing, beach volleyball, and scenic helicopter flights

Important Information

  • Boat Schedule: Depart Cairns at 8:30am (arrive Green Island 9:15am) or 10:30am (arrive Green Island 11:15am). Return departures from Green Island at 2:30pm (arrive Cairns 3:15pm) or 4:30pm (arrive Cairns 5:15pm).
  • Island Facilities: Restrooms, freshwater showers, exclusive use of swimming pool, and food and beverage outlets available.
  • Weather & Safety: Tours operate in most weather conditions. Activities may be adjusted or trips delayed/cancelled due to sea or weather conditions. Guests can reschedule or receive a full refund if cancelled by the operator.
  • Booking Changes & Rescheduling: Rescheduling allowed if notified 24 hours in advance, subject to availability. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur fees.

Easy cancellation

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

For best experience, bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a change of clothes. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season and holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

The trip includes return fast catamaran transfers from Cairns, snorkelling equipment, a glass-bottom boat tour, beach relaxation, and access to the island's pool bar for refreshments.
You travel to Green Island from Cairns on an air-conditioned fast catamaran, which typically takes around 45 minutes.
Yes, Green Island offers calm waters and shallow coral gardens suitable for snorkelling beginners of all ages.
Yes, the full-day eco-adventure is family-friendly and ideal for nature lovers and marine life enthusiasts visiting Cairns.
You can encounter turtles, stingrays, clownfish, and a variety of colorful coral species around Green Island's reef.
Yes, a glass-bottom boat tour is included, allowing visitors to view the coral reefs and marine life without getting wet.
Snorkelling equipment is usually provided as part of the Green Island tour departing from Cairns, but you can bring your own if preferred.
Yes, there are facilities like the island's pool bar where you can purchase refreshments during your visit.
While the catamaran and island are generally accessible, some walking and uneven surfaces are involved, so check with the tour operator for specific mobility accommodations.
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