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Green Island Cruise 1pm to 5pm

from A$110
4 hours
Green Island
All Ages

Take the Reef Rocket catamaran from Cairns at 1:00 pm and enjoy two hours on Green Island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Choose from snorkelling, relaxing on sandy beaches, or exploring the reefs by glass bottom boat or semi-submarine before returning to Cairns at 5:00 pm.

Adult $110 | Child (4-14) $61 | Family (2 adults & 2 children) $305

Key Highlights

  • Explore Green Island, a coral cay within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
  • Enjoy up to two hours on Green Island with diverse activity options
  • Travel on the modern, air-conditioned Reef Rocket high-speed catamaran
  • Snorkel the reef, relax on white sandy beaches, or join glass bottom boat and semi-submarine tours
  • Friendly crew available to help organise your Green Island activities
  • Return journey between Cairns and Green Island in just 45 minutes each way

What’s included

  • Return ferry transfer on Reef Rocket from Cairns to Green Island
  • Up to two hours free time on Green Island

Overview

Experience a half-day adventure to Green Island in the Great Barrier Reef with a ferry transfer departing Cairns at 1:00 pm. Travel on the air-conditioned Reef Rocket, a high-speed catamaran offering a comfortable and relaxed journey. The trip from Cairns to Green Island is just 45 minutes.

Green Island is a unique coral cay surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches, lush rainforest, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. This protected Marine National Park provides an ideal setting for nature and ocean enthusiasts.

You can spend your two hours on Green Island snorkelling the reef, lounging on the beach, or choosing to explore the underwater world on a glass bottom boat or semi-submarine tour. The friendly crew can help you organise activities to make the most of your visit.

The ferry arrives back in Cairns at 5:00 pm, allowing you to enjoy an easy and memorable afternoon at one of Australia's most iconic destinations.

Commonly asked questions.

The Semi-submarine tour is approximately a half hour coral viewing tour. This tour is recommend as it is a great opportunity to see plenty of marine life swimming right past your window! Similar to a divers perspective of the reef. This tour also has an informative commentary and fish feed included. The Glass Bottom Boat is also approximately 30 minutes and has a commentary and a fish feed. The main difference is the Glass Bottom Boat is more like a snorkelers view from the surface looking down.
Guests travelling with us to Green Island can now check in directly at the vessels Big Cat & Reef Rocket based at Marlin Wharf. Guests will receive an email and SMS message the afternoon prior to their day of travel outlining everything they need to know. This includes a map of the marina and where the vessels are located.
Our high speed vessel, "Reef Rocket", used for half day cruises takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the island.
Yes. The island has plenty of trees inland and spots around the beach to seek shelter. The lyrca stinger suits are great sun protection too. The Big Cat Green Island boat is open all day if you wish to have a break from the sun and heat and enjoy the air conditioned vessel.
We recommend you bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and swimwear. Also, cash for drinks, snacks or souvenirs you may want to buy. Credit cards are accepted at most shops at the Island however surcharges may apply. Drones are not permitted to be carried or flown on any of our tours.
A Snorkelling and safety presentation is given on board en route to Green Island. Snorkelling is undertaken at your own leisure, directly from the beach. A life guard is on duty in the flagged area at the northern beach. We also offer a Snorkel Experience tour for beginners and a Snorkel Safari for the more advanced snorkeller.

Additional info by the operator.

  • 12.45pm - Check in directly onboard Reef Rocket
  • 1.00pm - Depart Cairns
  • 1.45pm - Arrive Green Island
  • Snorkelling straight from the beach (if selected)
  • Glass Bottom Boat or Semi Submarine tours
  • Explore the Island
  • 4.15pm - Depart Green Island
  • 5.00pm - Arrive Cairns
Departure Location: Cairns Departure Time: 1:00 pm Return Time: 5:00 pm Vessel: Reef Rocket high-speed catamaran Green Island Visit Duration: Approximately 2 hours Travel Time Each Way: 45 minutes