Green Island Cruise 9am to 5pm

from A$110

8 hours

Great Barrier Reef

All Ages

Enjoy a full-day cruise from Cairns to Green Island on the 'Big Cat', with 5 hours 30 minutes of island exploration and return transfers included.

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

Key Highlights

Scenic cruise to Green Island from Cairns on a luxury 35-metre catamaran
Enjoy up to 5 hours 30 minutes exploring the coral cay
Choice of snorkelling equipment hire or glass bottom boat tour (except for transfers only)
Explore rainforest walking trails on Green Island
Return to Cairns by 17:00 after a full day of adventure

What’s included

Return cruise transfers between Cairns and Green Island on the 'Big Cat'

Overview

Embark on a full-day cruise to Green Island, a popular coral cay located off the coast of Cairns. Travel in style aboard the 'Big Cat', a 35-metre luxury catamaran departing Cairns at 09:00. Enjoy the stunning scenery and comfortable facilities as you journey to this tropical destination.

Once on Green Island, you have up to 5 hours and 30 minutes to discover its natural beauty. Choose to hire snorkelling equipment or take a glass bottom boat or semi-submarine tour , offering you a unique way to view the spectacular reef either from the water or a dry, comfortable seat. We also have a great value optional tropical buffet lunch served onboard between 11.30am and 1.00pm.

Explore the walking trails that wind through Green Island's lush rainforest, providing an opportunity to discover the diverse flora and fauna of this tropical paradise. Relax, swim, or stroll along the white sandy beaches at your own pace.

The tour concludes with a return cruise on the 'Big Cat', arriving back in Cairns by 17:00, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience exploring one of the Great Barrier Reef's most accessible islands.

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.

Passengers are no longer required to check in inside The Reef Fleet Terminal. Guests travelling 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.

We have our large stable catamaran leaving for the Full Day Tours at 9am – takes approximately 1 hour 15mins to get to Green 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.

Our cruises are suitable for people of all ages, including families with young children. Our half day option is ideal for small children, infants and babies. Additionally snorkelling directly from the beach is perfect for children and first time snorkelers. Children under 4 years of age are classed as infants. There is no cost for infants to travel however you still need to add them to your booking for our boat passenger numbers.

We have a fleet of modern air-conditioned coaches that offer a coach service from Cairns city hotels for the return transfer available for our 09:00 full day service. If you are staying at one of the Northern Beaches (from north of the Airport to Ellis Beach) we also can pick you up from there too.

We welcome guests with vision or hearing impairments and are happy to assist with boarding our vessels or vehicles. Guests with high support needs who are travelling with a carer are also welcome. Some of our vessels and destinations are more wheelchair accessible than others, we recommend contacting our Reservations team before booking to discuss the specific accessibility features and restrictions for your preferred tour.

This depends on the individuals swimming ability. We include flotation vests with our snorkel gear hire. If not snorkelling you can hire them on board on the day of travel. Each item is $10 per adult and $5 per child.

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.

8:30am - Check in directly at Big Cat, located berth 4, marlin wharf
9.00am - Depart Cairns
10:15am - Arrive Green Island
Glass Bottom Boat & Semi Submarine tours (if selected)
Snorkelling straight from the beach (if selected)
11.30 - 1.00pm - Lunch is serve onboard Big Cat (if selected)
More free time to explore the island
3.45pm - Big Cat departs
5.00pm - Arrive back to Cairns

Departure Time: 09:00 from Cairns Duration on Green Island: 5 hours 30 minutes Return Time: Arrives back in Cairns by 17:00 Vessel: 'Big Cat' 35-metre catamaran