Sightseeing Cruises

Cairns to Green Island Full/Half-Day Cruise with Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Glass bottom boat view of coral reef and fish near Green Island, Cairns.

Group enjoying a boat ride from Cairns to Fitzroy Island with lush hills and ocean views.

Snorkelers in clear water near Green Island beach, surrounded by lush greenery.

Tourists walking on a forest path on Green Island, Cairns, Australia.

Duration

4 hr - 8 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Cruise from Cairns to Green Island and enjoy a guided glass-bottom boat tour, included with every ticket.

Choose between a full-day adventure with 5 hours on Green Island or a half-day escape with 2 hours to explore.

Stroll island boardwalks and trails at your own pace, with plenty of time to soak up Green Island’s natural beauty.

Glide across crystal-clear waters and watch coral gardens and tropical fish come alive beneath you, all from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat.

Learn about the Great Barrier Reef’s wonders with onboard snorkeling demonstrations and a reef presentation.

Full or half-day cruise to Green Island (based on option selected)

Stay on Green Island for 2 or 5 hours with a self-guided walk on island trails (based on option selected)

30-minute glass-bottom boat tour

Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route to Green Island

Self-guided walk on island trails

Optional activities such as snorkel gear hire, guided snorkel safari, semi-submarine tour

Introductory and certified scuba dives

TOTAL DURATION4 hours - 8 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERCatamaran
Timeline
Map
Start point
Cairns
Get direction
1. Green Island
1 activity
Things to do
Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation
Included in price
2. Green Island National Park
2 activities
Things to do
Self-guided eco walk
Included in price
Glass-bottom boat tour
Included in price
End point
Cairns
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

12 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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5
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What our guests say
Miss Andrea S
Family
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
We had a great day but the weather was terrible. When getting off the boat we were told the glass bottom boat had been cancelled. When reboarding they were running. It would have been nice to get a message to say they could reschedule it when it was safe.
Beth K
Family
Verified booking
Last week
Friendly staff who were happy to respond to my questions and offered us to change options due to weather.
Gaurav P
Family
Verified booking
Mar 2026
Glass boat cruise enjoying a lot
Athaudage N
Couple
Verified booking
Feb 2026
Enjoyable. Zero fuss. On time.
Catherine B
Couple
Verified booking
Oct 2025
The most amazing day! Every part was bang on time. Fabulous staff - friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. Would most definitely recommend.

Cruise from Cairns to Green Island for a full day of island exploration, including a guided glass-bottom boat tour.

Getting started

Begin your adventure at the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns, where boarding for the Big Cat vessel starts at 8:15am. After ticket validation, settle in for a scenic 9:00am departure across the Coral Sea, with a brief introduction and safety overview provided onboard.

What to expect

Green Island is a sandy cay located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, renowned for its distinctive blend of rainforest and coral reef ecosystems. This protected island offers a rare opportunity to experience both lush island trails and vibrant marine life in one location.

Features

Glass-bottom boat tour: Enjoy a 30-minute guided tour with panoramic views of coral gardens and marine life, perfect for all ages and non-swimmers.

Self-guided island walks: Stroll along boardwalks and beaches, discovering the island’s rainforest and coastal habitats at your own pace.

Reef presentation: Learn about the Great Barrier Reef’s ecology during an engaging onboard presentation en route to the island.

Flexible free time: Spend up to 2 or 5 hours exploring, relaxing on the beach, or adding optional activities like snorkeling or a semi-submarine tour (extra charge).

Air-conditioned base: Return to the Big Cat vessel at any time for a comfortable break in the air-conditioned lounge.

Upgrades: Choose a half-day or a full-day adventure to explore as you want.

What to bring

Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

Bring extra cash or a credit card for onboard purchases and optional activities.

What’s not allowed

Electric wheelchairs are not permitted on vessels or coaches.

Pets are not allowed, except for registered assistance animals.

Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on board.

Accessibility

Wheelchair access is limited. Only standard wheelchairs are permitted; electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on vessels or coaches.

Bathrooms on the boat are not wheelchair accessible, but accessible facilities are available on Green Island.

Additional information

Check-in starts at the Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

Boarding starts at 8:15am, with final boarding at 8:45am for a 9:00am departure.

Return hotel transfers are not included but can be booked for an additional fee.

Optional activities and meals must be prebooked for catering purposes.

Scuba diving is only available for guests aged 12 and above, subject to a medical questionnaire. Guests under 18 require parental or guardian permission.

Flotation vests are available for hire for non-swimmers and children.

The experience is suitable for families with young children and non-swimmers.

Please swim between the red and yellow flags on the beach for your safety.

The tour operates in most weather conditions; in the event of severe weather, you will be contacted regarding changes or cancellations.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.