Sightseeing Cruises

Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades

Duration

6 hrs - 8 hrs

Open today

10:00am - 5:00pm

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

Pickup available

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

4.5/5(1,452)

Melanie F

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Having access to marine professionals able to advise you on what wonderful creatures we could see and tips on where to see them made our visit to Green Island special. Every aspect of the day was smooth and easy. The buffet lunch tasty and the service on point throughout the day. Highly recommended.

Maria K

Group

Verified booking

May 2026

The cruise departed on time, and it was very thoughtful of the team to call and check whether we were on our way. The crew were friendly and helpful throughout the trip, and the food offered for lunch was tasty with a good variety of options. The glass-bottom boat was a highlight for my mom, as she preferred not to go into the water, so it was great that she could still enjoy seeing the fish. The island itself was beautiful and perfect for snorkelling.

Iwona G

Solo

Verified booking

Jan 2026

Island is relatively small but very enjoyable to walk around it. I did snorkling and it was amazing: unlike in open ocean snorkling (i paid double price for it) where very little could be seen, here just next to deck such a diverse fish. Coral not so much but variety of fish was amazing. Many sharks was a bonus:) A double bonus for many turtles that simply live there so they can be always seen. It was amazing The only minus: masks are one size fits all so better to have your own mask

Journey to Green Island aboard the spacious 'Big Cat' catamaran and enjoy a full day exploring this unique coral cay, where vibrant reef meets lush rainforest—entirely at your own pace.

Choose how you'll witness the underwater magic. Snorkel straight off the pristine beaches, glide over coral gardens on a glass-bottom boat tour, or descend for a submariner's view in our semi-submarine. Guided snorkel safaris are also available.

Wander shaded rainforest boardwalks under ancient trees, relax on sun-kissed white sand beaches, or dive into the turquoise waters. Enjoy up to 5 hours of leisure time to explore Green Island's beaches and rainforest trails independently.

For a fully planned day, opt for the tour that includes a buffet lunch. You'll enjoy freshly-prepared hot and cold items with native Australian ingredients from an award-winning restaurant.

Full-day cruise to Green Island

Stay on Green Island for 5 hours with a self-guided walk on island trails

Buffet lunch with vegan, halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available (menu here) (if selected)

30-minute semi-submarine tour for up to 27 guests (if option selected)

30-minute glass-bottom boat tour (if option selected)

Snorkeling gear including mask, snorkel, fins, Lycra suits, and flotation vest (if option selected)

Guided snorkel safari tour with marine biologist (if option selected)

Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route to Green Island

Timeline
Map
Start point
Cairns
Get direction
1. Green Island
1 activity
Take a comfortable catamaran cruise to Green Island, offering scenic views and a relaxing journey to the reef.
Things to do
Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation
Included in price
2. Green Island National Park
4 activities
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.

1,452 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.
1K
214
40
33
90
Guests from United Kingdom, Germany, United States and over 8 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Melanie F
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Having access to marine professionals able to advise you on what wonderful creatures we could see and tips on where to see them made our visit to Green Island special. Every aspect of the day was smooth and easy. The buffet lunch tasty and the service on point throughout the day. Highly recommended.
Janette M
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
I enjoyed seeing the reef fish. But I still have not seen the reef after going on a semi-submersible. That was highly disappointing
Raíssa M
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
AMAZING trip, couldn't be nicer.
Simon S
Group
Verified booking
Jun 2026
Friendly crew, comfortable boat, great facilities made for a fabulous day out. Highly recommended for half day or full day
Maria K
Group
Verified booking
May 2026
The cruise departed on time, and it was very thoughtful of the team to call and check whether we were on our way. The crew were friendly and helpful throughout the trip, and the food offered for lunch was tasty with a good variety of options. The glass-bottom boat was a highlight for my mom, as she preferred not to go into the water, so it was great that she could still enjoy seeing the fish. The island itself was beautiful and perfect for snorkelling.

Your Great Barrier Reef adventure begins at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. Check-in is seamless, and soon you'll step aboard the MV Big Cat—a 35-meter catamaran designed for comfort. Find your perfect spot in the air-conditioned lounge, out on the sun deck, grab a drink from the bar, and get ready for a stunning cruise.

A scenic 45-minute journey across the turquoise waters brings you to Green Island—a beautiful coral cay where lush rainforest meets the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Once you arrive, nearly five hours are yours to craft your perfect tropical escape. Will you stroll the peaceful boardwalk beneath towering palms, take a refreshing dip in the ocean, or simply find a patch of sand to soak up the Queensland sun?

Choose your reef adventure

How will you connect with the world-famous reef today? Your pre-booked choice ensures you experience it your way:

Snorkelling: Grab your included gear and step straight off the beach into a world of colourful fish and coral gardens. It's easy, accessible, and instantly rewarding.

Glass-bottom boat: Prefer to stay dry? Glide effortlessly over the reef, gazing down at the coral formations and marine life while your guide shares fascinating insights.

Semi-submarine: Immerse yourself without getting wet! Descend below the waterline for a diver's perspective, looking out through panoramic windows at the underwater spectacle.

Guided snorkel safari: Join expert guides to explore prime snorkelling spots, perfect for boosting confidence or seeing even more diverse marine life.

Buffet lunch: Add a buffet lunch featuring hot and cold selections.

Back on the 'Big Cat' between adventures, you'll find plenty of space to relax. Since no lunch is included, you have maximum flexibility. Pack your favourite snacks and lunch, or purchase drinks and light refreshments from the licensed onboard bar whenever you feel like it. The friendly crew is always available for assistance, gear fitting, and local tips.

As the afternoon winds down, you'll board the 'Big Cat' for the relaxing cruise back to Cairns. Arrive in the late afternoon with sun-kissed skin, maybe some salt in your hair, and a camera full of incredible reef and rainforest moments.

What to bring

Bring your swimmers, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, change of clothes, and extra cash or a credit card for onboard purchases.

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

This experience is pram/stroller accessible.

Service animals are allowed on this experience.

Additional information

For everyone's safety, you must evaluate your physical health before choosing to participate in diving or snorkeling. The instructors are responsible for safety and may advise against participation if they have concerns about your fitness for the activity on the day.

A deposit is required on the day to use the snorkeling gear. You can also rent optional items like Lycra suits (stinger suits), life jackets, and wetsuits.

This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund

This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund

This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers.

Guests over 16 years of age can travel without adult supervision. However, photo identification will be required at check-in.

Guests over 18 years of age must be with guests under 16 years of age at all times.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

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

Please arrive at the boarding point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your cruise to avoid any delays.

Boarding point

Please check your final voucher for the boarding point details and specific instructions.