Sightseeing Cruises

Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades

Name: Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades
Start: 2026-10-25T11:00:00
End: 2026-10-25T19:00:00
Location: Cairns

4.5/5(1,477)

Dawid B

Family

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Amazing day out. Well organised and staff were very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend this as a day trip. The snorkeling and glass bottom boat were so good.

Benjamin B

Family

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

The staff are friendly, professional and very helpful. The boat ride was smooth and although it was raining, we enjoyed the ferry trip. I especially enjoyed the food catered for lunch. The best part was snorkelling at the beach on Green Island. We saw all manner of coral and fish close to shore. An exploration of the island found secluded beaches and coral reefs.

Sara H

Solo

Verified booking

Last week

Stunning day on the reef to Green Island. The staff were excellent. They offered a prescription mask so that I could fully appreciate the beautiful underwater creatures. The food was fresh, plentiful and catered for a good range of dietary needs. Definitely recommended for a wonderful way to experience the Great Barrier Reef.

Robert G

Family

Verified booking

Sep 2026

Green Island was amazing and a fantastic day out for the whole family. The kids absolutely loved it, and we were surprised by just how much there was to see and do throughout the day. There was plenty to keep everyone entertained, while still having time to relax and enjoy the beautiful island. The cruise was easy and enjoyable, and the whole experience was definitely one of the highlights of our Cairns trip. Highly recommend it for families!

Robert C

Family

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

Green island is beautiful. The Big Cat, while slow, is just the pace we were looking for. The water can get a bit rough- that's not in the control of the tour operator- but they lol after you with ample staff to help you when you aren't feeling too good. Take the lunch option- the food is really nice and better than the fried options at the cafes on the island.

Susan F

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

Staff were great, very friendly and lots of knowledge regarding local marine life. We did the full day tour and enjoyed Green island without feeling rushed. The buffet lunch on board was lovely as well.

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.

1,477 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
223
41
33
91
Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Germany and over 8 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Sara H
Solo
Verified booking
Last week
Stunning day on the reef to Green Island. The staff were excellent. They offered a prescription mask so that I could fully appreciate the beautiful underwater creatures. The food was fresh, plentiful and catered for a good range of dietary needs. Definitely recommended for a wonderful way to experience the Great Barrier Reef.
Dawid B
Family
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Amazing day out. Well organised and staff were very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend this as a day trip. The snorkeling and glass bottom boat were so good.
Martha V
Solo
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Overall, I had a good experience on this tour. Hayley, the marine biologist, was lovely and very patient with guests who felt unwell in the choppy waters and wanted to return to the boat. I really appreciated her kindness and understanding. My only suggestion would be for a warmer, friendlier approach at the coffee station. The service felt focused on payment, and a smile and a more welcoming interaction would have made a difference. Thank you for an enjoyable day and especially to Hayley for her care.
Benjamin B
Family
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The staff are friendly, professional and very helpful. The boat ride was smooth and although it was raining, we enjoyed the ferry trip. I especially enjoyed the food catered for lunch. The best part was snorkelling at the beach on Green Island. We saw all manner of coral and fish close to shore. An exploration of the island found secluded beaches and coral reefs.
Robert C
Family
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Green island is beautiful. The Big Cat, while slow, is just the pace we were looking for. The water can get a bit rough- that's not in the control of the tour operator- but they lol after you with ample staff to help you when you aren't feeling too good. Take the lunch option- the food is really nice and better than the fried options at the cafes on the island.

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.