Book Cairns Cruise Tickets

Flexible Green Island day trip from Cairns for travelers who prefer freedom over fixed schedules.

• Everything you get: Return catamaran cruise, up to 5 hours island time, rainforest access, your choice of activities, and onboard amenities including a bar.
• Upgrades: Add a freshly-prepared buffet lunch, a guided snorkel tour for immersive exploration, or choose a glass-bottom boat or semi-sub tour to see the reef's wonders while staying completely dry.
• Why choose this: Enjoy maximum island time with the freedom to choose activities that suit your style, budget, and comfort level.

Inclusions

• 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

A full-day adventure on a high-speed catamaran with snorkelling, lunch, and a guided hike included.

• Everything you get: Hop on a high-speed catamaran for two snorkel sessions at Mantaray and Stonehaven Bay, then take a guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout. Chef-prepared lunch, morning and afternoon tea, plus round-trip transfers make this Whitsundays adventure effortless.
• Why choose this: This all-in-one cruise hits the Whitsundays’ best spots, with snorkeling, a scenic hike, and meals included. No planning needed.

Inclusions

• Full-day cruise from Airlie Beach

• Morning tea, afternoon tea, & lunch (menu here)

• Guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout with an expert guide

• Snorkelling at Mantaray Bay & Stonehaven Bay (inner fringing reefs)

• Round-trip bus transfers

• Lycra suit, stinger suit, snorkelling equipment (mask & snorkel only), & wetsuit (during winter months)

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, & sunscreen
• Swimwear & towels
• Camera
• Jacket
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Reusable water bottle

What’s not allowed

• Glassware
• Red wine (as it may stain the boat’s surface)
• High-heeled shoes
• Luggage or large bags
• Plastic bags

Accessibility

• Not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• The boat is equipped with an onboard toilet for your convenience.
• Snorkelling is a physical activity. You must be a confident swimmer and have a certain level of fitness to participate.
• The order of locations visited may change depending on the tides and wind. Your crew will select the best snorkelling locations based on weather and visibility conditions.
• You can bring your own alcohol and snacks. The crew will provide you with an esky to store them. Ice is also available onboard.
• Soft drinks and water can be purchased on the boat.
• Children under 2 years old must be approved before departure and need to carry their own lifejackets.
• Infants under 12 months must be in a baby carrier and accompanied by a parent.

Quick reef getaway with snorkeling or glass bottom boat ride on a modern catamaran.

• Great for time-conscious travelers, cruise passengers, and budget adventurers who want a high-impact, half-day reef escape without the full-day commitment.
• Everything you get: Round-trip cruise aboard an air-conditioned catamaran, 2 hours and 15 minutes on Green Island with choice of snorkeling gear or glass-bottom boat tour, plus access to beaches and rainforest walks.
• Why choose this: A time-efficient and budget-friendly way with a streamlined itinerary that delivers essential marine Great Barrier Reef highlights.
• Upgrades: Opt to include a semi-submarine ride for a closer underwater reef perspective without getting wet.

Inclusions

• Half-day cruise to Green Island from Cairns

• Stay on Green Island for 2 hours

• Self-guided walk on the island

• Semi-submarine tour (if option selected)

• Snorkelling gear, Lycra suits, and flotation vest (if option selected)

• Glass-bottom boat tour (if option selected)

• Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route to Green Island

Ride a jet ski from Airlie Beach with expert guidance and stunning island views.

• Everything you get: Zoom across Airlie Beach’s tropical waters on a 1.5‑hour guided jet ski tour, with scenic views of coastal bays and marine life. All riding gear is included, plus round‑trip transfers and free photos from your ride uploaded to Facebook after the tour.
• Why choose this: Perfect for thrill-seekers who want to explore the Whitsundays with expert guidance, scenic views, and no gear or experience needed.

Inclusions

• 1.5-hour guided jet ski tour from Airlie Beach

• Experienced tour guide

• Live commentary

• Marine wildlife sightings

• All riding apparel (including life jackets, stinger suits, rash tops/thermal tops, wetsuit shorts, polarised sunglasses, riding hats, and sunscreen)

• Round-trip bus transfers (within the Airlie Beach area)

• Bottled water

• Photos of your trip (uploaded to Facebook)

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes, a towel, sunglasses, hats, & sunscreen
• Camera
• Casual clothes

What’s not allowed

• Max weight per jet ski: 200kg
• Max participants per jet ski: 1-2 persons
• Minimum age of the driver: 16 years
• Minimum age of the passenger: 8 years

Accessibility

• Not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• A reasonable level of fitness is required for this experience.
• A safety briefing will be conducted before the experience begins. Please pay close attention to the briefing.
• Guests under 18 years must have an indemnity form signed by a parent or guardian before the tour.

See the Great Barrier Reef’s wonders without getting wet with a glass-bottom boat tour.

• Everything you get: Cruise aboard a spacious catamaran, snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route, 30-minute glass bottom boat tour with expert commentary, self-guided island walks, and up to 5 hours (full day) or 2 hours (half day) to explore Green Island’s beaches and boardwalks.
• Why choose this: This customizable tour is perfect for families, non-swimmers, and anyone seeking a laid-back adventure.
• Upgrades: Choose the full-day cruise for 5 hours on Green Island or the half-day cruise for a shorter 2-hour visit.

Inclusions

• 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

Exclusions

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

• Introductory and certified scuba dives

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.

Arrive early for exclusive reef access, expert-led snorkeling, and small group comfort.

• Great for adventurous couples, families, and explorers seeking intimate reef experiences with personalized service.
• Everything you get: A 6-hour cruise aboard a schooner or catamaran with shaded decks, air-conditioned cabins, buffet lunch, morning tea, guided drift snorkel with a marine naturalist, optional diving, glass-bottom boat tour, fish feeding, and all gear provided.
• Why choose this: Enjoy an intimate group experience with a high crew-to-guest ratio that ensures safety, 2:1 intro dive sessions, expert insights, and a smorgasbord spread to top it off.

Inclusions

• Full-day cruise to Great Barrier Reef and Green Island cruise

• Small group cruise

• Round-trip transfers from Green Island

• 6 hours of reef time (Upolu Cay & Outer Edge Upolu Reef)

• Adventure drift snorkel tour with marine naturalist

• Glass-bottom boat tour

• Coffee/tea, Danish pastries, and fresh fruit on boarding

• Buffet lunch with salmon, prawns, meats, salads, breads

• Tropical afternoon tea – cheese platter / fresh fruit platter/cake platter

• Reef talk by a marine interpreter, fish feeding session

• Scuba diving demonstration, 2 guests per instructor

• Snorkeling fee and equipment

• All reef levies and fees

Exclusions

• Recreational area and environmental management charges

• Certified and non-certified diving experiences

• Round-trip bus transfers

Experience the only Whitsundays cruise with a floating beach club vibe and unlimited beach-to-boat transfers.

• Everything you get: Cruise aboard a high‑speed catamaran with sun lounges, an onboard bar, and buffet lunch. Enjoy unlimited transfers to Whitehaven Beach, wander on soft silica sands, or join a guided walk to South Whitehaven Lookout before returning at your own pace.
• Why choose this: Luxury beach time with flexible transfers and premium comforts, perfect for those who want to set their own pace at Whitehaven.
• Upgrades: Add a dedicated snorkelling boat adventure to Border Island Reef with all gear and instruction included.

Inclusions

• Full-day cruise from Airlie Beach

• Unlimited on-demand transfers between the boat & the beach

• High-speed A/C “SuperCat” catamaran with sun lounges, bathrooms, & onboard bar

• South Whitehaven Lookout guided walk

• Buffet lunch (menu here)

• Stinger suit

• Guided snorkel tour at Border Island Reef (inner fringing reef) (based on selected option)

• Snorkelling equipment & flotation devices (based on selected option)

Exclusions

• Drinks (additional cost)

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, & sunscreen
• Camera
• Jacket
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Reusable water bottle

Accessibility

• Not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• The boat is equipped with onboard washrooms for your convenience.
• Snorkelling is a physical activity. If you’ve opted for it, you must be a confident swimmer and have a certain level of fitness to participate.
• Alcoholic drinks can be purchased at the onboard bar.
• There is a coffee machine onboard. You can prepare a cup of coffee at an additional cost.

The only tour with direct access to Hill Inlet beaches in Whitehaven, with your choice of more snorkelling or more beach time.

• Everything you get: Cruise through the Whitsundays to snorkel at Border Island, Mantaray Bay, or Maureens Cove with small-group instruction. Walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, enjoy tropical lunch and refreshments, and learn from expert marine talks before your transfer.
• Why choose this: This experience is a perfect balance of snorkeling, bushwalks, and beach time with expert guides. Great for first-timers or nature lovers.
• Upgrades: Add a 60-minute scenic flight over Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and the Great Barrier Reef. Window seats guaranteed.

Inclusions

• Full-day cruise from Airlie Beach

• Guided National Park walk

• Snorkelling at Border Island (inner fringing reef) with personalised instruction (Southern Lights tour)

• Snorkelling at Mantaray Bay and Maureens Cove (inner fringing reefs) with personalised instruction (Northern Exposure tour)

• Reef and island naturalist talks by expert guides

• Round-trip bus transfers

• Stinger suit, snorkelling equipment & flotation devices

• 60-minute reef and island scenic flight with guaranteed window seats (based on selected option)

• Tropical lunch pack (based on selected option)

Exclusions

• Wetsuits (available to rent at a small fee)

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (additional cost)

• Snacks (additional cost)

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, & sunscreen
• Beach bag with swimwear & towels
• Camera with waterproof case
• Jacket
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Reusable water bottle

Accessibility

• Not wheelchair accessible.
• Not suitable for pregnant women and guests with heart problems, back problems, or other serious medical conditions.

Additional information

• Snorkelling is a physical activity. You must be a confident swimmer and have a certain level of fitness to participate.
• Refreshments can be purchased on the boat. Please carry cash to purchase them if you wish.
• Sunsuits and wetsuits are available to rent at a small fee.

Outer reef adventure: snorkelling, activities & lunch on a private luxury pontoon.

• Great for: Families with young kids and adventurers seeking ample water time, premium equipment, and a relaxed, locally owned experience with personalized service.
• Everything you get: A full-day tour on the newest pontoon at the outer reef, home to clearer water, with richer coral and marine life, plus a glass-bottom boat tour, tropical buffet lunch, and a marine biologist presentation.
• Why choose this: Fewer passengers mean extra space and personalized attention for an authentic reef tour with a knowledgeable Cairns‑based crew.
• Upgrades: You can add a 35-minute guided snorkeling tour or an introductory scuba diving session with expert instructors.

Inclusions

• Full-day tour to Reef Magic Pontoon from Cairns

• 5 hours at reef activity pontoon

• Snorkelling equipment with safety instructions

• Lycra suit and wetsuit

• Buffet lunch (menu here)

• Morning and afternoon tea

• Tea, coffee, and drinking water

• Guided snorkeling tour (if option selected)

• Introductory dive (if option selected)

• Glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tour with commentary

• Fish feeding and Great Barrier Reef marine biology presentation

• Sundeck, fresh water showers, and changing rooms

• Underwater reef viewing observatory

• Infants’ safety swimming enclosure

Sail the Whitsundays on a luxe catamaran with small guest numbers, reef snorkelling & gourmet food.

• Everything you get: Sail the Whitsundays on a 60-foot catamaran with snorkelling at Hook Island Reef, stand-up paddleboarding, and clear-bottom kayaking. Enjoy morning tea platters, a tropical seafood buffet lunch, tea and coffee, and time to relax in the jacuzzi or on the sundeck.
• Why choose this: Ideal for relaxed explorers who want a reef-rich day of sailing, snorkelling, and gourmet dining minus the crowds and rush.

Inclusions

• 6-hour Whitsunday Islands sailing tour

• Morning tea platter

• Lunch (including seafood)

• 60-foot catamaran with fully air-conditioned lounge interior, sundeck, jacuzzi, & shaded below-deck

• Audio system with 3-zoned Spotify Premium

• Experienced captain and crew

• Tea, coffee, & cold filtered drinking water

• Snorkelling at Hook Island Reef (inner fringing reef)

• Snorkelling gear, stinger suit & wetsuit

• Noodles/buoyancy jackets

• Standup paddleboards and double clear-bottom kayaks

Exclusions

• Soft drinks, juice, or alcohol

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, & sunscreen
• Swimwear & towels
• Camera
• Light jacket/jumper for windy, wet, or cool days (warmer jacket for winter)
• Reusable water bottle

What’s not allowed

• Glassware
• Red wine (as it may stain the boat’s surface)

Accessibility

• Not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• If you wish to snorkel, you must be able to swim. If you are a weak swimmer or a non-swimmer, this activity might be too dangerous.
• Please bring your own soft drinks, juice, or alcohol, as there is no option to purchase them on board.
• Please note that this tour does not go to Whitehaven Beach.
• If you’re planning to bring your own drinks, you don’t need to carry an esky. You can use the cold refrigerated drinks cabinet on board.
• Vegetarian meal options are available. Please contact the tour operator and inform them of your dietary preference in advance.